behind the scenes

Micki has worked in sales, marketing and business development roles for different organizations for the last 25 years. She began volunteering with WCGHS in February of 2013, after going to the shelter to meet an adoptable dog. Over the course of two years, she held many volunteer roles and gained tremendous insight into the organization. In December 2015, she joined the Board of Directors, eventually becoming president. In 2020, WCGHS experienced many challenges with the effects of the pandemic. It was at this time Micki was given the opportunity to transition into the executive director role and take the helm. She gladly accepted and hasn’t looked back. Her passion for pets, people, and community lends itself well into her work for WCGHS. She loves helping animals and connecting with people. Micki shares her home and love for animals with her husband and two daughters.  The family has two beloved adopted WCGHS pets; Bert and Fred are often the stars of Micki’s video messages!

Peggy joined WCGHS in 2016 to curate our signature event, A Tail to Remember Dinner & Auction. She brought with her seven years of nonprofit event experience, as well as, seven years of corporate event planning.  She moved from Atlanta, GA to Ridgefield, WA in 2008 with her husband, Frank, and her son, Joseph. Her family shares their home with their dog, Biscotti, a WCGHS alumni. Peggy enjoys spending time with her family, playing games, visiting her family in Louisiana and wine tasting at the PNW’s many wineries.

peggyd@wcghs.org

April began volunteering for West Columbia Gorge Humane Society in 2011, and fell in love with the work and decided to make it a career. She trained with numerous canine behaviorists and trainers to better understand canine psychology. After purchasing a home in Washougal, she continued to pursue her passion for working with animals by joining the WCGHS team in 2016. Her professional background is in financial institution management and small business ownership. April shares her home with four rescued fur children and enjoys spending her free time exploring the outdoors with her dogs.

Laura is passionate about pets, people, and building community.  After first volunteering with WCGHS in 2010, she jumped at the opportunity to join the team in 2020 and brings over 20 years of professional non-profit development and volunteer experience. If you can’t find Laura at work, she will probably be at the mountain with her family skiing, hiking or camping. Boston sports and enjoying live music are her other loves! Currently, Laura, her son, daughter, and husband share their home with one big lug of an American Bulldog mutt, Calypso, a WCGHS alumni.  

Billijean earned her veterinary technician certification from Brown Mackie College in Idaho, and has been practicing animal medicine for 6 years. In addition to helping WCGHS, she also works as a veterinary technician for VCA Ocean Beach Animal Hospital in Longview

Mary started volunteering in December of 2020 with the WCGHS team, fostering kittens. She discovered her love for animal rescue once she initiated a Trap-Neuter-Return event in her own neighborhood a year prior.  That led her on a journey of fostering as a hobby!  She’s experienced in bottle feeding kittens, assisting feral mother cats, and a few medical skills with all that it entails.  After that year, a foster friend of hers recommended she reach out to WCGHS, and the rest is history!  When Mary’s not immersed in her passion for helping animals, or home with her four beloved cats and family, she enjoys visiting Portland Oregon to explore the city, singing karaoke with friends, and attending live music shows as much as she can.

Jaiden became an official member of the WCGHS team in July of 2022. Her family has been fostering animals for WCGHS since January 2021. She developed a passion for animals at an early age, and has looked forward to a career working with animals. Her background in the equestrian and dog worlds have given her the skills to make an impact on animal welfare. Jaiden desires to go to school to be a vet tech. She spends her free time riding her horses and helping out on the family farm. Her lifelong passion and commitment to animals makes her a key member of our staff.