Summit speakers

Amy is a Full Professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminology and the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research at the University of Windsor. She is the 2023-2025 University of Windsor Vice-President of Research and Innovation's Research Chair. Her research focuses on the intersection of harms perpetrated against people, non-human animals, and the environment. She has published many peer-reviewed articles, chapters, and books in this area and works on three grant-funded projects.  

She was recently accepted as an expert in the area of animal abuse and intimate partner violence by the British Columbia Supreme Court. Fitzgerald is a founding member of the Animal and Interpersonal Abuse Research Group, the recipient of a Distinguished Scholarship Award from the Animals and Society section of the American Sociological Association, the Mid-Career Outstanding Faculty Research Award from the University of Windsor, is currently a Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics and was a visiting research fellow in the Animal Law and Policy Program at Harvard University in 2020 and 2024. 

Anamarie is a behaviour consultant, research scientist at Petcademy, and owner of Access to Behavior Consulting, LLC. She received her PhD in 2024, working with Dr. Clive Wynne and the Canine Science Collaboratory at Arizona State University, with her research focusing on training methodologies and assessing the efficacy and welfare of contested aversive methods. She had a long history of dog training privately and in various aspects of the shelter world.  

Alexandra grew up surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, which inevitably shaped her lifelong passion for marine science and conservation. Alexandra attended Dalhousie University (Halifax, Nova Scotia), achieving a BSc in biology and environmental sciences and a master's in marine management focusing on Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management (ICOM). Her research allowed her greater insights and appreciation for the complexity of local marine ecosystems and the many interconnected political-science-public spheres.  

Alexandra has worked alongside Indigenous rights-holders, stakeholders, academia, government and non-government agencies, coastal communities, and the public. She is passionate about the intersection of social-environmental justice, promoting ocean literacy, science communication, and youth mentorship. Alexandra is an active volunteer within her community and enjoys spending her spare time in nature, especially along the coast. 

Growing up in Muskoka on the unceded traditional territories of the Anishnabeg, Objibway and Chippewas, Autumn developed a deep love and appreciation for the natural world. From a young age, she knew she wanted to act as a voice for nature and positive change. After moving to Ottawa, they realized the need to reimagine how urban and built environments can become a gateway to nature advocacy and protection, even within downtown cores.  

Autumn holds a Bachelor of Science in Conservation Biology from The University of Ottawa, where she was active in campus-wide animal rights and welfare organizing and a master's degree from Trent University in Bioenvironmental Monitoring and Assessment. Autumn also volunteers with Safe Wings Ottawa, monitoring bird-window collisions and triaging cases at their Emergency Avian Hotline. Autumn is currently the lead Organizer for Nature Canada's Bird Friendly City Certification Program and World Migratory Bird Day. 

Bailey Eagan, PhD Candidate, MSc, serves as the Director of Research on the Strategy & Research Team at the ASPCA. Her work focuses on understanding and improving shelter animal welfare through research aimed at developing practical applications. Bailey has a keen interest in the study of animal behaviour and welfare in shelters and explores how accessible technologies can be utilized to improve animal welfare in shelters and beyond. Her PhD work includes applying computer vision solutions to improve animal welfare in shelters, and she has completed advanced training in statistics and machine learning in addition to her MSc and PhD in Applied Animal Biology. 

Bailey Schroeder is the co-founder and CEO of Petcademy, a platform offering affordable training and support to adopters, fosters and pet parents considering surrendering their pets. Starting her career in wealth management, she transitioned into tech over a decade ago, launching and running ResQwalk. This app raised funds for animal welfare groups before being taken over by Best Friends Animal Society. Beyond Petcademy, Bailey contributes as a Product Management Coach at Stanford University, mentoring future innovators. An ardent animal advocate and outdoor enthusiast, she lives in Toronto with her partner Katie and dog Bruce.   

Bianca is originally from Brazil, earning a degree in Veterinary Medicine and completing an MSc in Animal Welfare. She is pursuing a PhD in the Animal Welfare Program at the University of British Columbia. Her research focuses on public attitudes and opinions toward animal production. In addition, Bianca has experience working with farmers and non-profit animal welfare organizations.   

Bob Fischer is a Professor of Philosophy at Texas State University, a Senior Researcher for Rethink Priorities, a Director of the Animal Welfare Economics Working Group, the Treasurer for the Insect Welfare Research Society, and the President of the Arthropoda Foundation. He works on a wide range of theoretical and applied issues related to animal welfare. 

Brendon Samuels is the research coordinator for the Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP) Canada. Brendon's doctoral research focused on solutions for preventing bird-building collisions. He coordinates the Bird Friendly City team in London, Ontario. 

Camille Labchuk is an animal rights lawyer and executive director of Animal Justice, Canada's leading animal law advocacy organization. As a lawyer, Camille seeks out cases that enhance the legal interests of animals, expose hidden animal suffering, and result in meaningful policy changes. As an advocate, Camille's work includes documenting the commercial seal kill on Canada's East Coast, exposing cruelty in farming, protecting the free speech rights of animal advocates, and campaigns against ag-gag laws, trophy hunting, circuses, zoos, aquariums, shark finning, puppy mills, and more. Camille graduated from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law and Mount Allison University. She is a frequent lecturer and media commentator on animal law issues. Camille lives in Toronto with her cat, Cecily.   

Chloé is from Toronto and made the move to beautiful BC in 2017. A lifelong learner, Chloé holds a diploma in veterinary technology from Seneca College, a certificate in canine rehabilitation from the University of Tennessee, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Master of Public Administration both from Northern Michigan University. She has worked across Canada and the US in multiple sectors, including animal welfare, veterinary medicine (exotics, small animals, mixed animals, integrative, rehabilitation, shelter medicine), academia, veterinary corporate operations, and non-profits.  

Darren Vanstone specializes in sustainable sourcing policy, implementation, and stakeholder management. Darren’s clients include global and regional companies, industry collaborations, and civil society organizations in the human and pet food, retail, manufacturing, apparel, and alternative protein industries. He is Managing Director at Ocatra, a global network of consultants working on sustainability policy and commitments

Dr. Giuliana Miguel-Pacheco is an animal welfare advocate and scientist with over a decade of experience improving the well-being of farmed animals. As a veterinarian, she realized that genuine animal care requires medical attention and a holistic approach, considering animals' emotional and behavioural needs. This insight led her to specialize in animal welfare, earning an MSc in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare from the University of Edinburgh and a PhD from the University of Nottingham, focusing on enhancing dairy cattle welfare.  

Giuliana's work spans diverse animal welfare projects, from improving captive elephant conditions to advancing precision livestock farming. She has recently led innovative welfare assessments for pigs on farms and slaughterhouses, ensuring humane treatment. Her collaborations with North American food businesses and Latin American NGOs have been instrumental in shaping animal welfare policies.  

As the Manager of Farmed Animal Welfare at Humane Canada, she continues her mission to protect farmed animals through compassionate, science-driven solutions, leading the organization's work at the National Farm Animal Care Council. 

A graduate of Colorado State University's renowned veterinary program, Dr. Kwane Stewart has been a California veterinarian for over 26 years, excelling in clinical, business, and leadership roles. His career highlights include serving as Chief Medical Officer for VETCO Hospitals, County Veterinarian for a municipal shelter where he reduced euthanasia rates, and Chief Veterinary Officer of American Humane, overseeing the No Animals Were Harmed® program for film and TV. Currently, he holds leadership roles with Kismet, HolistaPet, and Fetch Pet Insurance.

Dr. Stewart’s compassionate advocacy has earned him recognition from media outlets like CNN, MSNBC, and The Kelly Clarkson Show, culminating in his recent honor as CNN Hero of the Year 2023.

"The Street Vet"

Inspired by his shelter work, Dr. Stewart began offering free veterinary care to pets of the unhoused, a mission now chronicled in the docuseries The Street Vet. As Founder and President of Project Street Vet, his nonprofit provides free veterinary care and support throughout the United States to pets of individuals experiencing homelessness or financial hardship.

Elisabeth has worked in animal advocacy for 20+ years and brings a diverse background in animal welfare science, ethics, policy change, and nonprofit management to her role with Animal Charity Evaluators (ACE). Elisabeth holds a Ph.D. in Animal Welfare and Ethics from the University of British Columbia and served as the Executive Director for a Canadian animal charity for 7 years before joining ACE. Born in the UK, she is grateful to have found her forever home on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation in British Columbia, Canada.   

Erin Walkley has worked in the nonprofit sector for 16 years; lending her passion for relationship building to help raise funds for the arts, post-secondary education and international development. Erin has been connecting with compassionate animal lovers for seven years to help support the mission of the BC SPCA, a cause that is very close to her heart. Erin is lucky to call the North Shore of Vancouver home and spend her time playing outside with her loved ones. 

Francis Giroux has worked in the field of harm reduction with marginalized people for more than 10 years. Over the years, he has built his in-depth knowledge as well as created community initiatives and programs for people experiencing homelessness and for people who use substances.  

Until recently, he built a transitional housing program with 36 studios for people experiencing homelessness with mental health and addiction issues. This program accepts animals within its walls to achieve a high threshold of acceptability and inclusion. It is an innovative project and a rare practice in accommodation circles.

Gayle Ecker, Hon. B.A., B.Ed., M.Sc., Cert. KMB is the Director of Equine Guelph; Welfare Educator/Trainer; Associate Faculty of Campbell Centre for Study of Animal Welfare. She has led Equine Guelph since its development to create the Centre for the horse owner at the University of Guelph, with the first Senate-accredited University Certificate/Diploma program in Equine Studies. She completed Level 2 Equine Cruelty Investigations training and was the lead trainer for the OSPCA for 5 years for equine welfare assessment. In addition to developing and teaching several courses for Equine Guelph, she also created and led the training in Equine Welfare Assessment in this blended program over the last two years.   

Gwendoline Karoui has a bachelor's in animal biology and ecology from Paris XI University (France). She graduated from a master's in animal and human behavior (Rennes I University, France). 

Gwendoline began to work in farm animal welfare during her master studies. She worked on aggressiveness in young sows (French Institute of agronomy research, INRAE) and the mother-young relationship in dairy cows (Aarhus University, Denmark). 

She is now a PhD candidate in animal sciences at the University of Laval (Quebec City, Canada). She work son emotional welfare in piglets. 

Heidi has made an accomplished career and calling in solving complex problems related to socially vulnerable populations. As Director of Pet Placement Initiatives, Heidi leads the team managing a grant portfolio that supports shelter and rescue partners across North America. The team is dedicated to helping pets find loving homes, grounded in the belief that everyone deserves the love of a pet. 

Before joining the PetSmart Charities team, Heidi served as Chief Executive Officer of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), working alongside a staff of 600+ to combat homelessness in Los Angeles. She logged more than a decade working for the federal government, where she held various roles, including Special Assistant to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Director of Community Engagement and Reintegration. 

Heidi is a long-time foster pet parent, shelter volunteer and advocate for animal welfare. She brings an unwavering commitment to social, racial, and economic justice, challenging us to move past generalizations and address entrenched disparities that present barriers to success. She serves on the Board of Directors for My Dog is My Home and Shelter Animals Count. 

Dr. Hillary Dalton is the Senior Research Manager at Compassion in World Farming USA. Hillary holds a PhD in poultry behaviour and welfare from the University of Guelph, an MSc in applied animal behaviour and animal welfare from the University of Edinburgh, and a BSc in animal biology from the University of Alberta. Hillary previously served as a post-doctoral associate at Newcastle University, overseeing precision agriculture research on behaviour, welfare, and health topics in pigs and poultry.  

During her career, Hillary has published several peer-reviewed scientific articles and has presented at several international conferences. Hillary uses her technical knowledge and experience to advise Compassion USA on strategies to improve farmed animal welfare and the sustainability of modern food production practices. 

Jackie has been the Division Director of the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) since its inception in 2005.  In this capacity, she has facilitated partnerships between governments, farmed animal industries, the veterinary community, the humane movement, food companies, and other allied groups. Jackies assists NFACC’s members and partners in achieving practical solutions to farm animal welfare concerns that address the interests of farmers, domestic and export markets, governments and the Canadian public. 

Jackie obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Winnipeg and a Master of Environmental Design from the University of Calgary.   

On a personal level, she is a dog enthusiast with her favourite breed, the Siberian Husky. She’s been blessed to have many wonderful canine companions who have taught her many life lessons. Jackie has been a dog musher, racing in sprint and mid-distance races; she's trained several of her Siberians for competitive obedience trials and in the last few years have come to love the sport of scent detection. 

Jamie Ahloy-Dallaire teaches and conducts research on farm animal behaviour and welfare at Université Laval in Quebec City. His current research program focuses primarily on factors affecting robustness, or the capacity to overcome challenges to welfare, in farmed pigs. 

Janel is a nonprofit professional with nearly a decade of experience. She is deeply involved in her community, serving as an animal foster parent for a local rescue and holding positions on two board committees—one for a national animal welfare organization and another where she was elected to represent her city for a human services nonprofit. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Public Health, where her interest in improving community well-being grew. During college, she began advocating against domestic violence, and this personal journey led her to a role as a Community Engagement Manager at a domestic violence organization. Today, Janel continues her advocacy work, and she has spoken at the Florida Domestic Violence Conference, where she emphasized the importance of supporting survivors and their pets. Since 2015, Janel has worked in animal welfare, specializing in organizational development, community engagement, and public speaking. She has held various roles, from pet adoption to managing a neonatal program that saved thousands of kittens and puppies in Oklahoma. Janel is passionate about creating inclusive spaces in animal welfare, making sure everyone feels welcomed and engaged. 

Jasmin M. Robinson is a consultant, educator, and equity thought partner with professional experience across several industries, including education, corporate, non-profit, and government sectors. Jasmin is the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives Director for the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement and MSM Global Consulting. In her dual role, she helps address organizational culture and access to animal care. Her notable accomplishments include co-leading training and development programs, developing diversity resources, and supporting the Association’s DEI strategic plan.   

Jason Campbell is a dedicated leader with deep-rooted experience in Indigenous governance, public administration, and community development. Of Indigenous descent from Stó:lō territory, Jason has consistently demonstrated a commitment to advancing Indigenous self-determination, cultural revitalization, and community well-being. 

As the Executive Director of the Seabird Island Band, Jason led over 50 programs and 350 staff, driving significant growth in the organization’s assets and economic portfolio. Under his leadership, Seabird Island Band has diversified its economic ventures, where he acquired commercial and residential real estate and purchased manufacturing company. These initiatives significantly increased the community's land base, portfolio, and revenues.  

Jason also played a pivotal role in restructuring the housing program, transitioning from single-family dwellings to higher-density housing with accessibility units to meet the needs of a growing and diverse population. 

He has been instrumental in navigating relationships with various levels of government, negotiating for Seabird Island Band’s entry into, administration and enforcement of sectoral self-governance in areas such as Land Code, Education, and Child and Family jurisdiction. His strategic vision also extended to strengthening justice partnerships with the RCMP, Crown Counsel, and Probation services to ensure the safety and security of Seabird Island residents. 

With a strong background in justice, Jason previously worked with Correctional Services Canada, where he facilitated Aboriginal programs designed to address offender rehabilitation and reintegration. This work included collaborating with the Stó:lō Service Agency to establish a sweat grounds and partnering in the construction of a longhouse, creating important cultural spaces for healing and community gatherings. 

In addition to their role at Seabird Island, Jason has held several leadership positions, including serving as a BC Director on the Lands Advisory Board, where he encouraged the enforcement of First Nation environmental and land protection laws. He is also an Indigenous Advisory Board Member at the University of the Fraser Valley and a BC RCMP Indigenous Cultural Advisory Committee member. Jason is an Assistant Professor at the University of the Fraser Valley in the Business and Computing faculty, incorporating indigenous frameworks into business frameworks.   

Jason holds an Executive MBA in Indigenous Business Leadership from Simon Fraser University, where he was recognized for his academic excellence and leadership skills. 

With a proven track record in Indigenous governance, community advocacy, and economic development, Jason continues to contribute to the growth, sustainability, and well-being of Indigenous communities throughout British Columbia. 

Dr. Jen-Yun Chou is a research scientist at the Prairie Swine Centre and adjunct professor at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. She leads the ethology and welfare group at the Centre and is a part of the Swine Welfare research team. Jen-Yun’s background is multidisciplinary at the interface of applied animal behaviour, animal welfare and social science. She obtained her PhD in Clinical Veterinary Sciences at the University of Edinburgh in 2019 and holds an MA in Science, Technology and Society. She has experience working as an animal welfare advisor at international non-profit organizations and has conducted research at various research institutes across Europe and North America. Her research projects collaboratively explore issues surrounding ending piglet painful procedures and providing pigs with a better physical and social environment. She is also interested in subjects such as One Welfare, welfare at transport/slaughter and on-farm euthanasia. She has ongoing research collaborations with partners in the US, Europe and Taiwan, where she is from. Her goal is to show animal welfare can be beneficial and profitable for all stakeholders and to contribute to improving pig welfare globally. 

Jose Ocaño has centred his career on supporting people and animals, fostering environments where both can thrive. Beginning at one of Arizona’s largest animal shelters, he quickly learned that leadership uplifts others and creates the conditions for success. Over a decade, he collaborated with a talented team to transform the organization, focusing on compassion, storytelling, and community engagement. This experience shaped his leadership philosophy, emphasizing personal and social awareness, partnership, and social responsibility.  

At Best Friends Animal Society, Jose worked with a dedicated group that prioritized the well-being of its employees. As Senior Director of People and Culture, he supported teams across HR, Employee Experience, and Organizational Culture, ensuring staff had the resources to succeed. The organization’s recognition, including multiple Top Workplace Awards, reflected the collective dedication of the team.  

In 2023, Jose founded Hatching, a consulting firm focused on helping people live better and work better. Hatching promotes leadership, life coaching, and workplace transformation, aiming to build compassionate, intentional environments for individuals and organizations. 

Julie started volunteering with the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) in the early 2000s and has been instrumental in spearheading many initiatives within the organization, including the move towards reward-based dog training, initiating a program that provides all dog adopters with heavily discounted classes in partnered training facilities and consulting with adopters who are experiencing behavioural issues to keep dogs in their adoptive homes. More recently, she has been working towards empowering volunteers with limited animal handling experience and building ARF’s Training & Enrichment program to help the animals staying in the facility become the best canine citizens they can be.   

Karen Whitecalf, a member of the Thunderchild First Nation in Saskatchewan, has lived on the Sweetgrass First Nation for over 30 years. Sweetgrass collaborates with the Canine Action Project (CAP), where Karen has volunteered for approximately eight years. 

Karen's passion for animals began in childhood, as her family always had pets. Her parents instilled in her the belief that, as First Nations people, there is a responsibility to care for animals. They taught her that the Creator gifted animals to support people both physically and spiritually. According to Karen, animals deserve respect as equals, as they possess a spirit just like humans. 

Karen is honored to share the First Nations perspective on animals at the conference and looks forward to connecting with attendees. Hiy Hiy (Thank you). 

Kate Nattrass Atema leads the community grants team at PetSmart Charities and PetSmart Charities of Canada, focused on ensuring accessible veterinary care, accessible pet food, and other critical resources are available to families with pets, especially in historically marginalized communities in the United States and Canada. Before joining PetSmart Charities in 2020, she spent nearly two decades working on global companion animals and conservation-based community engagement programs. She received her M.S. in Animals and Public Policy from Tufts University, where she served as a senior faculty fellow and taught courses in research design and qualitative research methods. Kate has been a contributing lecturer at the University of Edinburgh’s International Animal Welfare Ethics and Law program. Kate has lived and worked worldwide, but is currently based in Phoenix, Arizona, with her partner, two teenage boys, an opinionated husky/lab/herding mix, Ivy and the newest addition, Miso the monster cat. 

Dr. Katherine Koralesky is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Animal Welfare Program at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Before coming to UBC, she worked as an agricultural extension agent in the Peace Corps and in the community service sector. She uses diverse research methodologies to understand the human dimensions of animal welfare on farms and in companion animal settings. Her research explores the role of policy in animal care practices, on-farm interventions to improve animal health and welfare, links between animal and human welfare, and views on biotechnology in animal agriculture. Dr. Koralesky aims to improve animal welfare through relationship-building and collaboration with people who care for or about animals.   

Kerri Thomson is the Manager of Justice and Legislative Affairs at Humane Canada. She is also a licensed member of the Law Society of Ontario with a post-graduate certificate in Victimology and is currently completing her degree in Criminology and 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 son when he deigns to come home from university, and tending to her four cats: tabby girls Iris Desdemona, Ivy Lavinia, and Lola Ophelia, and Lemmy Axl Rose Kittenmister, the Not-So-Tiny Prince of Darkness. 

Kristy Blake specializes in the for-purpose sector, focusing on animal welfare, communities and the intersection between the two. She has 18 years of fundraising and communications experience and a strong background in operational management, strategic development and internal communication.   

Lauren holds a BA in English Literature and a Master of Science in Regenerative Studies, focusing on the human dimensions of urban wildlife rehabilitation. She has been with Pasadena Humane since 2017, leading a team of five wildlife rehabilitation professionals and over 20 volunteers and interns. Lauren’s background spans higher education, informal zoo education, and private veterinary practice, including extensive experience with livestock. Her interdisciplinary expertise in literature, humanities, and animal welfare informs her unique approach to wildlife advocacy and welfare.  

A dynamic leader with solid professional experience, Laurence is recognized for her ability to motivate and guide teams toward achieving the organization's strategic objectives. She has held management positions with major companies such as L'Oréal Canada and Yves Rocher North America. The highly competitive environment of the cosmetics industry has enabled her to acquire a strong spirit of innovation and creativity. In 2021, she decided to interrupt her corporate career to put her knowledge at the service of a cause close to her heart: animal protection. Ms. Massé joined the Montreal SPCA as Director of Philanthropic Development and Communications. She also held other key positions in the organization, including Associate Executive Director for over a year, before being appointed Executive Director in October 2023. Daily, she is committed to inspiring and developing the talents of her team to ensure operational excellence and the achievement of outstanding results. 

Luis Andrés Gonzalez Gracia is a veterinarian specializing in public health and preventative medicine at the University of Buenos Aires, where he was one of the first members of the Animal Behaviour and Welfare Lab. During his master's in Agroecosystems (Federal University of Santa Catarina), he studied social behaviour in dairy cows, having the opportunity to work at the University of British Columbia's Animal Welfare Program as an Emergent Leader in the Americas Program scholar. He is now a PhD student at Université Laval, under the supervision of Jamie Ahloy-Dallaire and Éric Paquet. His project studies the social dynamics of growing pigs using large datasets from automated feeders.  

He is interested in animal cognition, social behaviour, and the use of technology to aid in improving the welfare of farmed animals. 

Lynn Kavanagh oversees World Animal Protection's farming and food systems campaigns. She works to change government and corporate policies to improve animal welfare, adopt policies that support a more humane and sustainable food system, and raise public awareness about the plight of farm animals in Canada. Lynn has been working in animal advocacy for over 20 years. She holds a B.A. in Philosophy from York University and an MSc in Animal Behaviour and Welfare from the University of Guelph.

Makayla Dewit is the program specialist for Humane Society International/Canada's Forward Food program and is responsible for overseeing most of the program's day-to-day operations. She and her team support food service operations across Canada — including government entities, post-secondary institutions, and businesses — to procure and serve more compassionate, healthy and sustainable plant-based dishes. With over 10 years of experience in the food and hospitality industries and more than 5 years of experience in the non-profit sector, Makayla has supported the Forward Food program for 2+ years. Her key focus areas are plant-based foods, nutrition and sustainability. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ontario Tech University and worked in food service before joining the Forward Food team. 

Maria Morukian, president of MSM Global Consulting, is a recognized speaker, author, and organizational development practitioner specializing in diversity, equity, inclusion, and intercultural competence. Over the last twenty years, she has worked with thousands of leaders and DEI professionals to build thriving organizations that work for everyone. Maria is the author of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Trainers: Fostering DEI in the Workplace and hosts the popular DEI podcast Culture Stew.   

Active in the communications field for over 20 years, Marilou David has worked with leading cultural organizations in Montréal before founding her own agency specializing in public relations, communications, advertising, and production to represent big-name artists on the Quebec music scene. Marilou closed the company in 2017 to move on to another field she cares deeply about; working with animals. Before joining the Montreal SPCA in 2020, she worked in an animal boarding facility and in a veterinary clinic, and served as the director of development for an animal rescue organization in the US. Her experiences have allowed her to take on several roles at the SPCA, including customer service counsellor, content creator, and acting co-director of animal welfare for 8 months. Today, Marilou’s management expertise, energy, and passion for animals are key to her leadership of the philanthropic development and communications team at the Montreal SPCA. 

A relationship builder, out of the box thinker, and problem solver, Mary has 20+ years’ experience in the charitable sector including leadership roles at the University of Alberta and Habitat for Humanity Edmonton. Mary currently serves as Director, Donor and Stakeholder Relations for Edmonton Humane Society where she supports Marketing and Communications, Humane Education, Community Engagement and Fund Development.  

Curiosity and ability to tactfully challenge the status quo have been key to Mary’s success. As a dedicated lifelong learner, Mary is a nationally recognized presenter who is open to collaborative ideas sharing in her sessions. 

Matt Pepper has served as the President and CEO of Michigan Humane since 2014. Matt has more than 20 years of experience in animal welfare in both a nonprofit and municipal capacity, primarily in leadership roles throughout the country—including New Mexico, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Michigan. He is a current member and past Chair of the Board of Directors for the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement.   

Meagan Schmitz, of Métis, French, and Scottish descent, was born and raised in north-central Saskatchewan. With over 13 years of experience in animal welfare, Meagan's career has evolved from working at a pet boarding kennel to an animal shelter, and now, partnering with First Nations to address dog population management humanely and sustainably. Her journey with the Canine Action Project (CAP) began in 2014 when she volunteered at a spay/neuter clinic. That experience sparked her passion for the cause. Through CAP, Meagan gained insight into the social, physical, and financial challenges faced by pet guardians in First Nations communities. She is now fully committed to breaking down these barriers and dismantling negative stereotypes, working to empower individuals and ensuring that pets and families can thrive safely and healthily in their communities. 

Whether it's a cat suffering from a broken leg or a dog just looking for a new home, Dr. Melissa Thompson helps ensure that animals in need are given a second chance at happiness. Dr. Thompson oversees Arizona Humane Society's animal health programs and veterinary clinics, including their Second Chance Animal Trauma Hospital™, Margaret McAllister Brock Veterinary Clinic and Marge Wright Veterinary Clinic, and their Foster, Animal Care and Experience, Field and Behavior Departments. Dr. Thompson's professional interests include trauma medicine and reducing pet overpopulation. She is a 2008 graduate of Western University of Health Sciences.   

A co-founder of FLAP Canada, Michael has over 30 years of experience bringing attention to the bird collision issue. He has worked tirelessly with federal, provincial, and municipal governments to develop migratory bird protection policies, collaborated with manufacturers of bird-deterrent technologies, and produced FLAP's BirdSafe® Building Standards and its accompanying building auditing tool.  

Michael has also co-authored numerous reports, peer-reviewed articles, and research papers. Finally, he has taught multiple workshops to industry professionals and addressed audiences on the issue of bird-safe solutions. 

Monique Schultz is a proud Métis woman living in the Lloydminster area. She is the current president and Co-Founder of Canine Action Project. Her journey with animal welfare began in 2011 when she volunteered with a local animal rescue group. Through discussions and experiences with other volunteers and people from the communities they were helping, she developed a passion for assisting with animal welfare, beginning FIRST with the people caring for the animals. She has always felt that building genuine connections and lasting relationships are at the heart of Canine Action Projects programs. 

Dr. Nima Morady is a 2023 graduate of the Atlantic Veterinary College, where he has distinguished himself as an advocate for animal welfare. Throughout his professional journey, Dr. Morady has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of animals in need. As a student, he was actively involved in the college's Animal Welfare Club, where he played a pivotal role in the college's efforts to reduce the number of teaching beagles housed on campus.  

Dr. Morady's commitment to animal welfare extends beyond the academic setting. Before his studies, he volunteered with Veterinarians Without Borders, providing care to small-scale farms and their diverse animal populations. This experience instilled in him a deep appreciation for the challenges faced by underserved communities and the role that veterinary professionals can play in addressing them.  

Dr. Morady continues his work with welfare organizations as a veterinarian at the Montreal SPCA. Cognizant of the emotional toll this field can take, he is dedicated to promoting resilience and compassion among his fellow veterinarians, ensuring they are equipped to provide the care and support to the animals they serve. 

Paul Groleau is the Vice President of Feather Friendly Technologies Inc., a company that was established in 2006 to tackle the critical biodiversity issue of bird-glass collisions, which claim billions of bird lives annually.   

Under Paul’s leadership, Feather Friendly has become the global leader in bird-glass collision prevention, installing over 9 million square feet of product and preventing countless avian fatalities worldwide.  

Paul combines decades of brand management, product development, and sales strategy expertise with a deep passion for protecting birds. He has been at the forefront of several globally recognized conservation projects, including the McCormick Place project in Chicago, the largest bird-glass collision mitigation effort ever undertaken. This initiative protects thousands of migratory birds annually and has set a global standard in avian conservation. 

Paul has also served on the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Bird-Friendly Design Standard committee. He collaborates with leading conservation groups and individuals, including the American Bird Conservancy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Audubon Society, and Dr Daniel Klem, Jr. His work aligns with his lifelong passion for wildlife, rooted in his early exploration of forests and wetlands in Northern Ontario. 

Through his efforts, Paul continues to raise awareness and drive action to ensure a safer future for birds worldwide. 

PJ Nyman is the Corporate Campaigns Manager at Animal Justice, and formerly led the development of Canada's corporate benchmarking report that tracks how companies are performing on their animal welfare commitments. PJ brings their graduate work in social and political theory and a decade of professional animal advocacy experience to work toward reforming farmed animal welfare in Canada.

Dr. Robyn Jaynes focuses on improving access to veterinary care for the millions of pets who currently cannot get veterinary care. She received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University and has worked in retail and shelter settings, improving the safety and standards of care for pets. She is certified in Low-Stress Handling and completed her Graduate Certificate in Shelter Medicine at the University of Florida. She is passionate about improving access to veterinary care and oversees multiple programs at PetSmart Charites focused on reducing the barriers to veterinary care. 

Her volunteer work further demonstrates Dr. Jaynes’s dedication to quality pet care. For the last fifteen years, Dr. Jaynes has served the Arizona Veterinary Medical Examining Board with her time and her veterinary expertise. Dr. Jaynes is currently serving as Chair of the Leadership Development Committee for the American Association of Veterinary State Boards which focuses on finding and developing leaders interested in strengthening the veterinary regulatory community in the United States and Canada. 

Ruthie Jesus is the Field Operations Manager at the Arizona Humane Society (AHS).  She is also an Emergency Animal Medical Technician (EAMT) and a certified Animal Cruelty Investigator through Colorado State University.  Ruthie graduated with honours from Arizona Culinary Institute and spent 7 years as a chef at the Phoenician.  She began at AHS as a foster volunteer and eventually joined the staff as an adoption counsellor.  Ruthie has been with AHS for 13 years and the field department for over 11 years.  The Field Team currently contracts with 16 cities in Maricopa County to assist and support police agencies in the investigation and successful prosecution of animal crimes.  Last fiscal year, the team responded to more than 16,700 calls for service, 64% of which were for animal cruelty and neglect. 

Sabrina earned her CTC (Certificate in Training and Counseling) at Jean Donaldson's Academy for Dog Trainers. She is also certified in Separation Anxiety (CSAT).  

Sabrina began her career working with animals in emergency shelters, gaining hands-on experience with various dogs, including those from neglect cases, puppy mills, and dogs rescued from overseas meat farms. She has since applied her expertise to helping clients and their dogs through compassionate, science-based training.  

Sabrina is currently pursuing a degree in social work. She aims to continue combining her passion for social justice, community care, and animal welfare.  

As the volunteer coordinator at ARF (Animal Rescue Foundation), Sarah brings a deep passion for animal welfare and a commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community. With a lifelong love of animals and their well-being, she helps ensure that every volunteer at ARF is well-trained, engaged, and empowered to make a meaningful impact. 
 
Outside of her role at ARF, she enjoys spending time with her two dogs (both ARF alumni), taking them on adventures and enjoying the outdoors. Her love for animals is evident in everything she does, and she is proud to be part of an organization that shares her dedication to animal welfare. 

Shane Bateman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Studies at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) and works as an Emergency/Critical Care specialist at the Companion Animal Medical Complex. He was the Chair of the Board of the Guelph Humane Society from 2011 to 2021, leading the organization during the capital campaign and construction of a new $10 million shelter that opened in March 2021. From 2011 to 2021, Shane served as Regional Veterinary Director for Community Veterinary Outreach, a charity providing free preventive veterinary care for pets of individuals experiencing homelessness. He has also led initiatives delivering low-cost preventive care to First Nations communities in Southwestern Ontario from 2012 to 2020. His commitment to community engagement inspired the creation of the Kim & Stu Lang Community Healthcare Partnership Program in 2019 with an $11M gift to OVC. In 2022, Shane earned a Master’s in Veterinary Forensic Science from the University of Florida. While new to veterinary forensics, his extensive experience in emergency medicine and animal welfare enhances his approach to this field. He is actively working to expand the OVC curriculum to include veterinary forensic science. 

Shoni Field is the Chief Development Officer at the British Columbia SPCA. She has been direct response fundraising for more than 27 years for a range of causes, including environmental, youth, health and development organizations. Shoni is the founder of For the Paws, an annual virtual fundraising summit that brings together nearly 400 animal welfare fundraisers from six countries to learn and exchange ideas. When not fundraising, Shoni advocates for voting reform and citizen engagement, plays strategy games and bakes fancy cakes. 

Dr. Sohaila Jafarian is a first-generation Iranian who earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and Master of Public Health (MPH) in 2018. During her MPH project, she discovered her calling for community health. This exploration uncovered a critical gap in community-based interventions within veterinary medicine, steering her career toward addressing this need. 

 After graduation, she went on to a rotating internship at VCA in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she gained valuable clinical experience. After her rotating internship, she joined the University of Pennsylvania as a Community Medicine intern. Here, she had the opportunity to learn about shelter medicine and its complex challenges through a wide lens shaped by sociological, economic, and cultural issues. 

She currently works as a relief veterinarian in New Mexico. Beyond her clinical contributions, she actively supports the veterinary community as a board member of the Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association, and her local community as a board member of Animal Humane New Mexico. Sohaila continues her qualitative research with the University of Pennsylvania, aiming to create a more just and compassionate approach to veterinary care. 

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, Sophie 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 Quebec recognizing animals as sentient beings. She is frequently consulted by governments and political parties on proposed legislation and regulations affecting animal welfare. She regularly appears as an animal law expert in provincial, national and international French- and English-language media. 

Sophie was head of the Montreal SPCA's Investigations Division from 2018 to 2020 and served as Interim Executive Director for nearly a year between 2022 and 2023. She graduated from McGill University's Faculty of Law, where she taught Animal Law in 2017 and 2020. 

Stephanie Sabshin is the founder, Executive Director, and surgeon at Harmony Vet Care (501c3), which provides a unique and revolutionary approach to veterinary medicine. Stephanie has a diverse background in veterinary medicine, ranging from full-service private practice to low-cost shelter medicine.  

There are two significant challenges facing the veterinary industry as a whole: 

1) Veterinary care can be expensive and out of reach for many owners  

2) Veterinary staff are often overworked, underpaid, and face significant compassion fatigue. 

Harmony was founded to help provide owners with high-quality care at an affordable price and provide staff with a living wage, competitive benefits, and a safe and supportive working environment. Since opening in 2018, Stephanie has helped Harmony grow to 3 locations, serving over 60,000 clients and over 120,000 patients. The staff consists of 8 full-time doctors and 60 full-time support staff. Stephanie’s mission is to ensure all animals get the medical care they deserve, regardless of the owner’s finances.   

With 20 years of experience in the charity and non-profit sector, Ursula is passionate about improving the lives of vulnerable and underserved members of society - both human and animal. She specializes in strategic community engagement and development, driving initiatives that create sustainable and meaningful social change. Motivated by her deep love for animals, Ursula is dedicated to advancing human well-being, promoting animal welfare, and fostering stronger communities. 

Victoria joined Toronto Wildlife Centre’s Wildlife Hotline team in 2011 after completing her undergraduate degree in Environmental Policy and Urban Studies at the University of Toronto. Responding to thousands of hotline calls – from wildlife emergencies to requests for general wildlife information – increased her awareness of the vast issues affecting urban wildlife, commonly held misconceptions about various wild species, and the urgent need for broader public education. She now has a Master of Education from the University of Toronto and manages TWC’s hotline, education and outreach programs.  She aims to inspire children, youth, and adults alike to respect and connect with nature and the fantastic wild species in our neighbourhoods. 

After graduating from the University of Sydney, Wesley started his career in small animal general practice. He later interned in emergency and critical care and worked as an emergency veterinarian. During this time, Wesley also volunteered at animal shelters and community programs. Following this passion for shelter medicine, he underwent a specialty internship at Cornell University and served as a shelter veterinarian at the Toronto Humane Society. Today, he is the first clinical resident in shelter medicine in Canada, based at the Ontario Veterinary College, and is involved in teaching, shelter consultative work, and community medicine clinics.