Meet the Presenters
Michelle
Ziel-Dingman
Michelle Ziel-Dingman has served as Executive Director of the Snake River Animal Shelter since February 2022, leading significant growth in lifesaving programs and community services.
Under her leadership, the shelter achieved a 22% year-over-year increase in adoptions, launched a full-time veterinary team providing low-cost spay and neuter services, expanded low-cost vaccines to six days per week, and earned three national wins in the Helen Woodward Animal Center / Blue Buffalo Home for the Holidays campaign.
In 2026, SRAS launched the Carrie Scheid Humane Education Project to promote youth engagement and responsible pet stewardship. Michelle also brings over a decade of municipal governance experience, serving 11 years on the Idaho Falls City Council, including time as Mayor Pro-Tem. She has advanced key animal welfare ordinances addressing multiple-dog households, strengthening animal control enforcement, and prohibiting the retail sale of companion animals outside of nonprofit organizations and shelters.
Previously, she held leadership roles with the Community Food Basket - Idaho Falls, the College of Eastern Idaho, and Razor’s Edge Boxing Club. Michelle and her husband, Dayne, have rescued four dogs and are raising four children.
Outside of work, she enjoys cycling, live music, and cheering on the Los Angeles Lakers.
Caren Kahan
Caren has a heart for animals and a passion for getting them to safety. With years of experience in animal welfare, she has transported countless dogs and cats across multiple states, working closely with rescues and shelters to give animals a second chance. She also supports the Davis County Animal Shelter, organizing donations of food, toys, and blankets for pets in need.
In 2022, Caren was crowned Mrs. Utah, where her #SimplyGiving platform celebrated local businesses making a difference and encouraged others to get involved in their communities. Her experience leading volunteer efforts and coordinating with multiple organizations gives her a unique perspective on how connection and collaboration create meaningful impact.
Whether she’s behind the wheel on a transport run or helping at community events, Caren understands that compassion for animals starts with caring for the humans who serve them. She believes that intentional self-care, shared experiences, and building strong networks strengthen our ability to make a lasting difference.
When she’s not helping animals, Caren works as a Sr. Project Management Specialist at Boston Scientific and lives in Farmington with her husband, Chris, and her Bernese Mountain Dog, Aela. Through every effort, she continues to make a difference in the communities she calls home — one connection at a time.
Gwen Hernandez
Gwen Hernandez brings more than 20 years of hands-on emergency preparedness experience with a specialized focus on protecting animals and the people who care for them. A lifelong preparedness advocate and former owner of an emergency supply business, Gwen has trained individuals, families, and animal caregivers to build practical, scalable disaster plans that work when it matters most.
As a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Gwen integrates medical readiness, crisis response, and behavioral insight into comprehensive preparedness strategies. Her background in life-saving skills and emergency coordination allows her to translate high-stress disaster scenarios into structured, actionable plans for shelters, rescues, and animal transport teams.
As a dedicated animal guardian and mother of three, preparedness has always been both professional and personal. Gwen understands that in disaster situations, animals are among the most vulnerable — and that rescue organizations must be ready to respond quickly, safely, and strategically. Her philosophy is simple: when a crisis hits, systems save lives. Preparation isn’t fear-based — it’s responsibility-based. And in animal welfare, it’s lifesaving.
Mandy
Evans
Julie
Jacobsen
Mandy Evans is the Executive Director of Better Together Animal Alliance and the founder of Home To Home®, a nationally recognized pet rehoming platform used by shelters across North America to keep pets out of the shelter system.
She is a leading advocate for prevention-based animal welfare, advancing practical, community-centered strategies that support families before challenges become crises. Mandy’s work focuses on removing barriers that lead to surrender — including housing instability, financial hardship, and lack of access to resources — while strengthening trust and the human-animal bond.
Under her leadership, Better Together Animal Alliance has increased the number of animals assisted by more than 500% and reduced owner surrenders by 33%. A national speaker and collaborator, Mandy equips organizations to move upstream, reduce shelter intake, and preserve families. She believes prevention isn’t just a strategy — it’s a powerful way to transform outcomes for pets and the people who love them.
Julie Jacobsen brings over 30 years of experience in victim advocacy, grant writing, nonprofit development, and animal rescue. As co-founder of Elevate Training & Solutions, she specializes in helping nonprofit organizations secure sustainable funding through strategic partnerships, effective grant writing, and strong community engagement.
A nationally certified victim advocate with certifications in Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Trauma and Advocacy, Julie has worked alongside law enforcement agencies and nonprofit leaders to strengthen systems, build collaborative networks, and increase access to critical resources.
Her work centers on the power of connection — cultivating relationships that lead to long-term impact and financial sustainability. Through her consulting work, Julie helps organizations diversify revenue streams, develop meaningful donor relationships, and build cultures of trust that turn supporters into lifelong partners.
A devoted animal lover, Julie is the proud mom to 18 pets and even makes room in her heart — and on her property — for horses. She understands firsthand that lifesaving work depends not only on passion, but on partnerships that make the mission possible.
Jamie Lough
Jamie Lough is a dedicated animal welfare advocate, lost pet recovery specialist, and co-founder of Ladies and the Trap, an organization focused on reuniting lost pets with their families and improving outcomes for vulnerable animals in the community. Drawing on years of hands-on experience, Jamie has helped recover countless lost and displaced pets through strategic trapping, behavioral assessment, and recovery techniques. In addition to lost pet recovery, she is deeply involved in Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) efforts and has played a significant role in the rehabilitation and socialization of undersocialized and fearful dogs, helping many transition successfully into adoptive homes.
Jamie has completed numerous training courses and advanced coursework focused on fearful dog behavior, rehabilitation, and socialization. Combining formal training with extensive real-world experience, she has developed a strong reputation for helping some of the most challenging and behaviorally vulnerable dogs gain confidence and successfully integrate into homes and communities.
Known for her patience, persistence, and compassion, Jamie's work has made a lasting impact on both individual animals and the broader animal welfare community.
When she is not helping animals, Jamie enjoys spending time with her own dogs and competing in championship-level pool tournaments.
Natasha Laughter, DVM
Dr. Natasha Laughter is co-owner and Chief Medical Officer of Viking Veterinary Hospital, a 24-hour emergency and specialty veterinary hospital in Idaho. Her passion for veterinary medicine began at a young age and led her to earn both her undergraduate degree and Certified Veterinary Technician license through Arizona State University before completing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Oregon State University in 2012.
With a career rooted primarily in emergency and critical care medicine, Dr. Laughter has also worked in high-volume nonprofit spay/neuter programs and is certified in veterinary acupuncture. Her professional interests include soft tissue surgery, anesthesia for critical patients, pain management, fear-free veterinary practices, and complex medical case management.
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Laughter enjoys horses, hiking, photography, and spending time with her ever-growing family of animals. She is passionate about advancing veterinary medicine while strengthening the bond between people and their pets.
Kasey Sweeney, DVM
Dr. Kasey Sweeney, DVM Dr. Kasey Sweeney is a shelter medicine veterinarian dedicated to improving animal welfare and expanding access to veterinary care. Originally from Missoula, Montana, she earned degrees in Microbiology and Animal Science from Montana State University before receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Washington State University. Throughout her career, Dr. Sweeney has worked with shelters and humane societies in Montana, Washington, and Colorado, specializing in pediatric care, high-quality high-volume spay/neuter programs, general surgery, behavioral assessments, and community outreach clinics serving underserved populations. As the full-time Shelter Veterinarian for Snake River Animal Shelter in Idaho Falls, Dr. Sweeney helps advance the organization's mission of creating a future with no more homeless pets. She is passionate about life-saving shelter medicine, supporting pet owners, and developing programs that improve outcomes for both animals and the people who care for them.
Kade Tyler
Kade Tyler is the Co-Founder and Vice President of Wasatch Wanderers, Utah's largest operating 501(c)(3) farm and exotic animal rescue. For more than a decade, he has been dedicated to rescuing animals, supporting fellow rescuers, and serving communities with compassion.
Since co-founding Wasatch Wanderers in 2021, Kade has helped grow the organization into a nationally recognized rescue that has saved more than 1,800 animals, educated communities about abandoned domestic waterfowl, and advocated for improved animal welfare through outreach and public education. The organization has been honored with the Utah Animal Control Rescue of the Year Award and the Governor's Spirit of Service Award for its impact across the state.
Passionate about helping both animals and people, Kade brings firsthand experience working with farm animals, waterfowl, and exotic species. He joins the "Changing the Future for All Species" panel to share insights on expanding animal welfare beyond cats and dogs, fostering collaboration, and creating brighter futures for every species in our care.
Melissa Blackmer
Melissa Blackmer, RVT, BS, is the founder and director of Lake Lowell Animal Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rescuing abandoned animals and providing them with a second chance. What began with the rescue of a single injured cat named Fergus, has grown into a respected organization that has helped countless abandoned animals while educating the community about the realities of animal abandonment.
Melissa combines her medical expertise with a deep commitment to animal welfare. Under her leadership, Lake Lowell Animal Rescue has expanded from a grassroots effort into an established rescue supported by a dedicated board of community leaders and animal health professionals, with continued plans to grow its lifesaving programs.
Melissa's work has exposed her to a wide variety of species beyond traditional companion animals, giving her a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of caring for animals that are too often overlooked. She is passionate about collaboration, education, and building stronger partnerships that improve outcomes for every animal in need.
Melissa joins the "Changing the Future for All Species" panel to share her experience rescuing diverse species, addressing animal abandonment, and exploring how the animal welfare community can work together to create brighter futures for all animals.
Jordan
Fisk
Jordan Fisk is the Foster Program Coordinator and Operational Programs Manager at Simply Cats, a cageless, no-kill feline adoption center in Boise, Idaho.
In her role, she supports foster programming, volunteer engagement, daily operations, and the systems that help cats receive individualized care while waiting for their next chapter.
Jordan has also served as Simply Cats’ Volunteer Program Coordinator, bringing a strong commitment to animal welfare, community involvement, and thoughtful support for both cats and people. Before joining Simply Cats, she built a background in operations, purchasing, inventory management, and team leadership through roles with Roaring Springs Water Park and Wahooz Family Fun Zone.
Jordan will be co-presenting “Changing the Future for Cats: Modern Sheltering & Helping Every Cat Feel Right at Home.” Her portion of the presentation will highlight Simply Cats’ Feline Right At Home program, which provides behavioral and emotional support for scared cats, shut down, or defensive, helping them build trust, gain confidence, and feel more comfortable in shelter, foster, and home environments.
Hayley Smiley
Hayley Smiley is the founder of What the Flock Rescue, a Pacific Northwest-based, foster-driven parrot rescue dedicated to the rehabilitation, education, and responsible rehoming of companion birds. What began as a small safe haven for cockatiels quickly expanded to include parrots of all sizes and has grown into a thriving rescue serving the community for the past three years.
A homeschooling mother of three, wife, and homemaker, Hayley has built What the Flock Rescue into a true family and community effort. Her oldest son is actively involved in caring for and socializing many of the smaller birds that enter the rescue, reflecting the organization's belief that compassion and animal welfare begin at home. Supported by dedicated volunteers and an engaged community of adopters, the rescue works to ensure every bird is thoughtfully matched with the individual or family best suited to its unique personality, needs, and home environment.
Hayley is passionate about improving the lives of companion parrots through education, responsible ownership, and strengthening the bond between birds and the people who care for them. She believes meaningful change happens when communities come together to understand better the unique physical, emotional, and behavioral needs of these highly intelligent animals.
As a foster-based rescue operating from volunteers' homes, What the Flock Rescue focuses on preparing birds for successful, lifelong placements rather than serving as a permanent sanctuary. This mission allows the organization to continually welcome birds in need while helping them find loving, appropriate forever homes.
As a panelist for the Saving Lives: Change Their Future – Regional Animal Welfare Conference, Hayley brings valuable insight into the unique challenges and rewards of parrot rescue. Her experience offers attendees practical knowledge about companion bird welfare while encouraging collaboration across all areas of animal rescue, rehabilitation, and education.
Rebecca Trepczyk
Rebecca Trepczyk, CVT, BS, brings more than 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine, with a background spanning private practice, corporate veterinary clinics, and shelter medicine.
A Wisconsin native who relocated to Idaho in 2024, she has been part of the Simply Cats team for the past year and a half, where she is passionate about advancing feline welfare through progressive sheltering practices.
Rebecca holds a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science and is a Certified Veterinary Technician. She recently completed the prestigious Modern Sheltering Foundations course through UC Davis and Maddie's University, further expanding her knowledge of evidence-based shelter operations, feline behavior, enrichment, and welfare.
Rebecca is excited to co-present "The Evolution of Cat Care: Modern Sheltering & Helping Every Cat Feel Right at Home," where she'll share how modern sheltering principles are transforming outcomes for cats through thoughtful shelter design, behavior support, enrichment, and innovative care practices. Her goal is to help shelters and rescues create environments where every cat has the greatest opportunity to thrive, build confidence, and find a loving home.
When she's not caring for cats, Rebecca enjoys exploring Idaho's beautiful outdoors with her husband and their energetic Border Terrier mix, Canello, and cheering on her favorite Wisconsin sports teams.
Katie
Berger
Katie Berger has worked in the pet industry for more than 20 years, with a strong focus on pet nutrition, ingredient quality, and species-appropriate feeding.
In 2018, she opened Molly’s Healthy Pet Food Market after years of researching the powerful role nutrition plays in pets’ long-term health, comfort, and quality of life. Her education has been deeply hands-on and self-directed, shaped by decades of working with pet parents and studying pet food formulation, ingredient sourcing, manufacturing practices, and holistic pet wellness.
She has also attended pet health seminars and trainings led by internationally recognized holistic veterinarians and pet health experts, including Dr. Karen Becker, Dr. Barbara Royal, Dr. Conor Brady, and Dr. Carol Smeja.
Through her work, Katie helps pet parents better understand raw, fresh, freeze-dried, and gently cooked diets for dogs and cats. She regularly researches pet food brands, sourcing practices, ownership, processing methods, and formulation standards to offer thoughtful, informed guidance.
At the Saving Lives: Change Their Future Regional Animal Welfare Conference, Katie brings a practical and compassionate perspective on how nutrition can support healthier animals, stronger adoptions, and better futures for the pets and families we serve.
Megan
Jones
An Idaho native with a background in Early Childhood Education, Megan Jones serves as the Humane Education Coordinator for the Idaho Humane Society, where she inspires children, families, and community members to become compassionate advocates for animals.
Her work spans a wide variety of educational programs, including summer camps, homeschool experiences, shelter birthday parties, and innovative volunteer opportunities that empower youth as young as third grade and young adults with developmental disabilities to make a meaningful impact in animal welfare.
Passionate about the power of education to create lasting change, Megan believes that teaching kindness, responsibility, and compassion today helps build stronger communities and brighter futures for both people and animals. Through engaging, hands-on experiences, she inspires the next generation of animal advocates while demonstrating that prevention begins with education.
Megan is excited to present "Teaching Today, Saving Tomorrow," where she'll explore how humane education can reduce shelter intake, strengthen community partnerships, and create generational change—because changing the future starts with the lessons we teach today.