Our Team

✉️ barbara@humanecanada.ca

As the CEO of Humane Canada, the federation of humane societies and SPCAs, Barbara convenes and represents Canada's largest animal welfare community, working 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 current 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.

✉️ claire@humanecanada.ca

Claire (she/her/elle) joins Humane Canada having recently completed her Master’s in Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the University of Guelph. Prior to this, Claire earned an Honour’s Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Animal Sciences from Lakehead University.

Claire has experience holding both administrative and animal care positions within a Humane Society organization. Claire’s devotion to providing pet families with the tools and resources they need to stay together was fortified when she was given the opportunity to help coordinate a free Pet Food Delivery Program in her community as part of a COVID-19 relief effort. It is through working in a shelter that Claire also developed a robust passion for increased access to veterinary care, particularly for low-income individuals, as well as pet families living in remote areas.

In her free time, Claire enjoys baking, being outdoors, playing D&D with her friends, and spending time with her dog, Dozer.

✉️ garett@humanecanada.ca

Garett has been with Humane Canada since 2020 as their Coordinator of Policy and Research. His work primarily involves conducting research on the status of various animal welfare matters across the country, and engaging in external policy review processes to help shape the development of animal welfare policies in Canada.

Garett holds a Master’s in Philosophy with a focus on animal ethics, and he has a background in Canadian public policy research with specializations in the areas of ethics, politics, and economics. Prior to joining Humane Canada, he conducted interdisciplinary research on the international policy landscape surrounding scientific animal use to explore opportunities for Canada’s path forward in this area.

✉️ giuliana@humanecanada.ca

While completing her veterinary training in small animal medicine and surgery at the National Autonomous Mexico University, Giuliana discovered her interest in animal welfare science as she saw that her medical knowledge was not enough for a prompt and holistic recovery of her patients. She decided to pursue an MSc in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the University of Edinburgh, where she focused her research training on play behaviour in dairy calves, followed by a Ph.D. at the University of Nottingham on the effect of lameness treatment on dairy cattle behaviour and welfare.

Her passion for animal welfare has taken her to work as an animal welfare scientist and consultant for various projects, from captive elephant welfare to precision livestock farming for ruminants in the UK and farm animal welfare policy writing for North American food businesses and Latin American NGOs.

Before joining Humane Canada, Giuliana conducted interdisciplinary research in pig welfare, where she developed welfare assessment training material, carried out extensive welfare assessments on-farm, and led the testing of new methods to assess pig welfare at the abattoir.

In her spare time, Giuliana enjoys volunteering at animal welfare organizations and baking, and she recently discovered her passion for dancing Marinera, a Peruvian traditional dance. She lives in Treaty 7 region and Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3, with her husband and Marietta, a rescued dog from Mexico who has travelled the world with them.

✉️ 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.   

✉️ 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.  

✉️ 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.

✉️ natalie@humanecanada.ca

Natalie Hillinger, with a decade of expertise in digital marketing, public relations, and social media strategy, joins Humane Canada as the Marketing and Communications Manager. Natalie graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and earned a Public Relations Post-Graduate Certificate with Honours from Humber College. Known for her creativity and dedication, she has driven impactful campaigns and crafted brand strategies that engage audiences and deliver lasting value. She has partnered with brands committed to sustainability, wellness, and veganism, aligning her career with a personal mission to make a meaningful, positive impact.

Natalie’s lifelong love for animals has blossomed into dedicated advocacy. She is an active member of the animal welfare community, passionate about building a world where all animals live free from cruelty, with dignity and joy. She continually seeks ways to raise awareness and inspire compassionate change.

Outside of work, Natalie enjoys family time with her husband and her five-year-old daughter, Sage, her "little bestie." They enjoy baking, arts and crafts, and exploring the outdoors together. Natalie also enjoys cuddling with her two cats, Misha and Roo, and indulges in her favourite hobbies—reading psychological thrillers, practicing yoga and pilates, enjoying live music, and discovering new vegan spots around town.

✉️ 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 has a long history of volunteering in animal welfare, holding various roles from dog walker to Board Treasurer both locally and internationally. After working abroad for over 15 years in offshore investment and pension funds, Shelby returned to Canada and joined the non-profit workforce, marking the start of her career in animal welfare at the Guelph Humane Society in 2018. Combining her passion for animal welfare and accounting has proven to be an extremely rewarding path, both personally and professionally.

Shelby graduated from Conestoga College with a degree in Business Administration – Accounting, is a QuickBooks Advanced Certified ProAdvisor, and is formally educated in Equine Massage Therapy, receiving the Academic Award of Excellence upon graduation.

In her spare time, Shelby is an avid horse rider and enjoys hiking with her dog Loki.

✉️ sue@humanecanada.ca

Sue has a background working in gender-based violence services, specifically in emergency GBV shelter and community services. Her work in these settings resulted in supporting the development of an agency-based offsite animal safekeeping program. Her additional professional experience has been in various roles in the areas of mental health, employment, and education.

Sue is a Masters of Women and Gender Studies candidate at Saint Mary’s University and recipient of a SSHRC grant to fund her thesis research. Sue’s thesis research is focused on the impact of farmed, working, and larger companion animals on the safety decision making of survivors of gender-based violence. Sue is a Master of Education graduate from Western University in which her project work focused on the entanglement of violence towards animals, humans and the environment within education. Sue also holds an Honours Bachelor of Child Development. Sue's favourite role is being the pet guardian to a cat named Mew Mew.    

✉️ 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.

✉️ talia@humanecanada.ca

Talia Scatliff is a dedicated advocate for animal welfare, currently serving as the Coordinator of National Engagement Marketing at Humane Canada. With vast experience in marketing and communications across various industries, Talia brings a wealth of expertise to her role, combining her professional skills with her lifelong passion for animals. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications and has spent over a decade volunteering with animal welfare organizations, further deepening her commitment to the cause.

A former national-level artistic swimmer, Talia brings the same dedication to her work that she did in sport. Fluent in both English and French, she is committed to connecting with diverse communities to further Humane Canada's mission.

At home, Talia cares for and fosters rescue animals and dreams of a world where they are cherished as equals. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with the animals in her care and continuing to advocate for a kinder, more compassionate world.

✉️ toolika@humanecanada.ca

Toolika has been with Humane Canada since 2013 and leads its research program, including the work on indicators of a humane Canada, and the national animal shelter statistics collection. Toolika represents Humane Canada at the Animal Welfare Committee of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, as the animal welfare representative on the Executive Committee of the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC), and as the sole animal welfare member organization at the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC).

Prior to joining Humane Canada, she worked in the areas of biodiversity conservation and environmental safety, both internationally with the OECD, and in Canada with Environment Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Her policy work in these areas allowed her to contribute to the development of international environmental agreements and the drafting of federal legislation for environmental protection.

Toolika holds a PhD in Molecular and Medical Genetics, a postdoctoral certificate in Conservation Genetics and a Master’s in Ecological Economics and Sustainable Development Policy. She has published her primary research in peer-reviewed journals, and has authored Humane Canada’s publications.

Toolika is dedicated to cultivating compassion and supports community programs in addition to her own personal development in this area.

✉️ 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.

John Gerrard is the current President and CEO of the Hamilton-Burlington SPCA, a 137-year-old organization dedicated to animal welfare. With an MBA, John brings over 15 years of expertise in Marketing, Advertising, Private Label Development, Customer Relationship Marketing, Local Area Marketing, and Loyalty Marketing for major retailers and manufacturers in Canada.

Transitioning to the charity and non-profit sector, John has spent the last 12 years honing his skills in brand development, organizational growth, social enterprise operations, and volunteer and donor experience management. His leadership at the HBSPCA has significantly expanded the organization’s reach and capacity, ensuring more animals receive the critical care and support they need.

John is excited to join the board of Humane Canada, where he will leverage his extensive experience in government relations, public relations, fundraising, and capacity building to further the mission of this esteemed organization. I am eager to contribute to Humane Canada’s mission and support its continued success.

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.

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.

Before being named CEO of the Nova Scotia SPCA in September of 2013, Elizabeth built her career in the not-for-profit industry. Her professional focus was guiding organizational leadership to create and strengthen strategic partnerships, enabling them to become self-sustaining and thus, ensuring that their vital programs would continue to be offered in the communities they serve. Elizabeth’s strengths are in identifying and developing unique revenue streams and encouraging collaboration among stakeholders to see them securely established.

It has always been important to Elizabeth that her profession leave a positive lasting impact on communities. Over the past 20 years, her work has focused on improving the lives of people and animals in need – her passion for animals was likely derived from her childhood experiences being raised on the back of a horse by her equestrian coach Mum.

Since joining the Nova Scotia SPCA, Elizabeth has facilitated the merging of 11 independent SPCA Societies, combining them into one provincial organization which oversees the complete operation of six animal shelters. Elizabeth has built the business of the Nova Scotia SPCA to include: two veterinary hospitals, two veterinary clinics, four thrift stores, a windmill farm, and a professional inspectorate responsible for enforcing the Provincial Animal Protection Act.

While Elizabeth has lived on both coasts and spent a few years working at the PEI Humane Society, she currently resides in Hubbards, NS with her husband, twin 16-year-old girls, dog, Hughie and two cats named Ruby & Max.

Elizabeth describes herself as: 1 part Executive, 1 part Entrepreneur, 2 parts cat lady and 2 parts Mum.

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.

Debbie is the Executive Director and Senior General Counsel leading the Competition Bureau of Canada’s legal team. She is a former federal prosecutor and public sector lawyer with expertise in criminal prosecutions, human rights law, competition law, and public sector governance.

Debbie is a community member of the University of Ottawa Human Rights Research and Education Centre. Over the past decade, she has provided pro bono training in Spanish to judges and prosecutors in Colombia and Mexico on human rights and adversarial system prosecution skills in the context of Latin American criminal justice reform. She and her daughters helped privately sponsor and integrate newly arrived Syrian families in Quebec.

Debbie is a lifelong animal lover and became especially passionate about animal welfare when she adopted an Akbash puppy mill survivor. In the past decade, Debbie has devoted efforts to the animal welfare of street dogs in Latin America- on the ground rescuing, fostering, transporting dogs and donating vet supplies, adopting, helping at spay/neuter clinics, sponsoring urgent veterinary care, fundraising, and supporting NGOs both in Canada and abroad. She has helped rescue over 30 dogs.

She lives with her husband, three kids and her Latino-Canadian canine rescue pack in the Gatineau Hills.

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.

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.

Sharon Miko is the current President and CEO of the Ottawa Humane Society, where she has supported the organization in various roles for over 20 years. She was instrumental in the design and build of the OHS’s 40,000 square-foot shelter in 2011 and the OHS’s subsequent achievement as the first shelter to become accredited by Humane Canada. She launched one of Canada’s first mobile spay/neuter programs in 2016. Sharon previously supported the humane movement through board roles with Humane Canada, the Ontario SPCA and the Ottawa Humane Society.

Prior to her animal welfare career, Sharon worked in both the high tech and nonprofit sectors, where she focused on leading high-performance teams to achieve organizational goals.

Sharon is currently focused on supporting animal welfare at all levels. At the OHS, she is leveraging her experience and honing her leadership skills to grow the OHS’s reach and capacity as it leads Ottawa in building a humane and compassionate community for all animals. She is an active member of the Ontario Animal Welfare Network, where she supports collaboration as “a rising tide that lifts all boats.”