
SPEAKERS
The APAW Expo prides itself on partnering with amazing speakers and educators to provide the latest animal related topics, legislation and trends.
Over this 2-day event, these speakers will share their insights and years of experience to provide the ongoing education necessary to encourage and inspire all professionals and advocates.

2025 APAW Expo Speakers
(listed in order of appearance)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2025
7:30am - 9:10am
Joint Session with GVMA - Vets and Emergency Management: How Law Enforcement, Animal Control, Shelters, Rescues and Veterinarians Can Partner During A Emergency or Disaster
SALON 1

GDA, Director of Emergency Management
Time: Friday, October 17, 7:30am-9:10am
Topic: Joint Session with GVMA - Vets and Emergency Management: How Law Enforcement, Animal Control, Shelters, Rescues and Veterinarians Can Partner During A Emergency or Disaster
Venessa supports emergency management and homeland security duties for the food and agriculture sector in Georgia. She served as Unified Commander for the 2020 Final Four and Super Bowl LIII Food Defense Branch and as a representative of the Super Bowl LIII Logistics Committee. Venessa serves on the FDA FSMA Intentional Adulteration Workgroup as a state representative, serves as the Georgia representative for the Southern Animal and Agriculture Disaster Response Alliance (SAADRA), and served as the past Board President for the National Alliance of State Animal and Agriculture Emergency Programs (NASAAEP).
VENESSA SIMS

Owner and Lead Instructor, ASAR Training, Executive Director Animal Incident Management; Senior Director ASAR Training and Response; President - NASAAEP; FEMA NAC PAW Act Subcommittee Member
Time: Friday, October 17, 7:30am-9:10am
Topic: Joint Session with GVMA - Vets and Emergency Management: How Law Enforcement, Animal Control, Shelters, Rescues and Veterinarians Can Partner During A Emergency or Disaster
Eric Thompson is a graduate of Kansas University with a B.G.S. in Environmental Science and graduated the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center with his Police commission. Currently Eric is working as the Executive Director for Animal Incident Management (AIM) in partnership with Bissell Pet Foundation. Eric also serves as Senior Director for the ASAR Training and Response platform which provides animal rescue technician and specialist training along with subject-matter-expert workshops and response. Eric also serves as President of the National Alliance for Animal and Agriculture Emergency Programs (NASAAEP – www.thenasaaep.com); and Eric also sits on the National Advisory Council subcommittee for the Planning for Animal Wellness (PAW) Act to review and update national guidelines for animals in disasters. Eric is working with several States and Task Force teams as a consultant by incorporating animal-related operations into existing Emergency Support Functions. For more information on the Animal Incident Management (AIM) group and ASAR please see https://www.animalincidentmanagement.com and www.asartraining.com.
ERIC THOMPSON

Chief Law Enforcement Officer, Georgia Department of Agriculture
Time: Friday, October 17, 7:30am-9:10am
Topic: Joint Session with GVMA - Vets and Emergency Management: How Law Enforcement, Animal Control, Shelters, Rescues and Veterinarians Can Partner During A Emergency or Disaster
Harlan Proveaux, is a twenty-nine-year law enforcement and emergency management veteran with experience across multiple state and local agencies.
Commissioner Harper and Director Proveaux began the process to have the Department's Peace Officer Standards and Training Council ID reinstated, restoring the Department's status as a Law Enforcement agency. Prior to joining the Department, Proveaux served as the Deputy Director of the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency for seven years. Proveaux has served at several other state and local agencies including Georgia Public Safety Training Center, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Ware County Magistrate Court, and Ware County Sheriff's Office and holds a Master's Degree in Public Safety Administration from Columbus State University.
HARLAND PROVEAUX

Deputy Director, Law Enforcement and Emergency Management, Georgia Department of Agriculture.
Time: Friday, October 17, 7:30am-9:10am
Topic: Joint Session with GVMA - Vets and Emergency Management: How Law Enforcement, Animal Control, Shelters, Rescues and Veterinarians Can Partner During A Emergency or Disaster
Bruce Stanford began his law enforcement career answering and responding to telephone calls for Jones County. Forty years later, he is still doing a lot of that for the State of Georgia. Stanford is deputy director of the Law Enforcement and Emergency Management division of the Georgia Department of Agriculture. The 1985 Jones County High graduate assumed that position in July of 2024, coming from the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, where he had been since 2001. Stanford, who grew up in Wayside, went straight into law enforcement as a dispatcher for the Jones County Sheriff’s Office when he graduated from high school but took a leave of absence to go through basic training and joined the National Guard
BRUCE STANFORD
9:30am - 10:30am
Track 1 - Law Enforcement & Services:
Testifying at an Animal Crime Case: What you need to know to do and not to do.
SALON 6

Senior Assistant District Attorney, Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit
Time: Friday, October 17, 9:30am - 10:30am
Topic: "Testifying at an Animal Crime Case: What you need to know to do and not to do.
From 2013 – 2016, Ms. Schwartz served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Griffin Judicial Circuit, and in early 2017, was appointed as a Senior Assistant District Attorney in the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit, where she currently serves as a member of the Drug Prosecutions Division. In addition to her work in drug prosecutions, Ms. Schwartz also specializes in the prosecution of animal cruelty cases. She was one of a core group of Georgia lawyers whose efforts contributed to both the passage of the Animal Protection Act of 2000, which provided for felony punishment for certain acts of animal cruelty, and HB 863, which revised Georgia’s Cruelty to Animal’s Statute in 2014. In 2011, she received a Prosecutor Recognition Award from the Humane Society of the United States for her work on the trial of a defendant who was convicted of violently beating a dog to death with a garden hoe, in addition to other crimes.
KIMBERLY S. SCHWARTZ
9:30am - 10:30am
Track 2 - Emergency Management/Disaster Preparedness:
What we’ve learned with recent disasters in NC, TN, GA, CA & TX
and how we can do better in upcoming disasters.
SALON 5

GDA, Director of Emergency Management
Time: Friday, October 17, 9:30am-10:30am
Topic: What we’ve learned with recent disasters in NC, TN, GA, CA & TX and how we can do better in upcoming disasters.
Venessa supports emergency management and homeland security duties for the food and agriculture sector in Georgia. She served as Unified Commander for the 2020 Final Four and Super Bowl LIII Food Defense Branch and as a representative of the Super Bowl LIII Logistics Committee. Venessa serves on the FDA FSMA Intentional Adulteration Workgroup as a state representative, serves as the Georgia representative for the Southern Animal and Agriculture Disaster Response Alliance (SAADRA), and served as the past Board President for the National Alliance of State Animal and Agriculture Emergency Programs (NASAAEP).
VENESSA SIMS

Deputy Regional Disaster Officer, American Red Cross
Time: Friday, October 17, 9:30am-10:30am
Topic: What we’ve learned with recent disasters in NC, TN, GA, CA & TX and how we can do better in upcoming disasters.
Jeremy McLendon is the Deputy Regional Disaster Officer for the American Red Cross in Georgia. A retired U.S. Air Force Fire Chief with more than 20 years of emergency management experience, he has supported major disaster responses, including sheltering and mass care operations during Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In his role, Jeremy helps lead disaster operations and manages state-level partnerships with government and non-governmental agencies to strengthen community readiness and response.
JEREMY C. McLENDON

Director - Disaster Response, IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare)
Time: Friday, October 17, 9:30am-10:30am
Topic: What we’ve learned with recent disasters in NC, TN, GA, CA & TX and how we can do better in upcoming disasters.
Drawing from decades of first-hand experience in disaster zones around the world, Shannon advises governments and local partners in disaster-prone areas, keeping IFAW interventions credible and culturally appropriate. Under Shannon’s leadership, IFAW has made strategic investments in disaster preparedness, building global networks of people and institutions who can quickly deploy. She has also spearheaded IFAW’s successful campaign for the humane treatment of animals in disaster response. With disasters becoming more frequent and the impact more intense, Shannon keeps IFAW’s disaster response teams focused and prepared as the need for IFAW’s expertise, mobility, and boots on the ground increases each year.
SHANNON WALAJTYS

Senior Program Officer, IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare)
Time: Friday, October 17, 9:30am-10:30am
Topic: What we’ve learned with recent disasters in NC, TN, GA, CA & TX and how we can do better in upcoming disasters.
For more than a decade, Kelly has coordinated, supported and/or deployed as part of disaster responses across the country and on multiple continents. Each disaster in which she is involved reminds her that animals and communities in crisis can vary widely in their unique needs. Whether setting up an emergency shelter in the wake of a destructive tornado or helping communities to prepare for future disasters, working effectively across sectors and multiple agencies has been a cornerstone of Kelly’s work in the US at IFAW.
KELLY JOHNSTON

Manager, Disaster Response, ASPCA
Time: Friday, October 17, 9:30am-10:30am
Topic: What we’ve learned with recent disasters in NC, TN, GA, CA & TX and how we can do better in upcoming disasters.
Clint Ganus is a seasoned emergency response professional with over 14 years of specialized experience in animal welfare and disaster operations. Currently serving as a Manager of Disaster Response on the ASPCA’s National Field Response team, Clint plays a vital role in mobilizing and leading field operations during natural and man-made disasters that impact animals and communities across the country.
Since joining the ASPCA, Clint has brought a wealth of field experience, logistical insight, and leadership to complex disaster missions. His expertise spans a wide range of response operations, including emergency sheltering, technical animal rescue, coordination with local and state emergency management, and interagency partnerships to ensure a seamless and humane response to crises.
CLINT GANUS

Owner and Lead Instructor, ASAR Training, Executive Director Animal Incident Management; Senior Director ASAR Training and Response; President - NASAAEP; FEMA NAC PAW Act Subcommittee Member
Time: Friday, October 17, 7:30am-9:10am
Topic: Joint Session with GVMA - Vets and Emergency Management: How Law Enforcement, Animal Control, Shelters, Rescues and Veterinarians Can Partner During A Emergency or Disaster
Eric Thompson is a graduate of Kansas University with a B.G.S. in Environmental Science and graduated the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center with his Police commission. Currently Eric is working as the Executive Director for Animal Incident Management (AIM) in partnership with Bissell Pet Foundation. Eric also serves as Senior Director for the ASAR Training and Response platform which provides animal rescue technician and specialist training along with subject-matter-expert workshops and response. Eric also serves as President of the National Alliance for Animal and Agriculture Emergency Programs (NASAAEP – www.thenasaaep.com); and Eric also sits on the National Advisory Council subcommittee for the Planning for Animal Wellness (PAW) Act to review and update national guidelines for animals in disasters. Eric is working with several States and Task Force teams as a consultant by incorporating animal-related operations into existing Emergency Support Functions. For more information on the Animal Incident Management (AIM) group and ASAR please see https://www.animalincidentmanagement.com and www.asartraining.com.
ERIC THOMPSON
9:30am - 10:30am
Track 3
Animal Sheltering 101: Shelter Cleaning ABCs
SALON 4

Executive Drector, McKamey Animal Center
Time: Friday, October 17, 9:30am-10:30am
Topic: Animal Sheltering 101: Shelter Cleaning ABCs
​
After spending several years as an environmental attorney volunteering with local shelters and wildlife rehabilitation facilities, in 2001 Inga decided to pursue her passion for animal welfare, first with Wyandot County Humane Society and later with Loudoun County Animal Care and Control.
In 2010 she joined the Humane Society of the United States, working in various roles to support animal welfare professionals, helping to launch Spayathon™ for Puerto Rico, authoring and contributing to numerous nationally-utilized best practices publications including HSUS’ Euthanasia Reference Manual, Rescue Group Best Practices Guide and Adopters Welcome, and leading national trainings for the animal protection community.
​
After leaving HSUS she joined Humane Pennsylvania as Director of Community Initiatives, then became Executive Director of McKamey Animal Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee, providing animal protection services for the cities of Chattanooga, Red Bank and Lakesite. In addition to her work at MAC, Inga is an adjunct professor for Canisius College’s Anthrozoology Department and has served on various boards including Shelter Animals Count.
​
She has certifications in technical animal rescue, swift water rescue and large animal rescue and has deployed and assumed leadership responsibilities in dogfighting cases, large scale hoarding cases and natural disaster responses.
INGA FRICKE
10:35am - 11:35am
Track 1, 2 & 3 Everyone:
GA Lawmakers: Round Table Discussion on Several New Animal Laws Passed in 2025 Session:
What they are and what they mean for you and your community.
SALON 5
BURT JONES

Lieutenant Governor
Time: Friday, October 17, 10:35am - 11:35am
Topic: Georgia Lawmakers - Round Table Discussion (Via video message)
Burt Jones is a small business owner and job creator, successful State Senator, husband, father, believer, and 6th generation Georgia native. Answering a call to service, Burt was elected to the State Senate for Georgia’s 25th District in 2012. Over his time in office, Burt has been instrumental in the district’s economic development by attracting new businesses and creating thousands of jobs and opportunities for Middle Georgia. Importantly, Burt led the fight to restore confidence and accountability to our elections process after the disastrous 2020 cycle. In fact, Burt played an integral role in the passage of the Election Integrity Act (S.B. 202) and has been recognized nationally as a leader for election integrity, including by President Donald J. Trump. He was also asked by the Trump Administration to join the Foreign and Domestic Trade Council.
COMMISSIONER TYLER HARPER
Georgia Department of Agriculture
Time: Friday, October 17, 10:35am - 11:35am
Topic: Georgia Lawmakers - Round Table Discussion
Tyler J Harper is Georgia’s 17th Agriculture Commissioner, a 7th generation farmer, a small businessman, and a proud native of rural South Georgia. A lifelong resident of the Peach State, Harper is a champion for Georgia’s #1 industry, the farm families who fuel its success, and all of rural Georgia. He knows that for Georgia’s farmers and producers, agriculture is more than just a job or a hobby – it is our way of life. Harper grows peanuts, cotton, and timber and runs a small cow-calf operation on land that has been in his family for over 100 years in Irwin County, Georgia.

SENATOR KAY KIRKPATRICK
Georgia State Senator
Time: Friday, October 17, 10:35am - 11:35am
Topic: Georgia Lawmakers - Round Table Discussion
Senator Kay Kirkpatrick, MD, a Republican, represents the 32nd District, which includes East Cobb and Sandy Springs. She serves as Chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee and as a member of the Senate Health and Human Services, Insurance and Labor, and Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committees.

REPRESENTATIVE DALE WASHBURN
Georgia State Representative
Time: Friday, October 17, 10:35am - 11:35am
Topic: Georgia Lawmakers - Round Table Discussion
Dale has been active politically for many years. He served as vice chair of the Jones County Commission from 1985 through 1988. He has been involved in the campaigns of a number of congressional and legislative candidates, as well as serving as a political activist in the Realtor Organization for issues involving real estate and private property rights.
He and his wife, Donna, have been married for over 40 years. They have three sons, a daughter, three daughters in law and five grandchildren. They also have an 85 pound mixed breed dog that was rescued from a terrible situation in downtown Macon. He is named Roscoe.
Dale considers it a great honor to have been elected to the Georgia House of Representatives. He is committed to doing his best to do a good job of representing Georgia’s families and Georgia business.

COMMISSIONER MICHELLE LONG SPEARS
DeKalb County Commissioner, District 2
Time: Friday, October 17, 10:35am - 11:35am
Topic: Georgia Lawmakers - Round Table Discussion

Michelle dedicated her life to help others dream big, exceed potential, and acquire the resources required to be successful and prosperous — while remaining grounded in humble beginnings. Michelle graduated from the University of Houston with focuses in sociology and communications. She later earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Public Policy (MPP) from Georgia State University. During the pandemic, she completed a Certificate in Business Management, Ethics, and Finance from Georgia Piedmont Technical College.
CLAUDINE WILKINS
Attorney, Animal Law Expert, Founder - The Animal Protection Society, Animal Law Source and APAW Academy
Time: Friday, October 17, 7:30am-9:10am
Topic: Joint Session with GVMA
Claudine Wilkins is an attorney, animal law expert, founder of Animal Law Source, past chair GA Bar Animal Law Section, co-founder GA Pet Fd. She started her career as a prosecutor in 1997 and gained national attention in one of the largest verdicts in the nation in a landmark liquor liability case involving 3 fatalities. Since 1996, she has assisted in hundreds of animal abuse cases. In 1998, she created the Animal Protection conference.
​
In 2009, Claudine petitioned the State Bar of Georgia to create Animal Law Section which was founded later that year.
In 2014, she founded Animal Law Source, an organization that serves as a resource for animal law professionals across the state and animallawsource.org, a website dedicated to assisting those professionals. Her continuing efforts to draft legislation protecting children and animals resulted in the passage of many state and local laws including: the Georgia Dog Fighting law, The Responsible Dog Owner Act (dangerous dog law) and the Animal Cruelty law and more.
​
The APAW Expo is celebrating its 25th year. Through these 25 years, Claudine has trained over 11,000 professionals, and she continues teaching prosecutors, judges, attorneys, police, animal control officers, veterinarians, vet techs, animal shelter staff, rescue/foster, dog trainers, students and professionals involved with animals on animal law, animal cruelty, neglect, fighting, abandonment, hoarding, large impound cases, equine cruelty, public safety, dangerous dog issues, dog bite cases and liability issues facing all professions involved.
​


Georgia Capitol Solutions, Inc.
Time: Friday, October 18, 10:35am - 11:30am
Topic: Georgia Lawmakers - Round Table Discussion on Companion Animals
Andy Lord is the principal partner of Georgia Capitol Solutions (GCS), a lobbying, public relations and grassroots development firm. GCS was established in 2006 and has represented over 40 non-profit entities in the state of Georgia.
Andy has worked as a lobbyist for the United States Humane Society, ASPCA and is now with the Georgia Pet Coalition. Specifically, he has worked to advance the animal protection agenda on issues such as cost of animal care, while also stopping legislation detrimental to the cause, such as the advancement of Petland.
ANDY LORD
12:40pam - 1:40pm
Track 1 - Law Enforcement & Services:
Mental Health Challenges: Addressing these in your daily interactions
SALON 6

NOELLE BROWNING,MSW, LCSW
University of Georgia (Veterinary Teaching Hospital)
Time: Friday, October 17, 12:40pm -1:40pm
Topic: Mental Health Challenges: Addressing these in your daily interactions
C. Noelle Browning, MSW, LCSW is the Clinical Counselor at the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital working to provide support to clients who are facing chronic and acute illness or death of their companion animals. In her current role, she has developed wellbeing programming, volunteer programs, and community events for the hospital. Over the last year, she chaired the Athens Area Grief Coalition, assisted with the expansion of Kate's Club children's grief services into the Athens area, and teaches the UGA CERT Disaster Psychology and Veterinary Professional Skills classes.
Before moving to Athens six years ago, she was a lead counselor at the BeginAgain Children's Grief center, served on a local victim advocate coalition, provided Critical Incident Debriefing to the community, and served as a board member of Mental Health America of East Central Florida. She has experience working with individuals, as well as families and groups, in the specialties of medical social work, veterinary social work, hospice, trauma, traumatic loss, veterans mental health, and bereavement in various settings such as hospitals, non-profit organizations, hospices, nursing homes, and private practice. Her experience includes providing educational workshops on grief, communication, compassion fatigue, professional boundaries, cultural competence, and wellbeing to professionals in the hospital settings and in the community over the last 15 years.
12:40pm - 1:40pm
Track 2 - Emergency Management/Disaster Preparedness:
Enhancing Preparedness and Response For Animal Welfare Professionals.
SALON 5

ERIC THOMPSON
Executive Director Animal Incident Management; Senior Director ASAR Training and Response; President - NASAAEP; FEMA NAC PAW Act Subcommittee Member
Time: Friday, October 17, 12:40pm-1:40pm
Topic: Animal Disaster Coordination: Enhancing Preparedness and Response For
Animal Welfare Professionals.
Eric Thompson is a graduate of Kansas University with a B.G.S. in Environmental Science and graduated the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center with his Police commission. Currently Eric is working as the Executive Director for Animal Incident Management (AIM) in partnership with Bissell Pet Foundation. Eric also serves as Senior Director for the ASAR Training and Response platform which provides animal rescue technician and specialist training along with subject-matter-expert workshops and response. Eric also serves as President of the National Alliance for Animal and Agriculture Emergency Programs (NASAAEP – www.thenasaaep.com); and Eric also sits on the National Advisory Council subcommittee for the Planning for Animal Wellness (PAW) Act to review and update national guidelines for animals in disasters. Eric is working with several States and Task Force teams as a consultant by incorporating animal-related operations into existing Emergency Support Functions. For more information on the Animal Incident Management (AIM) group and ASAR please see https://www.animalincidentmanagement.com and www.asartraining.com.
12:40pm - 1:40pm
Track 3
De-escalation of difficult interactions: A preventative approach.
SALON 4

ARA BARONIAN
Director, Basic Training Section, Georgia Public Safety Training Center
Time: Friday, October 17, 12:40pm-1:40pm
Topic: De-escalation of difficult interactions: A preventative approach.
Ara began his Law Enforcement career almost 16 years ago in Milton, GA. After nearly 9 years on patrol, he transitioned to the Georgia Public Safety Training Center as a full-time instructor. He spent the past 7 years in the basic training section and has been its director for the past 3 years. He had the honor of presenting across the country on topics that include self-defense, crime prevention, courtroom security, active shooter, use of force and de-escalation, firearms, legal liability, and community relations. Ara has a beautiful family: a wife of 38 years, and two daughters, 21 and 19. Hobbies include hunting, competitive shooting, golf, motorcycles, and traveling.
1:45pm - 2:45pm
Track 1 - Law Enforcement & Services:
New Animal Ordinances in your community?
Staying up-to-date and enforcing these new procedures.
SALON 6
CLAUDINE WILKINS
Attorney, Animal Law Expert, Founder - The Animal Protection Society, Animal Law Source and APAW Academy
Time: Friday, October 17, 1:45am - 2:45pm
Topic: New Ordinances in your community? Staying up-to-date and enforcing these new procedures.
Claudine Wilkins is an attorney, animal law expert, founder of Animal Law Source, past chair GA Bar Animal Law Section, co-founder GA Pet Fd. She started her career as a prosecutor in 1997 and gained national attention in one of the largest verdicts in the nation in a landmark liquor liability case involving 3 fatalities. Since 1996, she has assisted in hundreds of animal abuse cases. In 1998, she created the Animal Protection conference.
​
In 2009, Claudine petitioned the State Bar of Georgia to create Animal Law Section which was founded later that year.
In 2014, she founded Animal Law Source, an organization that serves as a resource for animal law professionals across the state and animallawsource.org, a website dedicated to assisting those professionals. Her continuing efforts to draft legislation protecting children and animals resulted in the passage of many state and local laws including: the Georgia Dog Fighting law, The Responsible Dog Owner Act (dangerous dog law) and the Animal Cruelty law and more.
​
The APAW Expo is celebrating its 25th year. Through these 25 years, Claudine has trained over 11,000 professionals, and she continues teaching prosecutors, judges, attorneys, police, animal control officers, veterinarians, vet techs, animal shelter staff, rescue/foster, dog trainers, students and professionals involved with animals on animal law, animal cruelty, neglect, fighting, abandonment, hoarding, large impound cases, equine cruelty, public safety, dangerous dog issues, dog bite cases and liability issues facing all professions involved.
​

1:45pm - 2:45pm
Track 2
POST Certification for Animal Control Officers: How the only county in Georgia
has POST certified ACOs, the pros, the cons and how can this happen in your county.
SALON 5

TREY GARCIA
Director Hall County Animal Services
Time: Friday, October 17, 1:45pm-2:45pm
Topic: POST Certification for Animal Control Officers: How the only county in Georgia has POST certified ACOs, the pros, the cons and how can this happen in your county.
Trey Garcia has been dedicated to the field of Animal Services for over 13 years, bringing both experience and vision to every role he has served. Since October 2022, he has led as the Director of Hall County Animal Services, where his leadership played a pivotal role in the shelter achieving "No Kill" status for the first time in its 16-year history in 2024. A lifelong resident of Gainesville, Georgia, Trey is a devoted husband to his wife Hannah and proud father to two sons, Micah and Liam. His passion lies in transforming animal welfare systems and driving meaningful, lasting change both locally in Hall County and throughout the state of Georgia.
1:45pm - 2:45pm
Track 3
Animal Sheltering 102: The Five Freedoms
SALON 4

Executive Director, McKamey Animal Center
Time: Friday, October 17, 1:45pm - 2:45pm
Topic: Animal Sheltering 102: The Five Freedoms
After spending several years as an environmental attorney volunteering with local shelters and wildlife rehabilitation facilities, in 2001 Inga decided to pursue her passion for animal welfare, first with Wyandot County Humane Society and later with Loudoun County Animal Care and Control.
In 2010 she joined the Humane Society of the United States, working in various roles to support animal welfare professionals, helping to launch Spayathon™ for Puerto Rico, authoring and contributing to numerous nationally-utilized best practices publications including HSUS’ Euthanasia Reference Manual, Rescue Group Best Practices Guide and Adopters Welcome, and leading national trainings for the animal protection community.
​
After leaving HSUS she joined Humane Pennsylvania as Director of Community Initiatives, then became Executive Director of McKamey Animal Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee, providing animal protection services for the cities of Chattanooga, Red Bank and Lakesite. In addition to her work at MAC, Inga is an adjunct professor for Canisius College’s Anthrozoology Department and has served on various boards including Shelter Animals Count.
​
She has certifications in technical animal rescue, swift water rescue and large animal rescue and has deployed and assumed leadership responsibilities in dogfighting cases, large scale hoarding cases and natural disaster responses.
INGA FRICKE
3:15pm - 4:30pm
Track 1
How Court Case with Sandy Springs Man Killing His Fiancé’s Dog, Was WON!
SALON 5

JILL HOLLANDER
Chief Senior Assistant District Attorney, Fulton County, Georgia
Time: Friday, October 17, 3:15 - 4:30pm
Topic: How Court Case with Sandy Springs Man Killing His Fiancé’s Dog, Was WON!
Jill has been at the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office for over 18 years. She Specializes in domestic violence, animal cruelty, and technology based investigation and prosecution. Jill utilizes the powerful technological tools available to her to ensure the discovery and admissibility of digital evidence in cases.
Jill graduated from Tufts University with a BA in Psychology and Comparative Religions and from Emory University School of Law in 2002.

DETECTIVE J.T. WILLIAMS
Sandy Springs Police Department
Time: Friday, October 17, 3:15 - 4:30pm
Topic: How Court Case with Sandy Springs Man Killing His Fiancé’s Dog, Was WON!
Detective J.T. Williams was an integral part of this horrific case and will be on hand to talk about his role in getting a conviction on this animal abuser.

OFFICER KELLIE SMITH
Sandy Springs Police Department
Time: Friday, October 17, 3:15 - 4:30pm
Topic: How Court Case with Sandy Springs Man Killing His Fiancé’s Dog, Was WON!
Officer Kellie Smith helped with this case and will be on hand to talk about her role in getting a conviction on this animal abuser.
3:15pm - 4:30pm
Track 2
Recognizing Parrot Neglect and Abuse
SALON 4

MIKE BAUTSCH
Certified Avian Specialist, Founder/CEO,Georgia Aviary, Inc.
Time: Friday, October 17, 12:40pm -1:40pm
Topic: Recognizing Parrot Neglect and Abuse
Michael Bautsch, CEO and Founder of The Georgia Aviary, merges a lifelong passion for parrot welfare with over 30 years of expertise in the IT industry. As a Certified Avian Specialist, Michael's commitment to the care and conservation of birds has deepened, evident in his hands-on approach and ongoing educational pursuits. Leading an IT company specializing in Apple devices honed his skills in project management and customer relations, enabling him to ensure
The Georgia Aviary operates smoothly while engaging effectively with its community. Beyond his professional achievements, Michael and his wife have dedicated over a decade to providing rescue parrots with a loving and nurturing environment. This personal mission led to the creation of The Georgia Aviary, aiming to offer sanctuary to parrots in need and educate the public on their care. Michael's passion for avian welfare has also inspired him to author publications in the field, including a children's book, Baby the Brave Cockatoo and Of Crests and Curiosities: The Fascinating Life of Cockatoos, sharing his knowledge and love for these vibrant creatures. Currently, he is working on A Symphony of Colors: Exploring the Life of Macaws, further contributing to avian literature. At 56, Michael continues to lead by example, advocating for parrot rescue and rehabilitation. His career, enriched by aligning personal passions with professional endeavors, stands as a testament to the impact one can make in the avian conservation community.
3:15pm - 4:30pm
Track 3
Ask the Trainer - From Rescue to Home
SALON 6

VICTORIA STILWELL
Founder Positively, World-renowned Dog Trainer and Behavior Expert
Time: Friday, October 17, 3:15pm -4:30pm
Topic: Ask the Trainer: From rescue to the home
Victoria Stilwell is a world-renowned dog trainer and behavior expert best known as the star of the international hit TV series It's Me or the Dog (Animal Planet US) as well as Greatest American Dog on CBS, Dogs Might Fly on Sky One, Dogs with Extraordinary Jobs on Love Nature (coming in 2020 on Smithsonian Channel US), and her hit web series about the real world of police K-9’s and their handlers, Guardians of the Night.
A passionate advocate for positive dog training methods, Stilwell is the Editor-in-Chief of Positively.com, the founder of the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training & Behavior, and the CEO of Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training – the world’s premier network of positive dog trainers. A best-selling author, Stilwell’s fifth book, The Ultimate Guide to Raising a Puppy will be released on October 1st 2019.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2025
SPONSORED BY FIX GEORGIA PETS
Animal Shelters/Rescues/Fosters/Spay/Neuter
8:00am - 9:010am - Salon 4 & 5
Targeted TNR: How Partners Came Together to TNR over 166 cats in 2 days


TRICIA HOLDER
Executive Director, Fix Georgia Pets
Time: Saturday, October 18, 8:00am - 9:00am
Topic: Targeted TNR: How Partners Came Together to TNR over 166 cats in 2 days
With 23+ years business development, marketing, and human resource experience across various companies, Tricia is now harnessing her executive leadership to expand the reach of Fix Georgia Pets’ spay/neuter grants throughout Georgia to help end pet over-population and the senseless euthanasia of companion animals.


CHERYL McCORMICK, Ph.D.
CEO, Athens Area Humane Society
Time: Saturday, October 18, 8:00am - 9:00am
Topic: Targeted TNR: How Partners Came Together to TNR over 166 cats in 2 days
Influential, engaging leader who builds and executes strategies of impact for nonprofit organizations – applying financial acumen, building buy-in for mission delivery, reframing Board objectives, and expanding revenue and philanthropic gifts through relationship-driven fundraising, storytelling, and exceptional donor experiences. Improves financial health with budget oversight and fiscal analyses; sets governance standards and efficient operations practices. Passion for animal welfare, wildlife conservation, and habitat preservation. Avid researcher and technical/grant writer. Bias for action.


Lori Trahan
​Associate Director, Academic Strategy and Finance, Kennesaw State University
Time: Saturday, October 18, 8:00am - 9:00am
Topic: Targeted TNR: How Partners Came Together to TNR over 166 cats in 2 days
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Lori has worked in data and systems management for Kennesaw State University for the last five years. Prior to that, she served in Career Services roles for over 20 years at 3 institutions. She has been at her current institution for 20 years. Lori has also been a faculty member for the NACE Career Coaching Intensive Program since 2014, where she specializes in Coaching Ethics in addition to the other topics she teaches. She is a board certified coach who works with private clients. She obtained her MA in Student Personnel Services from Northwestern State University, and her PhD in Counselor Education from the University of Georgia. Lori is a volunteer with Red Rover, a national animal disaster response organization, as well as providing consulting for several animal related non-profits in Georgia. She previously worked with the Good Mews Animal Foundation as a volunteer and board member for 23 years.


DIVIYA RONEY
Director of Cat Programs, Humane Society of Forsyth County
Time: Saturday, October 18, 8:00am - 9:00am
Topic: Targeted TNR: How Partners Came Together to TNR over 166 cats in 2 days
Diviya brings 14+ years of lifesaving experience and a deep love of cats to her role at HSFC. A Fear Free Certified professional and founder of the Frida and Max Foundation, she’s dedicated to keeping cats safe, healthy, and loved both on the streets and in forever homes. Before joining us, Diviya served as Director of Cat Programs at Furkids, helping lead one of the region’s largest cage-free shelters. She shares her home (and likely her keyboard) with her three cats: Wally, Jacob, and Sarafina.
Animal Shelters/Rescues/Fosters/Spay/Neuter
9:30am - 12:00pm - Salon 4 & 5
ROUND TABLE DISCUSSIONS: Rescue Shelter Relationships: Pull processes and relationship building, Navigating the Vet Shortage How to Provide Low Cost Spay/Neuter Options in Rural Areas, Fundraising: How to Navigate Fundraising During Challenging Economic Times

TREY GARCIA
Director Hall County Animal Services
Time: Saturday, October 18, 9:30am - 12:00pm
Topic: Round Table Resources: Rescue Shelter Relationships: Pull processes and relationship building, Navigating the Vet Shortage How to Provide Low Cost Spay/Neuter Options in Rural Areas, Fundraising: How to Navigate Fundraising During Challenging Economic Times
Trey Garcia has been dedicated to the field of Animal Services for over 13 years, bringing both experience and vision to every role he has served. Since October 2022, he has led as the Director of Hall County Animal Services, where his leadership played a pivotal role in the shelter achieving "No Kill" status for the first time in its 16-year history in 2024. A lifelong resident of Gainesville, Georgia, Trey is a devoted husband to his wife Hannah and proud father to two sons, Micah and Liam. His passion lies in transforming animal welfare systems and driving meaningful, lasting change both locally in Hall County and throughout the state of Georgia.
CJ BENTLY
CEO, Planned Pethood
Time: Saturday, October 18, 9:30am - 12:00pm
Topic: Round Table Resources: Rescue Shelter Relationships: Pull processes and relationship building, Navigating the Vet Shortage How to Provide Low Cost Spay/Neuter Options in Rural Areas, Fundraising: How to Navigate Fundraising During Challenging Economic Times
CJ has been at Planned PEThood of Georgia for 2 years. Their mission is critical and they're fighting the good fight - keeping pets in homes and out of overcrowded animal shelters - every, single day. We truly make a difference in our communities. Our neighbors count on us for low-cost sterilization services and affordable/accessible wellness care for their pets. We are also a trusted provider of sterilization services to animal shelters and municipalities in need of veterinary support for their shelter animals to include hosting community events that provide free vaccines and assistance with low cost spay/neuter surgeries.

BARBARA BRUIGOM
Fouder/Executive Director, The Rescue Ranch
Time: Saturday, October 18, 9:30am - 12:00pm
Topic: Round Table Resources: Rescue Shelter Relationships: Pull processes and relationship building, Navigating the Vet Shortage How to Provide Low Cost Spay/Neuter Options in Rural Areas, Fundraising: How to Navigate Fundraising During Challenging Economic Times
Barbara Bruigom is president/founder of The Rescue Ranch located in McRae Helena Georgia. The Rescue Ranch provides high quality/high volume, low cost/no cost spay & neuter services to over ½ the state of Georgia. Originally intended for wildlife rescue/rehab and release, the 2004 hurricanes Frances and Jeanne changed that course. In March 2005, after being wiped out by hurricanes Frances and Jeanne, Barbara moved to the very rural area of McRae, GA. She saw firsthand the plight of rural animals. Disgusted by no animal controls, no spay/neuter options Barbara began writing for s/n grants and networking with the veterinarians to solve the pet overpopulation problem in middle GA.

MARK DOWIS
Director of Development, Good Mews
Time: Saturday, October 18, 9:30am - 12:00pm
Topic: Round Table Resources: Rescue Shelter Relationships: Pull processes and relationship building, Navigating the Vet Shortage How to Provide Low Cost Spay/Neuter Options in Rural Areas, Fundraising: How to Navigate Fundraising During Challenging Economic Times
Mark C. Dowis joins Good Mews as its first Director of Development with over 25 years of senior level experience in fundraising, business development, marketing, external affairs, and general management in large non-profits, in state and federal government, and in U.S. based and international corporate enterprises. Mark was raised in Hawaii and is an Honors graduate of Florida State University with dual degrees in International Management and Administration and Political Science.
In his non-profit endeavors, Mark spent over 15 years as the chief fundraiser for Paralyzed Veterans of America, (PVA) where he was responsible for raising over $110 million annually of diversified and sustainable revenue to support PVA’s Mission and programs designed to help disabled Americans and paralyzed veterans access the benefits and quality of life that they earned through their service and sacrifice. As an entrepreneur Mark started-up, successfully lead, and sold two venture capital and private equity funded companies. In the corporate world Mark served as a senior manager for three $500 million plus companies where he led their Strategic Planning, Marketing, and Business Development business units. As a consultant, and at marketing agencies, Mark’s clients included some of America’s and the world’s leading non- and for-profit organizations.

Animal Shelters/Rescues/Fosters/Spay/Neuter
1:00pm - 2:00pm - Salon 4 &
Marketing for Adoption: Best Ways to Get Dogs & Cats Adopted
During These Times of Over Crowded Shelters

KRISTY VAUGHN
Co-Founder/Lead Writer/Editor, Clover - Rescue Enrichment Partners
Time: Saturday, October 18, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Topic: “Adopt Me!”: A Masterclass on Marketing for Rescue Pets
Kristy Vaughn is a founding partner at Clover Rescue Enrichment Partners, where she sparks connection through social media. A proud foster fail, she shares her home with three rescued pitties—Teddy, Nellie, and Grace. Kristy has a knack for storytelling and an interest in connecting with people. She understands the challenges of the rescue world, and that’s why she’s committed to helping others navigate.
Animal Shelters/Rescues/Fosters/Spay/Neuter
2:30pm - 3:30pm - Salon 4 & 5
Compassion Fatigue: Strategies for Success (Part 1)

NOELLE BROWNING,MSW, LCSW
University of Georgia (Veterinary Teaching Hospital)
Time: Friday, October 18, 2:30pm -3:30pm
Topic: Compassion Fatigue: Strategies for Success (Part 1)
C. Noelle Browning, MSW, LCSW is the Clinical Counselor at the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital working to provide support to clients who are facing chronic and acute illness or death of their companion animals. In her current role, she has developed wellbeing programming, volunteer programs, and community events for the hospital. Over the last year, she chaired the Athens Area Grief Coalition, assisted with the expansion of Kate's Club children's grief services into the Athens area, and teaches the UGA CERT Disaster Psychology and Veterinary Professional Skills classes.
Before moving to Athens six years ago, she was a lead counselor at the BeginAgain Children's Grief center, served on a local victim advocate coalition, provided Critical Incident Debriefing to the community, and served as a board member of Mental Health America of East Central Florida. She has experience working with individuals, as well as families and groups, in the specialties of medical social work, veterinary social work, hospice, trauma, traumatic loss, veterans mental health, and bereavement in various settings such as hospitals, non-profit organizations, hospices, nursing homes, and private practice. Her experience includes providing educational workshops on grief, communication, compassion fatigue, professional boundaries, cultural competence, and wellbeing to professionals in the hospital settings and in the community over the last 15 years.
Animal Shelters/Rescues/Fosters/Spay/Neuter
3:35pm - 4:35pm - Salon 4 & 5
Grief and Loss: Finding Resiliency and Preventing Burnout (Part 2)

NOELLE BROWNING,MSW, LCSW
University of Georgia (Veterinary Teaching Hospital)
Time: Friday, October 18, 3:35pm - 4:35pm
Topic: Grief and Loss: Finding Resiliency and Preventing Burnout (Part 2)
C. Noelle Browning, MSW, LCSW is the Clinical Counselor at the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital working to provide support to clients who are facing chronic and acute illness or death of their companion animals. In her current role, she has developed wellbeing programming, volunteer programs, and community events for the hospital. Over the last year, she chaired the Athens Area Grief Coalition, assisted with the expansion of Kate's Club children's grief services into the Athens area, and teaches the UGA CERT Disaster Psychology and Veterinary Professional Skills classes.
Before moving to Athens six years ago, she was a lead counselor at the BeginAgain Children's Grief center, served on a local victim advocate coalition, provided Critical Incident Debriefing to the community, and served as a board member of Mental Health America of East Central Florida. She has experience working with individuals, as well as families and groups, in the specialties of medical social work, veterinary social work, hospice, trauma, traumatic loss, veterans mental health, and bereavement in various settings such as hospitals, non-profit organizations, hospices, nursing homes, and private practice. Her experience includes providing educational workshops on grief, communication, compassion fatigue, professional boundaries, cultural competence, and wellbeing to professionals in the hospital settings and in the community over the last 15 years.
THANK YOU FOR A GREAT 26TH ANNUAL APAW EXPO!
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR.
VIRTUAL COURSES & RECORDED COURSES WILL BE
AVAILABLE ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2025
and will be available to view until Feb. 1, 2026​
​

WILL LOWREY
Founder and Legal Counsel for Animal Partisan
VIRTUAL COURSE - AVAILABLE MONDAY, OCTOBER 27TH
Topic: Unique Challenges Pursuing Justice for Farmed Animals
Will Lowrey is the founder and Legal Counsel for Animal Partisan, a legal advocacy organization focused on challenging unlawful conduct in animal agriculture and experimentation. Prior to his current role, Will worked for another animal protection nonprofit where he divided his time between civil litigation and providing counsel for undercover investigations. Will currently teaches Animal Law at the University of Oklahoma College of Law and has also taught at Vermont Law and Graduate School and the University of St. Thomas School of Law. Will lives in rural Virginia with several formerly farmed animals and writes fictional books about animals in his spare time.

WILLIAM GOREN
Attorney, Service Animal Expert
VIRTUAL COURSE - AVAILABLE MONDAY, OCTOBER 27TH
Topic: Roadmap for Dealing with ESA’s and Impact of Supreme Court’s Decision
in Loper Bright Enterprises, Inc. v. Raimondo
William D. Goren is one of the country’s foremost authorities on the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. For 28 years and continuing, he has been advising on ADA compliance as both an attorney and professor—of which during his time as a full-time academic at various institutions in Chicago, he won numerous teaching awards and achieved tenure.

WILLIAM GOREN
Attorney, Service Animal Expert
VIRTUAL COURSE - AVAILABLE MONDAY, OCTOBER 27TH
Topic: Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act;
What Everyone Needs to Know
William D. Goren is one of the country’s foremost authorities on the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. For 28 years and continuing, he has been advising on ADA compliance as both an attorney and professor—of which during his time as a full-time academic at various institutions in Chicago, he won numerous teaching awards and achieved tenure.

DENISE FLECK
The Pet Crusader, Sunny Dog Ink
VIRTUAL COURSE - AVAILABLE MONDAY, OCTOBER 27TH
Topic: Pet Safety, Emergency Treatment for Your Pets, Pet CPR
Pet Safety Crusader™ Denise Fleck was raised by a Great Dane and has spent her life loving animals. As dog mom to 'lucky 13' dogs and cat mom to once, she has written hundreds of articles and authored more than a dozen books, include The Dog Writers' Association's "Best Children's Book" for her Don't Judge a Book by its Cover which teaches children 0 - 99 to never judge an animal by its breed, age fur color or anything, a lesson that obviously translates to other aspects of our lives. Fleck is also the proud recipient of four Maxwell Medallions from the Dog Writers’ Association and two Muse Awards from the Cat Writers Association.
A former studio publicist, Fleck followed her heart by ‘going to the dogs, cats, rabbits and other species,’ andafter extensive training and practice, developed her own Pet First-Aid & CPR curriculum as well as a five-month long animal-care course for high school students. She has personally instructed more than 31,000 pet parents, professional pet sitters, obedience trainers, groomers and doggie day care providers, and has reached millions more through her television appearances, including CBS –TV’s The Doctors, Animal Planet and CNN. Denise also has the honor of teaching in the homes of Oprah Winfrey, Kirstie Alley, several Playboy Playmates and other celebrities and also teaches online and via LIVE Teleconference across the globe. Currently, she spends her time teaching the next generation of Pet First Aid Instructors.
Fleck has served as the President of The Grey Muzzle Organization since 2017. Grey Muzzle is a 501 c3 that provides grant funding to shelters and rescues worldwide for senior dog programs and to-date, has awarded close to $5 million since founded in 2008. Fleck also serves on the board of the Emma Zen Foundation, providing pet oxygen masks to First Responders, has twice been a finalist as Pet Industry’s Woman of the Year, is the Past President of the Volunteers of the Burbank Animal Shelter and the recipient of the Burbank Police Department’s Volunteer of the Year Award for drafting the city’s animal emergency plan. She now resides in Villa Rica, Georgia with her husband, Paul, and their senior rescued Akita, Wishy. Learn more at www.PetSafetyCrusader.com

CARRIE DUCOTE
Principal Consultant, Shelter Savvy
VIRTUAL COURSE - AVAILABLE MONDAY, OCTOBER 27TH
Topic: Shelter Assessments: What they are, why you need one, and the most common mistakes shelters are making.
Carrie Ducote started volunteering at her local animal shelter in 2007 and got hooked on the industry. She spent four years working as the adoption manager at Atlanta Humane Society and one year as the operations manager at Georgia SPCA. In 2015, she joined Best Friends Animal Society where she spent 8 years in a variety of roles, primarily at the executive level consulting with shelter leadership nationally to decrease euthanasia. She holds a bachelor's degree in biology, master's degree in anthrozoology and institutional certificates in animal services executive leadership and cat lifesaving.

KATRINA AMARO
Gwinnett County Animal Welfare
VIRTUAL COURSE - AVAILABLE MONDAY, OCTOBER 27TH
Topics: 1. Veterinarians & Shelters: Vital Partnerships. Why creating a trusting
relationship with local vets is vital to winning cases.
2. What Vet Students Need To Know With Animal Abuse & Animal Welfare
Katrina is a highly experienced animal lover with a passion for animal welfare since 1999. Her journey began as an intern at the Niagara Falls Aquarium for Marine Biology, where she discovered her love for animals. She then worked for over five years as an assistant manager at a Doggie Daycare / Boarding facility, refining her skills in animal care and management. In 205 Katrina completed her associate degree in criminal justice technologies from Gwinnett Technical College. In 2016, Katrina joined the Gwinnett County animal control team as a kennel officer ACOI, rapidly rising through the ranks to become a Cruelty and Neglect Investigator ACOIII. Katrina was appointed to the Special Operations Manager in January 2023, her responsibilities included managing all bite cases, neglect and cruelty cases, court and probation, and rescue operations. In January 2024 Katrina was appointed as the Division Director over Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement. When she's not working, Katrina enjoys reading, rock hounding, arts and crafts, reading, and spending quality time with her family, dogs, and reptiles. Her commitment to animal welfare is exceptional, making her an invaluable asset to the Gwinnett County team.

CAROL MITHERS
Author and Journalist
VIRTUAL COURSE - AVAILABLE MONDAY, OCTOBER 27TH
Topics: Rethinking Rescue: Dog Lady and the Story of America's Forgotten People
and Pets - The story behind the book
Carol Mithers is a Los Angeles-based journalist who has been writing about the city and extraordinary women for over 30 years. Her book Rethinking Rescue: Dog Lady and the Story of America’s Forgotten People and Pets has been praised by The Washington Post, DAME, Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly and featured by NPR’s Here and Now and Psychology Today. Her previous book, Mighty Be Our Powers: How Sisterhood, Prayer, and Sex Changed a Nation at War, written with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Leymah Gbowee, was a finalist for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize and has been reprinted in 14 languages. Her shorter work has appeared in The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Village Voice, LA Weekly, O the Oprah Magazine, Capital & Main, DAME, Talk Poverty, Los Angeles Magazine and many more. She’s had three rescue dogs.

KATIE R. SANDERS, NCACIP NCFRC
CEO/Founder Unicorn Sober Services
VIRTUAL COURSE - AVAILABLE MONDAY, OCTOBER 28TH
Topics: "Turner and Hooch": Addiction And The Pets Without A Voice
Katie Sanders began her recovery career working as a counselor in a private detox in Alpharetta, Georgia. Most recently, she has been providing sober services such as coaching, intervention and companion services to individuals and families on a highly confidential basis.
Katie’s career in detox initiated after completing time in a sober community learning the importance of developing a recovery program to increase chances for long term sobriety. She had a broad range of experience in 12 Step programs, developing sober relationships, crisis intervention and relapse prevention.
Katie’s experience in detox set the stage for Katie to pursue her passion outside a corporation and into the lives of individuals and families struggling to “get and remain” sober. Katie believes removing the addiction or seeking help for mental health is the first step in recovery. The next step in the journey is establishing an individual program of recovery to garner a “Happy, Joyous and Free” way of life!
Katie has maintained a high rate of success working in private interventions with the goal of encouraging an individual to take the next step, with appropriate boundaries, to get the help that is warranted for each crisis situation. Katie has also guided many to establishing a life where recovery comes before other responsibilities in life so life responsibilities can be met with ease and comfort.
Katie received her Bachelor of Finance and Risk Management Insurance, with Honors, from the Terry School of Business at the University of Georgia. She is a Nationally Certified Advanced Clinical Interventional Professional (NCACIP) and a Nationally Certified Family Recovery Coach (NCFRC) in the country. As a speaker and sponsor in a 12 Step program, Katie is in high demand.

EMILY RAPACH
Wildlife Biologist 2, Urban Wildlife Program, Wildlife Resources Division, A division of the GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
VIRTUAL COURSE - AVAILABLE MONDAY, OCTOBER 27TH
Topics: Human - Wild Conflict
Emily Rapach is a biologist with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Urban Wildlife Program (UWP). The UWP is dedicated to handling human-wildlife conflict in the metro-Atlanta and Savannah areas. Emily focuses on deer management and research in urban areas. Prior to starting her career with Georgia DNR, Emily worked on the Urban/Suburban Black Bear Study in Asheville, North Carolina, and has worked with other state agencies such as South Carolina DNR and South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks.

JAMES CROSBY, M.S., CBCC-KA
Canine Agression Expert
VIRTUAL COURSE - AVAILABLE MONDAY, OCTOBER 27TH
Topic: Case Study of Dog Bite Related Fatalities
Mr. Crosby is a retired Police Lieutenant and has professionally trained dogs, taught individual and group obedience classes, and addressed canine behavior problems since 1999. He serves as Division Management Consultant of Jacksonville Animal Care and Protective Services, the municipal agency responsible for rescue and adoption needs, investigation of animal cruelty, animal fighting, and regulation of Dangerous Dogs for residents of Jacksonville. Holding a Master of Science in Veterinary Forensic Medicine, Jim is recognized in and out of Court as an expert in the US and Canada on Dangerous Dogs, canine aggression, fatal dog attacks, and related issues. Jim teaches safe handling and rehabilitation of Dangerous Dogs and Investigation of Fatal and Serious Dog Attacks to police, animal control agencies, and others across the US and Canada. He has been instrumental in a number of successful prosecutions focused on dog related fatalities.