Our life-saving team
Our organization is led by a Board of Directors, who provide strategic direction and support to our Shelter Staff – an incredible team of employees consisting of several shelter managers, a veterinarian team, shop managers and animal caretakers.
Supporting them are a team of committed volunteers working in essential areas – running the foster programme, visiting adopters’ homes, socializing and helping care for the cats, walking dogs, assisting with marketing, social media and communications, supporting the Thrift Shops and Book Loft, and raising funds. This all helps us cover our expenses and activities and allows us to continue saving the lives of the homeless cats and dogs, supporting our community and helping our environment.
If you are interested in getting involved, get in touch!
Board
Our Board of Directors is 100% volunteer-based, with individuals from diverse backgrounds who offer their time and skills in a pro-bono capacity, all to serve our animals and community. Our Board sets the strategic plans, mission and vision for the Society, and provides overall leadership to Management.
Management Team
Our Managers are the backbone of our Shelter. They are responsible for running the overall day-to-day operations, and manage a team of dedicated staff who care for the animals. Our Thrift Shop and Book Loft staff manage the shops that are vital to funding our work!
Veterinarian Team
Our resident Vets, Nurse and Vet Techs are the heart of our Clinic, and in charge of the health of all our Shelter residents. They perform all medical examinations, treatments, vaccinations, surgeries, as well as spays and neuters for Shelter residents and Community animals.
The current Board of Directors consists of pro-bono volunteers David Lewis-Hall (President); Cassandra McAfee (Treasurer); Julie Cumber; Lisa Volekaert; Merina Currie; Saskia Salden; Zoe Rigney (Secretary).
The current Board of Directors consists of pro-bono volunteers David Lewis-Hall (President); Cassandra McAfee (Treasurer); Eric Hoskins; Julie Cumber; Lisa Volekaert; Saskia Salden; Zoe Rigney (Secretary).
Samantha’s professional background is in biology, she has a BSc and PhD in Molecular Biology and Genetics with 11 years of experience working in research and teaching. Before joining the Humane Society, Samantha worked in leadership and management within the not-for-profit sector for five years in the UK.
Samantha joined the Humane Society at the end of 2021, in a volunteer capacity, with a focus on feline socialization. Later on, in 2022, Samantha took on the role of Operations Manager for the Humane Society.
In this capacity, she has overall responsibility for managing the organization and its staff. She is also responsible for liaising with the Board, implementing strategic developments and is involved in corporate fundraising and communications.
Having grown up with many animals including dogs, cats, chickens, goats and horses, among others, Samantha’s love for animals and the natural environment inspired her to pursue a career in biology and, more recently, in animal welfare. In her spare time, she loves to scuba dive and enjoy outdoor activities.
Barrie started volunteering at the Humane Society in 2017, and quickly realised animal welfare was his vocation. In 2019, he officially began working at the Humane Society as an Assistant Manager for the Animal Shelter, and in 2022, he was granted the position of Shelter Manager.
Barrie has fostered dozens of animals, many with health and behavioural issues, from new-born puppies to palliative care. He is currently fostering 7 dogs.
Barrie has had a diverse career. He started in construction running his own company, worked in Estate management which included livestock and domestic pets, and in the film industry as a screen combatant, body double, and production runner.
Barrie’s hobbies include competitive Freediving, in 2016 he was no.1 in the UK for the discipline of static Apnea with a breath hold of 6 minutes (his personal best is 7 minutes 15 seconds).
Kim has worked as an experienced Surgical Veterinary Technician since 2004. Prior to the Humane Society, Kim spent many years working in private practice with small animals in the United States.
Kim joined our team in 2011, and has since served as the Animal Shelter’s Veterinary Technician. Her main responsibilities included providing the shelter animals with preventative care and assisting with routine and emergency surgical care and procedures. In 2022, Kim was awarded the role of Clinic Supervisor for the Humane Society. Her focus in this new position is to manage and ensure the effective operation of the medical clinic.
Animal welfare has always been something Kim is very passionate about. She finds working at the Humane Society and assisting with animal rescue extremely rewarding. She has 4 senior dogs and 2 children that keep her very busy in her spare time. On the rare occasion she gets some time to herself, she enjoys indulging in a good book.
CIHS 2022 Directors, pictured left to right:
- Kylie Deegenaars
- Julie Cumber
- Saskia Salden
- David Couper
- David Lewis-Hall (President)
- Zoe Rigney
- Deborah Mitchell
- Cassandra McAffee
- Eric Hoskins
- Lisa Volekaert
