Sunday, April 15
Session 1- 9:30am to 11:00am
TRACK A- Saving At-Risk Pets Before Admission
How can we help pets in our community?  Too often, our answer to this question defaults to “admission for re-homing”.   Who better to shelter and protect that animal than us, right?  In many situations, admission may be the perfect next step.   But for those animals already in a home where they are loved, or where the caregiver is willing to help find that next fabulous home for a stray- why not keep that pet at home or let that wonderful family who took in a stray help your agency do great work?  We’ll spend this session exploring ways other agencies are helping keep pets in their homes, reduce animal admissions and save more lives.  Let’s save them BEFORE they require admission!

Jodi Lytle Buckman is a Senior Director of Community Initiatives for the ASPCA, working with shelters  in a region covering six states, serving as liaison for an ASPCA Partnership in Shelby County, Alabama and working with other national groups including the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators (SAWA), the National Federation of Humane Societies (NFHS) and the Asilomar Accords workgroup.   With over 20 years of experience working in animal welfare and protection, she’s served as Executive Director for shelters in Maine, Minnesota and Ohio, and worked for the American Humane Association, based in Denver, as Director of Animal Programs.   Jodi serves on the board of the National Federation of Humane Societies, and has served on numerous state and national boards including most recently SAWA and the Ohio Federated Humane Societies. She also currently chairs committees for the NFHS, SAWA and Ohio Veterinary Medical Association.  She achieved the Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) designation in 2006.   With her husband, David Lytle, children Sam and Zoe, and canine companions Skye and Sophie, Jodi lives in Worthington, Ohio.

TRACK B- Recognizing and Addressing Animal Cruelty
This session is designed to help shelter personnel better understand what animal cruelty is while working in the shelter environment: The training will include many photos of animals involved in cruelty investigations.  These photos and classroom discussion will help shelter personnel make the right call on “is it cruelty or not.” Major points covered will include: 
What questions to ask the owner?
What is the best way to talk with the owner?
How to get and understand the facts
Do the facts and circumstance rise to the level of cruelty?
What options you have available
What’s best for the animal?
When to get law enforcement involved?

David Holden, M.S. is an FBI certified Law Enforcement and Firearms Instructor and recognized expert in the field of animal control, rescue and abuse investigations.   He has over 30 years of experience in law enforcement.  Mr. Holden is the Director and Special Agent for the Rhode Island SPCA.  He was Captain of Police in Pawtucket, RI for 26 years.  He is a member of several animal welfare associations, coalitions and initiatives and was appointed by RI’s Governor as a member of the RI Rabies Control Board.  He provides trainings for RI Animal Control Officers, police officers, animal care professionals and law students.  Mr. Holden earned his Masters Degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College, MA.

Tammy Mello, B.S., is a Warwick Police Officer with over 12 years experience in law enforcement.  Her areas of expertise include Criminal Justice, Human and Animal Behavior, Domestic Violence/Sexual Harassment Investigation, Animal Abuse/Cruelty Investigation and Crisis Negotiations.   She holds many certifications including, but not limited to, ASPCA Investigating Animal Abude for Law Enforcement, University of Missouri National Cruelty Investigations, Levels I and II, FBI Basic Crisis Negotiation and RI Justice Commission in Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Train the Trainer.  Tammy earned her Bachelors Degree in Administration of Justice from Salve Regina University in Newport, RI.

TRACK C- Communicating Your Mission with Effective Public Relations

This workshop will provide an overview of public relations best practices, discuss current trends in print and electronic media, offer tips and tools in developing positive relationships with reporters and handling sensitive/crisis communications

Jennifer Wooliscroft  has been in the communications field for over 10 years, working both in the Creative Services and Public Relations Departments at Liberty Mutual Group, where she specialized in personal lines insurance public relations and marketing and oversaw publicity for the company’s $15 million sponsorship of the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular broadcast nationally on CBS TV.   Jennifer joined the Communications Department of the Animal Rescue League of Boston in 2007 where she oversees the League’s media relations, branding, marketing, publications, and community relations activities.  She holds a Bachelors Degree in English Literature from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and a Masters Degree in Gender and Cultural Studies from Simmons College.

Session 2- 11:30am to 1:00pm
TRACK A- Keeping them Busy - Enrichment for Shelter Animals
Enrichment used to be a novel concept but now everyone knows how important it is to provide mental and physical stimulation to captive animals, whether we are working with wild animals in the zoo or companion animals in the shelter.  Captivity, even in the short term, can reduce an animals' welfare if they are not provided with opportunities to think, learn and do.  This class with cover enrichment ideas to engage the minds and bodies of our shelter charges.  

Kelley Bollen is a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant with a Master’s degree in Animal Behavior who has specialized in Shelter Behavioral Care for the past ten years.  She served as the behaviorist for the MSPCA for 4 years during which time she conducted and published research on the validity and predictability of the canine behavior evaluation.  She left the MSCPA to open her own business Animal Alliances, where she helped private pet owners experiencing behavior problems with their pets and consulted with animal shelters across the country.  In 2007 Kelley took a position at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine where she serves as the Director of Behavior Programs for the Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program.  Kelley recently returned to Western MA and re-opened Animal Alliances.  She retained her position at Cornell and travels to Ithaca on a regular basis to teach veterinary students, interns and residents about behavior as it relates to the shelter environment.  Kelley’s passion is to improve the lives of both owned and shelter animals by educating the pet parents and shelter professionals who love and care for them. 

TRACK B- Effectively and Efficiently Staff an All Volunteer Shelter

This workshop will focus on the recruitment, screening, and staffing of an all volunteer shelter.  Emphasis will be on hot to expand a volunteer force- from front lines to board members- by removing obstacles in the process.   The class will also cover how to keep volunteers content, so that they stick around to help your organization grow and flourish.

Greg Simpson is a Volunteers Coordinator and Board Member of Protectors of Animals, Inc. in East Hartford, CT.  A social work administrator by day, he has over 25 years experience in animal welfare as an avocation, including as former state advisor to the national Friends of Animals.  He is an award winning member of the Cat Writer’s Association and was twice featured in CAT FANCY Magazine, most recently as one of the “40 Ultimate Cat Lovers in the U.S.”.

TRACK C- Targeted Spay/Neuter: How, Why & Where to Find the Funding

Spaying and neutering works to reduce free-roaming cat as well as owned cat and dog populations, but only if it is done correctly.   One key to success is properly targeting available resources, including spay and neuter surgeries, volunteers and funds.   In this workshop, we’ll discuss why targeting is now the cutting edge in the Trap/Neuter/Return and spay/neuter fields, how to go about doing it effectively and applying for PetSmart Charities’ High Impact Spay/Neuter grants.

Bryan Kortis currently serves as a Program Manager for PetSmart Charities.  Previously, from 2000 through 2010, he was the executive director of Neighborhood Cats, a leading advocacy and educational group for feral cats.  Kortis has authored and produced many of the leading educational materials in the feral cat field, including The Neighborhood Cats TNR Handbook, Implementing a Community TNR Program, and the instructional video, How to Perform a Mass Trapping.  He served as a consultant to The Humane Society of the United States on their feral cat program, is a frequent presenter on free-roaming cat issues, has led collaborative efforts with animal control, wildlife and public health agencies, and has helped launch successful TNR programs in New York City and other communities throughout the United States.  Kortis received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cornell University and a J.D. from University of California, Berkeley.

Session 3- 2:00pm to 3:30pm
TRACK A- Feral or Frightened Cat?   Research that Helps You Decide!

Do you have feral cats coming in to your shelter?  Are you sure they aren’t just frightened?   How do shelter professionals tell the difference between unsocialized or frightened but socialized cats?  We will explore the problems in making these distinctions, and common methods of doing so in animal shelters.  We will introduce new research results regarding the validity of these assessments, and share information to help your shelter decide how to handle your incoming cats to achieve best live outcomes for them.  
Topics include:

• Discussion of the issues in assessing cat socialization in a shelter setting
• Results of a national survey on how shelters determine if cats are socialized
• Research on the validity and ability to predict socialization using different assessments
• The transformation of this validation work into a possible scoring system for use in shelters
• Further efforts in this area to help shelters make this difficult decision

Dr. Margaret Slater  obtained her DVM from Cornell University in 1986 and spent a year in a small animal practice.  She returned to Cornell to complete her PhD in epidemiology in 1990.  Dr. Slater was on the faculty of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University from 1990 until 2008 when she joined the ASPCA.  Dr. Slater is now the Senior Director of Veterinary Epidemiology and Shelter Research and Development for the ASPCA.  She is also currently an Adjunct Professor at Texas A&M University and the University of Illinois.   Dr. Slater is internationally recognized for her work on the sources, problems and potential solutions for free-roaming cats and dogs.

TRACK B- Better Photographs = More Adoptions!   

We all know that many people search online first before arriving at an organization to meet an animal they might want to adopt.   How many people never take that next step because the online photos or videos were so poor  that they never moved off the couch?   Great photography will engage people and create action.   A great photo will make someone fall in love online and motivate them to walk through your doors to meet and adopt.   In this presentation you will learn what makes a great photograph of an animal and what pitfalls you should avoid.   Learn about the two roads you can travel- 1- train staff/volunteers to be great animal photographers or -2- woo an ardent amateur or professional to volunteer for you.   We’ll cover training on camera and lens usage, lighting, best angles and methods, and sizing correctly for web and alternate places to post images such as Flickr and YouTube. We will also cover how to find amateurs or professionals and how to attract them to your organization and cause.   The speaker will also make herself available for 2 months via email or phone to help attendees facilitate a plan for their shelter or rescue.

Beth Reynolds has been a visual storyteller and photo educator for over 20 years and working with non-profits has become her specialty and passion. She trains her students to use their love of photography to help organizations fulfill their missions. “It is my belief that I can make a difference in the lives of people who need it most with my camera.” Her career began as a newspaper photographer and she has received grants for numerous humanitarian projects and founded her publishing company. www.basecampphoto.com

TRACK C- Animal Transport- Are State Regulations Working?
Connecticut has enacted into law legislation that affects all dogs and cats imported into the State for adoption.  How well is the law working and does the law helps stop the spread of sick dogs and cats into the State of Connecticut and further into New England?   Ray will discuss the details of the law and how it well it is being complied with.  Discuss how well this patchwork of state regulations is doing at positively impacting a region-wide issue.

Ray Connors, CT Department of Agriculture, ha s been with the Department  since 1984. He is currently the Supervisor of the CT State Animal Control Division. Ray is the former Executive Director of the Windham Country Humane Society in Dummerston, VT and served on the Board of NEFHS for ten years and including a stint as President for two years.  He is also the former President of the CT Municipal Animal Control Officers Association and currently Serves on the Curriculum Advisory Board of the Woodbury Agri-Science Program at Nonnewaug High School in Woodbury, CT.

Session 4- 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Are We Shelterers or Rehomers?
Is our job to take the best possible care of the animals in our shelters or to find homes for as many animals as possible?  A lot of agencies seem to be trending towards the former with longer lengths-of-stay, but is that intentional or just a by-product of better standards of care?  Let's take a look at these two very different approaches to running sheltering organizations and rescues and figure out the ramifications to each so that your organization can make a conscious, intentional decision about the strategy that's best for your community's animals.
Facilitated by Bert Troughton, ASPCA

Bert Troughton, Vice President of ProLearning at the ASPCA, is responsible for the management, oversight and integration of Shelter Research & Development, ASPCApro.org, Shelter Training, and ASPCA e-Learning for the field.  Before joining the ASPCA, Bert was the CEO of a regional humane society in New England that became well known under her leadership for its extraordinary vision and capacity to deliver on an aggressive strategic agenda. Past president of both the New Hampshire Federation of Humane Organizations and the New England Federation of Humane Societies, she is a popular speaker and trainer in the field and received the 2004 Dennis White Excellence in Teaching award from the American Humane Association.  Bert authored the ASPCA/Petfinder shelter management page from 2000 – 2003 and co-authored the book Making Plans to Make a Difference – A Business Planning Guide for Shelters.

Monday, April 16
Session 1- 9:00am to 10:30am
TRACK A- Let’s Start at the Very Beginning- Intake for Success

Proper intake provides a foundation for shelter animal wellness.  The first few days in a shelter are a time that animals are often most at risk for infectious disease and are experiencing very high levels of stress.  Unfortunately, the most critical preventative measures are often provided much later in shelter stays.  During this session, attendees will learn about the need for a prompt and comprehensive intake process.  We will cover setting up an intake area, conducting a basic examination, providing preventative measures, recognizing infectious disease and emergency “red flags”, and routing animals to appropriate housing.  Whether you work in a home-based or brick and mortar program, this session will provide practical information to help you save more lives!

Dr. Miranda Spindel is currently Senior Director of Shelter Medicine in the department of Veterinary Outreach at the ASPCA. Following graduation in 1999 from Colorado State University’s Professional Veterinary Medical program, Dr. Spindel completed a rotating small animal internship and spent several years in emergency and small animal practice before returning to work in her true passion—shelter medicine.
Dr. Spindel believes that the world within an animal shelter is rich in opportunity for veterinary education and research integrated with improving the lives of animals. Dr. Spindel developed and taught a junior shelter medicine course for five years at Colorado State University and is currently an affiliate faculty member teaching shelter medicine there. She initiated and completed the first residency in shelter medicine with a Master of Clinical Sciences offered though Colorado State University. Dr. Spindel is a two term past President of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians, a member of the ASV Shelter Standards Task Force, and serves as the Veterinary Information Network’s shelter medicine consultant. Her research interests are canine influenza virus, upper respiratory diseases, and infectious disease management. Dr. Spindel lives in Colorado and works with shelters across the country.

TRACK B- TACT, A Behavior Modification Program for Dogs That Are Fearful or Reactive Toward People
This class provides an overview of Touch Associated Clicker Training (TACT), a practical training solution for the challenging canine behavior of dog-human reactivity/aggression. The presenters will utilize video presentation as well as case study data to explain this unique approach to modify reactive/aggressive canine behavior.  TACT is an innovative new training methodology that creatively combines the science and art of learning theory, clicker training, and massage therapy. This methodology is used specifically to rehabilitate and prevent shy, fearful, reactive, and aggressive behavior in dogs and puppies. TACT incorporates ritualized protocols designed with safety, structure, and predictability. TACT teaches dog handlers and canine professionals/volunteers how to:

1. Desensitize a dog’s fear of people and new environments
2. Build confidence and coping skills, while changing the emotional response in fearful dogs
3. Provide structure, bringing predictability to the dog’s life 
4. Develop and deepen the canine/human relationship
5. Recognize canine body language and use this knowledge to set dogs up for success
6. Implement an effective home and real world management program 
7. Develop a two-way communication system between dog and handler
8. Provide a plan for healthy self-care through the TACT Caregivers Fatigue program

Julie Robitaille, CAMT, CPDT-KA and Emma Parsons are the Co-Founders of the TACT Methodology. Both Emma and Julie are Canine Behavior Consultants who specialize in canine reactivity and aggression.  They have presented seminars for Click to Calm and TACT across the US and in Europe.  Parsons and Robitaille recently published their TACT methodology as a DVD and Companion Workbook through Clean Run Productions.   Emma Parsons is the author of Click to Calm:  Healing the Aggressive Dog.  She is currently the Canine Behavior Training Consultant for the VCA Rotherwood Animal Hospital in Newton, MA and a faculty member of Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior. Julie Robitaille, CAMT, CPDT-KA, is the founder of Animal Wellness Massage Therapy and Touch Click Calm, LLC, and is a Certified Small Animal Massage Therapist and a Certified Pet Dog Trainer. She is a graduate of the Bancroft School of Massage Therapy and completed an internship at Sterling Impressions Animal Rehabilitation Center of New England where she currently works.

TRACK C- Creating, Inspiring and Retaining your Board of Directors
At the core of every successful non profit is a strong, dynamic and well connected board of directors that works in concert with the CEO/ED to lead the organization into greatness. This discussion will explore topics related to building a board, finding  excellent members, the roles an ED plays in the process as well as how to motivate and retain great board members for your shelter. Bring your success stories to share!

Sheila Steele is a retired business owner and college professor. She currently  serves her third term on the board of The Animal Rescue League of NH  South (Bedford) as well as their affiliate shelter board, The Animal rescue league of NH North (Conway). She has served as board chair as well as chairing numerous committees with a special interest in the board governance committee which she currently chairs. She and her husband reside in Amherst, NH with their  rescue dog Kali and two cats, Lucy and Arnold.

Session 2- 11:00am to 12:30pm
TRACK A- SOPs - How to Cure Your Blues
If Standard Operating Protocols (S.O.P.s) give you palpitations then make plans to join us in the S.O.P. ER! This interactive session about medical protocols will lower your blood pressure and bring out the emergency medical technician in us all! Together, we will triage common shelter animal presentations at intake and review the ideal prescription for proper S.O.P.s. In just 90 minutes you’ll leave this workshop cured of your S.O.P. blues!

Dr. Miranda Spindel is currently Senior Director of Shelter Medicine in the department of Veterinary Outreach at the ASPCA. Following graduation in 1999 from Colorado State University’s Professional Veterinary Medical program, Dr. Spindel completed a rotating small animal internship and spent several years in emergency and small animal practice before returning to work in her true passion—shelter medicine.
Dr. Spindel believes that the world within an animal shelter is rich in opportunity for veterinary education and research integrated with improving the lives of animals. Dr. Spindel developed and taught a junior shelter medicine course for five years at Colorado State University and is currently an affiliate faculty member teaching shelter medicine there. She initiated and completed the first residency in shelter medicine with a Master of Clinical Sciences offered though Colorado State University. Dr. Spindel is a two term past President of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians, a member of the ASV Shelter Standards Task Force, and serves as the Veterinary Information Network’s shelter medicine consultant. Her research interests are canine influenza virus, upper respiratory diseases, and infectious disease management. Dr. Spindel lives in Colorado and works with shelters across the country.
Susan Britt , Senior Director of Shelter Training for the ASPCA, oversees curriculum design and delivery of ASPCA Meet Your Match® adoption program workshops- including Meet the Adopters, Canine-ality and Feline-ality; SAFER Certification Prep courses; and a variety of e-Learning courses on shelter operations topics.  A teacher by training, Susan is a popular and engaging trainer herself and supervises a qualified team of ASPCA staff and contract trainers.  Susan also conducts shelter assessments as a member of the Baseline Assessment Team for ASPCA Partnership communities.   Prior to joining the ASPCA, Susan was the Director of Operations for the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, Maine, where she oversaw the implementation of SAFER, Canine-ality and Feline-ality which led to dramatic, sustained increases in adoptions and decreases in euthanasia in the state’s largest full-service, open admission shelter.

TRACK B- Just How Open are Open Adoptions?
The revolution to move from “interrogation to education” in adoption counseling started more than 10 years ago at the first Adoption Forum convened by American Humane Association in 1999.  But even when agencies don’t have hard and fast rules on paper, practices at the adoption counter often reflect the old pass/fail mentality.  Let’s take a look at what “open adoptions” really means, what level of open adoptions you want at your agency and what shelter management and leadership must do to help their staff practice successful open adoptions.

Bert Troughton, Vice President of ProLearning at the ASPCA, is responsible for the management, oversight and integration of Shelter Research & Development, ASPCApro.org, Shelter Training, and ASPCA e-Learning for the field.  Before joining the ASPCA, Bert was the CEO of a regional humane society in New England that became well known under her leadership for its extraordinary vision and capacity to deliver on an aggressive strategic agenda. Past president of both the New Hampshire Federation of Humane Organizations and the New England Federation of Humane Societies, she is a popular speaker and trainer in the field and received the 2004 Dennis White Excellence in Teaching award from the American Humane Association.  Bert authored the ASPCA/Petfinder shelter management page from 2000 – 2003 and co-authored the book Making Plans to Make a Difference – A Business Planning Guide for Shelters.

TRACK C- Making and Managing Managers
This presentation will provide leaders and shelter managers with an overview of why managing in shelters cannot be put on the back burner.   By first defining the difference between a leader and a manager, we will be able to show the audience why the daily operations are dependent on strong managers.  The presentation will cover the areas where many managers struggle; having to balance the oversight and completion of daily tasks (feeding animals, answering the phone, fighting fires) with the execution of activities that allow an operation to break way and enhance its effectiveness and efficiency (planning, measuring results, delegating, training and effective communication). 

Maya Richmond grew up in Vermont, attended the University of Vermont and worked for Middlebury College, during which time she joined the BOD for a local animal shelter.  After a few years of enjoying the world of animal sheltering, she left Middlebury College to become the Director of Operations and Program Development for the MD SPCA in Baltimore, where she worked to reposition and redefine the organization in the community by designing award-winning programs that included becoming a “budget neutral” adoption center, starting a high-volume spay/neuter clinic, launching earned income ventures, investing in staff development, building new spaces, and transitioning from a large open-admission (80% euthanasia shelter) to a limited admission, low-euthanasia shelter (17% euthanasia).  She then moved on to a new challenge, as Executive Director for a small, resource limited, successful, community-focused shelter in New Jersey, where she is still currently employed. She shares her home with 2 cats, 2 dogs, an understanding husband and Olivia, their 2-year old daughter. 
Jennifer AdamsPHR, joined the Connecticut Humane Society in 2010, following a successful career in human resources in the non-profit, manufacturing and health care arenas. Since taking over primary responsibility for all of the society’s human resource activities, Jennifer has been able to institute standardized HR practices, coordinate a comprehensive benefits review, and broaden the use of the society’s Performance Appraisal System. While with the National MS Society Jennifer served on two national level committees which focused on talent management and the development of the Society’s future leaders. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management.  

Session 3- 1:30pm to 3:00pm
TRACK A- Curbing the Flow. Where are all these pit bulls coming from and how do we make it stop?
Shelters across the country report a high number of pit bull type dogs in their shelters. The reasons why so many are losing their homes may surprise you. In this presentation, BADRAP co-founder and Executive Director Donna Reynolds will explain what's going on "out there" and use the example of a successful program in the east SF bay area to highlight sustainable ways proactive communities can lower their intake numbers while actually increasing the adoption rate of sheltered pit bulls.

Donna Reynolds, Co-Founder, Executive Director: Donna works to keep BAD RAP on track with projects that fulfill the group’s mission to ‘Secure the future of the American Pit Bull Terrier as a cherished family companion.' She directed the nationally recognized breed ambassador Pit Bull Hall project at the East Bay SPCA from 2005-2008 and from 2008-2010, the AmbassaDog Project at Oakland Animal Services. A committed educator, she's written several articles on pit bulls, and presents the group's program models widely to audiences around the country to assist progressive animal shelters in developing and activating their own pit bull adoption and public outreach programs. To help reach these goals, she directs 'Pit Ed Camp,' a week-long intensive for shelter workers. Donna participated in evaluating NFL player Michael Vick's dogs in 2007, then placed ten of the celebrity dogs into new homes. Her organization was ranked nationally as the number one high-impact nonprofit for Local Animal Welfare, Rights, & Protection by industry experts for Guidestar's Philanthropedia. She shares her life with husband Tim Racer and four personal dogs along with a never-ending rotation of pit bull foster dogs. When the phones quiet down at night, she creates found object illustrations for book and magazine assignments.

TRACK B- The Feline Express- Moving Cats Along from Intake to Adoption
Speeding cats through your shelter from intake to adoption is a balancing act of stress reduction, efficiency, creativity and current research to keep them on a non-stop path out the front door.   We’ll explore housing to lower stress and adoption programs like Meet Your Match® Feline-ality™ to help adopters find just the right cat.  We’ll dig into research to demonstrate that when it comes to cats, less is more, and tap into the buzz around fee-waived events and promotions.

Susan Britt , Senior Director of Shelter Training for the ASPCA, oversees curriculum design and delivery of ASPCA Meet Your Match® adoption program workshops- including Meet the Adopters, Canine-ality and Feline-ality; SAFER Certification Prep courses; and a variety of e-Learning courses on shelter operations topics.  A teacher by training, Susan is a popular and engaging trainer herself and supervises a qualified team of ASPCA staff and contract trainers.  Susan also conducts shelter assessments as a member of the Baseline Assessment Team for ASPCA Partnership communities.   Prior to joining the ASPCA, Susan was the Director of Operations for the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, Maine, where she oversaw the implementation of SAFER, Canine-ality and Feline-ality which led to dramatic, sustained increases in adoptions and decreases in euthanasia in the state’s largest full-service, open admission shelter.

 

TRACK C- Naked…Data
This year, the National Federation of Humane Societies, with the support of many national groups, developed a Basic Data Matrix with the goals of establishing a minimum data collection recommendation and to help increase the collection of data collaboratively.  Over the past few years, the ASPCA Animal Stats Dashboard has been helping our partner communities  improve programs, target resources and understand trends in their organizations, using data that includes the Basic Data Matrix data. The Naked Data model focuses on objective and transparent data which allows for easier comparisons between organizations and within an organization to better target risk and focus resources. Learn what data is important to collect, what definitions can be most helpful and how to be proactive to animal trends in your facilities.

Dr. Emily Weiss, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist joined the ASPCA in July of 2005 and is the Vice President of Shelter Research and Development. A native of Long Island, N. Y., Dr. Weiss has focused her professional and personal life on improving welfare for animals.  Dr. Weiss’ M. S. and Ph. D. work focused on the selection of service dogs from shelters. Her work then branched off in two directions – welfare of animals in zoos, and shelter programs. Dr. Weiss developed assessment tools for shelter animals, first developing the SAFER assessment, a behavior assessment used by shelters throughout the country, and then developing Meet Your Match™ Canine-ality™ and Puppy-ality™, now an ASPCA program. As an ASPCA member she has since developed Feline-ality ™ , the first research based adoption program for cats in shelters.

She is a section editor of the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science. She has traveled across North America lecturing on various areas of applied animal behavior, and has been featured nationally on radio, TV, and print. She directed the development and use of  the ASPCA Animal Stats Dashboard, the tool used by the ASPCA to measure progress in shelters and S/N clinics. Recently, Dr. Weiss’ work has focused on developing program and process to increase the Live Release Rate in shelters around the country. She designs and develops a variety of research in sheltering and S/N environments, including projects on feral cats, behavior modification, targeted spay/neuter, ID tagging and fee-waived adoptions

 

Session 4- 3:15pm to 5:00pm
TRACK A- Turbo-Charging “Pit Bull” Dog Adoptions
Come learn from the success of Animal Farm Foundation, an organization dedicated to equal treatment and opportunity for “pit bull” dogs.  This session will cover low- or no-cost best practices that can help shelters, rescue groups and advocates better serve the dogs and increase their adoptions. Look at your “pit bull” dogs through fresh eyes with the benefit of emerging science and behavior information.   Six key areas will be covered: marketing and customer service, policies and practices, enrichment and layout, behavior and training language, and community engagement.  Although the presentation will focus on “pit bull” dogs, the ideas can be applied to all kinds of dogs in your care. 

Stacey Coleman is the Executive Director of Animal Farm Foundation, Dutchess County, NY.  It is the Foundation’s mission to secure equal treatment and opportunity for “pit bull” dogs.  As Director, she is responsible for all aspects of the Foundation’s work  including a grants program for shelters and rescues, an Assistance Dog Training Program for shelter “pit bull” dogs, an internship program for humane workers and volunteers, and a shelter for “pit bull” dogs.  Before joining to Animal Farm Foundation in 2008, she co-founded Indy Pit Crew, an Indianapolis area not-for-profit dedicated to ending the cruelty and prejudices suffered by “pit bull” dogs.  In her role as president of Indy Pit Crew, she worked with her community to twice defeat the Indianapolis Mayor’s attempts to ban “pit bull” dogs from the city.    She has presented at several national conferences including HSUS Animal Care Expo and the No-Kill conference.  She holds a degree in American Sign Language and shares her home with seven dogs and five cats. 

TRACK B- Research Results in Feline Lives Saved

Recent research focused on saving lives has produced some exciting and surprising results. Cats adopted from fee waived adoption events not only result in successful caring homes but can increase revenue. Reducing the number of cats available on the adoption floor may result in increased adoptions. Come and learn about some of the exciting research that can be used to help you save more lives now and learn how you can assist in ground-breaking research to help your shelter animals and the field!

Dr. Emily Weiss, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist joined the ASPCA in July of 2005 and is the Vice President of Shelter Research and Development. A native of Long Island, N. Y., Dr. Weiss has focused her professional and personal life on improving welfare for animals.  Dr. Weiss’ M. S. and Ph. D. work focused on the selection of service dogs from shelters. Her work then branched off in two directions – welfare of animals in zoos, and shelter programs. Dr. Weiss developed assessment tools for shelter animals, first developing the SAFER assessment, a behavior assessment used by shelters throughout the country, and then developing Meet Your Match™ Canine-ality™ and Puppy-ality™, now an ASPCA program. As an ASPCA member she has since developed Feline-ality ™ , the first research based adoption program for cats in shelters. She is a section editor of the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science. She has traveled across North America lecturing on various areas of applied animal behavior, and has been featured nationally on radio, TV, and print.

She directed the development and use of  the ASPCA Animal Stats Dashboard, the tool used by the ASPCA to measure progress in shelters and S/N clinics. Recently, Dr. Weiss’ work has focused on developing program and process to increase the Live Release Rate in shelters around the country. She designs and develops a variety of research in sheltering and S/N environments, including projects on feral cats, behavior modification, targeted spay/neuter, ID tagging and fee-waived adoptions

ASPCA Leadership Day
Saturday, April 14th
TRACK A- Organizational Success; Built from the Ground Up

Truly effective communication is one of the main pillars of any successful organization.  Great leaders, strong partnerships, and key relationships are all built and maintained with through effective communication. Without it, your organization’s ability to grow and improve is hindered, volunteerism can dwindle, and relations with donors and stake holders become less fruitful.  We all communicate day in and day out and take each of these interactions for granted – until a miscommunication or lack of communication occurs, that is. This session is for leaders, managers, staff, and volunteers who are interested in taking themselves and their organization to the next level of success and effectiveness.  

Join us for an exploration and hands-on application of the principles of adult learning theory for those in leadership roles in animal welfare. You will be guided to discover a practical way in which you can apply these concepts in creating a workplace that fosters growth, engages each individual’s strengths, and maximizes opportunities for learning (for staff, adopters, visitors, volunteers, stake holders, etc.) You will explore and work with Dialogue Education™, a learning centered system of design and facilitation that draws on existing knowledge and experience, while incorporating new content, to create change and bring about new understanding.

Global Learning Partners, Inc. is thrilled to offer an introduction to this dynamic system For more information, visit www.globalearning.com.

Peter J. Perkins, MA is Executive Director of Operations, Senior Trainer and Partner with Global Learning Partners, Inc. facilitating individuals and organizations in effective design and instruction of professional development, meetings, and presentations; also doing organizational development work that promotes effective communication, engaged supervision with a coaching element, employee based management, development of learning organizational environments since 1985. Also currently the Principal Facilitative Consultant and Coach with Five Dimensions of Calais, Vermont facilitating change, personal effectiveness, and communication skills with individuals and organizations, he is also the founder and coach of Reflective Coaching©.
 He was the founding Chair of Woodbury College’s Prevention and Community Development program and was University of Vermont Adjunct faculty for Dialogue Education Applied to Leading a Learning Organization. He received his MA in Human Organizational Development from the Fielding Institute complimented with a BA in Sociology at Lakeland College.  Mr. Perkins has authored, co-authored or contributed to works on Dialogue Education, Adolescent Learning and Holistic Development, Youth Substance Abuse Intervention & Prevention.
B.J. Rogers , Community Initiatives Manager, ASPCA® Community Outreach. As a member of the Community Initiatives team, B.J. provides support, training, and grant assistance to shelters in Vermont, Wisconsin, and Nebraska as well as supporting Partnership projects in Miami and Tallahassee, Florida. Prior to joining the ASPCA® in early 2011, B.J. served as the executive director and chief executive of the Humane Society of Chittenden County, located in northern Vermont.
Before entering animal welfare, B.J. worked in the human service sector as both an executive director and community relations director, in higher education as both an instructor and researcher, and in politics as senior campaign staff and director of communications for a gubernatorial campaign.

TRACK B- Development and Grants Boot Camp
Morning Sessions:  NEXT!  Beyond the Basics of Development – Are You Ready?
These back to back sessions will explore the “must haves” for your successful development toolbox.   Donor relations, good stewardship, planned giving, major gifts and capital campaigns will be the key elements discussed and presented with a few surprises.  Join Pat Ford Yurkunas and Ginny Webb, the development team at Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, for the important next steps in establishing strong and successful fundraising practices.

Leslie Harris, CAWA, is the executive director of the Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society of Springfield and Leverett, Massachusetts. She began her career in animal welfare in 1989 and has served as Dakin's director since 2001, overseeing the growth of that organization's annual operating budget from $200,000 to $3,000,000 within 10 years.  Leslie is especially interested in developing progressive programs that build community-wide efforts to target the sources of animal homelessness. She has served on the NEFHS board of directors since 2003.

Pat Ford Yurkunas has been the Director of Development at Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society since 2007. She has worked as a development professional for over 20 years in such fields as education, museums, and theatre. Dakin is her first job in animal welfare -- and her most rewarding. Pat has experience is all aspects of fundraising, but particularly enjoys major and planned giving, strategic planning, and capital campaigns. She has adopted only four animals since she began working at Dakin, including her first dog, Nellie.

Afternoon Sessions:  The Art of Grant Seeking: Getting the Most out of Your Funder

Part 1: Conference attendees will learn about the distinguishing characteristics of the three types of grant makers – foundations, corporate funders and public charities – and why those differences matter. This understanding will lead us into a discussion on how a grant seeker should start and build a relationship with funders, including how to 1) best represent their organization through the proposal and 2) communicate a match between the proposal and the funder's guidelines and priorities, with an aim at securing the proposed grant and future grants. We will explore what information funders ask for and why, in addition to the impact of technological proficiency, diplomacy, accuracy and thoughtfulness on the success of a grant proposal.

Part 2: Attendees will learn about specific ASPCA grant programs and guidelines plus the motivations behind them, followed by a demonstration of the ASPCA’s online application process. We will look at past examples of actual proposals submitted through this process to discover what made them successful or unsuccessful. Every funder has review and approval protocols that they follow – using the ASPCA’s as a model, attendees will learn how to manage their expectations and roles in this part of the process. Finally, we will review the different types of follow-up requirements that funders, including the ASPCA, ask of grantees in return for their grants. This will include a demonstration of the ASPCA’s online grant requirement submission process.

Michael Barrett has led the grants department at the ASPCA since 2008. Under his leadership, the grant budget has doubled to more than $10 million, and grant programs have expanded to include a variety of creative initiatives that respond to the needs of animals in every U.S. state. Michael lives in New York City with his dog, Binah, who was rescued by the ASPCA from a puppy mill in 2010.