Gerard, Otis & Hank, united November 4, 2015 & November 16, 2017
We also have some pretty great people
We don’t mind being known for our pets, but we’re thrilled to work with dedicated humans who turn their passion into action every day with us.
Leadership
Sarah Javier
Chief Executive Officer
An experienced fundraiser, advocate, and healthcare leader, Sarah Javier joined the APA in 2016 following her lifelong passion for helping animals. She received her master’s in public policy administration from UMSL and fosters our culture of compassionate care while promoting animal welfare throughout the region as a member of the St. Louis Pet Lover Coalition.
Kim Brown
Chief Operations Officer
Before joining the APA, Kim Brown spent five years working in animal welfare and eight years as a combat medic in the US Army Reserves. With a bachelor’s in human resource management and a master’s in non-profit administration, she’s well equipped to grow the APA and draws constant inspiration from the power of animal companionship.
Kim is a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) which recognizes experienced and knowledgeable professionals committed to high standards and ethical practice in the field of animal welfare.
Amber Webb
Director of Volunteer Services
A lifelong pet-lover, Amber Webb draws on over a decade of animal welfare experience, and certifications in volunteer administration and management. As a mentor for our volunteers and interns, she helps expand the APA’s mission, while introducing newcomers to the many ways they can help people and pets live better lives.
Leah Chartrand
Humane Education Manager
After a decade spent teaching high school science, Leah Chartrand joined our team as the humane education manager. She draws on a depth of expertise to teach both children and adults about animal care and welfare, knowing that even the smallest passion for pets can be fostered into positive change for an entire community.
Tammy Ludwig
Transfer and Animal Care Manager
Drawing on over two decades of experience, Tammy Ludwig oversees the APA’s animal care team and coordinates our transfer program. As a lifelong St. Louisan, she’s seen the APA’s mission fulfilled across the community since its inception and believes everyone should adopt a shelter pet at least once — or in her case, four times.
Larcia Hyrne
Director of People & Culture
An avid dog-lover (with a particular affinity for Great Danes) and strategic human resources professional, Larcia Hyrne is the newest addition to the leadership team at the APA. Prior to joining, she spent two years in hospitality management and over 15 years in healthcare. Combined with her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communications and experience in human resources, Larcia is looking forward to bringing her love of animals and all things HR to the APA.
Terrie Case
Director of Finance
A longtime foster mom, dog owner, and pet-welfare volunteer, Terrie Case brings decades of financial know-how to the APA, alongside a passion for our work (and the Cardinals). She loves meeting the APA’s new animals and has a golden retriever at home.
Paige Lucas
Client Services Supervisor
With experience as an adoption counselor and rescue coordinator, Paige Lucas uses her expertise in animal welfare to help the APA's adoption team facilitate successful matches between people and pets. Paige is also a valuable resource to pet owners seeking support. She is passionate about helping animals and is known to frequently foster kittens.
Kitty Lawrence
Community Programs Manager
As Community Programs Manager, Kitty Lawrence draws from her unique background in veterinary medicine, animal welfare, and mental health counseling to help people and pets thrive together. When she is not promoting the human-animal bond at the APA, you can find her hiking, biking, and kayaking all over the state of Missouri, or at home gardening with her rescue dogs and cat.
Alex Levine Clardy
Director of Development
With 14 years of experience in fundraising and a passion for pets and people, Alex Levine-Clardy is dedicated to securing the resources needed to help the APA fulfill its mission. She is an avid animal lover and is excited to be part of an organization that unites and strengthens families through animal companionship. Alex lives in St. Louis City with her spouse and rescue dog, Ruthie Rosemary.
Angela Garcia, DVM
Director of Veterinary Services
Dr. Garcia is excited to join the APA team after feeling drawn to make a difference in the lives of shelter animals and the community. A Missouri native, she graduated from Mizzou’s College of Veterinary Medicine and spent time in small animal private practice in the St. Louis area prior. Her areas of professional interest include preventative/wellness care and dermatology. She enjoys spending time with family, friends, her pets, and traveling in her free time.
Board of Directors
Marissa Curran, President
Environmental Counsel, Commercial Liability Partners, LLC
Annie Castellano, Vice President
Director of Brand + Creative, Edward Jones
Bill Lacey, Treasurer
Retired, Nestle Purina
Patrick Barry, Secretary
Senior Project Manager, Byrne PR
Debbie Caplin
Animal Advocate & Community Champion
Suzie Craft
Marketing Director, Craft Restaurants Ltd.
Jason Ellis
CFO, CellTrak Technologies
Jason Gagne, DVM, DACVN
Director of Veterinary Technical Communications, Nestle Purina Petcare
Sandra Lehrer
Development Professional & Community Champion
John Lynn
Private Wealth Area Executive, Regions Bank
Matthew Murphy
Investment Manager, Self-Employed
Shawn Simmons
Vice President of Human Resources, Mills Properties
Emeritus Board
Maureen Bettman
Animal Advocate & Community Champion
Bradley Bishop
Partner, Financial Management Partners
Carla Felumb
Owner, Mister Guy Ladies Store
Greg Gutzler
Attorney, Elias Gutzler Spicer LLC
Steve Harrison
President & Creative Director, Falk Harrison Creative
Charles Hoessle
Director Emeritus, St. Louis Zoo
George Horn
Senior Vice President of Operations, Scottrade
Jon Jouris
Enterprise Holdings
Diane Lacey
Animal Advocate & Community Champion
John McGinty
Vice President of Customer Development, Nestle Purina
Judy Peil
Animal Advocate & Community Champion
Sandy Peters
Development Professional & Community Champion
Sharon Pettus
Animal Advocate & Community Champion
Mabel Purkerson, MD
Professor Emerita of Medicine, Washington University
Kate Sackett
Animal Advocate & Community Champion
Joseph Sivewright
President, Nestle Purina
Tamara Spicer, Secretary
Attorney, Elias Gutzler Spicer LLC
David Zeigler
Managing Principal, Lee and Associates of St. Louis
Join Us
If you love people and pets as much as we do, we'd love to get to know you.