Peter J. Wolf is a research and policy analyst for Best Friends Animal Society. Peter’s role involves the analysis of science and public policy related to community cat issues, a topic he’s been researching and writing about since 2010 through his blog, Vox Felina. His writing is published regularly on the Best Friends blog, in letters to editor, and in peer-reviewed research articles. Peter holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and master’s degree in industrial design. His professional/industry experience has focused on the acquisition, analysis, and synthesis of quantitative and qualitative data.

Peter joins Mandy to discuss cat policy and best practices for animal shelters.  

Kittens, Community, and You video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iI_0v0yZIyU

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Heather Cammisa is a Principal at Adisa Group, a mission driven consultancy. She has twenty-five years of experience in mission leadership, with more than 13 years as the Chief Executive of two animal welfare agencies plus several years with a national welfare agency. An economist before her Yogi Berra fork in the road, Heather is known for innovation, strategic partnerships, financial and operational revitalization and analytics.

She is a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator, holds a graduate certificate in Wildlife Forensics and Conservation from the University of Florida and is a certified animal control office and animal cruelty investigator. She has a Master’s degree in Economics from Rutgers University and worked in both financial and social economics before devoting her career to cause advancement.

She has served on the boards of regional organizations, animal shelters and a marine mammal stranding center. She is a frequent speaker at regional and national conferences. She is currently a Program Ambassador with Project Coyote and the Vice President of her local shelter’s board of directors.

She and her husband share their Colorado mountain home with beloved adopted pets Roger, Sunny, Cato & Polly. When not working, she can be found gardening in a geodesic greenhouse or out in the woods marveling at nature.

Heather joins Mandy today to discuss community-based programs in animal welfare.

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Melanie Sadek, identical twin sister of host Mandy Evans, has been the executive director of Valley Humane Society in Pleasanton for the 9 years. She has established the organization as a well-respected non-profit, helping both animals and people in the Tri-Valley. Melanie serves on the Board of Directors for the California Animal Welfare Association. In this role, she has been active in evaluating and helping pass animal welfare legislation in California. Her passion to make a difference didn’t start with Valley Humane Society. Starting her career in the field of highway safety, Melanie managed the Traffic Safety Department for AAA in Northern California and has trained thousands of law enforcement officers, nurses and public health workers in highway safety issues. In 2016, Melanie was recognized with the TriValley Hero Community Spirit Award for her dedication to helping others. 

Melanie joins Mandy to discuss shelters’ response to COVID-19.

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