Our Team
Meet Our Staff
We’re grateful to have a dedicated staff of animal caregivers. Our team works continuously to provide the highest level of care and to find loving homes for the dogs and cats of Nelson County.
Rose Fariss
Shelter Manager
Marissa Shaver
Feline Lead & Office Assistant
Erin Ezzyk
Canine Lead
Cole Johnson
Feline/Canine Technician
Tammy Goolsby
Feline/Canine Technician
Perla Barrios
Canine Technician
Holly Martin
Canine Technician
McKenzie Powell
Canine Technician
Bailey Naughton
Feline Kennel Tech
Monique Bolden
Feline Technician
Stephanie Dawn Stevens
Office Assistant/Feline Tech
Become a Part of Our Dedicated Team
We welcome all talents, whether you’re an experienced caregiver, a skilled trainer, or have a knack for administrative work. Your commitment is what we need.
Meet Our Dedicated Volunteers
The Nelson Community has never held back in supporting our shelter with their time and effort. There are too many to list individually, but if you’d like to send us a photo and a short bio, we’d love to feature you. We can’t do this without you and we simply can’t thank you enough.
Veterinary Volunteers
Elizabeth Luziach
Supervising Veterinarian
Robin Pullen, VMD, DACVIM - SAIM
Assistant to Supervising Veterinarian
Dr Jennifer Magill
Assistant to Supervising Veterinarian
Volunteer Coordinators
Danielle Harris
Volunteer Coordinator
Kim Jackson
Foster Coordinator
Position Open
Event Coordinator
Community Champions
Sue Lambert
Dog Walker & Bather
Clinton Fariss
Volunteer
Carolyn Frith
Volunteer, Cat Write-ups & Photographer
Amy Swope-Robles
Volunteer & Bording Kennel
Laura Scherman
Volunteer
Sigrid Mirabella
Volunteer
Diana Galarreta
Volunteer & Dog Walker
Arin Bennett
Dog Walker
Jenn O’Connor
Feline Foster
Katie O'Connor
Volunteer
Georganne L Kelly
Volunteer
Karen Ryan
Volunteer
Donald Wenrich
Volunteer
George Allen
Vehicle Maintenance
Shirley Allen
Senior Volunteer
Carol Allen
Volunteer
Vicki Martin
Volunteer, Foster & Donor
Andi Blanton
Grounds, Shelter Maintenance Helper & Dog Walker
Tad Smith
Special Volunteer
Melissa Rosenthal
Volunteer & Dog Walker
Maura Singleton
Dog Walker
Rhonda Richardson
Volunteer
Sue Rucker
Senior Feline Volunteer
Polly Davis Doig
Volunteer
Megan Washburn
Volunteer / Foster
Interested in volunteering?
If you have the time — we need you!
Meet Our Visionary Board of Directors
Heidi Freitager
President
Heidi has been a member of the board of directors since 2016 after volunteering at Nelson SPCA and CASPCA since 2008. Outside of the shelter, she owns a softball training & retail business and enjoys coaching kids of all ages. Heidi volunteered running the spay & neuter program 2017-2024 and has fostered over 100 cats & dogs over her time at the Nelson SPCA. She and her wife, Megan, are the proud pet parents of 3 dogs and 8 cats.
Denise Merricks
Vice President
Denise is the President and trainer at Camp Merricks, a local boarding, daycare and training facility. She is active in dog rescue with multiple organizations and has worked with the Nelson SPCA since 2013. Additionally, she has 30 years experience in Human Resources and Business Management.
Ginger Germani
Treasurer
Ginger Germani, Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking with Old Point National Bank, joined the board in November 2023. She brings a variety of experience in nonprofit fundraising as well as financial management. Ginger and her family live in Richmond, but she resided in neighboring Crozet for 15 years. During that time, she served on the board of the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA, volunteered in spay/neuter and fostered numerous puppies and dogs. Ginger also manages the Austin Germani Memorial Fund, in honor of her late son, who lost his battle with depression and anxiety. Through the fund and her other volunteer work, she is committed to changing the landscape of mental healthcare. Ginger was named as one of the 2024 Women Who Drive Richmond by the Richmond Times-Dispatch for her contributions to moving the region forward through her work in business and community.
Michael Wood
Board Member
Michael grew up on a farm here in Nelson County, where a love of animals developed early. He’s volunteered and fostered with the Chesterfield Humane Society, Dogs Deserve Better, and now the Nelson SPCA. He loves the outdoors, often hiking or kayaking with furry friends. He tries to utilize his background in architectural fabrication & custom signage, and now landscaping to contribute to the shelter.
Ronald Cote
Board Member
Ron joined the Board in 2023 and actively volunteers as an infrastructure coordinator and animal transport driver. His wife, Robin, lends her skills as a volunteer veterinarian, caring for the animals we shelter. Together, they’re crucial to our mission. Among those in their care is Wink, a rescue cat who’s become part of our community.
Amy Eastlack
Board Member
With a lifelong passion for animal rescue, I work as a Foster and Adoption Coordinator at Dogs Deserve Better Blue Ridge. Currently also pursuing a Master’s degree in Animal Shelter Management, I spend most of my time trying to help animals in need. Proud mom of two adult children, my home is also ruled by my three beloved dogs: Winnie, Millie, and Kingston. They bring joy and inspiration to my mission every day.
Sarah Landon
Board Member
Lifelong animal lover and rescuer. I’ve spent 19 years with Almost Home, serving on the Board for much of that time. I’m an advocate of and committed to promoting spay/neuter initiatives. My farm is a lively haven, home to a wonderful mix of cats, dogs, goats, sheep, a bunny, and a parakeet.
Help Us Shape a Brighter Future for Pets in Need
Your ongoing support is essential to our mission, empowering us to create tangible positive changes in the lives of Nelson County’s dogs and cats. Join us in this meaningful endeavor and be part of our story.