BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Amy has loved animals for as long as she can remember and has always surrounded herself with pets, even in her dorm room in college. Growing up in California, Amy volunteered with her local animal shelter by fostering and socializing cats and walking shelter dogs.

After moving to Washington, one of Amy's first priorities was finding a rescue to volunteer with. Before joining WAAG’s Board as Secretary in 2024, Amy was a WAAG foster parent and volunteer. She is currently a fur mom to 2 rescue cats and 2 rescue dogs (pictured here with her first rescue dog, Willow). Amy is looking forward to continuing WAAG's mission of advocating for animals in Wahkiakum County.

“We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.”

Cate has spent much of her working life in government procurement. Being a lifelong animal lover and volunteer with the local Humane Society, she jumped at the chance to foster kittens in the summer of 2022. That was the beginning of a massive career shift. In 2023 she started with the Humane Society of Cowlitz County, now known as the Humane Society for Southwest Washington, as a Veterinary Assistant. She had a strong connection to the homeless shelter animals and has a lifelong desire to assist them.

Seeing a need in Wahkiakum County and having learned medical skills that could help, Cate reached out to WAAG to see if could volunteer. Now, as a member of the Board of Directors, she is eager to jump into fundraising, events, and anything else that will help further the mission to assist more animals.

"Every life is important and every pet deserves a loving family."

Jenny has been rescuing animals after discovering an abandoned kitten in a field when she was 8 in her small hometown of Nikiski, Alaska. She has been fostering, adopting, and rescuing cats and dogs ever since.

Professionally she has spent her life working in various non-profits and always drawn to help where the need is strongest. She has managed a group home for people with disabilities, as well as a domestic violence shelter.

"It has been a lifelong dream" Jenny says, "to help create a non-profit devoted to helping vulnerable animals."

Nikkie grew up in Micronesia with a passion for marine life and animals of all kinds. From her childhood in Palau to her college years in Oregon, she always had a cat, dog, or both by her side. Although she doesn’t currently have pets of her own, she fulfills her love for animals by pet sitting and caring for cats, dogs, and even farm animals. Nikkie and her husband plan to welcome corgis into their family in the future! She’s thrilled to have joined WAAG to support the community in meeting their pets' needs and ensuring their safety!

  "All animals need love, care, and patience - only then will they understand safety."

A self-proclaimed "crazy cat lady," Amanda first joined the WAAG team as a foster volunteer during a hectic kitten season. While she initially hesitated to volunteer due to the heartbreak of animal illness and abuse, she found her niche within WAAG’s supportive, experienced group of amazing volunteers.

Amanda discovered she could make a massive impact without being on the front lines of trauma. Today, she leads the Financial Aid Programs, helping Wahkiakum residents access emergency medical care and spay/neuter services. Firmly believing that we cannot simply "adopt our way out" of overpopulation, Amanda is passionate about proactive prevention and ensuring every pet gets the best possible start in life.

Pictured with Amanda is her cat, Bunny—lovingly named for the adorable bunny-like hops he made as a kitten. Second only to her son, Bunny is her absolute pride and joy!