Our Team

✉️ meg@humanecanada.ca

Meg Krueger is a collaborative and values-driven leader who believes that strong organizations are built through clear purpose, thoughtful planning and bringing people together around shared goals. Her career spans national federation leadership, business development and sales, operations, strategic planning and organizational development, with a consistent focus on effective teams, meaningful relationships and sustainable growth.

Most recently, Meg served as Chief Executive Officer of Equestrian Canada, where she led the national federation through a period of change and modernization. Her leadership focused on strategic planning and execution, strengthening governance, accountability and organizational effectiveness; advancing sport, competition and professional development systems; fostering collaboration across provincial and sector partners; and expanding capacity for sponsorship, partnerships and philanthropy. During her tenure, EC also advanced the professionalization of equestrian coaching, expanded championship pathways and launched a major initiative to modernize Canada’s competition system.

Animal welfare has been an important focus throughout Meg’s career. At Equestrian Canada, she championed the advancement of equine health and welfare through the evolution of policy and standards, education and evidence-based initiatives, including the recognition of horses as sentient beings. Equestrian Canada also developed and launched the Canadian Horse Identification Program (CHIP), addressing a longstanding need for national equine identification and traceability by drawing on established practices and lessons from other livestock sectors. Her broader sector involvement has included serving on the Board of the National Farm Animal Care Council, as well as contributing to agricultural organizations at both the local and national levels.

Earlier in her career, Meg held senior leadership roles in Canada and the United States focused on organizational growth and business performance. She oversaw complex operations and large-scale events, built high-performing teams, and developed significant national and international commercial partnerships, helping organizations achieve substantial growth while improving efficiency and performance.

A lifelong animal advocate, Meg brings to Humane Canada a deep personal commitment to animal welfare, a belief in transparent and inclusive leadership, and a passion for turning ideas into action. She looks forward to working alongside Humane Canada’s team, members and partners to build on the organization’s impact and help shape its next chapter.

✉️ barbara@humanecanada.ca

Following her tenure as CEO, Barbara remains actively involved with Humane Canada as Advisor. In this role, she continues to support Canada's largest animal welfare community in its work to end animal cruelty, improve animal protection, and promote the humane treatment of all animals.

Barbara is sought after for her knowledge of policy and public affairs and for securing amendments to the Criminal Code, Fisheries Act, Migratory Bird Act, and Canadian Environmental Protection Act. In 2019, she secured a ban on cetacean captivity, as well as strengthened animal fighting offences, closed loopholes in bestiality offences and ensured abusers convicted of animal sexual assault are listed on the Sex Offender Registry. Barbara has advised some of the top organizations in the world on animal welfare policy direction, including working with online giant eBay Inc. to end the illegal ivory trade on its site worldwide.

In her previous role, Barbara launched Humane Canada's Summit for Animals, the National Centre for the Prosecution of Animal Cruelty, and the National Violence Link Coalition. She spearheaded Canada's first animal shelter Accreditation program.

Barbara holds a Master’s in Environmental Education and Communication, is a published author and lecturer and received the Governor General’s Gold Medal, and the Coronation Medal in the Senate of Canada. Formerly, President of the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada, she currently sits on the Board of PetSmart Charities of Canada and the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center in Congo. Barbara has been recognized as one of 5 “WOW Women” in Canada, is a member of Women’s Executive Network, International Women’s Forum and the Council of Women Executives.

✉️ camille@humanecanada.ca

Some of Camille’s earliest memories involve trying to help animals, building tiny Lego homes for any creature she found in need of nursing back to health. After years of volunteering in animal welfare and completing a post-graduate certificate in Non-Profit Leadership at the University of Toronto, she brought that lifelong dedication to Humane Canada.

Today, Camille combines her background in digital marketing and communications with her commitment to animal welfare, creating content that connects more people to the issues impacting animals across Canada.

✉️ garett@humanecanada.ca

Garett has been working with Humane Canada since 2020 to deliver a variety of national programs. As the Program Manager of the National Pet Food Bank, he advances efforts to improve access to pet food during times of hardship to help keep people together with their animals. Garett has previously contributed to projects focused on anti-violence education and various policy and research initiatives to elevate the interconnected areas of human and animal welfare.

Garett holds a Master’s in Philosophy with a focus in animal ethics, and he has a background in Canadian public policy with specializations in the areas of ethics, politics, and economics. He is passionate about designing systems of support that help people and their animals stay safe, healthy, and together.

✉️ justine@humanecanada.ca

Passionate about animal advocacy and dedicated to making a difference, Justine has been actively involved in animal welfare for over 10 years. With a background in animal shelter operations and veterinary care, she focuses on advocating for the protection, rescue and rehabilitation of animals in need. Justine is committed to cultivating compassion to create a more humane world for all living beings. She believes in the power of education, collaboration and empathy to drive meaningful change.

A lifelong learner, Justine strives to stay informed and curious. She began her education at the University of Guelph studying Biological Science and went on to further her education in Animal Care and Veterinary Technician programs. This educational background fuels her commitment to evidence-based practices in animal care and advocacy.

Outside of work, Justine finds joy and balance in spending time with her husband, two children and rescue dog and cat. She can be found exploring hiking trails, travelling to new countries and practicing yoga.   

✉️ kathrin@humanecanada.ca

Kathrin is an experienced association and not-for-profit leader, facilitator, and mentor with more than 35 years of executive leadership experience. Through her independent consulting work, she supports associations and charitable organizations in areas including governance, strategic planning, leadership development, risk management, and organizational effectiveness.

Kathrin is currently supporting Humane Canada in the development of the Learning & Resource Centre, including professional development and professional designation programs designed to strengthen leadership and capacity across the sector. 

✉️ kathy@humanecanada.ca

Kathy has dedicated over 30 years to animal welfare in the province of Ontario. Her background includes working in the not-for-profit and municipal government sectors and leading open-admission animal shelters for municipalities, SPCAs and humane societies in Ontario.

Kathy is a strong proponent of collaboration across the industry and has chaired the Board of Directors for the Association of Animal Shelter Administrators of Ontario (AASAO) for 12 of the 17 years she was on the Board. She currently sits on the Government Relations Committee for the AASAO. She has been a strong member of the Provincial Animal Welfare Task Force and the Programming Committee for Humane Canada’s 2021 National Animal Welfare Conference. She currently sits on the National Violence Link Coalition and is a member of its steering committee. Kathy has also been named an International Ambassador for the Human Animal Support Services project and sits as a Director on the Board, as well as a member of the Advisory Council for One Health Partners.

She is happily supported by her partner Paul and two children, as well as three Bouvier des Flandres, Morgan, Tori and Tucker.

✉️ kerri@humanecanada.ca

Kerri joined Humane Canada after graduating from the Paralegal program at Mohawk College. She is a licensed member of the Law Society of Ontario with a post-graduate certificate in Victimology and is currently completing her degree in Criminology & Policing at Wilfrid Laurier University. 

When not working or studying, Kerri can be found taking photos of her garden, hanging out with her partner and adult son when he deigns to come home from school, and tending to her four cats: tabby girls Iris, Ivy and Lola, and house panther Lemmy Axl Rose Kittenmister, the Not-So-Tiny Prince of Darkness. 

✉️ mallory@humanecanada.ca

Mallory has an interest in animal welfare in Canada and internationally and has spent the last 15 years working or volunteering in the animal welfare and environmental sectors.

She is a skilled events expert and corporate partnership manager with almost ten years of experience planning events of many formats. Mallory has two degrees, one in Business with a major in Finance and the second in Environmental Practice with a focus on sustainability. She focused much of her academic research on endangered species and the sustainability of critical ecosystems around the world.

Mallory is also an inventor who owns her own business, Get Out Stay Out (GOSO), which sells a campfire grill of her own design. Through GOSO, Mallory encourages people to get outside while sharing lived experiences of her own adventures.

She is the proud caretaker of two rescued dogs, Murphy and Dakota.

✉️ melissa@humanecanada.ca

Melissa has over 12 years of experience working in the animal welfare charitable sector. Since 2016 she has been involved with Humane Canada as a recurring Summit for Animals attendee and founding member of Women for Humane Canada, a leadership giving circle to help strengthen the national voice for animal welfare. Her non-profit experience spans Fund Development, Corporate Partnerships, Digital Marketing, Events, and Humane Education.  Melissa has worked on many initiatives that connects supporters to meaningful causes, helping to raise funds and awareness to improve the lives of animals across Canada.

She studied at St. Thomas University and later completed programs in Veterinary Technology and Broadcast Journalism, training that reflects her passion for both the care of animals and engaging storytelling. At home, Melissa is a devoted animal lover with three rescue cats and a rescue dog. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, being outdoors, and spending time with friends and family. Her work is grounded in a genuine belief that all animals deserve compassion and protection, and she is proud to contribute to a sector that works every day to make that possible.

✉️ mel@humanecanada.ca

Mel joins Humane Canada after many years of being a strong believer and supporter in their mission. She first attended the Summit for Animals in 2016 and quickly became a regular, returning year after year and then going on to volunteer at the last three events. She is now thrilled to join the team as the Manager of Major Gifts & Grant Engagement.

Mel brings over a decade of experience in Animal Welfare and a deep love for and strong connection to animals. With her previous role as the Humane Education & Foster Manager at the Central Alberta Humane Society, she led educational programs for children, managed a busy foster program and supported the fund development and events team. She then went on to serve as a Practice Manager for a busy, well established veterinary clinic in Red Deer where she cared for clients and their pets like they were part of her own family.

At home, Mel is happily outnumbered by her animal crew- Maple the gentle retired therapy dog, Freya the mischievous husky, Wednesday the well-fed black cat and Saffron the surprisingly cuddly corn snake.

Mel has always believed her purpose is to make the world a better place for animals and is proud to do that every day with Humane Canada and the dedicated supporters who share the same vision.  

✉️ Milena@humanecanada.ca

✉️ natalia@humanecanada.ca

Natalia is a dual citizen of Colombia and Canada who moved to Canada in 2009 to pursue higher education, attending college to become a veterinary assistant. She worked in the veterinary industry for six years, during which time she developed a passion for animal advocacy and fundraising. This passion led her to pursue a second career in public relations, aiming to broaden her skillset to continue advocating for animal welfare and well-being.

In 2016, Natalia joined Humane Canada as a public relations intern and has since taken on various roles within the organization. She is currently a marketing consultant for the Summit for Animals, Humane Canada’s signature annual conference. Alongside her work with Humane Canada, Natalia leads Colombianimals, a non-profit organization that combines tourism and sterilization campaigns for dogs and cats in her native Colombia. Spaying and neutering domestic animals is the most humane and effective way to address pet overpopulation.

Natalia is the proud guardian of three rescued dogs, Sammy, Rosalita, and Grogu. She currently divides her time between Canada and Colombia.

✉️ shannon@humanecanada.ca

Shannon's childhood was enriched by a diverse array of animal companions, fostering her deep and enduring love for animals from a very young age.

A graduate of Algonquin College, Shannon holds a diploma in Event Management and an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration with a major in Marketing. Her professional journey with Humane Canada began as an Events Intern in 2019, eventually leading to her current role as the Coordinator of Events. In this capacity, Shannon orchestrates impactful 40 to 400+ person events in the animal welfare sector, infusing her work with creativity, passion, outside-the-box thinking, and a tech-savvy approach.

When she is not hard at work, Shannon can be found by the lake with a good book, exploring the world, or camping. She is a proud pet guardian to two lively dogs, Jasper and Denver.

✉️ shelby@humanecanada.ca

Shelby brings 30 years of financial leadership across the nonprofit and financial services sectors to her role at Humane Canada, where she holds executive accountability for finance, HR, IT, and operations. Since joining in 2022, she has built financial infrastructure from the ground up, designing the organization's key finance process and budgeting frameworks, developing its rolling financial and cash flow forecasts, and leading the annual external audit while also spearheading major change initiatives, including the organization-wide implementation of Asana and the migration to Microsoft Teams.

Shelby's path into animal welfare finance began at the Guelph Humane Society in 2018, following four years as Manager of Performance & Investment Reporting at Lloyds Banking Group in Edinburgh and seven years as Managing Director of a $1 billion offshore fund management company. She is a designated accountant, holding the Certified Non-Profit Accounting Professional (CNAP) and Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) designations.

Her commitment to animal welfare runs deeper than her career path. Shelby has volunteered in roles from dog walker to treasurer across three countries, including with German Shepherd Rescue of Scotland and the Humane Society of the British Virgin Islands. She currently volunteers with the Pet Food Bank program (No Empty Bowls) at Humane Society London & Middlesex and serves on the DEI Council of the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement (AAWA).

In her spare time, Shelby is a keen equestrian and a passionate traveller, always chasing the next hike along a coastline or through the mountains. Scotland and British Columbia are her favourite places to explore, from cliff walks to sweeping seascapes.

✉️ tara@humanecanada.ca

Tara has been a passionate advocate for animal welfare for more than a decade, serving as the Executive Director of the Central Alberta Humane Society for ten years and as a former Board Director at Humane Canada from 2015 to 2020. With over 20 years of experience in the charitable sector, Tara has specialized in fund development, marketing, and management, advancing the missions of numerous Central Alberta organizations dedicated to domestic violence prevention, long-term care for seniors, and animal welfare.

Her dedication has earned her notable recognition, including a Red Deer Women of Excellence award nomination and the Humane Canada Animal Welfare Leadership Award in 2020. As Humane Canada’s Director of National Engagement, Tara continues to drive the organization’s mission and vision while championing Women for a Humane Canada as a founding member.

Tara divides her time between two homes: a serene mountain retreat in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, and an off-grid cabin nestled on the shores of Kootenay Lake near Nelson, British Columbia. Alongside her partner and their beloved dogs, she enjoys the freedom of nature, the beauty of the environment, and the frequent visits from local wildlife at both properties.

✉️ wanda@humanecanada.ca

Wanda has been an avid animal lover her whole life and has always had a soft spot for animals she felt could use extra love and support like her first pet, Terry, a three-legged turtle.

Prior to joining Humane Canada in 2024, Wanda spent two years at the Georgian Triangle Humane Society in a finance and administrative role, where she discovered her love for non-profit work and animal welfare.

Wanda is a graduate from Humber College’s Business Management program, a QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor, and a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, who practiced for ten years with a caring and positive approach, while strongly advocating for self-acceptance and body diversity.

In her free time, Wanda enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time with her family and her rescue dog, Tundra.

Since joining EHS at the start of 2019, Liza has leveraged her history in non-profit leadership towards the goal of the development and implementation of a five-year strategic plan. Utilizing her skills in management and planning, Liza is dedicated to supporting the community, EHS staff, and the animals in their care.

Before EHS, Liza shared her talents as the Chief Operating Officer at Bissell Centre, overseeing all programs and services for this inner-city non-profit, supporting people living in poverty. She was also Executive Director at the Lurana Shelter Society, a local refuge providing safety and support for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. As a dedicated local leader and survivor spokesperson for ovarian cancer, Liza was recognized by YWCA Edmonton with a Women of Distinction Award and by Ovarian Cancer Canada with the Peggy Truscott Award of Hope.

As a child, Liza was always passionate about wanting a pet but with a father in the Air Force, frequent moves made this a challenge. Her first pet came in Grade 6 with a hamster named Fifi. Since then, her love of animals has only grown. She enjoys cooking, spending time with family and friends, sunny days with the family cat (Chester) – adopted from EHS – as well as taking her adopted dog (Ruby) to the park.

Dr. Shane Bateman is an Associate Professor at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, in the Department of Clinical Studies. He also practices as an emergency and critical care specialist in OVC’s Health Sciences Center. His first academic appointment was at the Ohio State University, where he served in various academic roles from 1998 to 2008. In 2014, he joined the faculty at the University of Guelph. With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Bateman has been instrumental in shaping the future of veterinary medicine through his teaching, research, and service efforts.

Dr. Bateman's dedication to education is unwavering. He has been pivotal in curricular development and innovation at the University of Guelph. His collaborations with numerous animal welfare agencies have created invaluable experiential learning opportunities within animal shelters and community medicine activities in SW Ontario. His leadership was critical to creating the Kim & Stu Lang Community Healthcare Partnership Program, a pioneering initiative to address access to veterinary care being recognized across North America for its innovation. Dr. Bateman's commitment to education is further highlighted by his receipt of several teaching awards, including the prestigious John Bell Teaching Award from the University of Guelph.

Funded by OVC’s Pet Trust, Dr. Bateman's research on fluid therapy in cats has significantly advanced the field of veterinary medicine. His work has led to numerous peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals and collaborations with other researchers. Beyond his independent research, Dr. Bateman has engaged in interdisciplinary projects, notably with the Guelph Humane Society and Community Veterinary Outreach, addressing critical issues in animal welfare and access to veterinary care for families with pets living with housing insecurity in urban environments and for families with pets living in First Nations communities in Ontario.

Dr. Bateman's contributions extend beyond academia and research. He has made substantial service contributions to the veterinary profession and the community. His role as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care and his key leadership roles within the University of Guelph are testament to his commitment. His dedication to the local community is demonstrated through his decade of leadership and support of the Guelph Humane Society, culminating in the construction of a leading shelter facility in 2020.  This, along with his work with the Ontario Shelter Medicine Association and other professional activities, earned him the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association’s Outstanding Veterinarian of the Year award in 2024. Dr. Bateman's career reflects a profound dedication to advancing veterinary medicine and fostering community engagement in service of the human-animal bond.

Carrie Fritz is the Executive Director of the Calgary Humane Society, a position she has held since 2014 when she was promoted from the position of Controller. Carrie is a CGA-CPA, who attended the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University, obtaining her accounting designation in 1996. She worked at a public accounting firm focusing on audit, assurance and business advisory services before making the leap from public practice to the not-for-profit sector, and finally landing at the Calgary Humane Society in 2007.

This was the perfect role for Carrie; one where she could bring her lifelong love of animals, along with her extensive not-for-profit experience, to an animal welfare organization she already had a long relationship with in a community she had grown up in.

Since taking on the role of Executive Director, Carrie has focused on reshaping the culture to one which embodies an open, inclusive and supportive environment to aid in the Society’s mission of helping as many animals as we can. She has worked to build a highly professional, highly skilled team, capable of successfully supporting staff, volunteers, and other key stakeholders through a period of transition and organizational change in order to better meet the needs of the animals in our care and the community we serve.

Carrie lives just south of Calgary where she shares her home with her daughter, her two dogs, Daisy and Lacey, as well as her rescue rabbit, Winter.

Shoni Field, Chief Development Officer - BCSPCA

Shoni Field is a strategic fundraising leader with nearly 30 years of experience, specializing in direct response, digital transformation, public engagement and strategic growth planning. She’s the Chief Public Engagement and Advancement Officer at the BC SPCA, where she leads a team of 60+ fundraising, communications and community engagement professionals who inspire kind and caring British Columbians to work for a future where animals and humans thrive together. Shoni is the founder of For the Paws Summit, the first global conference for animal welfare fundraisers with attendees from six countries and speaks at fundraising conferences nationally and internationally. She is also a long-time advocate for voting reform and citizen engagement. Shoni lives, and continues to learn and unlearn, in the unceded, ancestral lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, currently known as Vancouver.

Kevin has been with the Humane Society of Greater Niagara (formerly the Lincoln County Humane Society) since 1990. Starting as an Animal Cruelty & Animal Control Officer, Kevin rose through the ranks and since 2001, serves the community and the animals of Niagara, as HSGN’s Executive Director.

Over 20 years ago, Kevin built a new relationship with the local women’s shelter, to provide a safe haven for pets where their owners were escaping domestic violence. Today, the program continues and now includes those who are homeless or seeking help for their medical needs, including mental illness.

In 2017, Kevin created Ontario’s first full-service, humane society-run animal clinic, that continues providing to those community members who may not have a veterinary relationship in another clinic or cannot afford the prices.

In 2021, Kevin created Niagara’s first Community Fridge. The only one of its kind run by a humane society, this fridge only serves people in need of food to support themselves and their families. The Community Fridge is run by volunteers and sees up to 15 people per day. Kevin also serves on the board of Community Care St. Catherines & Thorold.

One of the first and leading animal protection lawyers in Quebec and Canada, Sophie Gaillard has worked at the Montreal SPCA since 2013. As Director of Animal Advocacy and Legal and Government Affairs, she oversees the organization’s efforts to advance animal law and strengthen animal protection legislation and public policy at the municipal, provincial and federal levels. She also acts as head legal counsel, government relations expert and spokesperson for the SPCA. Sophie notably spearheaded the campaigns that led to the banning of cat declawing in Quebec, the authorization of dogs in the Montreal metro and the adoption of a new provision in the Civil Code of Quebecrecognizing animals as sentient beings. She is frequently consulted by governments and political parties on proposed legislation and regulations affecting animal welfare and regularly appears as an animal law expert in provincial, national and international French- and English-language media. A guest speaker at numerous animal protection conferences, she is also a member of the prestigious Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics.

Sophie was head of the SPCA’s Investigations Division from 2018 to 2020 and served as Interim Executive Director of the organization in 2022 and 2023. She is a graduate of McGill University's Faculty of Law, where she taught animal law in 2017 and 2020.