Meet the Dedicated Team
HIGHLAND HUMANE SOCIETY
At Highland Humane Society (non-profit tax ID 31-0793084), our dedicated team is at the heart of our mission. As a private rehoming center funded solely by generous donations, we have been caring for unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats since 1969.
Our passionate staff, supported by donor contributions, work tirelessly to ensure every animal receives the love and care they deserve. From medical treatments to daily operations and community engagement, their diverse skills and dedication are crucial to our success.
Join us in appreciating the individuals who drive our efforts in making a difference in the lives of countless animals in our region.
Our passionate staff, supported by donor contributions, work tirelessly to ensure every animal receives the love and care they deserve. From medical treatments to daily operations and community engagement, their diverse skills and dedication are crucial to our success.
Join us in appreciating the individuals who drive our efforts in making a difference in the lives of countless animals in our region.
Richelle Fair
Executive Director
Richelle Fair, the shelter’s Executive Director since May 2022, brings 12 years of experience in animal rescue and sheltering. Passionate about helping homeless animals, she has six adopted dogs of various breeds and ages and has been fostering dogs, particularly those less likely to be chosen, for the same duration.
Her career as a dog trainer and behavior consultant began a decade ago at the Highland Humane Society, starting as a volunteer. Richelle's favorite aspect of her role is finding suitable homes for animals and introducing community programs for animal care.
Since returning to Highland Humane Society, Richelle has been inspired by the community's support for animals. She envisions the society expanding its impact to assist not just the local county but neighboring regions too.
Her career as a dog trainer and behavior consultant began a decade ago at the Highland Humane Society, starting as a volunteer. Richelle's favorite aspect of her role is finding suitable homes for animals and introducing community programs for animal care.
Since returning to Highland Humane Society, Richelle has been inspired by the community's support for animals. She envisions the society expanding its impact to assist not just the local county but neighboring regions too.
Zoey George
Shelter Manager
Meet Zoey, the Shelter Manager at Highland Humane Society. She joined the team in January 2022, bringing experience from working in boarding kennels and a mobile vet clinic. Zoey has a diverse collection of pets, including four dogs, a snake, three fish tanks, and a betta fish in her office.
Zoey enjoys shopping for pet supplies and attending the Renaissance Festival in her free time. Her favorite aspects of working at the shelter are the camaraderie with colleagues and interacting with puppies and kittens. Currently, her favorite shelter animal is DeeDee, a friendly black and white Pitbull mix.
Zoey's vision for the shelter includes increasing volunteers and fosters. More volunteers would provide dogs with valuable one-on-one time and leash training, while more fosters could reduce stress for animals and offer better insights into their personalities.
We're grateful for Zoey's dedication to improving the lives of animals and the Highland County community.
Zoey enjoys shopping for pet supplies and attending the Renaissance Festival in her free time. Her favorite aspects of working at the shelter are the camaraderie with colleagues and interacting with puppies and kittens. Currently, her favorite shelter animal is DeeDee, a friendly black and white Pitbull mix.
Zoey's vision for the shelter includes increasing volunteers and fosters. More volunteers would provide dogs with valuable one-on-one time and leash training, while more fosters could reduce stress for animals and offer better insights into their personalities.
We're grateful for Zoey's dedication to improving the lives of animals and the Highland County community.
Bryana Williamson
Humane Agent
Bryanna Williamson, joined our team on August 24, 2023, has a lifelong passion for animals. With 3 dogs, including 2 mastiffs and a pit mix, and a small farm with rabbits and various chickens, her love for animals runs deep. Her experience spans over a decade in 4H club and FFA chapter activities, mentored by her aunt Sylvia.
Bryanna's journey to the shelter began with a fortuitous Facebook ad, aligning with her desire to serve her community through animal work. Her favorite part of the job is interacting with all the animals, providing them with quality time and a clean environment, and working alongside a supportive and caring staff.
In December 2023, Bryana completed the required training coures to fill the positon of Humane Agent.
Bryanna's journey to the shelter began with a fortuitous Facebook ad, aligning with her desire to serve her community through animal work. Her favorite part of the job is interacting with all the animals, providing them with quality time and a clean environment, and working alongside a supportive and caring staff.
In December 2023, Bryana completed the required training coures to fill the positon of Humane Agent.
Celena Carter
Lead Feline Animal Care Technician
I began as a volunteer at the Humane Society in December 2020, became a kennel technician in January 2021, and have since advanced to Lead Feline Animal Care Technician as of 2023. Affectionately known as the 'cat lady,' I have a menagerie at home including cats, dogs, fish, a rabbit, and frequently foster kittens.
My journey into animal care started after various management roles post-high school. I felt a strong calling to animal welfare and joined the Humane Society as a volunteer, which led to my current position. My passion for animal care has grown, and I'm planning to become a veterinary technician to further contribute to the shelter.
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the cats I care for find happy homes. Currently, my favorite is Margo, a spirited kitten I've nurtured from a frail state to a lively, quirky companion.
My dream for the shelter is to grow our foster and volunteer network, emphasizing that anyone can make a significant impact. I also hope for the shelter's continued success and longevity, reflecting our dedication to the animals and the community.
My journey into animal care started after various management roles post-high school. I felt a strong calling to animal welfare and joined the Humane Society as a volunteer, which led to my current position. My passion for animal care has grown, and I'm planning to become a veterinary technician to further contribute to the shelter.
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the cats I care for find happy homes. Currently, my favorite is Margo, a spirited kitten I've nurtured from a frail state to a lively, quirky companion.
My dream for the shelter is to grow our foster and volunteer network, emphasizing that anyone can make a significant impact. I also hope for the shelter's continued success and longevity, reflecting our dedication to the animals and the community.
Abby Hacker
Lead Canine Animal Care Technician
Hi, I'm Abby! I joined the Humane Society team in August 2023. With a background as a scout leader for both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America for 11 years, my passion for community involvement runs deep. I'm a huge live music enthusiast and a devoted animal lover, caring for around 17-20 cats, 3 dogs, and a pampered bearded dragon.
Although I don’t have formal training in animal care, my experience includes raising kittens and rescuing puppies. The opportunity to work at the shelter felt like a calling to me, combining my love for animals with the desire to make a difference in the community. I'm committed to animal care and community education.
Working at the shelter is rewarding not just because of the animals, but also due to the passionate team I work with. My hope for the shelter's future is continued growth, more timely adoptions, and expanded community education and assistance. I'm excited for what lies ahead as we improve and expand our reach.
Although I don’t have formal training in animal care, my experience includes raising kittens and rescuing puppies. The opportunity to work at the shelter felt like a calling to me, combining my love for animals with the desire to make a difference in the community. I'm committed to animal care and community education.
Working at the shelter is rewarding not just because of the animals, but also due to the passionate team I work with. My hope for the shelter's future is continued growth, more timely adoptions, and expanded community education and assistance. I'm excited for what lies ahead as we improve and expand our reach.
Gabby Jenkins
Animal Care Technician
Meet Gabby Jenkins, who joined us in September. Gabby has a kitten, Omen, and a puppy, Sadie. While she may not have professional experience, her passion for animals has led her to volunteer extensively.
Gabby's motivation to work here stems from her love for animals and positive experiences as a volunteer. Her favorite part of the job is how the animals lift her spirits, even on tough days.
We're grateful for Gabby's commitment to our animals, ensuring their well-being through daily care, cleaning, and enrichment.
Gabby's motivation to work here stems from her love for animals and positive experiences as a volunteer. Her favorite part of the job is how the animals lift her spirits, even on tough days.
We're grateful for Gabby's commitment to our animals, ensuring their well-being through daily care, cleaning, and enrichment.
Randall Williams
Animal Care Technician
Randall Williams, has a deep history with the Humane Society, previously serving as Shelter Manager and Highland County Dog Warden. Returning to us in October 2023, Randall currently cares for 2 dogs and 4 cats.
Passionate about animal advocacy, Randall is committed to providing love and compassion to every animal encountered, fully supporting our mission. Working at the Shelter is rewarding for many reasons: being part of an animal's journey, the camaraderie with like-minded colleagues who form a supportive 'family', and the personal growth opportunities in the ever-evolving field of animal care.
The vision for the shelter's future is continuous learning and growth, always striving to do better for the animals and the community.
Passionate about animal advocacy, Randall is committed to providing love and compassion to every animal encountered, fully supporting our mission. Working at the Shelter is rewarding for many reasons: being part of an animal's journey, the camaraderie with like-minded colleagues who form a supportive 'family', and the personal growth opportunities in the ever-evolving field of animal care.
The vision for the shelter's future is continuous learning and growth, always striving to do better for the animals and the community.
Jessica Long
Animal Care Technician
Jessica Long, who joined our team in October 2023, has a diverse array of pets, including 7 dogs, 4 cats, a foster kitten, a pig, 25 chickens, 4 ducks, a rabbit, 2 horses, and a mini horse. Previously in medical and customer service, Jessica hadn't worked with animals professionally but was drawn to the role to help animals find loving homes.
Her favorite moments at the shelter are puppy play dates.
Jessica hopes to see the shelter expand its capacity to aid more animals in the community. We're delighted to have her on board and appreciate her contribution!
Her favorite moments at the shelter are puppy play dates.
Jessica hopes to see the shelter expand its capacity to aid more animals in the community. We're delighted to have her on board and appreciate her contribution!
Pebbles
Office Cat
Pebbles, a resident cat at our shelter, arrived in January from an overwhelming situation involving numerous unspayed and unneutered cats. She urgently needed an emergency spay, which was complicated and unique. After her surgery, Pebbles was despondent until a young, separated kitten was placed nearby. Her maternal instincts kicked in, and she nurtured and comforted him, marking the start of her role as a surrogate mother to various kittens.
Pebbles thrives in the shelter, adopting kittens needing maternal care and teaching older ones social skills. Her favorite activities include exploring our catio and playing on climbing equipment. She jokingly says she has several 'pet humans' who attend to her needs.
Although this is her first job at an animal shelter, Pebbles views herself as an experienced kitten foster. She loves her role, paid in her favorite wet food. Pebbles chose to stay with us to help save kittens, much like she was given a second chance.
Her favorite shelter companions are Spice, and sisters Caroline and Elena, whom she has raised. Pebbles hopes for their adoption into loving homes, even though she'll miss them.
Pebbles dreams of more animals like her in the shelter, fostering and caring for needy babies. She encourages anyone considering fostering to take the leap, emphasizing the joy and fulfillment it brings.
Pebbles thrives in the shelter, adopting kittens needing maternal care and teaching older ones social skills. Her favorite activities include exploring our catio and playing on climbing equipment. She jokingly says she has several 'pet humans' who attend to her needs.
Although this is her first job at an animal shelter, Pebbles views herself as an experienced kitten foster. She loves her role, paid in her favorite wet food. Pebbles chose to stay with us to help save kittens, much like she was given a second chance.
Her favorite shelter companions are Spice, and sisters Caroline and Elena, whom she has raised. Pebbles hopes for their adoption into loving homes, even though she'll miss them.
Pebbles dreams of more animals like her in the shelter, fostering and caring for needy babies. She encourages anyone considering fostering to take the leap, emphasizing the joy and fulfillment it brings.
Teresa Trimm
Board of Directors - President
Hi I'm Teresa Trimm, lifetime resident of Hillsboro Ohio and long time supporter of the Highland Humane Society. I am a US Air Force Veteran with several years of experience in Engineering and IT. In September 2019 I began my role with the Highland Humane Society as a foster for a litter of six newborn orphaned kittens. In April of 2023 I was asked to join the Board of Directors and hope to continue working with them as a foster and a member of the fundraising committee.
Pamela Eccard
Board of Directors - Secretary
Hello my name is Pamela Eccard, I have served as the Highland Humane Society’s Board Secretary since May of 2022. I have over a decade of professional experience in finance and business management. As a lifelong resident of Highland County, I am proud to be part of an organization that supports animals in need, fueling my personal passion for helping animals as a proud (many) pet owner myself. I hope to continue my role for years to come and am excited to see all the PAWsitive changes we can make in the lives of animals who need us to be their voice.
Sarah Roe
Board of Directors - Treasurer
My name is Sarah Roe. I have served on the Humane Society Board of Directors since March of 2021. Prior to joining the Board of Directors, I was a volunteer with my daughter Annabelle, who from a young age, decided she wanted to be a vet when she grows up. I fell in love with the mission and the dedication the Humane Society has to the community and decided to dedicate my time as a volunteer in a more formal role. As Treasurer, I am dedicated to managing the Humane Society finances so that the organization may continue to serve Highland County for many years to come. I offer professional experience in Accounting as well as Marketing. I am a two time adopter, our Roxie girl who passed in 2023, and our most recent adoption was Rocky. He is our three-legged Pyranese boxer mix. I look forward to serving for many more years to come.
Misty Carter
Board of Directors - General Member
My name is Misty Carter. I have been an office administrator and business manager since 2016. I am new to the Humane Society and recently joined the Board as secretary. I am intent on learning more about the organization and helping whenever possible.
Margo Stein
Board of Directors - General Member
My name is Margo Stein. I have lived in Hillsboro since 2017 and I'm originally from Cincinnati. My past work experience is in Healthcare and Customer Service. I am a true animal lover of all kinds, and currently have four dogs, two of which were adopted from the Humane Society. As a general member of the board, I am looking forward to participating in fundraising and helping the needy animals find their furever homes.