Staff
Amy Morris
Executive Director
Amy (she/her) is settler of Slovakian, Dutch, German and British ancestry. Amy resides and recreates on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, sḵwx̱wú7mesh, & sel̓íl̓witulh Nations, currently known as Vancouver and Squamish. Amy joined VHS in early 2020. Amy volunteered on the Board of Directors for the Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada from 2018-2024 and now volunteers on the Board of Directors for Squamish Climate Action Network. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Simon Fraser University with a thesis focused on regulating dog breeding to improve well-being and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Concordia University with a specialization in Business. Amy has wide experience in the animal protection movement, campaigning for policy changes at the municipal, provincial and federal levels to curtail animal exploitation. Amy shares her life with Clover, a collie mix who guides their day to day adventures. You can reach Amy by emailing amy(at)vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca or on LinkedIn.
Emily Pickett
Campaign Director
Emily (she/her) is a settler of Lithuanian, Irish and Scottish ancestry living in Courtenay, on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation. Emily joined the VHS team in 2014, after completing her degree in Political Studies from the University of Saskatchewan and a campaign internship with the Humane Society of the United States. She has worked in the non-profit sector ever since and her life-long love for animals has guided her work in the animal protection and conservation movements. As VHS’s Campaign Director, Emily manages the organization’s campaign strategy around issues including farmed animals; animals in captivity; animals in entertainment; and co-existence with wildlife. She is passionate about animal advocacy and social justice issues and enjoys hiking, photography and spending time with her rescue dog, Sophie. You can reach Emily by emailing emily(at)vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca.
Claire Yarnold
Development Director
Claire (she/her) is a settler of English ancestry living on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) & sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Claire joined VHS in February 2019 as the Development Director after moving from the UK to Canada in 2018. Claire has worked in the non-profit sector for 9 years and is dedicated to helping both humans and animals. Claire has previously worked at organizations that provide healthcare services and end-of-life care in the community and is now channelling her passion for animal advocacy in this role. Claire is grateful to spend her spare time exploring what life has to offer with her husband and rescue dog, Nebula. She enjoys nature, food, running and yoga. You can reach Claire by emailing claire(at)vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca.
Chantelle Archambault
Communications Director
Chantelle (she/her) is of French, English, Scottish, and Haudenosaunee ancestry and works as the Communications Director at Vancouver Humane Society. She was born and raised on the land currently known as Mississauga, which is part of the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit and the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Ojibway/Chippewa peoples. She is passionate about justice for all, both humans and animals, and has worked with non-profit organizations that focus on family services, social justice advocacy, and creating safer spaces for marginalized communities. Chantelle’s lifelong commitment to the ethical treatment of animals inspired her to volunteer for the Toronto Humane Society and to move across Canada to take on this exciting role at VHS. You can reach Chantelle by emailing chantelle(at)vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca.
Heather Whitehead
Program Manager & Campaign Coordinator
Heather (she/her) is a settler of Scottish, Finnish, English, and Welsh ancestry and is grateful to have grown up near what is now known as Toronto on the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. Heather joined VHS in April 2022 as the Program Coordinator for Farmed Animal Programs and is very excited to live in Vancouver and be a part of the team and this amazing work to help both animals and people. She holds a Bachelor of Environment in International Development from the University of Waterloo. Since graduating in 2018 she has worked and volunteered in a variety of areas such as climate action and sustainability, animal rescue, youth employment, community engagement, and plant-based advocacy. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, reading, and spending time in nature and with any and all animals. You can reach Heather by emailing heather(at)vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca.
Sareeta Lopez
Program Manager
Sareeta (she/her) is a settler of South Indian, Hawaiian, Samoan, and Chinese ancestry. She is grateful to be living in so-called Vancouver on the stolen territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) & sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Sareeta joined VHS in 2022 as Program Manager of the Trauma-Informed and Culturally Safe Training Program. She is a queer racialized lifelong learner who lives with mental illnesses and has experience working with marginalized people and families. She has taught English Language Learning to high school-aged refugees, worked at a trauma-sensitive elementary school, and taught alternative education in Burnaby. Through these experiences Sareeta has received training in trauma-sensitive practices. Natural communicator and masterful teacher, Sareeta is renowned for her empathic yet forthright ability to engage, unify, and motivate teams and clients of all ages. She holds a degree in Education and an Arts degree in Drama with an English minor, both from the University of Alberta. Her insights come from both professional training and extensive lived experience working with adults and young students as a school teacher, coach, or mentor. Sareeta has also personally experienced trauma, along with the nonlinear healing journey that follows. She currently lives with three roommates and three cats, including her “bubba,” otherwise known as Matrix. Sareeta is passionate about social justice and anti-oppression, and loves keeping structurally vulnerable people and their animal companion together through equitable, trauma-informed animal services. You can reach her by emailing sareeta(at)vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca.
Brooklyn Fowler-Moros
Program Manager
Brooklyn (they/them) is a settler of Irish, Scottish, British, and Ukranian ancestry living on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) & sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Brooklyn joined VHS in March 2021 as Coordinator of the McVitie Fund and Helping Women & Pets in Crisis. Brooklyn holds a Master’s Degree in Gender, Sexuality, & Women’s Studies from Simon Fraser University specializing in feminist approaches to public policy. Brooklyn brings the experience to life as a trauma-informed direct service provider reducing barriers for folks who experience structural oppression. Working for justice for all animals, human and non-human is Brooklyn’s driving passion. Brooklyn is also involved with a number of other local organizations working towards justice and inclusion for Queer and/or Trans people, sex workers, and folks living in poverty. They are a lover of nature, film, food, are a proud pet parent to a beautiful cat named Oliver. You can reach Brooklyn by emailing brooklyn(at)vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca.
Ishtmeet Bhoey
Program Manager
Ishtmeet (she/her) is of Punjabi ancestry living on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish, S’ólh T’éméxw (Stó:lō), Á,LEṈENEȻ ȽTE (W̱SÁNEĆ), Kwantlen, Semiahmoo, sq̓əc̓iy̓aɁɬ təməxʷ (Katzie), sc̓əwaθenaɁɬ təməxʷ (Tsawwassen), & Stz’uminus Nations. Ishtmeet joined VHS in September 2022 as the Program Assistant of the McVitie Fund. Ishtmeet holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Population and Quantitative Health Sciences from Simon Fraser University. Her studies focused largely on providing healthcare solutions to vulnerable and underserved populations and she is excited to bring this knowledge to the McVitie team. She is passionate about justice, for animals and humans, and has previously worked with organizations fighting for human rights and advocating for social justice. In her free time Ishtmeet enjoys spending time outdoors on adventures with her pup Ivy, as well as reading and cooking. You can reach Ishtmeet by emailing ishtmeet(at)vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca.
Katrina Leppanen
Development Manager
Katrina (she/her) is a settler of Finnish, French, and Scottish ancestry living on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) & sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Katrina began volunteering with VHS in early 2022 and was inspired by the scope of the organization and the passion of the people within it. In September 2022, Katrina joined VHS as Program Assistant. She is excited about the opportunity to continue listening and learning, while working towards justice for humans and animals alike. Katrina is a former ballet dancer who teaches Pilates and ballet classes throughout the community. She lives with her partner and their two cats, Jimi and Peaches. You can reach Katrina by emailing katrina(at)vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca.
Dawn Campbell
Veterinary Social Worker
Dawn (she/her) is a settler of Irish and British ancestry living on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish People, including the q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), Máthxwi (Matsqui), and se’mya’me (Semiahmoo) First Nations. Dawn joined the Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) in 2024 as a Veterinary Social Worker for the McVitie Fund. She holds a degree in Social Work from the University of Victoria and has additional specialized training in grief and loss, pet loss support, and counselling. With a wealth of experience in social services and animal care, Dawn is deeply passionate about bridging the gaps between social work and animal services. She is committed to fostering anti-oppressive, decolonial, and justice-oriented practices that address the interconnected needs of people and their animal companions. Dawn strives to create inclusive, trauma-informed approaches that honour lived experiences, challenge systemic inequities, and recognize the vital role animals play in people’s lives, particularly for those navigating systemic barriers. When she’s not working, Dawn loves hiking, being out in nature, and spending time with her cat, Jackson. You can reach Dawn at dawn(at)vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca.
Board of Directors
Ryan McCracken
President
Ryan McCracken is a solicitor at Farris LLP, where he practices in the corporate commercial, real estate and securities practice groups. Ryan’s legal practice area covers a wide variety of areas servicing public and private companies.
Ryan joined the VHS board in 2019, but first became actively involved in the humane movement in 2017 when he started volunteering with the BC SPCA. Ryan has also been a director of the Dugout Drop-In Centre Society, an organization that provides a community “living room” for the residents of Vancouver’s downtown eastside since 2016, and has served as its chair since 2017.
Danielle George
Vice President
Danielle George joined the VHS board in September, 2021. She grew up in Kansas, but has spent the better part of the last 15 years in the Seattle area before moving up to Vancouver in 2020. She became a vegetarian at the age of 12 after reading The Jungle by Upton Sinclair and transitioned to veganism in her mid-20s as she was on her way to a Weird Al Concert. Danielle went on to get her bachelor’s degree in Sociology at The Evergreen State College. She’s passionate about food, social justice, and animal welfare and believes they have many crucial intersections. In 2015 Danielle started her own vegan bakery and began volunteering for Kitsap Humane Society, going on to donate treats to many fundraisers and fostering all kinds of animals who needed a safe space. She joined the VHS board to be a part of advocating for animals in her new home.
Rob Monteverde
Treasurer
Rob Monteverde, CPA, CA is a Partner at MNP LLP. Rob provides U.S. and Canadian tax services to various types of clients, ranging from small to large corporations, film production companies, as well as high net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs. Rob’s love for animals comes from his grandfather who took care of many animals in the Philippines. His first dog, Scott, was given to him by his grandfather. However, due to his brother’s allergy, Rob was forced to be separated from Scott. Rob always visited Scott from his grandfather’s home until their family moved to Canada. Through the years his passion to take care of animals never faltered. Rob happily spends his downtime with his family which includes Bailey, who is an unknown mix, and Molly a corgi/jindo rescue. Rob is committed to continuing his grandfather’s work through advocacy for the humane care of animals.
Laura Hutson
Director
Laura Hutson, CPA, is an audit manager at BDO Canada LLP. With over six years of experience as an accountant, Laura has honed her skills in analyzing financial statements for a diverse portfolio of clients, both public and private. They moved to Vancouver in 2022 from Brisbane (Australia) where she dedicated her time to fostering animals and volunteering for a local animal rescue. Laura is eager to merge her professional acumen with her passion for animals in the treasurer position at VHS, where she can contribute to the financial health and advocacy of the organization.
Chris Morcom
Director
Chris Morcom joined the board of directors in March 2017. He is an associate with Pacific Law Group where he practices civil litigation with an emphasis on insurance defence and personal injury claims. Chris has been concerned with the rights of animals since becoming a vegetarian at a young age and has had a variety of pets throughout his life.
Chris received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and Professional Writing from the University of Victoria before relocating to Asia for four years. Upon his return to Canada, he attended the University of New Brunswick, receiving his Bachelor of Laws degree before coming back to Vancouver in 2009. In his spare time he enjoys a variety of sports and outdoor activities.
Angela Yadav
Director
Angela Yadav joined VHS in 2017. As a life-long vegetarian and passionate believer in animal welfare, Angela brings a strong conviction and commitment to help VHS’s goal to end animal suffering, cruelty and exploitation. Angela has been an ardent vegetarian all of her life – while the roots of this are grounded in the early teachings of her parents, her personal values and passion are what fuel her desire to get more people to become vegan/vegetarian and to promote the well-being of animals. Angela believes that a society is measured by how it treats its animals. As a seasoned business lawyer and now a mother of three young children, Angela is excited to give back to her community. Sitting on the VHS Board of Directors provides her with an opportunity to focus her efforts on improving our society’s treatment of animals and promoting a vegan/vegetarian lifestyle.
Dean Yano
Director
Dean Yano joined the VHS board in 2021, after volunteering with the Vancouver Humane Society since 2017. This involved participating in outreach and advocacy activities such as leafleting, farmers markets, trade shows, and speaker events, to help share about animal protection campaigns and issues of importance to the VHS. Dean previously volunteered with the BC SPCA, in a few different capacities, as a Regional Council Member, Community Council Member, and most rewardingly, as a Humane Educator, to provide “Kindness to Animals” presentations and workshops to children in schools and spring & summer camps. Dean is a lifelong lover of animals, and is dedicated to living a completely vegan lifestyle by avoiding all animal products for ethical, health, and environmental reasons.
Shannon Wong
Director
Shannon Wong, CPA, is new to VHS in late 2021 and is a Faculty member at BCIT where she teaches accounting and assurance courses to business students. She also works with CPA Canada and CPA Western School of Business in developing and delivering course materials to future accounting professionals. Shannon has always been an animal lover and she strives to give her dog Max the best possible life. Being a Border Collie mix, Max is always eager to please and Shannon has enjoyed training Max and seeing how much he is able to learn – whether it is good manners, a new trick or a new skill in agility. Shannon also enjoys hiking, camping and other outdoor activities, especially with Max by her side. Shannon is committed to using her skillset to help the Vancouver Humane Society achieve its goals and to advocate for the well-being of all animals.
Tessa Vanderkop
Director
Tessa, new to VHS in 2022, is a Social Purpose Strategist with the United Way Social Purpose Institute where she is working to build the purpose economy, helping business to become an engine for good in society. Prior to that she worked at the Burnaby Board of Trade helping businesses take first and next steps to becoming socially and environmentally sustainable. Her award-winning sustainability program at the Burnaby Board of Trade “The Pledge for a Sustainable Community” has leveraged the power of the association to drive purpose-driven impact within the Burnaby business community. She is also a passionate conservationist and has used her communication, collaboration and advocacy skills to lead the Ivory-Free Canada campaign. In her spare time, she hangs out with Bean, her 15 year old bow wow!
Kristi Kral
Director
Kristi began volunteering with the Vancouver Humane Society in July 2021, and became a member of the board in March 2022. She is also a member of the Animal Protection Party of Canada, and regularly donates to other animal welfare organizations including Animals Australia and another local animal welfare organization, The Fur-Bearers.
She credits her dog, Pebbles, for teaching her to be more cognizant of the suffering endured by all sentient beings, not just humans. A supply chain and operations professional by trade, Kristi has transitioned into a flexible schedule that accommodates a more balanced lifestyle through equity trading. Her hobbies include dancing, snowboarding, wall climbing, and taking long walks/jogs with Pebbles. Pebbles and Kristi regularly partake in agility courses, but also train at home on a daily basis.
Kristi is determined to apply her skills to this role, and help push forward VHS’ mission to help people create a humane world for all animals.