Kayce Steele
PresidenT
Kayce began volunteering for GVAWL in 2014 as a dog foster and since that time, she has been a foster parent to cats and dogs, supervised adoption hours, managed social media and the website, had multiple foster fails, and later joined the Board in 2022. In 2016, Kayce was managing adoption hours when her now fiance came in to adopt a dog. She approved the adoption and six months later accepted a date from the handsome adopter and has been with him ever since. Together the couple enjoys hiking, camping, quad riding, travelling, volunteering for GVAWL and spending time with their dog Cooper and their three GVAWL rescues: Oliver (dog), Remi (dog), and Pork Chop (cat).
Sarah Wattles
Treasurer
Sarah started volunteering for GVAWL “Caturday” duty in 2023. She took home her fur baby Hamish Ronin after the first day, and Sullivan Lionfire five months later. Grateful and fortunate to have been trained by GVAWL’s beloved Cat Coordinator Sue Knowles, Sarah hopes to carry on Sue’s mission with her continued volunteering in the shelter and new position on the board of directors.
Dr. Nora Grant
SECRETARY
Dr. Grant graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, worked as an associate in mixed practices in Colorado and northeast Texas, small animal general practice then relief and emergency clinic in Alabama, after which she started, owned and managed a feline exclusive practice for 20 years. Her next venture was into industry working as technical services veterinarian for 5 years with Bayer Animal Health and with Ceva Animal Health as Veterinary Services Manager for 10 years, receiving the Ceva President’s Award for Veterinary Service Manager of the Year in 2015.
Dr. Grant was past president of the Emergency Animal Clinic of Birmingham, is a member of AAFP serving on the Cat Friendly Task Force Advisory Council, American Heartworm Society, and AVMA and serves on the Fear Free Speaker’s Bureau. . She is also certified Fear Free Elite, is a Coach and Mentor and works as a Fear Free Practice Certification Consultant. In addition, she participated in Bayer Healthcare Communication program with Institute for Healthcare Communication.
Dr. Grant has served as guest lecturer at many veterinary schools and presented talks at many local and state VMA meetings, VMX and WVC, including a webinar on Puppy Socialization in Time of COVID-19 for Veterinary Summit 2020, and a webinar on Feline Elimination Issues at the 2020 AAFP Virtual Conference.
Her areas of interest are varied with communication, Fear Free, behavior and parasites of small animals especially current challenges with heartworm preventive strategies being primary interests. Personally, she loves hiking, fishing, and renovating houses.
Geoff Berg
Board Member
Chris Sorensen
Board Member
Chris Sorensen and her husband, Kurt, moved to Gunnison in 2021 from Indiana, after they came to the realization that their 2 sons who had moved to Crested Butte were never going to move back. Chris retired from her position of President/CEO of a nonprofit that provided services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and also ran the public transportation service for the county. She now divides her time between working at Western, spending time with family, and enjoying the outdoors, especially with her dog and horse, throughout the year. An animal lover her entire life, she currently shares her home with Pixie (born in the master bedroom closet 15 years ago to a foster cat), Joe, her horse, 9 chickens, and Clark, a puppy adopted from a rescue. Chris also serves as a Board Member and Mentor at Antora Youth Ranch.
Jill Lazo
Board Member
Jill moved to Gunnison in 2017 with her husband, Jeff, after living in Louisville, CO for 20 years. Jill had a career with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment overseeing Assisted Living Homes. She has lived in Colorado since she was four and grew up in Boulder and Estes Park. Jill and Jeff had a rescue dog, Doolin, who had a disease and subsequently many special needs. After Doolin went
to the Rainbow Bridge, Jill started volunteering at GVAWL, wanting to give back to animals in the community. She loves it when the dogs and cats find their forever homes.
Jill enjoys being “Mamoo” to her grandchildren in Lafayette, CO and Belvedere, IL. Senior citizens are
still in her life by volunteering as the Local Ombudsman for Region 10.
Jill and Jeff welcomed a new rescue dog, Aberdeen, into their lives last year. You may find them hiking at Hartman Rocks. Be sure to say “Hi,” Aberdeen would love to meet you and hasn’t met a stranger yet!
Emily Hatton
Board Member
Emily Hatton moved to the valley in 2016 and promptly adopted a tennis-ball obsessed herding mix, Overo.
She grew up with dogs and horses, always drawn to the “problem child” of the pack and herd. Through many cross-state moves, she regularly volunteered with animal shelters on the East Coast, in the Midwest and now the Mountain West.
While Overo has passed, Emily dedicates every game of fetch to him because Ball Is Life. She now gets her canine fix dog sitting and fostering, still drawn to the most reactive pups. You’ll find Emily on trails with animals in all seasons, be it running, mountain biking or skiing with them.
Emily’s professional roots are in investigative journalism, and she has specialized in nonprofit marketing communications for the last eight years. With an MBA and Master of Education, Emily works in education and penal system reform. She also serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Colorado’s 7th Judicial District.
Tamara Spezze
Shelter Manager – Non Board Member
Tamara, our Shelter Manager, has lived in Gunnison for 15 years, with her family and 5 horses, 3 goats, chickens, 3 dogs and 2 cats. She has a degree in Wildlife Management and has worked in the wildlife field as well as built and managed a dog and cat boarding kennel. When she isn’t enjoying her time at the shelter, she loves to horseback in the high country with her husband and Aussie Whiskey.
Tamara and her team of volunteers are committed to giving the best care to our shelter animals during their stay. She feels strongly that spaying/neutering your pet prevents unwanted litters. It can also protect against some cancers and may reduce many behavioral problems associated with the mating instinct. She also supports our community through education, sharing GVAWL resources and attending local events.
Whitney Schuck
Shelter Assistant – Non Board Member
Whitney Schuck is an impassioned advocate for the welfare of animals, deeply inspired by the extraordinary efforts of GVAWL in providing unparalleled care and affection to animals in need.
Her affinity for animals has been a lifelong affair, rooted in the companionship of Bernese Mountain Dogs, German Shepards, and more recently the joyful presence of an Orange American Shorthair cat. Driven by her commitment to give back to these creatures who offer us so much and the desire to actively participate in the remarkable work carried out to do so, her journey began as a volunteer. Whitney’s experiences as a volunteer at GVAWL deepened her understanding of the intricacies of animal care and strengthened her resolve to contribute meaningfully to their well-being. Her aspiration is to play a pivotal role in supporting GVAWL’s mission, leveraging her skills to ensure that each animal under their care receives the attention and compassion they deserve. She is genuinely excited about the prospect of contributing to GVAWL’s continued success and being a part of the collective endeavor to secure a brighter future for animals in need.