Jennifer McCarty is a seasoned nonprofit leader, and before joining Berea ARF served as President & CEO for United Way of Lake County, and Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Jennifer has served on numerous boards and committees, including Lake Humane Society, Rabbit Run Community Arts Association, and Junior League of Knoxville. She earned her BS in Journalism and Communications from the University of Florida. Jennifer is passionate about animal welfare and she and her husband live with several rescued cats and dogs.

Kymberlyn is currently a registered veterinary technician that graduated in 2019 from Stautzenberger College and has been working with animals since 2013. She also served in the military as a military police officer for 4 years before starting her family. She currently has 3 children + a husband, 3 dogs, and 1 cat. She is also continuing her education in hopes to go to veterinary school. Kymberlyn’s passion for animals started when she was just a toddler and it seems her own daughter is following right in the same footsteps. Kymberlyn also has a passion for homeschooling her children and has done this for 2 years. She really loves teaching her children science and about animals. She has experience with many different animals, including birds, farm animals, exotic pocket pets, and reptiles.

Sydney has always had a passion for working with animals and shortly after graduating college with a degree in biology/pre-vet, began working at ARF and has been here for the past 5 years. During her time working here she discovered the passion she has for shelter work and fostering. Sydney says that “through all the ups and downs that come with that, it has been very rewarding for me to work with the people here at ARF and to help sick kittens, puppies, cats and dogs get better and find their forever homes. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else and look forward to continuing my time here at ARF as the new healthcare manager.”

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.

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.

Lindy Grasser CMA CPA has a diverse work experience spanning over twenty years in multiple industries and roles. Since 2019, Lindy has worked as the Chief Financial Officer at Constant Aviation, where she played a crucial role in the company’s turnaround by leading various departments across accounting, finance, and operations, successfully negotiating international deals, and managing and improving cash flows.

She’s worked across industries including Nonprofits, Automotive, Distribution, Aviation, Transportation, Construction, Commercial Building Management, and Software as a Service.

John started volunteering with ARF in 2020 and has been a Feline Friends and TLC Team member, while also helping with data analytics and IT. He’s spent a career in systems and software R&D, with volunteer interests in animal welfare, STEM education, and the arts. John’s been a Clevelander since the ’80s, now living in Fairview Park with his wife, Lori, and their three ARF cat alums.

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.

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.

Shelley has been with the organization for over 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.

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.

Kathy joined the Board in 2024.  She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology from the University of Akron and a Masters of Business Administration from Cleveland State University.  Kathy has spent over 40 years in the healthcare field.  Currently, she is a Vice President at a local not for profit and responsible for the Biomedical Services, Corporate Compliance and Risk Management departments.  Personally, Kathy lives in Columbia Station with her family including four pampered dogs (Karly, Leo, Ava and Eli) and a Quaker parrot.