I believe the future of animal welfare is a deeply interconnected, equitable, and highly interdisciplinary profession that recognizes and celebrates the indelible bond between people and animals and acknowledges that the health of animals is inextricably linked to human and environmental health. My work as an animal welfare professional is informed by my background as an ecologist and is driven by the understanding that strong human-animal-environmental bonds have a positive impact on people's lives.

I believe major strides in animal welfare will only be achieved by highly collaborative, community-supported sheltering initiatives, where shelters, government agencies, the public, and multi-sector businesses work in tandem to improve animal welfare. From trap-neuter-vaccinate-release (TNVR) programs and providing access to free or low-cost veterinary care and other financial assistance to help owners keep their pets, to solving increasingly complex problems of under-resourced pets and their caregivers, how we serve our community must evolve if transformational change is to occur.

I believe – most sincerely and profoundly – that the inextricable bond between people and pets has the power to transform lives. On both ends of the leash.