Along with Ark Administrator Shaina R. Mugford and a brand-new Shelter Manager Michelle Wright, both who have been with the Ark since 2019, we also have an amazing and dedicated staff of Animal Care Technicians who REALLY make the difference. That’s right folks: The nitty, the gritty, and the direct animal care 7 days a week. Let’s hear it for them!
The Ark Staff would like to recognize Heather Webster-Geel as the Ark’s Senior Animal Care Technician. Heather has worked for the Ark for 8 years and brings vast knowledge and skill, as well as careful, thorough, and gentle medication administration to all animals. Heather has the hands and heart of a vet tech, never losing her patience with the animals and always bringing her thoughts to the table. Heather is responsible for medical work-ups on all shelter animals (not limited to: distemper shots, de-worming, parasite control, blood work, vaccinations, nail trims, and more). She also spends her time doing medical data entry, and works on the floor as an animal care technician for the other half of her week. Heather is recognized for her ability to work with both cats, dogs and creatures of all different personalities, temperaments, and sizes. Thank you Heather for all you do for the Ark. We love you!
The Ark staff would like to recognize Kaytie Foss as a hard-working animal care technician who once stated: “I never saw myself doing this as a career.” Kaytie volunteered with us prior to being hired as a staff member, and once explained that she just “loves being here.” Kaytie is recognized for her ability to be able to work with and handle large and small dog breeds and all kitties, often falling in love with them. She is always willing to help with extra tasks, never says “no” when asked to do something by her co-workers and is respected by her fellow employees. She makes us laugh everyday with her quick wit and glowing personality. Thank you Kaytie for being you!
The Ark would like to recognize Dominic “Dom” Trundy as one of our very valuable part-time employees, who has volunteered with the shelter for four years prior to being hired. Dominic is recognized for being particularly fond of cats and very skilled in handling them, and picking up any any health concerns they may have. He has a gentle and soothing manner that allows him to walk into a cat room and have cats climb all over him. Dom stays busy the whole time he is at the shelter, always willing to help in any way he can. He is our shelter “handy man,” always willing to assist us with lugging large items, moving furniture, unloading food, and fixing things around the shelter. He also makes us laugh every day with his sarcasm and sense of humor. Thank you Dom! What would we do without you?
The Ark would like to take a moment and recognize Keisha Beal as one of our very valuable per-diem, on call employees. Prior to her employment with us, Keisha came in constantly just be spend time with the cats. Keisha is well-versed in cat body language, individual needs of each shelter cat, naming the cats, and ensuring perfect placement for them. Being pretty good at writing and photography, Keisha often takes photos of all of the shelter cats and writes descriptions to correspond with each cat so that the Administrator can keep available animals up to date on the website. Keisha is very good with adopters who come in looking for cats, and is able to describe each cats’ needs and personality to a “T.” Thank you Keisha for all of your care and knowledge in regards to the kitties!
The Ark would like to recognize Jennifer Parks (Also lovingly known as “Chickadee,” by the Administrator,) as a former-employee who never really left the shelter. She still commits herself to providing all vet runs, assisting in the shelter where possible, and transporting imported Puerto Rican dogs from Pennsylvania, Boston, and Portland for pick-up, often unloading dogs at the shelter at 3am. When times get tough, Jen is there for us. She is a quick learner, and never hesitates to help where an animal is concerned. Jen will do anything from transports, to hands-on shelter assistance. Without Jen, our operation would have it quite a bit harder.
Last, but DEFINITELY not least, is our brand-new hire, Arielle Morong. Arielle has instantly become part of the Ark family, with her driven work-ethic, passion for animals, and approachable personality. Arielle comes from a long line of humane workers and has been raised in an animal shelter, volunteering and contributing wherever possible. Arielle is comfortable and confident working with any and all animals. We are all very excited that she is part of our team. Welcome, Arielle!
