Start with my blog at www.humaneaction.wordpress.com

I work for animals. That sums up most of my life for the past 20 years or so. I consider myself an "advocate" rather than an activist, and love the fact that I have made a life out of protecting those who can't protect themselves.Over the years I have had the chance to experience many aspects of the humane field.

My life in animal protection started with a birthday present. A dear friend made a donation in my name to Pet Haven in Minnapolis as a gift. I soon found out that, like every group, they needed volunteers so I started spending time there caring for the animals in the shelter before classes while in school. This was back in the late 1980s and once I started, I never looked back.

When I returned to Massachusetts, I began working at the MSPCA's animal shelter in Boston. There, I learned so much from so many wonderful people that I believe it shaped who I am today. After a few years of doing direct animal care, I was accepted into their Law Enforcement department investigating animal cruelty. After several years I left being a full time officer and began the next chapter of my life learning PR, media and community outreach, fundraising, volunteer management and humane education at the MSPCA Metro South Adoption Center in Brockton. I then moved on to become the Director of Public Relations and then Deputy Director of Advocacy as a state lobbyist working to make Massachusetts laws stronger for animals. Working for the MSPCA and with the people there was the most important time in my life. My co-workers were like family to me and always will be.

In 2007, after nearly 20 years in the field, I accepted the position of Vice President for External Affairs for the Washington Humane Society in Washington DC. Here I oversee the organization's Marketing and Communications department and the Field Service department which deals with all animal cruelty investigations and animal control and rescues. I also oversee the CatNiPP program which help communities deal humanely with feral cat issues and one of the best Humane Education departments in the business! I'm also responsible for the organizations advocacy and legislative efforts.

All this is just a means to an end, because in the end, the bottom line is I work for animals.