Executive Director:  Donna Wambeke - started 1987

Twenty- four years ago, I became involved with a group of concerned citizens on the topic of animal welfare. At the time there was a humane society in Brainerd, but it was not actively helping animals in need. There was a small black dog that was left out on a chain in the freezing elements, and there was no one to help this little guy. That day HART became a passion of mine. I work just as hard today as I did back in 1987 to improve the lives of unwanted, stray and abandoned animals.

I have worn many hats during these twenty four years. I started out as foster mom, then board director, board president, volunteer/outreach coordinator, shelter manager, general manager and now executive director.

As executive director, I work in my office at the shelter as well as out in the community. No two days are ever the same, it seems. I spend time speaking to civic groups, giving pet safety demonstrations to kids, going to the farm with the “Young at HART” students and dancing at the shelter dog shuffle. Those are the fun duties I have, but there are some duties that are very

heartbreaking. Such as comforting the pet owner who can no longer afford to care for their beloved pet and have to surrender it to HART. Or the animal that comes in that has been neglected to the point of no return. Then there are some of my duties that get my blood pressure to levels it should not be… Such as letters that state “Just shoot the animal if you can’t feed it, they have no feelings anyway”

HART has always been a big part of my life and I served as president of the organization for many terms, did investigations, held many injured and sick animals while they crossed over "The Rainbow Bridge", cried for the many we could not save and rejoiced for the many that have found forever homes. As our three children were growing up, HART was like a second home to them as Bill and I spent countless hours doing construction work, cleaning, and whatever else needed to be done. And when I look back on the last twenty- four years, I would not change a thing, as it is the most rewarding job I will ever do.

In these past twenty- four years we have had the pleasure of adopting six wonderful "Boys". Thank you Cody, Sundance, Chase, Shadow, Snappy & Tempe" for bringing so much joy and love into our lives. Rescue dogs rock.....

At the end of each day, I hope I have made a difference in the life of one shelter animal. I will continue to try to “Make a Difference One Life at a Time” as long as the sun still shines on me.

Stop by and visit us at the shelter if you have a chance. The animals can always use a pat on the head and a kind word.

“A VOICE FOR THOSE WHO CAN NOT SPEAK”

Office Manager:  Janet Larson - started 1/98

I grew up on a farm so I have had many different kinds of animals in my life. I raised three boys and thus was introduced to the slimier side of the animal world from tadpoles & salamanders to various members of the snake family. We had cats, dogs and school projects that seemed to find their way home. When I started working at HART in January of 1998, I was without pets at the moment. In the spring of 2002 I fostered a young cat that came into HART and delivered 7 little fluffy kittens. I ended up adopting the mother cat and one of her babies.

I feed lots of wildlife on my 5 acres so they have an endless procession of critters to watch from the window.

I enjoy working at HART and being able to help the animals. Even though there are days that can be heart wrenching and frustrating, there are many days that prove to be rewarding.

It has been rewarding being able to house some of the older, scared and very shy cats in my office to help them through the adjustment process when they are surrendered to HART. I have had nearly a dozen cats that have been adopted out of my office and all are doing well in their new homes.

Receptionist: Mary Kirzeder - started 7/03

Having grown up on a farm, animals have always been a part of my life as long as I can remember. I now only have one cat (Peter), however, when my son was growing up our family included dogs and cats. One of our dogs was a blue eyed, white Siberian Husky "Katie" adopted from HART foster care in 1991. We had one Siberian and decided she needed a friend.

My first job was with the State of Minnesota for 38 years. In 2003 I retired and started working part-time at HART one month later - long retirement!

I feel fortunate to be part of HART as I have always had a love for animals - just ask my cat "Peter."

Receptionist: JoEllen Johnson started 4/06

After all the love and happiness animals have brought into my life, how could I have any other job?

When I bring fosters home it's helpful that my husband and three girls love animals almost as much as I do.

My family has adopted our share of pets. We have dogs, cats, fish, a rat, a hamster and our latest a minnow saved from the bait bucket.

Kennel Manager: Alesha Rothberg - started 3/10

My name is Alesha Rothberg.  I grew up in the Saint Cloud area (went to high school in Foley). I have always loved animals and grew up with various pets, including a pygmy goat, cats, toy poodles, labs, chinchillas and plenty of others!

After I graduated from high school, I moved to Willmar, MN, where I went to Ridgewater College for veterinary technology. After graduation I did an internship at Bramble Park Zoo in Watertown, MN. I enjoyed learning about and working with all the different exotics there.

During college I also met my husband, Daniel. He is an Electronic Technician and we were married August of 2010. He enjoys coming to HART to see the different animals, and we picked out our cat Choxy, from HART. We also have a german shepherd, Scout, who is also from HART.

I enjoy camping, sports (especially softball), scrapbooking and shopping, among other activities. I love working at HART and seeing the animals find their new homes. The staff is great and fun to work with, and everyday is different and rewarding.

( Alesha is a wonderful kennel manager and her love of animals shines through. She is always a positive, fun person to be around. )

Team Leader/Graphic & Web Designer: Teasha Scheeler - started 2/06

My name is Teasha and I have been around a wide variety of animals my whole life. From chickens, ducks, hamsters, goats to horses and many kinds of birds. I love all animals. I have two boys ages 12 & 13 years old who show this love of animals as well. We have a dog and four cats. I also raise birds. I have English Budgies & Bourke Parakeets.

I went to school for Graphic Design, but after school started at HART. Since starting there my job description has evolved into so much more than kennel staff. Besides working full time with all the animals I also manage and design the HART website. I do a lot of posting on the Facebook page, design posters for the animals who are having a hard time getting adopted and other designing for various other posters that are needed. I usually have at least one or more foster cats at my home whether it be a cat feeling sick or a litter of kittens. I enjoy fostering very much.

When I started at HART I never knew how much it would affect my life. My whole world evolves around HART and all it's critters. I'm not sure where I would be without HART, but I love my job, the animals and my co workers.

Amy Houde - started 6/08

I have loved animals all my life and started working at animal hospitals with vets early in life until last year when I started at HART.  I love the fact that I have a bigger impact on the animals finding forever homes and seeing them with their new doting parent makes me happy and proud for the "kids."

Pam Boucher - started 8/06

My husband I have five furry children. Two dogs and three cats. I foster cats of any age and for many different needs. I came from another shelter background so not a whole lot surprises me anymore.  My hope is that someday people will spay and neuter so there is no need to have shelters because of overpopulation.