With fierce smarts and the energy to push hundreds of people behind a common goal, Jan is a born leader and master multi-tasker. You might say she’s like a duck gliding effortlessly on the water, while hidden underneath, the feet are paddling furiously. Smart and savvy, with a biting sense of humor, Jan is quick with an eye roll and often must bite her tongue to “suffer fools gladly.” A passionate person, she will do everything in her power – and sometimes beyond – for the sake of the animals and her staff members.

Bright, energetic and keenly observant, Katie is the first person to have gained Jan’s trust so much so that she is now second in command. Working hands-on with a variety of animals first as a volunteer then later as staff ignited Katie’s passion and pointed her to a career path in animal sciences. Jan’s had an eye on her for a while and has been slowly grooming Katie to take over one day. All Katie needs to do is learn every one of a thousand details… and quit avoiding paperwork.

Shélagh is the calm yin to Jan’s energetic yang. As LSWR’s longest-running volunteer and staff member, Shélagh is an essential part of the operations. She knows the status of every one of a hundred animals at any time, and brings a quiet strength and dignity to diagnostics and care. Shélagh is a bit of a cynic, preferring animal interactions to human ones. She’s also the only person who can keep Jan in check.

A farm kid who headed for the city, Alyssa first dropped by The Centre to get hands-on experience before becoming a Vet Tech. She was so dedicated that she quickly became a Team Leader and now refers to the LSWR team as her second family. Alyssa is a rock who remains unflappable no matter the chaos around her. She is dedicated, knows each animal personally, and leads with a gentle and generous heart.