Anna Lietman
Anna Lietman, Animal Caregiver, stopped eating fish after watching Finding Nemo at the age of four, and shortly thereafter became a vegetarian. She interned at the Sanctuary in 2017 and simply just kept coming back, having always viewed CAS as a refuge for both people and animals.Annie Motter
Healthcare Manager Annie has been putting her love of animals into practice since becoming a vegetarian at the age of 5. Her final step towards veganism was inevitable when she started as an intern at CAS in 2016. From intern to animal caregiver to healthcare manager, Annie always seems to find herself drawn back to the incredible people, animals, and message that CAS represents. The welfare of humans, animals, and the planet we share is inextricably linked -- Annie is excited to help work towards a future where all three are equally important.Colleen Schropfer
Colleen Challenger Schropfer, Deputy Director, found her true calling when she started rescuing cats at age seven. Little did she know, she could actually save animals as an occupation! Colleen is back on the farm again, but now for completely different reasons, as she works to guide the Sanctuary into its next phase of growth — to be able to rescue even more animals and help even more people on their journey toward veganism. Colleen’s favorite time of the day is when the little horse Flea comes to her office window and whinnies so loud she can hear it through the glass.Crystal Green
Crystal Green, Animal Caregiver, started as a volunteer with the Sanctuary in 2015, before she joined the team full time. It wasn't long before her experiences and connections at the Sanctuary inspired her to become vegan.Dani Auretto
Dani Auretto, Director of Sanctuary Operations, spent most Saturdays for 2.5 years mucking stalls as a volunteer in animal care before joining staff full time. Dani began her career in fundraising at a university before moving to corporate for 16 years in procurement. She is excited to be back in non-profit supporting a mission she strongly believes. Dani lives in Woodstock with her wife, Tracy, and two dogs, Eleanor and Holli.Eileen Caron
Eileen Caron, Bookkeeper, admits her day-to-day tasks can be tedious, but knowing every penny saved helps our beautiful residents makes those tasks rewarding — not to mention the joy she feels viewing the horses and free-range goats and pigs outside her window.Heather Decker
Heather Decker went vegan after nine years of vegetarianism upon learning the truth about Animal Agriculture at a farm sanctuary in 2016. Heather, a vocal advocate for animals and body positivity, is thrilled to be doing fulfilling, life-saving work at one of her favorite places on Earth.
Jacqueline Lieske
Jacqueline Lieske, Donor Relations Manager, is a lifelong animal lover who committed to veganism in 2008. Since that decision, she has worked for organizations that spark her core values of compassion, justice, service, and love. Equally passionate about stories and learning, she greets all sentient beings as wise teachers.Kaden Maguire
Kaden Maguire, Tour Programs Manager, started as an intern at the Sanctuary and couldn’t bear to leave. Now, they spend their days helping visitors fall in love with chickens and cows — though, admittedly, the rescued animals do most of the work.Kathy Stevens
Kathy Stevens, Founder, views the Sanctuary as the embodiment of her two greatest passions: animals and teaching. While Kathy speaks, writes and raises money in support of our work, her greatest joy is in connecting good-hearted people with the animals we love, then stepping back to watch as the animals work their magic and change human lives. Her second greatest joy? Kissing pigs.Lauren Barbieri
Lauren Barbieri, Youth Programs Manager, first visited the Sanctuary in July 2015. This was also the first time she was able to connect with turkeys, goats, cows and other animals; this transformative experience led her to veganism and, in February 2017, to join the team. Today, with the goal of creating a kinder world for all beings, Lauren helps kids of all ages tap into their innate senses of compassion, fairness and justice.Lesley Johnson
Working at Catskill Animal Sanctuary is a dream come true for Lesley, who enjoys using her writing and research skills to help the most exploited animals on our planet. She is deeply passionate about this cause, as well as rescuing and caring for cats, and folding animal care laundry with a precision that has earned her the awe and admiration of her colleagues. Lesley's favorite Sanctuary resident to introduce to visitors is Bruce the Duck, who rivals any seasoned lap cat with the duration of his lap-time visits.