Meet Our Staff

Annie Guion: Executive Director

annie.wchs@gmail.com

Annie came to WCHS in April of 2008, new to animal welfare, but with 15 years of non-profit management experience in the field of environmental education. Annie has a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Cornell University and a Master's degree in Education from Antioch/New England. Working at WCHS is Annie's favorite job to date, thanks to a great staff, supportive community and work that makes a difference in the lives of animals and people. Her favorite part of the job is the daily challenges that arise and coming up with the creative solutions they require. Outside of work, Annie enjoys spending time with her family, singing, dancing, hiking, biking, swimming, skiing and skating. She lives in Newfane with her partner, Chuck, and their two rescue mutts, Toby & Lucy.

Keri Roberts: Animal Care Manager

keri.wchs@gmail.com

Keri has worked at WCHS since 2002 and gets the award for longevity! Keri's favorite part of her job is socializing feral kittens and helping sick and injured animals and finding new, loving homes for them. Outside of work, she is currently training for a black belt in Tae Kwon Do at Rouleau-Holleys. Keri lives in Brattleboro and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chris, their twin daughters Kayleigh & Brooke, their son, Devin, and stepson, Christopher. She has a 12 year old cat, Lucifer, a Splendid Parakeet, Skittles, a gerbil, Marbles, 2 rats, Lilly and Star, and 3 fish.

Melissa Stevens: Operations Coordinator

Melissa

info.wchs@gmail.com

Melissa came to the WCHS in November, 2010, with a strong passion for animal welfare and protection. She has a background in nonprofit fundraising, administrative systems and customer service as well as years of volunteer experience in the animal sheltering world. Melissa has a master's degree in Elmentary Education. Outside of work, Melissa enjoys teaching and practicing yoga, walking, snowboarding, playing catch and trying new things. In committing to a vegan lifestyle, she wishes for her everyday choices to benefit all animals, large and small. Melissa lives with her wonderfully supportive partner, Ted, and their four fiesty female felines; Piper, Luna, Raleigh & Sis.

Anna Mefferd: Canine Specialist & Certified Pet Dog Trainer

anna.wchs@gmail.com

Anna came to the WCHS in November 2008 with 4 years of experience with shelter dogs. She graduated from Marlboro College with a Bachelor's degree in animal behavior focused through the fields of biology and psychology. Anna has been a Certified Pet Dog Trainer since 2008. Anna became interested in dog behavior when her own dog Bellamy, only 8 months old, started to show aggressive behavior towards other dogs. After several failed attempts, Anna consulted a trainer who used positive reinforcement training and was blown away with the dramatic changes in Bellamy. After this experience, Anna became passionate about understanding animal behavior. Outside of work, Anna enjoys being active, especially biking. She also enjoys listenening to music and driving, and feels they are best when done together. She loves to play with and train her own dogs, visit with friends & family and have adventures. Anna has an American Bulldog-Dalmatian, Bellamy, a beagle, Coco, and a WCHS alumni beagle all the way from Kentucky, Freya. Anna is an avid, self-professed, beagle freak.

Heidi Snell: Veterinary Technician & Adoption Counselor

heidi.wchs@gmail.com

Heidi came to the WCHS in the fall of 2010 as a high school intern & was hired in the summer of 2011. Heidi recently graduated from high school and will be attending the Vet Tech Institute in Columbus, Ohio in the fall of 2012. Heidi's favorite part of her job is getting to know each individual animal and witnessing the turn around from when an animal comes in sick, injured or mistreated, and sending them to a new home, healthy & happy. She also loves to assist the veterinarian in surgeries. Outside of work, Heidi enjoys going to metal/rock concerts and festivals, swimming, raves and spending time with friends and family. Heidi lives in Dover with a 7 year old Schnauzer-Rat Terrier, Bailey. At her father's house she has 3 larger dogs. Her own pets include a 3 year old German Shepherd-Alaskan Malamute mix, Hollywood, a 1 year old WCHS alumni cat, Kat, and 2 WCHS alumni hamsters, Kenji & Mateo.

Judy Conrad: Feline Caregiver

Judy came to the WCHS in 2009. Judy's favorite part of working at the Humane Society is caring and loving all of the cats and helping them feel safe, secure and stress free. Outside of work, Judy enjoys spending time with her best friend, sewing, making jewelry, reading, cooking and baking. Judy has a beautiful 13 year old tri-color cat named Mekei. Her latest addition is a WCHS alumni, Monty P. He is a handicapped 8 month old classic tabby who is a pure hellion.

Loryn Dion: Canine Caregiver

Loryn came to the WCHS in the fall of 2011. She graduated from high school with a diploma in Small Animal Science and is now currently a senior at UMass Amherst for Communications and Conservation. So far, Loryn's favorite thing about working here is how well the rest of the staff and volunteers are welcoming her to our family. Outside of work, Loryn loves to read, crochet, hike, go to the beach and take long drives which are helping her acclimate to the area. Loryn is originally from the east coast of Massachusetts but now lives in Northfield, Massachusetts with a roomate and her cat, Elwood. Her two dogs currently live with her family. Radar, a 4 year old red-nose Pitbull mix and Tippy, a 5 year old Chiuahua mix, are both shelter rescues. Also, living with her family are 3 cats; Subaru (12), Minnie (5) and Dolly (3).