Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter

Phil Rogers, Executive Director

Phil Rogers served as Executive Vice President of Universal Forest Products Corporation, where he worked with companies such as The Home Depot, Champion Homes and the Mead Corporation. Since moving to Bozeman from Michigan in 2004, he has been an adjunct teacher of management and marketing classes at Montana State University, has been faculty advisor for student clubs and a student athlete mentor. Rogers’ non-profit experience is also extensive.  While living in Michigan, Rogers  served as a board member for Operation Smile and the Humane Society of West Michigan. 

Since moving to Bozeman, he has been involved with the Worthy Student Scholarship, Bozeman School Foundation and Intermountain Opera Bozeman. He has also volunteered at Heart of the Valley for three years and is the voice of the kids’corral at Woofstock, the shelter’s largest annual event.  Rogers resides in Bozeman with wife Susan Paglia and daughter Christine, who attends Bozeman High School.

Phil says "The love of animals is a great equalizer. Make the choice and be involved. Our shelter dogs and cats need all the help we/you can give. Heart of the Valley is where emotions run high and miracles happen."

Emai Phil at phil@heartofthevalleyshelter.org, or call 388-9399, ext. 102

Kathryn Hohmann, Development Director

Kathryn grew up in Minnesota and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from the University of Minnesota. She worked as a writer for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, then managed publications for a division of Miller Publishing/ABC. Kathryn moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked for the Sierra Club as a communications professional and lobbyist. For more than a decade, she represented the national environmental organization before Congress and the national news media, concentrating on clean water, clean air and emergency management issues as they relate to our communities’ health. After moving to Bozeman, Kathryn was on staff at the American Red Cross of Montana, traveling statewide for the disaster relief services as a fundraiser and media consultant. She loves reading and writing and is co-author of a textbook on climate change and emergency management (CRC Press), and an anthology on women and horses (Seal Press). Her writing has been featured in many national magazines and newspapers.

Kathryn has ridden horses for many years and competed her horse, Nip, in eventing and jumping in Montana. She’s now training her Australian Shepherd, Cody, in agility and plans to compete with him.

Email Kathryn at kathryn@heartofthevalleyshelter.org, or call 388-9399, ext. 106

Dr. Nancy Mayer, Shelter Veterinarian

Dr. Mayer joined the team at HOV in July, 2011 as the shelter veterinarian.  She resides in Bozeman with Bill, her husband of 22 years, four awesome kids, two dogs and a cat.  Through no fault of her own, she was born and raised in Southern California, but headed north to pursue her education at UC Davis where she attended undergraduate studies in Animal Science and subsequently received her doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine in 1993. Following graduation from veterinary school, she moved to Oregon and worked in a mixed animal practice in a rural western Oregon town for 7 years.  She then returned to California and worked in various small animal hospitals in the Sacramento area until the summer of 2003 when she and the family loaded up the moving trucks, drove east and didn’t stop until they landed in the beautiful  Gallatin Valley.   Once in their dream location, Nancy and Bill proceeded to build Gallatin Pet Getaway in Belgrade which they owned and operated for 2 years.  Since that time, Nancy has worked as a relief veterinarian in area clinics and as an emergency medicine veterinarian at PETS, Bozeman’s after –hours small animal emergency hospital. 

Email Nancy at vet@heartofthevalleyshelter.org, or call 388-9399, ext. 108

Angela Sandoval, Operations Director

When Angela moved to Bozeman 4 years ago from California, she discovered it was the perfect time to make a dramatic career change and follow her heart into the world of animal welfare. During her time at Heart of the Valley, Angela has worked in fundraising, volunteer management, education, and is now settling into her new role in operations.

Angela lives with her husband Josh and her three mutts Corvus, Chuck and Ellie in Bozeman. Besides her work with animals at the shelter, Angela enjoys walking her dogs around town, watching movies, reading, and doing crosswords. What she likes best about Bozeman: “It’s such a dog town – one or two in the back of every car going somewhere fun and beautiful to play. We’re a big enough town to have great cultural amenities, and yet we still preserve that small town feel. And I’m extremely proud of the world class animal shelter our community comes together to support.”

Email Angela at angela@heartofthevalleyshelter.org, or call 388-9399, ext. 103

Ben Donoghue, Canine Evaluator and Trainer

On May 2, 1977, the soon to be bearded, Benjamin Paul Donoghue took his first breath.  In his younger years, growing up in the small New Hampshire town of Mason, Ben filled his days with exploring the outdoors capturing snakes, frogs, toads, and newts.  The arrivals of a brother(Sam), sister(Rebekah) springer spaniel(Addie) and a long haired white cat(Tuffy one) brought added fun to his outdoor adventures.  After ten years of small town livin the family moved to the big city (pop.100,000) of Manchester N.H.  After completing High School with O.K. grades Ben stayed in the Granite State to complete 5 years at the University of New Hampshire.  While attending this institute of higher education Ben frequented the famed White Mountains and the rocky shores of Maine all the while yearning for canine companionship.            

In August of 2001 Ben hit the Long Trail of Vermont for reflection and to find direction.  The next three years of his life were filled with living and working outside with the Montana Conservation Corps and the Appalachian Mountain Club.  The last of these three years is what brought him to the Gallatin Valley and were he adopted his first dog Annay (Alaskan Husky) at the Gallatin Valley Humane Society (now Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter).  After a year or so of measly jobs to get by Ben applied to the organization where he found his beloved dog, for the often forgotten yet very important, position of Kennel Technician.  The benefits of helping animals and people in need has kept Ben hanging around.  “The feeling you get after watching the process of an animal arrive with no hope in their eyes, then begin to trust, and become confident, and then look into that adopters heart to find mutual understanding is priceless.”

Ben is currently 5’11” 175lbs.

He resides with his wife Kristen Wolf, a son Ezekiel Wolf Donoghue, three dogs Oly, Jedi, and Raven and cat Syrius.

Email Ben at behaviorist@heartofthevalleyshelter.org, or call 388-9399, ext. 122

Beth Harper, Assistant Operations Director

Beth enjoyed a childhood of living in many states and in Europe since her father was in the military. She attended college in Michigan and received a degree in Criminal Justice. After college Beth participated in a couple AmeriCorps programs: the National Civilian Community Corps where she served in the southeast, and the Montana Conservation Corps where she was based out of Great Falls. Beth moved to Montana in 2005 and considering this is the longest she has ever lived in one state, it is beginning to feel like home. Beth joined HOV in March 2008 and during that time has worked as a kennel technician, Canine Supervisor, and now Assistant Operations Director.

Email Beth at beth@heartofthevalleyshelter.org, or call 388-9399, ext. 104

Emily Wallace, Volunteer & Education Manager

Born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin, Emily will be the first one to admit that she has cheese running through her veins. The youngest of three, Em spent much of her childhood exploring nearby marshes and farmland with her dogs. Supportive parents and active 4-H membership instilled on Emily the importance of living a life of volunteerism.

A proud Midwesterner, Emily ironically discovered her love for mountains while attending Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Soon thereafter, she transferred to Montana State to pursue a degree in Ecology and Evolution. After graduation, Emily began a three-year journey to fulfill a rewarding series of seasonal positions. Most notably, Em spent two years in Seattle as an AmeriCorps volunteer working with a non-profit called EarthCorps, restoring land in the urban Puget Sound. Roles at EarthCorps include supervising a field crew, running weekly volunteer events, community outreach and environmental education. The desire to work as a field technician led Emily to volunteer in Ontario, Canada, helping the Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory perform its annual fall migration survey and banding of migratory song birds. Em's most recent adventure was the move to Juneau, Alaska where she spent 6-months working as naturalist leading day hikes and whale watching tours.

"It feels right to be back in Montana. This is where my heart belongs. I'm pleased and proud to be a part of the Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter. I look forward to meeting our existing volunteers and to welcoming new ones. Together we can play a very important role in bettering the lives of the animals here at the shelter - there's certainly a lot of love to give".

Email Emily at volunteer@heartofthevalleyshelter.org, or call 388-9399, ext. 105.

Lorri Nielsen, Medical Coordinator

After graduating from MSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science, Lorri wanted a chance to put her degree to use after many years in retail. She began working at the Humane Society of Gallatin Valley, now known as Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter. She has done nearly every job at the shelter since starting over 11 years ago, finally settling into the role of Medical Coordinator.

Lorri is at home in the Four Corners area with her husband Dave and daughter Kayla. They share their lives with only one dog (only for for now), Quinn, one cat, Brett, a new kitten BB, and Kayla's horse Walt.

Email Lorri at vettech@heartofthevalleyshelter.org, or call 388-9399, ext. 109.

Molly Cayer, Lead Feline Technician

Molly has been an animal lover since the day she was born! She grew up in New Hampshire always having at least three animals in her home. She attended a boarding high school in beautiful Maine, then off to college in New Brunswick, Canada, and to another college in Oklahoma. Molly didn’t feel content where she was, so she decided she needed a change. She drove up to Montana to visit her brother, and like so many other Bozeman residents, Molly just couldn’t leave! She was employed by Heart of the Valley and was so excited. “Finally, I can put my love of animals to work!” She worked at the old shelter, trying to make the best of it for the animals in those poor living conditions. “It’s such a relief that now our dogs don’t have to sleep outside in our freezing winter nights.”

What Molly loves about Bozeman is the small town feel, breathtaking views, and all the wonderful hiking trails. She loves working at the shelter because “even though it can be emotionally difficult at times, it’s such a great feeling to see a dog or a cat get adopted into a new loving home.”

When not at work, Molly enjoys hiking, swimming, music, reading, biking, floating, and playing pool.

She resides in Bozeman with her best friend, Bart, a black lab she adopted from Heart of the Valley.

Email Molly at feline@heartofthevalleyshelter.org, or call 388-9399, ext. 111

Jessica Groseth, Development Associate

Jessica is originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, but followed her love of the mountains west to Salt Lake City, where she attended college at the University of Utah. After graduating with degrees in Environmental Studies and Geography, she spent a few years enjoying Utah's famous snow before she and her husband, Peder, moved to Bozeman in 2006. Jessica enjoys rock climbing, snowboarding, telemark skiing and trail running, especially when she is accompanied by her two dogs, Berkeley and Maverick.

Jessica worked in development at the Central Asia Institute before joining Heart of the Valley in May 2008. She loves fundraising to support the homeless animals at HOV, and wishes she could adopt every animal in the shelter. Jessica's favorite things about Bozeman are the plentiful trails, dog-friendly attitudes, and great skiing!

Email Jessica at jess@heartofthevalleyshelter.org, or call 388-9399, ext. 112

Megan Flamm, Customer Service

Megan was born and raised in Sheridan Montana, right in the middle of the beautiful Ruby Valley. She was raised an only child but grew up with horses, pigs, sheep, cows, chickens, birds, rabbits, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs and fish. After high school, Megan moved to Bozeman to attend college where she graduated with degrees in Ancient Antiquity history and teaching. After a short teaching experience in Tacoma, Washington, Megan moved back to beautiful Bozeman where she knew she’d be happy.

Megan loves Montana and still considers herself a Madison County resident as she was inducted into the Pioneers of Montana last fall which means her family has been in Montana since 1850 or earlier. Megan enjoys floating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, riding horses, four wheeling and enjoying the wonderful summers Bozeman has to offer.

Erica, Canine Technician

Hi. My name is Farfles. I was a resident of HOV in 2008. I was only here for a few months until I found my new forever home with Erica and her family. She took me in and has given me a wonderful second chance in life, so I am going to take a moment to tell you all about my Mom.

Mom was born in Michigan. She is the daughter of Phil and Gwen and younger sister to Jessica. Life on the farm in Michigan was too much time away from family, so they moved back to the great state of Ohio. Hinckley (The Worlds Most Famous Township due to the annual return of the buzzards) became home. While in high school, Mom met Michael the guy I now know as Dad. After graduation from Highland High, they went to AthensOhio, not Greece, to become Ohio University Bobcats. She majored in biological scienceswhich she has really not utilized, but at least she can say she is a college graduate.

After college, they married and Dad joined the US Navy. While in the Navy, they lived in Newport, RI, where they adopted my brother Ike, San Diego, where they adopted my late brother Oscar, and Butte, where they adopted my two sisters Lilly and Sitka. Mom has had a few jobs working in veterinary clinics and boarding kennels and volunteered at the Chelsea Bailey Butte Animal Shelter. Upon parting ways with the military, Dad got a new job that took them to Three Forks and Mom to Heart of the Valley, which worked out great for me!

Mom has a passion for collecting, and not just dogs. You name it, odds are for some reason she collects it! In her free time she also thoroughly enjoys antiquing, cross stitching, quilting, auctioning, and caring for me and my siblings. Fall is her favorite time of the year and Halloween her favorite holiday. She attributes the fondness for both to being an October baby.

Mom is not as brave as co-worker Ben, she'll keep her height and weight to herself.

Jared, Feline and Canine Technician

Blaine, Lead Canine Technician

Email Blaine at canine@heartofthevalleyshelter.org, or call 388-9399, ext. 110

Diane, Lead Feline Technician

Diane was born in St Louis, Mo in 1960, but grew up in Dallas, TX until moving to Oregon in the early 1980’s.  While in Oregon, Diane worked in the high tech business until moving to Montana in 2000.  She finally found the career position that matched her personality at Heart of the Valley Shelter.  Diane has been with Heart of the Valley for approximately 2 years and loves working with the animals.  She especially enjoys helping the animals find loving and caring homes.  Please feel free to contact Diane to assist you in matching you to a pet to love and care for.

Email Diane at feline@heartofthevalleyshelter.org, or call 388-9399, ext. 111

Amanda Davidson, Customer Service/Feline Technician

Amanda was born and raised in Owings, Maryland on the east coast. At 13, her family moved out west to Bozeman, where she began high school. She attended college in Missoula at the University of Montana, and graduated with a degree in Creative Writing and Literature in 2003. In an attempt to put her degree to good use, she joined AmeriCorps in Seattle after college. She lived in Seattle for six years and found herself gravitating towards her passion in life, animals. Along with many other animal-oriented jobs, she worked as a veterinary assistant for three years at a Seattle veterinary hospital.

Recently, Amanda moved back to Bozeman to be closer to her family. She is so happy to be working at Heart of the Valley and to be making a difference in the lives of Gallatin Valley's homeless animals. When she is not at work, Amanda enjoys acting, singing, reading, watching movies and hiking. She is proudly owned by a 9 year old miniature dachshund named Cleo, whom she adores.

Kari Chiocchi, Canine and Feline Technician

Kari grew up on the shores of East Bearskin Lake, located in northern Minnesota, near a small town called Grand Marais. Childhood was great in the north woods  growing up at her parents resort that featured canoeing, cross country skiing, hiking, swimming, fishing and family fun in a wilderness setting right on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Considering the first word that came out of kari’s mouth was “kitty” she is quite confident her fascination with animals started early.

Kari moved to Bozeman to attend Montana State University in 2003. She started working at the Heart of the Valley in 2005 as a feline and canine technician and helped with the big move into the new facility in 2007. She worked as a Veterinary Assistant for one year at a local Veterinarian clinic and then returned to HOV in early 2009 and has remained there since.

Kari resides in Bozeman with her husband Dustin and their two dogs Bob and Bella, three cats Lilly, Suzie, and Bowie, three cockatiels Oscar, Archimedes, and Theia, and seven chickens Spaz, Bubbles, Fork, Samsquanch, Peeps, Sunshine, and Marley.  

Christian Richins, Canine Technician

Lauren Zwiefelhofer, Feline Technician

Scott Zimmerman, Canine and Feline Technician

Tony Marcuzzo, Canine Technician

Erika Gamache, Canine Technician