ARF LEADERSHIP

Steve joined Berea Animal Rescue Friends in September 2021 and cites ARF’s mission and the passion of 300-plus volunteers as a measure of our success in placing so many companion animals in forever homes each year.

Steve has over 20 years’ experience in philanthropy and nonprofit management, meeting community needs through a variety of programs and services. Having served as the CEO of the YMCA of Bucyrus-Tiffin (OH) since January 2009, Steve provided mission-driven leadership in Crawford and Seneca counties. Steve also led YMCA’s in Cleveland from 2000 through 2007, and again from 2018 to 2020.

A native of the United Kingdom, Steve earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Rio Grande, in Ohio; he is a graduate of multiple leadership programs with non-profit organizations. Steve and his wife April have three children, and with their dog Luna they reside in Lakewood, Ohio.

Dani started her time with ARF as a dog walker and member of the cat TLC program and soon realized she had found her passion. She served on both the cat and dog committees and was part of the Social Media Team. Dani heads ARF’s Prison Program where dogs are placed with handlers to learn their basic obedience. She has fostered kittens, cats, dogs and puppies. She has taught dog obedience classes along with Canine Good Citizen prep classes. She is the proud mom of one grown son and her happy place is at home with her husband and rescued dogs and cats. Dani is excited to be a part of ARF’s future and is extremely proud of its amazing volunteers and mission for helping animals in need.

Rachael earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Ohio University and a Master’s Degree from Kent University.  She has been an Intervention Specialist for Olmsted Falls City Schools since 2007.  She started volunteering as a dog walker for ARF in 2013 after fostering her first foster failure, and still loves to foster the scared little dogs that need extra love.  She has held positions as the Dog Foster Coordinator, Dog Volunteer Coordinator, Dog Adoption Consultant and Dog Committee Chair.  Rachael lives with her 4 dogs, 2 Guinea pigs, hedgehog and husband who is supportive of her crazy love for animals.

Susan began volunteering with ARF Feline Friends in 2014 after retiring from a career in Accounting and Business Excellence at Eaton Corporation.   She is currently on the Cat Committee and Program Committee for ARF, and has fostered numerous kittens for the past several years (including two foster failures).  She holds a B.A. from Baldwin Wallace College and an M.B.A. from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University.  When not devoting her time to ARF, you can find Susan on the Metroparks trails with the Cleveland Hiking Club.

A passionate advocate for animal welfare, Barbara is a new member of the Board. She and her husband live in Strongsville and have three spoiled cats, Ellie, Andy, and Toonces – all rescues. She has a BS in Journalism & PR from Bowling Green State University and an MBA from Baldwin Wallace University. Professionally she is the Director of Corporate Communications NA for Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems and has worked in PR and Communications for over 40 years. In additional to being a member of the Feline Friends team, Barbara is a TLC member, co-chairs the Feline Enrichment Program, and supports on the Grants, Events, and Development Committees at ARF.

Jeanine has a lifelong passion for animals and has apparently passed her obsession on to her three grown children.  She resides in Olmsted Falls with her husband and menagerie which consists of two dogs, Luna (ARF alum) and Loki, and two cats named Santino and Mocha (ARF alum).  When not vacuuming an endless supply of pet hair or running, walking or hiking. Jeanine works in community development finance and non-profit lending.

Jill is passionate about her Family (husband, 2 boys Jacob & Josh and  2 dogs Daisy and Henry), her career in Information Technology Leadership, giving back and advocating for animals.  Jill joined the Berea ARF board in 2021, she is honored and committed to giving back.  When Jill is not working she enjoys camping with her family and taking walks.

Michelle brings 20-plus years of experience as a marketing professional to her roles at ARF. In addition to the Board, she serves as chair of the Development Committee and Fundraising Committees, and maintained a weekly dog walking shift for 10 years.  Michelle is thrilled to be a part of ARF’s exciting future, and is continually humbled by the passion and commitment shown by ARF volunteers each and every day.

Shelley has been with the organization for ten years, and served as a member of the Board for the past five years, currently as Secretary. She’s co-chair of the Volunteer Action Committee, serves on the Cat and Program Committees, and is an active Feline Friend at the shelter. In her professional life, Shelley is an Associate Attorney at Dworken and Bernstein, and has previously worked as an attorney for the Cuyahoga Court of Common Pleas and the Eighth District Court of Appeals.

Lauren is fueled by three things in life: empowering entrepreneurs (her day job), painting, sculpting, and other fine arts (her side job), and advocating, volunteering, and living for the betterment of animals (her true passion). Lauren has been a volunteer Dog Companion with Berea ARF for several years, and is honored to be on the ARF Board. She shares a happy home with her husband Dan and their three dogs Winston, Perry, and Maple

Pat was employed with the City of Berea for 23 years where she held various positions. She’s been a volunteer for 16 years and the Cat Committee Coordinator for the past 10. She’s been very active in several committees and has served on the Board of Directors for the past 4 years. She’s thrilled to have had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people over the years, and to have helped place thousands of animals into their forever homes.

Janet joined the Berea ARF board in 2023.  She and her family live in Fairview Park.  Janet has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Akron, and a Master of Labor Relations and Human Resources degree from Cleveland State University.  Professionally she is the Vice President and Corporate Compliance Officer for a non-profit organization in Northeast Ohio.