Staff

 Shelter Director: Jolene Hoffman

Jolene Hoffman came to the Humane Society as a volunteer when the shelter opened in 1982 and worked her way up to becoming the shelter director in 1985 and has remained in that position to date.

Jolene is dedicated to overseeing all shelter staff and animals. She councils the public and performs euthanasia for the public’s animals when they are suffering. She also works all major disasters such as fires, floods and earthquakes to assist with animal rescues.

When Jolene began volunteering in 1982, she felt that she had found her purpose. She loves coming to work with like-minded people who are all here for the same reason. Jolene knows the Humane Society is a safe place for the animals of Ventura County. Jolene says it is her job, along with the rest of the staff, to recycle pets that have been thrown away and place these special creatures in their forever homes. She strongly believes the key to ending suffering for all animals is education, spaying and neutering.

Of what she and the staff do at the Humane Society everyday, Jolene says, “We make a difference in the lives of the animals and families we help. What more can you ask for?”

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Office Manager: Arlene MacSween

Arlene MacSween has been the Office Manager at the Humane Society since 2002. It is clear to see the love that Arlene has for both animals and people.

She supervises all office staff to ensure that all customers and residents are treated with compassion. In addition, Arlene works hard to partner people with the right animals. She counsels new adopters, prospective adopters and provides support for those who have recently lost a pet.  She also brings in animals that can no longer be cared for and provides support for both the animal and the owner.

Here at the Humane Society we are lucky to have an individual that cares so deeply for both people and animals. She listens, understands and works to help all.

Next time you get ready to adopt a forever friend Arlene will be there to help you!

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Kennel Manager: Rebecca Holder

Rebecca Holder joined the team at the Humane Society in 2004 as the Kennel Manager after 15 years as a professional dog groomer.

 As the Kennel Manager, Rebecca is charged with overseeing the care of all animals at the shelter. She is responsible for making sure that all animals receive proper nutrition, medications, vaccinations, are spayed and neutered and well groomed. She is also a Euthanasia Technician who performs owner requested euthanasia when individuals in the community bring their sick or elderly animals in to humanely end their suffering. She is also responsible for evaluating all incoming animals, introducing them to prospective owners and educating adopters about proper animal care.

 Next time you come in to look to adopt a new family member be sure to say hello to Rebecca. She will be happy to help answer any of your adoption or animal care questions!

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Volunteer Coordinator: Kate Nelson

Kate Nelson came to the Humane Society in 2010 in hopes of bettering the lives of animals in the Ventura County through spreading the word about the Humane Society and training volunteers to fit the needs of the animals it shelters. As a pet owner and animal lover, she realized what a difference people could make in the lives of animals and what a difference animals could make in the lives of people. Facilitating a place where those two things could happen at once is what gives her life purpose.

Kate is a lifelong student who brings her experience and education to the Humane Society as a credentialed teacher and emergency medical technician. She uses these talents for recruiting volunteers, training volunteers and overseeing all volunteer activities. She also promotes disaster preparedness for animals and volunteer activism at a variety of venues. Kate also attends and organizes events as well as works with a variety of media outlets to promote the Humane Society.

 Come by the Humane Society of Ventura County to meet Kate and to find out more about volunteering through the shelter. There are currently many volunteer opportunities available. Call 805-646-6505 to find out more! Click here to check out more about the volunteer program!

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Humane Educator: Aimee French

Aimee French joined the team at the Humane Society of Ventura County as the Humane Educator in 2007 because of the love she has for her two dogs. She is charged with developing, teaching, and managing all education programs.

Aimee is not the stereotypical animal lover. Instead, she seeks to understand animals and their owners, connect with them and train them.

 Aimee feels fortunate to have such a rewarding job where she can be a part of animal welfare. We here at the Humane Society feel fortunate to have her.

To schedule Aimee to come to your classroom call 805- 650-6512. Please also check out the Humane Education Page to learn more about the programs she offers.

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Humane Officer: Tracy Vail

 From a very young age our Humane Officer Tracy Vail knew that she wanted to work with animals. She worked for several veterinary clinics and volunteered at her local animal shelter before deciding to be become a Humane Officer.

In 2005, after 6 months of training, Tracy was awarded her badge. She continues her education by taking a variety of courses in animal welfare, animal law enforcement and animal husbandry.

Here at the Humane Society Tracy has investigated thousands of animal cruelty cases. She investigates and sites for animal cruelty and neglect. She enforces California Penal Codes and Health and Safety Codes. These include hoarding, physical abuse, starving or depriving an animal of food, water or shelter or not providing proper veterinary care.

To ensure the best possible care and outcome for the animals, she also works alongside of local animal control, veterinarians, the Sherriff’s Department, police departments, the District Attorney’s Office, and various rescue groups.

Tracy says of her job that she can’t imagine doing anything else. It is one of the most heartbreaking and rewarding jobs that she can imagine.

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Humane Officer and Adoption Counselor: Alina Hoffman

Alina Hoffman came to the Humane Society in 2007 with a great amount of experience in assuring that the law is upheld. She worked as an Animal Control Officer for both the Cochese County Sherriff’s Department and Ventura County Animal Services.

Here at the Humane Society Alina does it all. She investigates abuse and neglect cases, impounds animals that are being mistreated, educates the public, fosters animals, helps people find the right animal for adoption and is a euthanasia technician for the public’s animals when they are suffering.

 Alina is an absolutely amazing individual who works hard to assure that the animals of Ventura County are well cared for. Be sure to say hello when you come in to look for a new forever friend. She will be happy to help you find the right animal for your family.

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Veterinary Assistant: Tami Brown

Tami Brown came to the Humane Society in 2002 as a veterinary technician because of her love of animals. She assists the veterinarian during surgery, checks in clients, orders supplies for the clinic and assures that all animals in the clinic are well cared for. She also helps administer vaccinations and medications to animals that are being sheltered at the Humane Society.

Tami is also a Euthanasia Technician. She is tasked with helping humanely end the lives of animals who are suffering and counseling the families going through the grieving process.

Tami is a Nordhoff High School graduate. She has trained closely with Dr. Lewis here at the Humane Society in his techniques and procedures. She has studied in a variety of fields, but has found much satisfaction working with animals here at the shelter.

Here at the Humane Society we are fortunate to have someone who cares so deeply for the animals. When you are ready to have your animal spayed or neutered please call 646-6505. Tami will make sure that they are well taken care of.

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Veterinary Assistant: Cindy Mason-Williams 

Cindy Mason-Williams came to the Humane Society in 2007 as a volunteer with a strong passion for helping animals. She was regarded as the volunteer that would do anything, fix anything and provide unconditional love to the animals. In 2010 she was hired as a Veterinary technician.

 She assists the veterinarian during surgery, advises the public on the importance of spaying and neutering, and assures that all animals in the clinic are well cared for.  She has studied in a variety of fields, but has found much satisfaction working with animals here at the shelter.

For information on spaying and neutering your pet please call Cindy at 646-6505. Not only will she be happy discuss the benefits of these procedures, but will be happy to set up an appointment as well. Once your animals are in the clinic you can rest assured that they will be well cared for in her loving and very capable hands.

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Adoption Counselor: Cheryl Brown

Cheryl Brown began her work at the Humane Society of Ventura County in 1982 when the current building opened. She originally served as office manager for two years before moving to Northern California. During the interim, Cheryl worked for the Humane Society of Napa County as office manager. She also ran day care from her home and was a homemaker for her children.

As an adoption counselor, Cheryl is responsible for partnering the right people with the right animals, answering telephone questions, educating prospective adopters about proper care of animals and assisting with grief counseling.

Outside of the Shelter, Cheryl enjoys many water sports including swimming and snorkeling. She also loves horseback riding, dining and watching a good movie. More than anything, Cheryl loves spending time with her three wonderful grandchildren.

Here at the Humane Society we are lucky to have such a wonderful individual. Cheryl always has a smile on her face and joke to tell. You can hear her laughter throughout the shelter. Come by and visit Cheryl and her faithful companion, Fancy, when you get ready to adopt your next family member. They will be more than happy to help you!

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Adoption Counselor: Linda Allison

Linda has been a dedicated member of the Humane Society since 1990 when she came in looking for a job and ended up finding her life’s love and purpose. She is a lifelong animal lover who has two black and white tuxedo cats who she lovingly calls her “Orcas;” one dog, “Hero Joe;” and Sassy Sally, who is not just a Mustang, but the love of her life.

Here at the Humane Society, Linda charges herself to the care of all of the animals of Ventura County and the people that care for them. She helps match people with the right animal and makes sure that all animals at the shelter are accounted for. She provides rescue numbers and referrals when needed and helps intake animals that can no longer be kept by their owners. She has worn many “hats” while at the Humane Society. She has been a kennel attendant, the office manager and the volunteer coordinator.

When you get ready to adopt your next forever friend be sure to say hello to Linda. You can’t miss her! She is the red head with the big smile and lots of helpful hints. She will be happy to help you!

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Adoption Counselor: Jesse Williams

Jesse Williams came to the Humane Society as a Caretaker and an Adoption Counselor in 2001 because of his absolute love of animals. He came specifically to the Humane Society of Ventura County because it is a no-kill shelter. Jesse is charged with site security, after hour emergency response and shelter maintenance. As an adoption counselor, Jesse is responsible for partnering the right people with the right animals, answering telephone questions, educating prospective adopters about proper care of animals and assisting with grief counseling.

The Humane Society is thankful to have such a wonderful member of our team. Come by on Saturdays to meet Jesse and ask him questions about a potential animal match for you!

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Adoption Counselor: Willow Malone

Willow Malone came to the Humane Society of Ventura County in 2011 with a passion for helping animals. She has always found herself upset at the thought of animals being abused or neglected and wanted to be the voice for those that can’t speak for themselves.

Willow is a Nordhoff High School graduate who is furthering her studies at Ventura College while serving as an adoption counselor at the HSVC.

Here Willow assists customers with finding the right animals for their families, answering questions, making spay and neuter appointments and helping match owners up to their missing pets. In addition to this Willow from time to time serves as a Kennel Attendant and assists with a wide variety of office duties.

Outside of work Willow enjoys spending time with her friends, attending concerts and of finding all of the best places to grab a cup of coffee.

Willow loves the HSVC because of the family like atmostphere and we love her because of all that she does for the animals of Ventura County and the people that care for them. So, when you come in to find your newest Forever Friend, Willow will be the smiling face right behind the coffee cup and the friendly hello.

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Kennel Attendant: Lawrence Proffitt

Lawrence Proffitt began caring for the animals at the Humane Society as a kennel attendant in 2010. It has been clear from the beginning that Lawrence has a great love of the animals and a strong desire to assure a happy ending for each one of them.

As a kennel attendant Lawrence is charged with making sure the animals in our care receive proper nutrition, have clean bedding, fresh water, and are bathed. He also assists in making sure that all animals receive proper veterinary care and medications.

Lawrence is a fantastic addition the wonderful staff here at the Humane Society. When you get ready to adopt your next forever friend be sure to talk to Lawrence. He can tell you all about the many  wonderful animals we have here!

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Kennel Attendant: Olina Mayberry

Olina Mayberry began her tenure at the Humane Society as a dedicated volunteer in 2008. Her love and concern for all of her four legged friends more than qualified her to become a Humane Society Kennel Attendant In 2010.

Olina loves caring for all the animals, making sure they receive proper nutrition, have clean bedding, fresh water, and are bathed. She also assists in making sure that all animals receive proper veterinary care and medications.

Here at the Humane Society we are lucky to have such an animal lover. She truly treats each one of them as though they were her own. When you get ready to adopt your next pet, come see Olina! She will tell you all about her “children!”

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Kennel Attendant: Angela Hanline

 Angela Hanline came to the Humane Society to use her skills and training to help the animals of Ventura County. She is a lifelong animal lover who from a young age was charged with helping sick animals. She was, and occasionally still is, called Ellie May. Here, she makes sure that all animals receive proper nutrition, have clean bedding, fresh water, and are bathed. She also assists in making sure that all animals receive proper veterinary care and medication.

Next time you come in to look to adopt a new family member be sure to say hello to Angela. She will be either upstairs or downstairs making sure that all of the animals are cared for.

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Kennel Attendant: Jennifer Davidson

Jennifer Davidson joined the team at the Humane Society in 1990 as a Kennel Attendant because of her sincere love of animals. You can hear Jennifer down the halls lavishing the animals housed at the shelter with hugs, kisses and lots of love. She assures that the animals have clean housing, makes sure that animals have proper nutrition and are kept clean, groomed and healthy. She also assists with administration of medications and and vaccinations as needed. She also helps partner prospective adopters with the right animals and assists in safely introducing the animals here at the shelter to the prospective adopter’s pets and family.

Next time you get ready to adopt a new family member, Jennifer will be happy to help you pick out the right pet! We here at the Humane Society are fortunate to have such a caring, loving and dedicated kennel attendant.

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Kennel Attendant: Dexter Connor

Dexter Connor, the newest member of the HSVC team, brings his outgoing personality, hard-working attitude, and love of animals to better this wonderful place.

Dexter is a resident of Santa Paula where he, his girlfriend Lisa and their rescued Spaniel Dachshund mix, Rudy live. There he finds enjoyment in going to auctions, treasure hunting, watching extreme sports and of course playing the occasional video game.

Dexter is a well-traveled man. He has driven trucks all over the United States and in the process has learned much about a variety of people and cultures. He still however, finds that his heart resides in the country.

He comes from a rural town in the southernmost part of North Carolina. This is where he first found his love of horses and began to be fascinated with the abilities that animals have. He watched and marveled at how they interacted with the world around them.

Perhaps this is where the first seeds of a career in the animal world were planted, but they grew roots when he began watching a show depicting humane officers and the cases they see on TV. This made him become passionate about caring for those that could not care for themselves. He and his girlfriend even ended up adopting their beloved dog, Rudy, from such a case.

The HSVC team is delighted to have such a wonderful addition to our team. We know the animals are thrilled to have him as well!