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Conference Speakers: Keynote Speaker Zoe Weil, Institute for Humane Education .png)
Zoe Weil is the co-founder and president of the Institute for Humane Education (IHE), where she created the first graduate programs in comprehensive Humane Education linking human rights, environmental sustainability, and animal protection, offered online through an affiliation with Antioch University. IHE also offers a Solutionary Micro-credential Program and award-winning teacher resources to help educators and changemakers bring solutionary practices to students and communities so that together we can effectively solve local and global challenges that affect people, animals, and ecosystems. Zoe is a frequent keynote speaker at education and other conferences and has given six TEDx talks including her acclaimed TEDx, The World Becomes What You Teach. She’s written eight books including her 2024 book The Solutionary Way: Transform Your Life, Your Community, and the World for the Better with a foreword by Jane Goodall, which was the Amazon #1 new release in Social Philosophy and Popular Applied Psychology. She’s also the author #1 Amazon best seller in the Philosophy and Social Aspects of Education, The World Becomes What We Teach: Educating a Generation of Solutionaries; Nautilus silver medal winner Most Good, Least Harm; Moonbeam gold medal winner Claude and Medea; and Above All, Be Kind: Raising a Humane Child in Challenging Times. Zoe is the 2023 recipient of the Spirit of America award, which honors people who follow their conscience and act against current thinking to stand up for equity, freedom, and the American spirit of justice. She was named one of Maine Magazine’s 50 independent leaders transforming their communities and the state and is the recipient of the Unity College Women in Environmental Leadership award. She was also a subject of the Americans Who Tell the Truth portrait series. She holds master’s degrees from Harvard Divinity School and the University of Pennsylvania and was awarded an honorary doctorate from Valparaiso University. When: Wednesday, April 30th, 9:20 - 10:20 a.m.
Speaker Bios
Ashley Holm, Connecticut Humane Society
 Ashley is the CT Humane Society’s Community Outreach Manager, where she manages the humane education team and community assistance programs. During her 6 years at CHS, she’s grown the program from 2 elementary-level classroom lessons to a robust offering of programs for learners of all ages. Currently, CHS runs programs for youth, scouts, adult members of the general public, animal control officers and other professionals. She is most passionate about working with high school students and adults, but enjoys teaching all levels of programs. Ashley holds a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Connecticut.
Hannah Mirlis, Connecticut Humane Society
 Hannah has been a Community Outreach Coordinator for the CT Humane Society for the past 5 years. In her position, she presents humane education programs for students of all ages, writes a quarterly newsletter for children and is responsible for scheduling speakers for CHS’ popular webinar series for adults, PETtalk. She is most interested in helping elementary students foster a passion for kindness and empathy toward pets and the people who love them. Hannah holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Communication from Eastern CT State University.
Zoe Picanso, Connecticut Humane Society
 Zoe has worked in various animal welfare positions over the course of her career. During her five years as a Community Outreach Coordinator at the CT Humane Society, Zoe has been responsible for creating and presenting humane education programs and supporting the organization's community assistance programs. She is passionate about inspiring a love for pets in people of all ages through education. Zoe holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Captive Wildlife Care and Education from Unity College. When: Wednesday, April 30th, 2025 at 10:35 a.m. - Seville Getting Started: Engaging Adults with Community Programs
Amber Vera Mendoza, spcaLA Amber holds a Masters in Social Work with a focus on community strengthening and engagement from California State University, Long Beach. After an extensive career in non-profits throughout Los Angeles for over 25 years, she joined spcaLA in May 2023 as the Director of Violence Prevention and Humane Education. She has extensive experience in program creation and management, streamlining operations, sitting on several boards, and has been a Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity trainer for 10+ years. Currently, she oversees five different programs at spcaLA, all working towards ending the cycle of violence through humane education. Natalie Medina, spcaLA Natalie received their Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from California State University, Long Beach. They have worked with young people in various settings from different backgrounds and abilities for over five years. They joined the Violence Prevention Humane Education Department at spcaLA in 2022 and are currently the Senior Youth Program Coordinator. Whether it is within the classroom or outdoors training with shelter pets, Natalie has spent years modifying their approach in their work to be inclusive of all students. Their interests include Youth Development through art, mentoring, and group discussions. When: Wednesday, April 30th, 2025 at 10:35 a.m. - Rozelle After School Youth Program: Diversity and Cross-Cultural Understanding
Heather Grogan, Charleston Animal Society Heather Grogan earned a Psychology degree from Clemson University. She worked in foster care post-graduation, focusing on children's mental, physical, and social well-being. Eventually, she transitioned to humane education, where she combined her passion for children and animals. At Charleston Animal Society, with the support of her team, she introduced multiple new programs, boosting enrollment and engagement. Heather's dedication to expanding Humane Education has led her to speak at nationwide conferences, serve on the APHE board, and co-write an apprenticeship. Heather enjoys life in Charleston with her rescue dog and two playful cats. When: Thursday, April 30th, at 1:30 p.m. - Seville Networking Power Hour: Regional Workshop Planning
Nicole Green, Animalearn Nicole Green (she/her) is the Director of Animalearn, a national advocacy program focused on helping educators and students find innovative non-animal science teaching resources for K-12 classrooms and beyond. For over 20 years she has strived to make a difference for animals used in education. Nicole holds an MA in Education and Innovation with an emphasis on Humane Education. She has served as a Board Member and Board Advisor for APHE. Currently Nicole serves on the Advisory Board for CurioXR, a virtual reality tech company developing VR dissection experiences. Kris Taylor, Shy 38 Inc. Kris is the founder of Lawrence, KS based non-profit farmed animal sanctuary, Shy 38 Inc. The sanctuary was founded in 2015 after Kris and her family lived in a house next to a farmer's herd of cows. The sanctuary's mission is to change public perception of animals raised for food, offer humane education programs to local youth and provide a safe space for their 200 rescued residents including horses, cows, pigs, sheep, goats and over 70 roosters.
Elizabeth Wallace, Shy 38 Inc. As a lifelong vegetarian and vegan for over a decade, Elizabeth started working with Shy 38 in the spring of 2022. She has been a licensed teacher since 2012, and currently works as a senior training developer. She has a passion for both helping animals and teaching people. When: Thursday, April 30th, at 1:30 p.m. - Rozelle Spotlight Chick Hatching Projects: Let’s Crack Open a Humane Solution
Sharon Spencer, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens With a focus on transformative coexistence, Sharon creatively connects humans and non-humans through strategies of empathy and compassion towards a deeper understanding of each other and our world. In her final year of her doctoral focused on the power of empathy, her role as an adult education specialist at the zoo allows for the capacity of not only curriculum development but research and community connections as well. Serving on both the DEAI committee with the ACE Wildlife Network as well as a contributing member of the Conservation Ed Committee with AZA, Sharon continues to integrate socio-humane concepts into her work and communities. When: Thursday, April 30th, at 2:40 p.m. - Seville Compassion Fatigue: A recognition and strategies workshop
Karen Wallace, Wayside Waifs
Being a humane educator has been Karen's dream job since she was a teenager. She has been living out that dream at Wayside Waifs since November 2017. Karen is most passionate about summer camp programming, and watching students connect with the dogs she brings to classrooms. Karen dreams of bringing rats and ferrets into classrooms one day to show students how intelligent and affectionate they are! And to inspire students (and teachers!) to be open-minded, non-judgmental citizens of the world. Margaret Hanzlick-Burton, Wayside Waifs
Margaret Hanzlick-Burton is passionate about creating educational experiences that help people connect with and care for animals. As a Humane Educator at Wayside Waifs, she blends her love for science, storytelling, and education into programs that encourage kids to care for each other and for their pets. Margaret’s journey has taken her from teaching children’s theatre to educating visitors at the Kansas City Zoo and Seattle Aquarium. With a master’s degree in biology and a bachelor’s in theatre performance, she strives to make complex topics engaging and accessible to diverse audiences. Check out her podcast for Wayside Waifs, Wayside Tails! When: Thursday, April 30th, at 2:40 pm - Rozelle How to Be an Effective Educator
Julie Klima, Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership Julie Klima is a passionate advocate for a thriving nonprofit sector. As the founder and principal of Purpose Amp, she draws on more than two decades of cross-sector experience leading teams through growth and change in a variety of sectors to provide management consulting services to purpose-minded organizations. She also serves as the managing director of the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership. Julie has held a variety of roles in nonprofit and private sector organizations in Washington, DC and Kansas City, including Arabella Advisors, Environmental Defense Fund, Exponent Philanthropy, Gift of Life, Network for Good, Useagility, WildAid, and Wildlife Alliance. Julie is a member of the Kansas City Chamber Centurions Leadership Program Class of 2025, serves on the board of Support KC, and leads the Lessons in Leadership interview series for Central Exchange. Julie earned her BBA in Marketing from The University of Oklahoma and a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in nonprofit management from The George Washington University. When: Friday, May 1, 2025 at 9:05 a.m. - Seville Collaborative Meeting Facilitation: Tools & Strategies for Success Karen Verderame, Penn Vet .png) As the Assistant Director of Outreach Education at Penn Vet, Karen develops and provides educational opportunities throughout Penn Vet, focusing on humane education, STEAM outreach, and pipeline-type programming. Karen has a rich professional background working with and caring for various taxa of animals in zoo and museum settings, developing protocols, including behavioral husbandry programs, for animals used in education programming as well as staff trainings to work with animals in programs and exhibits. Additionally, she has developed a variety of engagement opportunities, programs and curricula for multigenerational audiences. When: Friday, May 1, 2025 at 9:05 a.m. - Rozelle Thriving with Compassion: Ensuring Positive Welfare for Animals in Educational Programs Minhhan Takemoto, RedRover MinhhanTakemoto (she/they) manages the RedRover Readers program and supports Kind News™ magazine. With a background in animal sheltering and small animal clinic veterinary care, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development from the University of California, Davis, focusing on humane education with a minor in Animal Science. Minhhan is a Certified Humane Education Specialist (CHES). She is part of the Culture Task Force, Anti-Racist Social Justice working group, and also founded and facilitates the monthly BIPGM (Black, Indigenous, People of the Global Majority) Affinity group at RedRover. She nurtures her lifelong love for animals and nature through photography, hiking, and paddleboarding. Karly Noel, RedRover Karly Noel (she/her) is the Vice President of Operations and Education at RedRover. She is always up for a good pun or play on words worked into a great conversation. Karly has ten years of experience as a classroom teacher and holds a Bachelor’s degree in child development and a Master’s degree in education from California State University, Sacramento. Karly is a Certified Humane Education Specialist (CHES). She lives in Sacramento, CA with her husband, son, two dogs, one cat, and one fish. When: Friday, May 1, 2025 at 11:15 a.m. - Seville Cultural Sensitivity in Action: A Pathway to Meaningful Partnerships Darlene Blackman, Marin Humane As VP of Community Engagement at Marin Humane, Darlene directs Pet Care Assistance, Pet Safety Net, Animal-Assisted Programs, Youth Programs, and the Behavior and Training Department. She was an APHE board member from 2019-2024. In December 2024 she was published in Animal Assisted Interventions: Recognizing and Mitigating Potential Welfare Challenges. Darlene graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a degree in animal science/veterinary medicine. She worked at the Mass Audubon and MSPCA prior to moving to CA. Darlene feels blessed to have her dream job which allows her to make a difference for animals and people every day. When: Friday, May 1, 2025 at 11:15 a.m. - Rozelle Helping Teens Lead the Way
Christine Davis, SPCA Serving Erie County Christine has worked with the SPCA Serving Erie County since 2013 and started as Assistant Manager of the offsite location at Eastern Hills Mall. From there, she became a Humane Educator and was promoted to Director in 2017. Christine also serves as a head Varsity coach for girl's basketball at her former high school and as an APHE board member. She has a background in media production and communications and studied Animal Management at Niagara Community College. Christine grew up in Buffalo, NY, currently lives in Cheektowaga and has a variety of furry companions at home. Katherine Gillette-Cockerill, SPCA Serving Erie County
When: Friday, May 1st, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. - Seville Creating a Path to Industry Diversity Through Community Partnerships
Adora R. Negrón Gómez, Colegio de Médicos Veterinarios de Puerto Rico Adora's first experience in the field of animal welfare was in 2006 working as a receptionist at the Humane Society of Puerto Rico. Soon she ventured into adoptions and education. After this she formed “Mi Mejor Amigo,” visiting public housing projects to promote proper pet care and cruelty prevention. In 2012, Adora launched a HE program on a small island off the east coast of P.R. Every school there was impacted. I became the first CHES in PR. Adora's HE proposal was accepted by the Colegio de Médicos Veterinarios de P.R. in January of 2020. She has three daughters who will forever be her inspiration to spread kindness among children and youth in Puerto Rico. Learning Lab: May 2nd, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. - Wayside Waifs Education and Training Center STEM + K for Kindness
Heather Franco, East Bay SPCA .png) Heather Franco is a Bay Area native who grew up in San Francisco and now lives and works in the East Bay. The first 12 years of her career were with the Richmond Neighborhood Center where she delivered and then managed elementary, middle, and high school out of school time programs as well as youth workforce development programming. In 2019 she made a career shift and joined East Bay SPCA, where she is now the Humane Education Manager. Her interests outside of work include hiking, camping, kayaking, and her American Staffy, Lola. Learning Lab: May 2nd, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. - Wayyside Waifs Education and Training Center Program Design & Evaluation: Shelter Scouts Youth Volunteer Program Aislinn McCarthy, MO Alliance for Animal Legislation Aislinn holds a masters degree in social work from Washington University. She concentrated in mental health and specialized in policy. Aislinn has spent her career working on behalf of foster children/youth and animals. She has been employed in foster parent recruitment, as an in-home support counselor to foster families with children needing intensive services, as a case-carrying social worker, a birth parent mentor, and a trainer for foster parents. Aislinn currently serves in volunteer roles as a CASA and lifelong connection in addition to working in animal welfare legislation. Learning Lab: May 2nd, 2025 at 9:40 a.m. - Wayside Waifs Education and Training Center Under One Roof
De Daltorio, Chief Education Officer, has spent the last 15 years designing & implementing compassion education content for Charleston Animal Society. De received her B.S. in Elem. Educ. from the Indiana Univ. of PA, and Art Certification in K-12 from Carlow University. Her love of animals, children, and art are blended together in all that she does. De believes fostering compassion for animals, people, and the environment is the best way to combat society's issues. She lives near the beach on Sullivan’s Island with her husband, 2 cats, and 3 rescue dogs, including Louie the 3-legged ambassador dog. Lindsey Cummings, Charleston Animal Society Lindsey Cummings graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Animal and Veterinary Science. Lindsey began working with kids early in high school through babysitting, nannying, and coaching a youth swim team. In college, she worked with other Clemson students to develop and execute a marine science educational program for elementary aged children in the Clemson area. Following this experience, she wanted to continue in the education field and begin combining her love of children and animals. Lindsey recently moved to Charleston with her dog and cat, and is currently the Humane Education Coordinator at Charleston Animal Society. Learning Lab: May 2nd, 2025 at 9:40 a.m. - Wayside Waifs Education and Training Center Creating with Compassion: Art in Humane Education
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Katherine started as a Humane Educator in March 2018. She was promoted to Assistant Director in October 2022. Her background is in conservation education in zoological parks. She studied Animal Science at Cornell University and has a Masters in Zoo and Aquarium Leadership from George Mason University. She moved from Seattle, WA to Buffalo, NY in 2016 to be closer to family. She currently lives with her husband, two daughters, and two cats. She enjoys downhill skiing when there is snow and rowing the rest of the year..png)
De Daltorio, Charleston Animal Society
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