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.
2024 APAW Expo Speakers
(listed in order of appearance)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2024
7:30am - 9:10am - Salon 2
Track 1 - Law Enforcement & Services:
Joint Session with GVMA - TBA
CLAUDINE WILKINS
Attorney, Animal Law Expert, Founder - The Animal Protection Society, Animal Law Source and APAW Academy
Time: Friday, October 18, 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.
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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.
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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.
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DR. M. DUFFY JONES
Author and Veterinarian at Peachtree Hills Animal Hospital
Time: Friday, October 18, 7:30am-9:10am Track 1
Topic: Joint Session with GVMA - Intelligent Use of AI: The Opportunities and Requirements Related to the Use of New Technologies in the Practice of Veterinary Medicine and How AI affects Animal Case Investigations
Dr. M. Duffy Jones, completed his Bachelor of Science degree in biology at the University of Notre Dame and obtained his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine. He then completed an internship at Georgia Veterinary Specialist in 2000. In 2005, he founded Peachtree Hills Animal Hospital located in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Jones is a past president and the current treasurer of the GVMA. He is the co-author of The Business Side of Veterinary Medicine: What Veterinary Schools Do Not Teach You, published in 2017. Dr. Jones founded dvmSuccess in 2019 with a vision of applying his expertise, diverse experience and 21st century technology to the task of upgrading the practice financial advisory service and related services that serve the veterinary market.
DON RIDDICK, ESQ.
Author and Attorney
Time: Friday, October 18, 7:30am-9:10am Track 1
Topic: Joint Session with GVMA - Intelligent Use of AI: The Opportunities and Requirements Related to the Use of New Technologies in the Practice of Veterinary Medicine and How AI affects Animal Case Investigations
Don Riddick is an attorney, former practice owner, and former LVT. He's published numerous articles on veterinary law, and is the former secretary of the Animal Law Section of the Georgia Bar. Consulting with veterinarians in Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, he uses a practical and business focused approach to answering questions on compliance with legal requirements of the veterinary profession, client disputes, and business law. Don's lighthearted examples from two decades in law and a decade running a practice help the time fly with easily remembered examples, like the 99% wolf/1% dog client, the possum-cat, and the chihuahua divorce. Don's spare time is spent in the field with his two Italian Spinoni and providing meals for horse riding events. He authors the blog "Better Vet Practices" at Bettervet.org.
9:30am - 10:30am - Salon 4
Track 1 - Law Enforcement & Services:
Dangerous Dog Management: We were making progress until this happened…
DOUG EDDINS
Founder and Executive Director, American Cruelty Investigations School
Time: Friday, October 18, 9:30am-10:30am Track 1
Topic: Dangerous Dog Management: We were making progress until this happened…
Doug Eddins earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at the University of Louisville College of Business in Louisville, KY. He brings law enforcement experience and application of constitutional law during criminal investigations to AACIS.
He is an instructor at Gulf Coast State College and teaches the state-mandated animal control officer certification classes for the Florida Animal Control Association. Additionally, he serves as a court-appointed cruelty investigator and assists other law enforcement and animal control agencies across the country with cruelty investigations
9:30am - 10:30am - Salon 5
Track 2 - Emergency Management/Disaster Preparedness:
Round Table Discussion - Do You Know What to Do in Natural or Man-Made Disasters,
Are Your Officers or Department prepared?
National Director for American Humane
Time: Friday, October 18, 9:30am-10:30am
Topic: Round Table Discussion - Do You Know What to Do in Natural or Man-Made Disasters, Are Your Officers or Department prepared? Emergency Management Systems and Intergovernmental Collaborations.
Josh is the National Director, American Humane Rescue, a past President of the National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition (NARSC), and the Co-Chair of the Animal Search and Rescue (ASAR) Best Practice Working Group (BPWG). Working with Federal, Tribal, State, County, Local, and NGO partner agencies focused on finding collaborative solutions to major human-animal emergency issues. He responds to a variety of disasters both natural and man-made as a liaison and SME for NARSC and state partners and as boots on the ground resource for Agencies Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) as Team Lead for American Humane Rescue. He has filled many positions throughout responses, from rescue operations in the field, emergency animal shelters, and in EOCs, with over 65 incidents in the past 14 years including last year’s Spalding County, GA Tornado response, Typhoon Mawar in Guam, Spokane, WA wildfires, Hurricane Ian and Ida, and Eastern Kentucky floods to name a few. When not deployed he oversees the American Humane Rescue Program, fleet in 6 regions, an Instructor for American Humane Rescue’s Basic Animal Emergency Services class, Disaster Sheltering for Companion Animals, and supports community preparedness. He is a former member of Douglas County, Colorado Search and Rescue. Trained in ICS, Search, Technical High/ Low Angle and Winter Rope Rescue, Avalanche, Swift Water, and Wildland Fire Rescue, Animal Handling, Forensics, and Emergency Animal Shelters. He lives in Castle Rock, Colorado with his Wife, 3 dogs, and cat.
JOSH CARY
JILL JOHNS
Georgia Southern University IHLA
Time: Friday, October 18, 9:30am-10:30am
Topic: Round Table Discussion - Do You Know What to Do in Natural or Man-Made Disasters, Are Your Officers or Department prepared? Emergency Management Systems and Intergovernmental Collaborations.
Engaging professional with twenty-five years of progressive responsibility in startup, corporate,
and academic environments, as well as public health, finance, manufacturing, and customer
service, including extensive experience in change management and workforce development.
Consistently demonstrates strategic growth by developing, advancing, and implementing
operations through systems thinking, process improvement, program coordination, and strong
partnerships. Possesses an established track record of creating and implementing successful
projects and training programs aimed at strategic growth and interpersonal skill development.
GEMA/HS State Meterorologis
Time: Friday, October 18, 9:30am-10:30am
Topic: Round Table Discussion - Do You Know What to Do in Natural or Man-Made Disasters, Are Your Officers or Department prepared? Emergency Management Systems and Intergovernmental Collaborations.
Will advises State leadership about weather systems that pose risk to Georgia. He facilitates communication between the National Weather Service, local media, and GEMA/HS. He manages various weather-related projects.
WILL LANXTON
MIKE PERKINS
Director, Cruelty Investigation Division, Atlanta Humane Society
Time: Friday, October 18, 9:30am-10:30am
Topic: Round Table Discussion - Do You Know What to Do in Natural or Man-Made Disasters, Are Your Officers or Department prepared? Emergency Management Systems and Intergovernmental Collaborations.
Mike is a former police officer, canine handler, and trainer, who retired from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department after a 23-year career. Mike is also a Master Trainer for the North American Police Work Dog Association, where he regularly trains and certifies K9 teams from across the United States. He was the past director for the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Task Force supervising animal investigations, rescues, and disaster response. He has 20 years of animal welfare, rescue, investigation, and disaster response experience.
HARLAN PROVEAUX
Chief of Law Enforcement. Georgia Department of Agriculture
Time: Friday, October 18, 9:30am-10:30am
Topic: Round Table Discussion - Do You Know What to Do in Natural or Man-Made Disasters, Are Your Officers or Department prepared? Emergency Management Systems and Intergovernmental Collaborations.
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.
Director of the Animal Protection Unit, Atlanta Humane
Time: Friday, October 18, 9:30am-10:30am
Topic: Round Table Discussion - Do You Know What to Do in Natural or Man-Made Disasters, Are Your Officers or Department prepared? Emergency Management Systems and Intergovernmental Collaborations.
Tracy Reis came to The Atlanta Humane Society in February 2015 as the Director of Operations -Howell Mill Campus and Director of Disaster response. Prior to that, she was the Director of Operations at the Humane Society of South Mississippi for 2 years. She was also the National Director over Emergency Services at American Humane from 2006-2012 and lead the Red Star team on over 45 responses including Fires, Hurricanes, puppy mills, and hoarding cases. This also includes a nine day trip to Haiti at the invitation of the International Fund for Animal Welfare, in Jan 2010. She was the Co-Chair of the Federal Level, Sheltering Best Practice Working Group and sat on multiple local working groups (USAI, Denver CART). She was also a member of NARSC (National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition) since its inception in 2006.
TRACY REIS
GDA, Director of Emergency Management
Time: Friday, October 18, 9:30am-10:30am
Topic: Round Table Discussion - Do You Know What to Do in Natural or Man-Made Disasters, Are Your Officers or Department prepared? Emergency Management Systems and Intergovernmental Collaborations.
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
Program Manager Companion Animal/Equine Division and Program Manager of the Livestock & Poultry Division, Georgia Department of Agriculture
Time: Friday, October 18, 9:30am-10:30am
Topic: Round Table Discussion - Do You Know What to Do in Natural or Man-Made Disasters, Are Your Officers or Department prepared? Emergency Management Systems and Intergovernmental Collaborations.
Jason began his career with the Georgia Department of Agriculture in November 2014. He quickly learned his position as inspector and was promoted to Senior Inspector in March 2016. In September 2019, Jason was promoted to Deputy Manager of the Companion Animal/Equine Program. In April 2022, Jason was promoted to the Program Manager. In addition to these responsibilities, he participates in many special projects and investigations, conducts GDA presentations, and serves on the GDA Incident Management Team as Deputy Operations Chief. Jason’s background is in law enforcement and animal control. He was formerly the Animal Care and Control Director in Habersham County, Ga, where he currently resides. Jason holds an Associate Degree in Business Administration from North Georgia Technical College. He graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, in 2019, from Shorter University.
JASON SMITH
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 18, 9:30am-10:30am
Topic: Round Table Discussion - Do You Know What to Do in Natural or Man-Made Disasters, Are Your Officers or Department prepared? Emergency Management Systems and Intergovernmental Collaborations.
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
President of the Georgia Animal Control Association
Time: Friday, October 18, 9:30am-10:30am
Topic: Round Table Discussion - Do You Know What to Do in Natural or Man-Made Disasters, Are Your Officers or Department prepared? Emergency Management Systems and Intergovernmental Collaborations.
Regenia Willis Wells, the President of the Georgia Animal Control Association, brings 21 years of experience in Animal Control. Currently the sole Animal Control Officer at the City of Adel Police Department in Georgia, Regenia has dedicated 16 years to GACA, previously serving as President and Secretary / Treasurer. Her decorated career highlights her unwavering commitment and recent recognition as Animal Control Officer of the Year.
REGENIA WELLS
10:35am - 11:30am - Salon 5
Track 1 & 2 Everyone:
GA Lawmakers: Round Table Discussion on Companion Animals and Legislative Update
BURT JONES
Lieutenant Governor
Time: Friday, October 18, 10:35am - 11:30am
Topic: Georgia Lawmakers - Round Table Discussion on Companion Animals
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.
SENATOR KAY KIRKPATRICK
Georgia State Senator
Time: Friday, October 18, 10:35am - 11:30am
Topic: Georgia Lawmakers - Round Table Discussion on Companion Animals
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.
Dekalb County Commissioner, District 2
Time: Friday, October 18, 10:35am - 11:30am
Topic: Georgia Lawmakers - Round Table Discussion on Companion Animals
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.
MICHELLE LONG SPEARS
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
12:45pam - 1:25pm - Salon 4
Track 1 - Law Enforcement & Services:
Criminal Case File Analysis: Avoiding Mistakes and Obtaining Best Outcomes
STEPHANIE EDDINS
Lead Animal Cruelty Investigator, Escambia County, FL
Time: Friday, October 18, 12:45pm-1:25 pm
Topic: Investigation Pitfalls: Common Mistakes That Kill A Cruelty Investigation
Stephanie Eddins received her degree in criminal justice from Pensacola State College in Pensacola, Florida. She brings over 30 years of animal experience to the animal law enforcement profession, including growing up caring for more than 30 species of Class I and Class II exotic animals, serving as a licensed veterinary technician in an emergency veterinary hospital, and spending the last 13 years as the lead animal cruelty investigator for the Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare.
Stephanie is a state-registered expert witness for animal cruelty in the State of Florida and has served on several multi-agency task forces including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Alcohol, and Tobacco, and Firearms, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. She also serves as a curriculum development advisor to the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School.
12:45pm - 1:25pm - Salon 5
Track 2 - Track 2 Emergency Management/Disaster Preparedness:
Animal Disaster Coordination: "Bringing It All Together When You Need It"
ERIC THOMPSON
Executive Director Animal Incident Management; Senior Director ASAR Training and Response; President - NASAAEP; FEMA NAC PAW Act Subcommittee Member
Time: Friday, October 18, 12:45pm-1:25am
Topic: Animal Disaster Coordination: "Bringing It All Together When You Need It"
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.
1:30pm - 2:45pm - Salon 4
Track 1 - Law Enforcement & Services:
The Future of Animal Protection in Georgia Round Table
WALTER HATTRICH
City Marshall and Director of Code Compliance, City of Tybee Island Police Department
Time: Friday, October 18, 1:30pm-2:45am
Topic: The Future of Animal Protection in Georgia Round Table
Sgt. Hattrich has worked for the Tybee Island Police Dept. for over 25 years. He has been City Marshall for over 6 years and was promoted to Director of Code Compliance in July 2024.
NINA SCHULZE
Adoption Manager, Humane Society of Greater Savannah
Time: Friday, October 18, 1:30pm-2:45am
Topic: The Future of Animal Protection in Georgia Round Table
Nina Schulze works as a Adoptions Manager at Humane Society of Houston County, which is a Non-Profit & Charitable Organizations company with an estimated 21 employees; and founded in 1994., their management level is Manager. Nina is currently based in United States.
12:45pm - 1:25pm - Salon 5
Track 2 - Track 2 Emergency Management/Disaster Preparedness:
Animal Disaster Coordination: "Bringing It All Together When You Need It"
GDA, Director of Emergency Management
Time: Friday, October 18, 1:30pm-2:45pm
Topic: Animal Disaster Coordination: "Bringing It All Together When You Need It"
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 serves as the Board President for the National Alliance of State Animal and Agriculture Emergency Programs (NASAAEP).
VENESSA SIMS
MIKE PERKINS
Director, Cruelty Investigation Division, Atlanta Humane Society
Time: Friday, October 18, 1:30pm-2:45pm
Topic: Animal Disaster Coordination: "Bringing It All Together When You Need It"
Mike is a former police officer, canine handler, and trainer, who retired from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department after a 23-year career. Mike is also a Master Trainer for the North American Police Work Dog Association, where he regularly trains and certifies K9 teams from across the United States. He was the past director for the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Task Force supervising animal investigations, rescues, and disaster response. He has 20 years of animal welfare, rescue, investigation, and disaster response experience.
3:30pm - 4:30pm -- Salon 4
Track 1 - Law Enforcement & Services:
Pet Safety, Emergency Treatment for Your Pets, Pet CPR
DENISE FLECK
The Pet Crusader, Sunny Dog Ink
Time: Friday, October 18, 3:30pm-4:30am
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
3:30pm - 4:30pm - Salon 5
Track 2 - Track 2 Emergency Management/Disaster Preparedness:
Zoonotic Diseases & Best Practices During Disasters
NICOLE GOTTDENKER
Associate Professor of Anatomic Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, UGA
Time: Friday, October 18, 3:30pm-4:30am
Topic: Emerging and Classical Zoonoses in a Rapidly Changing World
Including Disasters
Dr Gottdenker (DVM, MS, PhD, Dipl ACVP), Professor of Pathology, received her BA in Biology from Colgate University, a DVM from Tuskegee University, an MS in Wildlife Ecology from University of Florida, and a PhD in Ecology from the University of Georgia. She did a residency in zoo and wildlife pathology at the Bronx Zoo. Since 2009, she has been a faculty at the University of Georgia Department of Pathology. She studies the impacts of anthropogenic environmental change on wildlife and vector-borne and zoonotic pathogens.
PLEASE NOTE: TRACK 3 HAS A DIFFERENT TIME SCHEDULE
Track 3 - Public Safety Animals (K9s, Search/Rescue Dogs, Etc.)
8:30am - 9:30am - Salon 6
"Figo's Law" - Georgia's New Public Safety Animal Statute
and The Importance of Veterinary Forensics
Senior Assistant District Attorney, Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit
Time: Friday, October 18, 8:30am - 9:30am
Topic: "Figo's Law" - Georgia's New Public Safety Animal Statute and the Importance of Veterinary Forensics
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
University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine
Time: Friday, October 18, 8:30am - 9:30am
Topic: "Figo's Law" - Georgia's New Public Safety Animal Statute and the Importance of Veterinary Forensics
Doris M. Miller, DVM, PhD , DACVP is a Professor of Veterinary Pathology and Associate Director of State Government Relations for the Athens and Tifton Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia. Dr. Miller received her DVM and PhD degrees from the University of Georgia. She has been a board- certified veterinary pathologist at the University since 1981. She served as Director of the Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory from 1989 to 2007.
At UGA she has taught various courses to undergraduate , veterinary, and graduate students. She began the Human/Animal Bond program at the University of Georgia in 1984, at a time when the idea was just beginning to gather an interest in the veterinary community. Miller’s interests include forensic pathology and reproductive pathology. Several years ago Dr. Miller helped initiate and teaches an elective Veterinary Forensic Pathology course to sophomore veterinary students – only the second such course offered in the United States at the time. She also now teaches an undergraduate Freshmen Odyssey course – Forensic CSI. She has worked closely with local and state crime scene investigators, veterinarians, law enforcement agents, attorneys and animal cruelty investigators. Dr. Miller is a liaison between the College and other organizations such as the Department of Agriculture, the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association and the CVM Alumni Association. She works closely with veterinarians and their legislators to improve communications and their relationship with the College and Diagnostic Laboratories to benefit their human and animal clients. She is a Founding Fellow of Veterinary Forensic Pathology.
DR. DORIS MILLER, DVM
9:30pm - 11:30pm - Salon 6
Track 3 - Public Safety Animals (K9s, Search/Rescue Dogs, Etc.)
Social Media and Your K9 - PR and Pitfalls, National Thought Leader & Expert Use of Force
LANCE LORUSSO
Attorney at Law, The LoRusso Law Firm, PC
Time: Friday, October 18, 9:30am-11:30am
Topic: Social Media and Your Public Safety Animal - PR and Pitfalls, National Thought Leader & Expert Use of Force
As a civil litigator with a law enforcement background, Lance focuses his practice on critical incident & media response for public safety, catastrophic personal injury, tractor trailer wrecks, and wrongful death cases. He is licensed to practice in Georgia, Tennessee, & Arkansas.
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"I’m proud to represent first responders and their families because, as a former police officer, I come from your roots. I understand the risks you face to your safety, your career, and sometimes your freedom by simply fulfilling your sworn duties."
OFFICER ED REEVES
Powder Springs Police Department
Time: Friday, October 18, 9:30am-11:30am
Topic: Social Media and Your Public Safety Animal - PR and Pitfalls, National Thought Leader & Expert Use of Force
My name is Edward Reeves and I'm currently a canine handler for my agency with over three years of canine experience. I have been in law enforcement since 2014 and currently serve on the board of directors for the Georgia Police K9 Foundation. I am a field training officer with my agency and have SWAT experience. I enjoy weight lifting and fundraising for k9s in need in my spare time.
12:30pm - 1:30pm - Salon 6
Track 3 - Public Safety Animals (K9s, Search/Rescue Dogs, Etc.)
Public Safety Animal Emergency Medicine
Blackshear Veterinary Hospital and Urgent Care
Time: Friday, October 18, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Topic: Public Safety Animal Emergency Medicine
Dr. Mccall has been working at Blackshear Veterinary Hospital and Urgent Care Clinic since 2013.
In her spare time she loves to travel and enjoys spending time with her pets and family.
DR. HALEY McCALL, DVM
1:30pm - 2:30pm - Salon 6
Track 3 - Public Safety Animals (K9s, Search/Rescue Dogs, Etc.)
Search and Seizure Overview, Case Law Update
Senior Assistant District Attorney, Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit
Time: Friday, October 18, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Topic: Search and Seizure Overview, Case Law Update
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
2:30pm - 3:30pm - Salon 6
Track 3 - Public Safety Animals (K9s, Search/Rescue Dogs, Etc.)
Courtroom Presentation
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Senior Assistant District Attorney, Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit
Time: Friday, October 18, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Topic: Courtroom Presentation
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
3:30pm - 4:30pm - Salon 6
Track 3 - Public Safety Animals (K9s, Search/Rescue Dogs, Etc.)
Courtroom Presentation
CHIEF WAYNE FISHER
City of Warner Robbins Police Department
Time: Friday, October 18, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Topic: Motion to Supress Mock Hearing
Chief Wayne Fisher’s law enforcement career began in 1988 with his service in the United States Air Force where he served as a member of Security Police. In 1994 he separated from military service and joined the Macon Police Department serving there until 2002 when then joined the Warner Robins Police Department. At the time in which he worked for the Macon Police Department he learned the functions of police patrol operations while working in the inner city. While with the Macon Police Department Chief Fisher, as an Officer, worked Patrol, Traffic Operations, Interdiction, Inner City Crime Suppression Unit, and as a Canine Handler. In the roles of CSU and Canine he operated as a component of, but not a member to MPD SWAT. In 2002 after having joined the Warner Robins Police Department, Chief Fisher was assigned to the department’s proactive police unit, then known as the S.T.O.P. Unit. At that time he was also assigned as a Canine Handler.
Through time with the Warner Robins Police Department experience was had in various areas to include, patrol operation as an Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Shift Commander at the rank of Lieutenant, Training Division Commander at the rank of Captain, Interim Short-Term Chief of Police, Interim Assistant Chief of Police, and on of November 20, 2023 he was appointed as Chief of Police for the City of Warner Robins. Experience through the career encompass proactive street crime enforcement, traffic operations, recruitment, police canine unit management to include training and operational supervision, SWAT operations and precision rifle operations as a Sniper Team Leader, certified Georgia Law Enforcement General Instructor, Firearms Instructor and a recognized Master Level Canine Trainer through Tarheel Canine Training Inc., experienced in writing lesson plans and programs used at the local and state level and having been accredited with Georgia P.O.S.T. course code; as well as crafting the Warner Robins Police Departments Canine Unit Policy that is currently in use. During the time as a leader, Chief Wayne Fisher has developed leadership skills and traits that cohesively build strong relationships within the work group and the community thereby successfully achieving the departmental goals to positive ends; while preparing the agency for the mission goals of the City in the future. .
Senior Assistant District Attorney, Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit
Time: Friday, October 18, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Topic: Motion to Supress Mock Hearing
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
Attorney, Greg Howard Bell, LLC
Time: Friday, October 18, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Topic: Motion to Supress Mock Hearing
I have been practicing criminal defense since 2001, primarily in Houston County. In 2006, I opened my own law firm, Greg Howard Bell, LLC. I’ve served in various areas as a municipal prosecutor, municipal defender, and pro tem juvenile court judge. I am married to Assistant Public Defender, Amy Bell, and father to teen driver, Emily Bell. We live in rural Crawford County with fish, wildlife, a cat, and a stubborn diva of a Bassett Hound, Bailey Bell.
GREG HOWARD BELL, ESQ.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2024
SPONSORED BY FIX GEORGIA PETS
Animal Shelters/Rescues/Fosters/Spay/Neuter
8:00am - 9:10am - Salon 5
Topic To Be Announced
DOUG EDDINS
Founder and Executive Director, American Cruelty Investigations School
Time: Saturday, October 19, 8:00am-9:00am
Topic: TBA
Doug Eddins earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at the University of Louisville College of Business in Louisville, KY. He brings law enforcement experience and application of constitutional law during criminal investigations to AACIS.
He is an instructor at Gulf Coast State College and teaches the state-mandated animal control officer certification classes for the Florida Animal Control Association. Additionally, he serves as a court-appointed cruelty investigator and assists other law enforcement and animal control agencies across the country with cruelty investigations
Animal Shelters/Rescues/Fosters/Spay/Neuter
9:40am - 11:20am - Salon 5
Round Table Resources: Resources in Georgia for Animal Shelters, Rescues/Fosters, Animal Emergencies, Disease Outbreak, Multi-Animal Impounds, Transport, Spay/Neuter Services and Renewing Your Ordinance
TRICIA HOLDER
Executive Director, Fix Georgia Pets
Time: Saturday, October 19, 9:40am - 11:20am
Topic: Round Table Resources: Resources in Georgia for Animal Shelters, Rescues/Fosters, Animal Emergencies, Disease Outbreak, Multi-Animal Impounds, Transport, Spay/Neuter Services and Renewing Your Ordinance
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.
JAN JONES
Founder of Butts Mutts Rescue
Time: Saturday, October 19, 9:40am - 11:20am
Topic: Round Table Resources: Resources in Georgia for Animal Shelters, Rescues/Fosters, Animal Emergencies, Disease Outbreak, Multi-Animal Impounds, Transport, Spay/Neuter Services and Renewing Your Ordinance
Mrs. Jones is an extremely distinguished professional and has had a very successful career. In addition to working for many years as an investment banker and financial analyst, she now specializes in animal rights advocacy. She is the founder of Butts Mutts, a non-profit organization based in middle Georgia, which focuses on placing and caring for abandoned dogs. She is also the wife of Lt. Burt Jones and has two amazing children.
MARK DOWIS
Executive Director, Fix Georgia Pets
Time: Saturday, October 19, 9:40am - 11:20am
Topic: Round Table Resources: Resources in Georgia for Animal Shelters, Rescues/Fosters, Animal Emergencies, Disease Outbreak, Multi-Animal Impounds, Transport, Spay/Neuter Services and Renewing Your Ordinance
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.
Lori Trahan
​Associate Director, Academic Strategy and Finance, Kennesaw State University
Time: Saturday, October 19, 9:40am - 11:20am
Topic: Round Table Resources: Resources in Georgia for Animal Shelters, Rescues/Fosters, Animal Emergencies, Disease Outbreak, Multi-Animal Impounds, Transport, Spay/Neuter Services and Renewing Your Ordinance
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.
Lauren Frost
Director of Development and Marketing for Planned PEThood of Georgia
Time: Saturday, October 19, 9:40am - 11:20am
Topic: Round Table Resources: Resources in Georgia for Animal Shelters, Rescues/Fosters, Animal Emergencies, Disease Outbreak, Multi-Animal Impounds, Transport, Spay/Neuter Services and Renewing Your Ordinance
Lauren has worked in non-profit animal welfare for 15 years. She serves on board of Georgia Center for Humane Education. Lauren graduated from University of GA with degree in Public Relations and is the pet parent for four dogs and two cats.
Animal Shelters/Rescues/Fosters/Spay/Neuter
12:50pm - 2:30pm - Salon 5
Best Practices For Maximizing Lifesaving in Animal Sheltering
CARRIE DUCOTE
Principal Consultant, Shelter Savvy
Time: Saturday, October 19, 12:50pm - 2:30pm
Topic: Best Practices for Maximum Lifesaving in Animal Sheltering: A look at the
current nationally recognized proven strategies to decrease unnecessary
intake & length of stay, and maximize positive outcomes & your relationship
with the community.
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.
Animal Shelters/Rescues/Fosters/Spay/Neuter
2:50pm - 3:50pm - Salon 5
Animal Sheltering in 3-D, A Veterinarian's Perspective on 30 Years
DR. GLORIA DORSEY, DVM, MPH
Vice President of Medical Services, Atlanta Humane Society
Time: Saturday, October 19, 2:50pm - 3:50pm
Topic: Animal Shelters in 3-D, A Veterinarian's Perspective on 30 Years
​
Dr. Gloria Dorsey received a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee University in Alabama and went on to complete a Master’s degree in Public Health - Epidemiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. As of April 2024, Dr. Dorsey has retired from her staff position at the Atlanta Humane Society since 1996. She is particularly proud of her history with Atlanta Humane because she found her desire to become a veterinarian while volunteering at the shelter. “My heart is forever entwined with the mission of the Atlanta Humane Society.”
Dr. Dorsey’s contributions to veterinary medicine and animal welfare include shelter medicine, community practice, animal care and control, and legislative advocacy for dogs and cats in Georgia. She served two terms on the Animal Control Hearing Board of Fulton County.
Animal Shelters/Rescues/Fosters/Spay/Neuter
3:55pm - 4:50pm - Salon 5
Confronting Pet Overpopulation & Shelter Overcrowdding, with an Emphasis on Backyard Breeding
PROFESSOR LISA MILOT
Associate Professor of Law & Practicum in Animal Welfare Skills Director
Time: Saturday, October 19, 3:55pm - 4:50pm
Topic: Confronting Pet Overproduction & Shelter Overcrowding
Lisa Milot is the Annie & Zack Stanton Distinguished Professor of Canine Welfare Law at the University of Georgia and the Director of UGA Law's Practicum in Animal Welfare Skills. She has designed and piloted innovative, targeted approaches that improve the lives of vulnerable companion animals and the people who love them, including drafting ordinances and implementing programs to reduce inadvertent and backyard breeding and running Pop-Up Vet Care Clinics designed to change norms in neighborhoods disproportionately producing socially and physically neglected dogs. Professor Milot is also the author of "Backyard Breeding: Regulatory Nuisance, Crime Precursor" (85 Tenn. L. Rev. 707), the only academic review of the small scale, illegal or unregulated, commercial breeding of the dogs that fill our shelters, and is the principal for the "Beyond Sheltering" video series, including "Confronting Overproduction & Shelter Overcrowding
VIRTUAL COURSES & RECORDED COURSES WILL BE
AVAILABLE ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2024
and will be available to view until Feb. 1, 2025​
​
WILLIAM GOREN
Attorney, Service Animal Expert
VIRTUAL COURSE - AVAILABLE MONDAY, OCTOBER 28TH
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.
DR. DORIS MILLER
D.V.M, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine
VIRTUAL COURSE - AVAILABLE MONDAY, OCTOBER 28TH
Topic: Veterinary Forensics in Animal Investigations.
Doris M. Miller, DVM, PhD , DACVP is a Professor of Veterinary Pathology and Associate Director of State Government Relations for the Athens and Tifton Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia. Dr. Miller received her DVM and PhD degrees from the University of Georgia. She has been a board- certified veterinary pathologist at the University since 1981. She served as Director of the Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory from 1989 to 2007.
At UGA she has taught various courses to undergraduate , veterinary, and graduate students. She began the Human/Animal Bond program at the University of Georgia in 1984, at a time when the idea was just beginning to gather an interest in the veterinary community. Miller’s interests include forensic pathology and reproductive pathology. Several years ago Dr. Miller helped initiate and teaches an elective Veterinary Forensic Pathology course to sophomore veterinary students – only the second such course offered in the United States at the time. She also now teaches an undergraduate Freshmen Odyssey course – Forensic CSI. She has worked closely with local and state crime scene investigators, veterinarians, law enforcement agents, attorneys and animal cruelty investigators. Dr. Miller is a liaison between the College and other organizations such as the Department of Agriculture, the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association and the CVM Alumni Association. She works closely with veterinarians and their legislators to improve communications and their relationship with the College and Diagnostic Laboratories to benefit their human and animal clients. She is a Founding Fellow of Veterinary Forensic Pathology.
CHIEF JOHN THOMPSON, (Ret.)
Small & Rural Law Enforcement Executive Association
VIRTUAL COURSE - AVAILABLE MONDAY, OCTOBER 28TH
Topics: 1. Bridging the Gap: Addressing Law Enforcement Culture and the Need
for Change in Handling Dogs to Protect
2. Understanding the Emotional Bbond Between People and Their Animals
Chief John Thompson, (Ret.) Is Vice President of The Small & Rural Law Enforcement Executive Association. The Small & Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association (SRLEEA) is the only 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated solely to supporting and promoting law enforcement executives and agencies that serve small, rural & tribal communities across America.
KATRINA AMARO
Gwinnett County Animal Welfare
VIRTUAL COURSE - AVAILABLE MONDAY, OCTOBER 28TH
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.
DIVIYA RONEY
Director of Cat Programs, FurKids
VIRTUAL COURSE - AVAILABLE MONDAY, OCTOBER 28TH
Topics: Intake Diversion TNR - Trap, Neuter, Return: What is it? Why is TNR important? And other Need-to-know facts.
In 2013 she started Friends of Clayton County Cats. At that time their euthanasia rate was over 95%. Every community cat brought to the Clayton shelter was killed. Since 2013 she has saved the lives of over 18,000 cats from Clayton County Animal Control.
In 2019, Diviya's determination to improve the lives of community cats and reduce shelter intake resulted in the creation of Frida's Foundation, whose mission is to eliminate euthanasia of healthy owned pets and community cats through high-volume spay/neuter, community outreach, collaboration and advocacy. Even though Frida's focus is in GA, Diviya has coached citizens in TX, FL, PA, NV, WI, NJ, NY, HI and Michigan. Most recently Frida's Foundation merged with Furkids.
In July 2022 Diviya started a Community Cat Program at Furkids. In 2 years that program reached over 27 GA Counties, sterilized well over 2800 cats, and donated over 15,000 lbs of food to the community. Educating citizens is a big part of the program. Some people just don't know better. Getting the message out on the importance of spay & neuter of companion cats and TNR of community cats daily and kindly is the key to improving the lives of the most vulnerable and for every county, every state to hopefully attain a much desired no kill status.
Diviya Roney has collaborated with other organizations in the State.
JOHN EBERHART
League of Humane Voters
VIRTUAL COURSE - AVAILABLE MONDAY, OCTOBER 28TH
Topics: 1. What is Going On With Wildlife in the State of Georgia and Wildlife in Your Neighborhood: What you should and shouldn't do.
“Where are all the wild animals I expect to find?” he wondered when his family moved to the wooded suburban fringe that ringed 1950s Atlanta. The child’s naïve question started John on a quest. Today he directs the Georgia chapter of the League of Humane Voters, working to elect candidates to public offices who will enact animal-friendly laws. He is a spokesman for C.A.S.H., the Committee to Abolish Sport Hunting, and wildlife spokesman for Georgians for Animal Rights and Protection, G.A.R.P. John belongs to Wildlife for All, served as an officer of the Georgia
Environmental Coalition (disbanded), and cooperates with local, regional, and national wildlife preservation organizations. For 30 years he has attended monthly meetings of the state Board of
Natural Resources. He cooperates with residents to make people, companion animals, wildlife, and property safe from hunters. He helped residents of a metro subdivision and a coastal community
to repulse planned massacres of deer by a U.S. Government subagency largely unknown to the public, USDA Wildlife “Services”.
CHRIS BENSON
Principal Artificial Intelligence Strategist at Lockheed Martin, GA.
VIRTUAL COURSE - AVAILABLE MONDAY, OCTOBER 28TH
Topics: TBA
Chris Benson is among the foremost thought leaders on the use of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and autonomous systems to revolutionize animal rescue, animal control, and animal protection.In addition to being an avid animal advocate for more than a decade, Chris is Principal Artificial Intelligence Strategist at Lockheed Martin, where he works with some of the most advanced technology platforms in the world. He came to Lockheed Martin from Honeywell SPS, where he was Chief Scientist for Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. Chris is Co-Host of the Practical AI podcast, which reaches thousands of artificial intelligence enthusiasts each week, and is an international keynote speaker who gives talks at events around the world.team!
MIKAEL LINDORD
Author, Entrepreneur, Public Speaker, Coach and Project Leader
VIRTUAL COURSE - AVAILABLE MONDAY, OCTOBER 28TH
Topics: The Story of Arthur and the Mountains That Had to be Crossed to Bring
Him Home
Entrepreneur and professionell adventure racer for 20 years. Everything changed when he gave some meatballs to a stray dog during the World Championships in 2014 in Ecuador. The stray dog followed Mikael and the team the rest of the race and became ARTHUR with the world. Two EMMY Award nomination for the ESPN documentary. Best-seller Author in 23 counties with: Arthur - the dog who crossed the jungle to find a home. Honor Award in Quito and Guayaquil in Ecuador for his achievements. Honored with the key to the city of his home town; Örnsköldsvik/ Sweden. Today Mikael is working as a producer in TV/film and social media, Public Speaker, Coach and Project leader. Instagram: @mikaellindnord
CAROL MITHERS
Author and Journalist
VIRTUAL COURSE - AVAILABLE MONDAY, OCTOBER 28TH
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 28TH
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 28TH
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.