Leadership

Andy Robling is a graduate of Cambridge University and has 25 years’ experience in the staffing industry. His tenure with Hays UK included several years on the board responsible for not-for-profit and public sector businesses. He therefore understands both the similarities and differences between how charities and private businesses succeed.

In 2013 Andy and his wife Gayle moved to Toronto and he is currently Vice President for Hays Specialist Recruitment responsible for client development across Canada. Moving their three cats to Canada cost more than all of their other belongings combined – but was worth every cent!

HR Expert - Fundraising Experience

Andy has served on two British charitable boards. As a trustee and chair of the finance committee for Jessie May - a charity that supports families with terminally ill children – he advised on human resources matters and worked tirelessly at fundraising.

Wildlife Advocate

A keen animal lover, Andy has never known a time when there weren’t cats in the household, all adopted from shelters. As an advocate of animal welfare, he has been a member of The International Otter Survival Fund for more than ten years and more recently has become involved in feeding a feral cat colony.

As a THS director, Andy’s commitment to fundraising and increasing corporate sponsorships will help THS to develop new programs and help more animals. He wants the Society to remain a leader in providing the best possible care for shelter animals.

I have a longstanding commitment to THS and a passion for animal welfare. My background includes executive and consulting roles in board governance, strategy, and human resources. As a THS member, I have volunteered drafting the bylaws and advising the Board on governance matters. I also run my own non-profit initiative, The Benjamin Project, in memory of my dog, to raise funds for shelters and education on responsible pet stewardship. THS held the launch of my first book about Benjamin and my children’s book has just been published. All revenues from book sales are donated. It would be a privilege to apply my skills, experience and passion for animals to help advance THS strategically, financially, and from a governance perspective. My commitment is to work tirelessly to ensure THS remains a first class organization for staff, members, and most importantly, the animals in its care.

Originally from New Zealand, Bronwen Morgan has lived in Toronto since 1980 and started volunteering at the THS in 1981. Recently retired, she has a background as a teacher and lawyer and has a Master’s degree in Law (Alternative Dispute Resolution). Thanks to her full-time role as Director of Labour and Employee Relations at a major Toronto Hospital, she has extensive human resources management and labour relations experience and served five times on the management side of provincial negotiations with one of Ontario’s largest unions.

In her volunteer work at the THS Bronwen worked as an adoption counsellor for fifteen years. This was a good opportunity to learn the importance of good relations between staff and volunteers.

Bronwen and her husband have fostered many cats, dogs and motherless kittens over the years. By caring for a feral cat colony for fourteen years she became deeply aware of the complex issues relating to feral cats. She currently volunteers at the THS shelter working in cat enrichment.

Over more than three decades Bronwen has seen significant change at the Toronto Humane Society. She has a keen interest in helping to maintain the Toronto Humane Society as a highly functional forward thinking organization that is well respected within the local community and globally. The current progressive THS initiatives are aligned with her dream of every animal being wanted and cared for and not in need of a shelter.

Originally from France, Dominique Rousselle holds a B.A from Laurentian University, a B.Ed. from University of Toronto plus credits to a Masters degree. Now retired after 35 years of teaching, he devotes much of his time to animal welfare.

Since 2008 Dominique has been a dedicated volunteer walking the most difficult THS dogs. After years of being in the “human” classroom, shelter dogs are his new and well-behaved students! In 2014 he was recognised as the top THS volunteer who contributed the highest number of volunteer hours.

Dominique is also involved in relocating dogs to other rescues and shelters and heads the THS “tactical unit” that humanely traps strays. He has fostered many THS dogs with behavioural issues and those needing palliative care. Currently, Chez Rousselle is home to four older rescue dogs enjoying their golden years in comfort!

Frequently Dominique travels to Thailand where, sadly, there are many strays. Under the name “Dogs without Collars” he feeds, neuters and treats Bangkok street dogs for parasites, infections and injuries. He has flown (at his own expense) more than fifty lucky street pups to Toronto where, with THS help, they were adopted to loving homes.

A wonderful ambassador for kindness to animals, Dominique has been honoured by the Thai Consulate in Toronto and featured in many newspapers in the Orient.

Dominique looks forward to joining THS board. As a director he will bring his love of animals, his boundless energy and his vast experience in animal welfare both here and abroad.

Cathy grew up in the country surrounded by pets - a budgie who chattered "Good Morning, Stupid", a hound that sang along with Elvis, two pet rabbits that rapidly conjugated into twenty and a much loved horse. After university, Cathy moved to Toronto to teach high school but soon changed careers to the travel business and has spent thirty-five years as owner/manager of a successful travel company. Outside the office she has a different passion - animal welfare.

In 2001 she made the heart-breaking discovery of a huge feral cat colony. Wanting to help, she learned about trap/neuter/release (and what to do when one accidentally traps a skunk). Once that colony was sterilised and well-fed, Cathy worked to aid other animals by fundraising for Toronto Cat Rescue. She organised gala events called "The Furball" that each made over $20,000 for cats. She has helped the Wildlife Centre and now is working on a dog rescue benefit.

Stephen has been a Board member and THS’ Treasurer for the past four years. Using his more than 30 years of Finance and Treasury experience with a major multinational company, he has strengthened THS’ financial security and introduced strategic planning to ensure the future sustainability of this organization we all know and love.

Financial Leadership

As Chair of the Audit and Finance, Strategic Planning and Budget Committees, Stephen has helped THS to develop balanced budgets, eliminate debt, and grow a solid “rainy day” fund. After four years of Stephen’s skilled financial management, the shelter is now on a much firmer footing and can continue to provide animal care in case of unforeseen or unexpected events.

Foster Parent

Stephen not only cares for THS’ finances, he and his family believe that animal care and welfare come first. As foster parents, they care for homeless kittens until they are ready for adoption. Stephen has also actively promoted the adoption of animals from our shelter, donated generously and aggressively supported fundraising.

Stephen knows, very personally, the incredible role that cats, dogs and all animals play in enriching our lives. He believes passionately that every animal is special. And that every animal deserves our utmost care. He knows that the Toronto Humane Society is dedicated to providing that care and he is proud to play a small role.

A native of Toronto, Shelley attended York University and raised three children teaching them kindness and respect for animals. As well, she has been a dedicated THS volunteer dog-walker for many years. She loves interacting with shelter dogs making their time at the shelter as happy as possible and she is always thrilled when THS dogs find forever homes.

THS Fundraising and Events

Shelley enthusiastically volunteers at THS fundraising and publicity events. In 2015 her two dogs Bentley and Baxter joined her at Paws in the Park and their team ranked number one in fundraising. She has promoted awareness of THS at Woofstock and many other events.

Freedom Drivers Animal Rescue Transport

As a Freedom Driver, Shelley transports cats and dogs from high-kill shelters in Quebec to find safety in GTA foster homes. Relay-style, she and her fellow-drivers bring animals along the 401 four times every week. Whether it is a kitten or a giant St Bernard sitting beside her, Shelley has a special place in her heart for these animals as well as a special place in her car. Her rescue efforts extend internationally working with CPAP, a Cairo-based volunteer organization that finds homes for the terribly neglected street dogs of Egypt in North America and Europe.

An advocate of the “adopt-don’t-shop’ philosophy, as a director, Shelley will explore new ideas to increase adoptions and expand THS foster programme. She will raise awareness of the amazing work done by THS.

I have a longstanding commitment to THS and a passion for animal welfare. My background includes executive and consulting roles in board governance, strategy, and human resources. As a THS member, I have volunteered drafting the bylaws and advising the Board on governance matters. I also run my own non-profit initiative, The Benjamin Project, in memory of my dog, to raise funds for shelters and education on responsible pet stewardship. THS held the launch of my first book about Benjamin and my children’s book has just been published. All revenues from book sales are donated. It would be a privilege to apply my skills, experience and passion for animals to help advance THS strategically, financially, and from a governance perspective. My commitment is to work tirelessly to ensure THS remains a first class organization for staff, members, and most importantly, the animals in its care.

All my life my family has shared its space with animals, most recently our cat who was adopted from a shelter in Montreal. As a kid I was never happier than when knee-deep in mud conducting population counts for frogs and newts – an early experience of the challenges facing wildlife from human encroachment. I am a qualified accountant with 25 years experience in finance, strategy and governance. As Vice Chair of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, Canada Inc I have helped raise $200,000 annually for youth sport through partnership development with companies (Canadian Tire, RBC) and public bodies (TPSB). I have experience engaging politicians of all stripes including as CFO for my MPP and organising a speaking event for Nathaniel Erskine-Smith. I hope Members of the Toronto Humane Society will entrust me with the opportunity to serve and help increase and improve animal services and welfare.

Nearly 30 years ago, I adopted my first cat from the Toronto Humane Society (THS), followed a couple of years later by an amazing dog. I have always wanted to give back to the THS in a meaningful way. I now find myself in a position where, as an experienced lawyer, I have skills that may assist the THS Board. I acted on behalf of animal rights advocates and assisted a group of dedicated women to establish a foster-based dog rescue in the GTA. I have experience sitting on a Board and believe my professional background together with my work in rescue will allow me to bring a unique perspective to the THS Board. I look forward to moving the THS forward in its mission and continuing the many years of incredible work of the THS.

Pursuing a career in veterinary medicine was a choice that came easily to Amanda. Her love of animals began as a child, having always felt a certain kinship toward them, and she has always had at least one cat in her home. Amanda earned her degree from the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, and has worked in shelter medicine, emergency medicine and regular clinic settings.

Spay/Neuter Volunteer

While working on her DVM, Amanda traveled to South Africa, where she volunteered at shelters and clinics to gain a more diverse perspective of veterinary care in developing countries. She volunteered at many community charity clinics and high-volume spay/neuter-a-thons, helping to prevent unwanted litters of puppies and kittens.

During her time there, Amanda bore witness to the vast suffering of animals in need of medication and sterilization. The experience ignited a passion for both surgery and shelter medicine and solidified her resolve to help the most helpless in our society.

Veterinarian

Amanda currently divides her time between private practice and the local animal shelter, where she works primarily as a veterinary surgeon. She also offers her services (for free) to trap-neuter-return programs like Toronto Street Cats.

Amanda and her husband Evan (who is also a vet) share their lives and love with their two children Matilda and Seth, and their four rescue cats: Julius, Raisin, Kevin and Patrick.

Cathy grew up in the country surrounded by pets - a budgie who chattered "Good Morning, Stupid", a hound that sang along with Elvis, two pet rabbits that rapidly conjugated into twenty and a much loved horse. After university, Cathy moved to Toronto to teach high school but soon changed careers to the travel business and has spent thirty-five years as owner/manager of a successful travel company. Outside the office she has a different passion - animal welfare.

In 2001 she made the heart-breaking discovery of a huge feral cat colony. Wanting to help, she learned about trap/neuter/release (and what to do when one accidentally traps a skunk). Once that colony was sterilised and well-fed, Cathy worked to aid other animals by fundraising for Toronto Cat Rescue. She organised gala events called "The Furball" that each made over $20,000 for cats. She has helped the Wildlife Centre and now is working on a dog rescue benefit.

Kathy was called to the bar 35 years ago, earning her law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School.

Thereafter Kathy gained tremendous experience participating in arbitrations and workplace harassment investigations, working as the Executive Assistant for Stephen Lewis (formerly leader of the Ontario NDP and more recently Ambassador to the United Nations).

For the past 18 years Kathy has acted as In-House Counsel for The United Church of Canada.

THS VOLUNTEER

For the past 8 years, Kathy has been a dedicated volunteer with Toronto Humane Society. She also volunteers with Annex Cat Rescue, including feeding two feral cat colonies, and Toronto Street Cats (an all-volunteer group that has spay/neutered close to 4,000 street cats for free).

Her work with the THS started with the most fragile and helpless – bottle feeding neonatal and immature kittens. Over the years her THS volunteer role has expanded to include cat enrichment, events volunteer, the Volunteer Committee, and foster home for feline mothers and their litters.

With the recent passing of her beloved 14 year old dog, Gordie (the best dog anyone could ever have!), Kathy has begun fostering dogs with a local dog rescue group.

Kathy’s entire life has been enriched by animals. With her boundless energy and enthusiasm, Kathy is deeply committed to ensuring that THS becomes a global leader in animal welfare. She believes in working with the community to ensure no animal is left behind.

My life continues to be enriched by my many beloved animal friends, past and present. The volunteer work I have done at THS in the past and everything I propose to do now is, in a very real sense, dedicated to them. In the six years that I served on the THS Board, I was repeatedly impressed by the enthusiasm and selfless dedication of volunteers, staff and leadership. I share that commitment and look forward to contributing to THS’ ongoing success and, most importantly, each animal’s success. As a senior partner with decades of experience in a major law firm, working closely with organizations of all kinds, I believe I have many skills that can help THS to play a leadership role in making Toronto a truly successful no-kill community – and also to thrive as a sound, well-governed institution of which we can all be justly proud.

I want to help THS fulfill its mission of promoting the care of animals and achieve its aspiration to become a best-in-class animal shelter. I hope that my business experience as well as my training as a CA/CPA will allow me to provide guidance on how THS might operate to optimize financial resources to help as many animals as possible. Also, as a former corporate secretary with formal governance training, I will do my utmost to provide appropriate oversight to enable THS to continue to strengthen its reputation with the community, donors and the public. With my background in implementing large transformation and change management programs, I believe I can assist with THS’s plans to maximize its core operations and diversify. In my mind, it is all about how we can do more and help more animals, with every donor dollar.

I’m a communications person and I believe that all respected organizations share one thing in common - a compelling narrative. For 16 years, I have helped companies develop and tell stories in ways that connect with their key audiences.

How? I start by understanding an organization’s communications challenges. Then I work with them to develop a strategic plan and tactics aimed at achieving their goals. This might include the creation or refinement of corporate messaging, development of various types of press materials, marketing collateral, content for social media campaigns and even public-facing events. I also teach executive spokespeople how to effectively engage the media and strategies for dealing with contentious issues.

I believe THS is an inspiring organization with an interesting narrative. I would welcome the opportunity to share my skills and help create relatable, authentic stories that can further build public awareness affinity and trust.

As a lawyer, business owner, animal lover, volunteer and fund-raiser, I have a lot to offer THS. I have been involved with a lot of rescues at ground level and understand the challenges such organizations face in the animal welfare community. As a business owner, I am accustomed to developing creative ways to raise funds. I can champion THS' mission, promote its services, review and contribute to its policies and programs, and can make significant contributions from an operational and legal stand-point. I have been following THS' progress over the years and strongly support the direction it is moving in and would love to be a part of it. Therefore, I believe I would be an asset in assisting to strategize where THS will be in the next few years while I serve my term as a member of the board. Of course, my priority will always be to educate and encourage the “adopt-don’t shop” movement along with finding as many fur-ever homes as possible for all the animals in need; utilizing my existing network of rescuers, transporters and volunteers I already work with.