Terryl Warner
Terryl Warner has over 35 years of experience in business, public relations, grant writing and victim advocacy. She is a co-founder of Elevate Training & Solutions. She has worked with multiple law enforcement agencies in victim advocacy and grant writing. She has a BA in communications from the University of Southern California. She is a nationally certified victim advocate with Certification in Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Trauma and Advocacy. Terryl is a long-time dog owner and is enjoying her 3 dogs currently.
Julie Jacobsen
Julie Jacobsen has over 30 years experience working in victim advocacy, grant writing and animal rescue. She is a co-founder of Elevate Training & Solutions. She is a certified victim's advocate and has worked with several law enforcement agencies to help train officers in victim advocacy and effective grant writing. She recently established her own company to assist primarily non-profit organizations with grant writing. She is a nationally certified victim advocate with Certification in Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Trauma and Advocacy. Julie is the proud momma of 18 pets and has a big enough heart to care for horses on her property too.
"At Elevate Training & Grants Solutions , we believe that healing happens in connection...between survivors and their support systems, and between humans and animals. We work at the intersection of victim advocacy and animal rescue to provide safe, compassionate support for all living beings affected by violence and trauma."
Aryln Bradshaw
Arlyn Bradshaw is the Associate Deputy Mayor, Finance and Administration for Salt Lake County. He was a past executive director of Best Friends Animal Society, Utah and, until recently, served as a member of the Salt Lake County Council. Arlyn has served on the Visit Salt Lake Executive Board, the Salt Lake County Board of Health, and as chair of the Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake County. He is the former Assistant Dean of Students at the University of Utah. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration.
Autumn Wagner
Autumn Wagner has been with Best Friends Animal Society, Utah since 2006 working in capacities ranging from their Embed in a Shelter program, Adoptions Manager, Community Engagement Coordinator, Shelter Support Coordinator, and currently as their Community Cat Coordinator. She believes that the trap-neuter-return process, that happens outside of the shelters, is the number one lifesaving program for both dogs and cats that enter an animal shelter. She loves to come up with solutions for community cats and the people who care for them. Her motto is " See cats outside? Let's talk about it!" Autumn is the proud momma of an inside cat named WILLOW and 2 community cats named OREO and SIR OWLINGTON. Their household is also caring for about 20 community cats at their shop.
​
Meet the Presenters
Katie Boucher
Dr. Merik Metos
Penelope Acosta
Katie Boucher is President of Norris Ark Training & Recovery Center, Montana. She is an animal advocate and trainer with over 30 years of experience, specializing in LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) training methods. Katie has worked extensively with horses, dogs, cats, birds, and numerous other species. Her approach blends compassion and expertise, drawing inspiration from luminaries like Pat Parelli, Dr. Ian Dunbar, Sue Ailsby, Susan Garrett, John Lyons, Temple Grandin, Dr. Robert Miller, and Monty Roberts. Through her leadership at Norris Ark, Katie fosters humane, science-based training and rehabilitation, transforming the lives of animals and their owners.
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.
Whether behind the wheel on a transport run or lending a hand at community events, Caren is always looking for ways to help animals and the people who care for them.
When she’s not on the road delivering animals to safety, Caren works as a Sr. Project Management Specialist at Boston Scientific. Caren lives in Farmington with her husband, Chris, and her Bernese Mountain Dog, Aela and the memories of her and boxer/mastiff, Miles. She continues to make an impact in every community she calls home.
Dr. Merik Metos is an Idaho native, she graduated from Garden Valley High School in 2006. In 2013, she graduated from Washington State University with her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. She practiced at the largest animal sanctuary in the United States, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, for her first few years out of school, working on wildlife, rabbits, dogs, cats, pigs, and horses. There she learned pretty much how to spay and neuter every species.
After marrying her husband Steve, Dr. Metos moved to Nampa, Idaho in 2015 with their combined dog family of five. Dr. Metos has 11 years of experience in emergency medicine, soft tissue surgeries, orthopedics, surgery and exotic medicine. Wanting to learn more treatment options for her animal patients, Dr. Metos attended the Chi University of Florida and obtained additional certifications in Chinese Herbal Medicine and Tui-Na. She is also is a fear-free certified veterinarian and the only veterinarian in Idaho for apiary (honeybee) medicine through the state’s Entomology Department.
In her free time, Dr. Metos enjoys playing with her dogs, going to concerts with her husband, painting/drawing, golfing, drag-racing and autocross driving her 1993 Corvette, and playing competitively in Pokémon trading card games.
Penelope brings a wealth of experience to her new role. With more than 20 years working in nonprofit management. She has the combination of leadership and organizational development experience that will allow her to lead and grow the mission of SNIP. Her passion for animal health & welfare, rescue and adoption along with professional experience and strengths allow her to carry on the great work that Spay Neuter Idaho Pets (SNIP) does in the community.
​
Penelope is a graduate of the University of Nevada Reno. She holds a Masters of Science Degree in Human Development & Family Studies and a secondary in Social Work. Additionally, Penelope maintains Grant Writing Certification from the American Grant Writers Association, Nonprofit Management and Leadership Certification from One OC, and Certified Fund Raising Executive (C.F.R.E) through the Association for Fundraising Professionals.
Melissa Yenko
Melissa is a lifelong animal lover with a passion for using communication and connection to make a difference for animals in need. She holds both a B.S. and M.S. in Geology and spent over 20 years working with various federal agencies in environmental compliance. During that time, she developed extensive skills in project management, writing, facilitation, and public involvement—skills that now serve her well in the fast-paced world of social media.
After taking early retirement, Melissa embraced her love of technology and storytelling, stepping into the role of volunteer Social Media Coordinator for SNARF. While new to social media management, she quickly applied her expertise in public engagement and her detail-oriented approach to create content that connects with audiences and amplifies SNARF’s mission.
Driven by her passion for animals and dedication to rescue work, Melissa brings the same strategic thinking and commitment to her social media efforts as she did in her federal career—helping raise awareness, inspire action, and ultimately change lives for both animals and the people who love them.