Jolene has been an invaluable asset to Burlington Humane since she first joined as a Feed and Clean volunteer in 1992.  Jolene joined the Board of Directors in 1993 as Fundraising Director, and in 1996 she became Director of Adoptions.  In 2001 she was elected President, a position she has held for the last 10 years.  Some of Jolene's duties as President include chairing board and executive meetings, enacting BHS by-laws and policies, collaborating with other directors, being available to staff and volunteers as necessary and assisting with fundraising. Jolene also continues to volunteer as needed with all positions at BHS, most often Adoptions Counselor and Dog-Walker. Jolene lives in Burlington with her husband, Tim, and their two BHS cats, Sampson and Ellis.

"Many people wish they could find their “dream” job, but I feel I found mine – being able to work with animals.  Rescuing animals started at a very early age and continued at every stop on the way to Burlington! It has been an honour and a pleasure to lead BHS throughout the past 10 years and I am very proud to be a part of all our accomplishments. With an experienced Board of Directors that never leave a job unfinished, BHS will have certain success in the future".

Patricia joined Burlington Humane in 1993, volunteering with the Pet Therapy program, and later as a Pet Therapy team leader and receptionist.  She has been on the board of directors since 2001 as fundraising director, and in 2002 she assumed the role of Board Secretary. The regular tasks of the Secretary include helping with day to day operations at BHS such as Thank-you letter to individuals and groups in recognition of donations, taking and transcribing minutes, reviewing documents before they are posted (job posting, policies, letters etc.) and helping to organize large scale fundraising events. Before moving to Burlington she lived in England where she worked for the Department of Trade and Industry and the British Foreign Office, serving in overseas foreign embassies.  She now lives in Burlington with her husband and their two dogs Sam (a BHS alumni) and Okalanni.

"Animals have always been a passion in my life, and I am deeply committed to the welfare of those animals that find themselves homeless, usually through no fault of their own.  Burlington Humane is an organization that has the best interests of the animals and their potential new families at heart and of which we can all be proud."

Karen Hunter has been involved with Burlington Humane for over 28 years. She started out as a foster mom for pregnant cats and was quickly asked to join the board, where she has served as Treasurer for most of that time. She looks after the finances of BHS to ensure we always saved for our goal of our own facilities, a goal ultimately achieved in 2008. Her passion however is working with the animals and has fostered hundreds of kittens, cats, dogs and puppies over the years and continues to do so. Her home is always open to that animal in need. Karen is a CGA (Certified General Accountant) and after working for accounting firms in Toronto and Burlington, started her own practice in 2001. She lives with her husband and two children. They have 3 cats that were fostered as kittens and too dear to her heart to part with.

“I take very seriously the responsibility entrusted in me to ensure we balance the needs of the animals with prudent fiscal management. The welfare of the animals comes first but we must also continue to provide for the future.”

Jenn Odorico started volunteering with BHS in 2003 as a part of the Feed and Clean Program.  Later that year she took on the role of Donations Director.  In late 2008 Jenn moved to the position of Vice President, where she has assisted putting together recruitment procedures, job descriptions and providing guidance with Human Resources issues. Jenn currently works as an environmental health and safety manager and holds her Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) designation. Jenn also volunteers with the Dog Walking program, and enjoys helping out at various events. She is also filling in as Donations and Membership Director due to recent vacancies with those positions. Jenn is “mom” to Ross, a Burlington Humane tabby.

“I am very proud to be affiliated with Burlington Humane, the amazing successes we’ve had as an organization, and for our reputation as being a premier “no-kill” shelter in Ontario.  We have a fantastic group of volunteers, employees, members and Board of Directors who have helped make all of this possible.”

Sue joined Burlington Humane in 2007, volunteering with the Feed and Clean, Reception and Dog Walking teams.  She has been on the board of directors since 2008 as Vice President. Sue is currently Director of Adoptions and some of her duties include overseeing adoptions and taking care of the animals, developing policies and protocols, assisting in training of new dog walkers and working with fellow board members and staff on leadership and management development. Sue continues to volunteer regularly with Feed and Clean, Reception, Dog Walking, and as an Adoption Counselor and Animal Care worker when needed.  Sue lives in Burlington with her BHS adopted cats Lucy, Molly, Horton, and her rescue Sunshine.

Melissa joined Burlington Humane in early 2009, volunteering as a receptionist and feed and clean program. She has been on the Board of Directors since mid-2009 as Special Events Director. Melissa has over 9 years experience as a self-employed event planner, and has a previous background in media. In her time as a director Melissa has launched a new BHS fundraising event "The Ruff Ride". Regular tasks of the Special Event Director include planning/attending fundraising events, promotion and donation drives at community festivals & retails venues and updating/monitoring social media such as the website and Facebook. Melissa has also appeared in news interviews and shows on behalf of BHS. Melissa is currently "mommy" to dogs Brady and Luna and cat Lexi.

Maria began volunteering at Burlington Humane in November 2009. She has been and remains very active in many different volunteer roles such as a dog walker, working at the Loft, on reception and in the feed and clean program.  Maria recently was elected as the Volunteer Coordinator which she very much enjoys. Some of the duties of the Volunteer coordinator include planning and leading orientation sessions with new volunteers, scheduling volunteers for many different events and working closely with the feed/clean and dog walking trainers and volunteers. Maria is always ready and willing to help out at BHS with whatever is needed to make the stay of four legged furry guests enjoyable until they find their forever home.

"I love the animals and enjoy working with the volunteers (without them we couldn't do what we do), shelter staff and the board of directors. We all have one common goal. Thank you to all for your support! us!"

Carole joined Burlington Humane over 25 years ago, during this time she has worked as an adoption counselor for 3 years, served 4 years as President of the Board, spent several years as Bingo Director, and is currently Attic/Loft Liaison Director.  The regular tasks of the Attic/Loft Liaison Director include ensuring all store volunteers have a voice on the board and are aware of BHS events and policies and overseeing management of The Loft and Attic. She also assists with many fundraising events and activities. 

"Burlington Humane has a very good group of Directors that work well together towards their common goal- the welfare of the animals.  With Jolene Regan's continued leadership, I feel Burlington Humane is moving forward in the right direction.  I do hope you will re-elect me to the Board of Directors."

Mary joined Burlington Humane in 2000, volunteering as a front desk receptionist.  She has been on the board since 2007 as the Community Relations Director.  She continues to frequently volunteer as a receptionist. Some of Mary's tasks include communicating with local media, working with children's groups to teach them about Burlington Humane and care of domestic animals and creating community awareness for BHS. Mary lives in Burlington with her many loved pets. 

Patricia joined Burlington Humane in 2008, volunteering with the Feed and Clean program.  Several months ago, she was appointed Lead Trainer for the Feed and Clean Program.  Patricia has been on the board of directors since March, 2011.   She has recently retired from a career in the Pharmaceutical field combining 35 years of experience in a retail, hospital and industry settings.  Some of Patricia's regular duties at BHS incude scheduling and training new volunteers in the feed and clean program and ongoing on-site support for all feed and clean volunteers in regards to procedures to keep themselves and the animals healthy and safe. Patricia lives in Dundas with her husband Garry and their cat Keegan.

"Cats have been my passion since I was 3 years old, when all I wanted from Santa was a kitten.  Now, having recently retired, I have the extreme pleasure and the opportunity to volunteer at the Burlington Humane Society, BHS.... or as I call it, the "Best Humane Society."  There is no greater reward in life than to be able to contribute to the health and welfare of an animal."

Bianca joined Burlington Humane in 2010, volunteering as a receptionist, and helping with organization and planning of events.  She was second place in ticket sales for the Love the Animals Lottery in 2010, and has helped to secure many sponsors and donors for BHS events.  Bianca has enjoyed expanding the Burlington Humane facebook page to involve our online community with the shelter.  This includes updates about adoptions, pet name polls and pet interest stories.  Although she is the youngest member of the board, she believes her youth, connection with the community and new ideas can help BHS be the best it can be.

Melissa Mazza has been a volunteer of the BHS since 2010. During her time here, she has fostered dogs, done feed and clean program, pet therapy and receptionist duties. Her love and passion for animals not only comes from having two cats and two dogs of her own, but from her experiences of working as an elementary school teacher for the past ten years. Melissa enjoys bringing her love of animals into the classroom and enjoys teaching students lessons on respect and care for all living things. She hopes that one day in the future, the BHS will have a formal education program to go into the schools with animals, and bring more education and awareness to students about pet care, health and nutrition, as well as the importance of spaying and neutering.

Tim joined Burlington Humane in 1993, volunteering in fundraising, events and other areas as required. Tim spent over 40 years in the aviation industry, and after 35 years of distinguished service as an airline pilot, he retired in 2005. His schedule allows him to devote a great deal of time volunteering for Burlington Humane. Tim is a major asset to Burlington Humane, since retiring, Tim has volunteered approximately 1000 hours per year mainly in the capacity of building, grounds and equipment maintenance and dog walking. Tim lives in Burlington with his wife, Jolene and their 2 cats, Sampson and Ellis. He enjoys working with all things electronic and is a patient loving grandfather to 4 step-grandchildren. 

"It is a pleasure working with the volunteers and utilizing their vast expertise for the betterment of Burlington Humane. Going forward we will expand in the community and continue to grow the good reputation of Burlington Humane".

Sheila retired in 1998 as a French teacher after 29 years. She started volunteering with Burlington Humane as a receptionist and joined the Pet Therapy program. In 2007, Sheila became Pet Therapy Director. She now oversees over 100 volunteers in the program. These volunteers, along with their own animals, visit local retirement and nursing homes, bringing a warm fuzzy friend to meet those who no longer have their own animals. Sheila lives with her dog, Abby who is a rescue dog adopted from BHS.