Our Team
Kim Heise, Shelter Director
Kim has been involved with the Animal Protection Center from its very beginning. As part of a core group of individuals who were committed to serving the pets and communities of Southeastern Massachusetts, she worked to get the organization from the initial idea stage to the thriving resource it is now. Prior to the start of the Animal Protection Center in 2009, Kim held nearly every position possible at the MSPCA Metro South location until its closing. Throughout her career in animal welfare, she has enjoyed seeing transformations in individual animals as they go from being scared in new surroundings to flourishing in loving homes. She also enjoys the creative problem solving needed to help as many people and their pets as possible. Kim is lucky enough to share her home with four cats (Jack, Annie, Brody, and Clarabelle). In her free time, Kim loves the beach, horses and spending time with her family.
Katie A., Shelter Manager
In addition to her work here at the Animal Protection Center, Katie is currently studying Pre-Veterinary Medicine. She enjoys building relationships with the animals in our care so that she can work to make the best matches possible with potential adopters. When not at the shelter or school, Katie can be found riding her two Belgian draft horses Duke and Sandra, hiking with her Boston Terrier/Corgi mix Layne or spending time with cats Brady, Milo, Beckham, Hutch, and Lucy.
Erin, Assistant Shelter Manager
Erin is a life long animal lover who has been visiting the shelter since she was very young. Working in animal rescue was always a childhood goal of hers that she is now grateful to accomplish. She finds each animal to be an individual and enjoys being a part of their unique stories.
She shares her home with her little dog Howard, an APCSM alum, and four cats Nina, Ollie, Thumbelina, and Beans. Erin also works as a freelance artist working in a variety of mediums. In her free time she loves to cook, draw, garden and attempt DIY projects.
Carol, Animal Care & Adoptions Counselor
With a passion for beauty and animals. I graduated from TONI&GUY Hairdressing Academy to gain my Cosmetology license and follow my freelance career in makeup. My passion for animals came from my first inspiration, my mother. Every pet we've owned were strays. I'll never forget when I was a little girl my mom rescued an injured pigeon and she rehabilitated it to good health and we let it free, my mom was a vet in my eyes. I've known about APCSM because I would bring in neighborhood stray cats that needed to be neutered throughout the years. It was always inspiring anytime I walked through the door and the kindness and care I saw the team had for the animals I knew I wanted in someway, so when the adoption counselor was available, I reached out right away. I currently have my own zoo at home, I have 2 cats china and nube, a cockatail named JT, guinea pig named Peppa, and turtle named Raphael. On my free time I'm a foodie; I like to cook special dishes and spend time with my animals and family.
Miranda, Animal Care & Adoptions Counselor
Miranda’s love for animals has brought her to the Animal Protection Center where she is passionate about helping pets in need. A career in animal care has always been a dream of hers as she loves working with the animals and getting to know each of their own unique stories and personalities. Her goal is to provide each animal with comfort and love during their time at the shelter. In her free time, Miranda loves to spend time with friends and family and enjoys binge watching her favorite shows with her beloved cats. She is a proud owner of her three kitties Hazel, Fendi, and APCSM alum, Goose!
Cyra, Animal Care & Adoptions Counselor
Growing up, Cyra always felt a deep connection with every animal she met. This is what drove her to spend her school years focusing on animal care and business, and working on a dairy farm. Since childhood, her biggest dream had always been to dedicate herself to giving animals the best lives possible. And now she’s here- dream accomplished!
At home Cyra is joined by her two cats Nathan and Casper. In her free time, you’ll find her covered in oil paint, working hard on her next project.
Corinne, Project & Development Coordinator
Corinne graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Bridgewater State University. Her journey at the APCSM began as a volunteer and eventually she became an Animal Care & Adoptions Counselor and Shelter Veterinary Technician. It was during this time that Corinne also became involved with the Pet Pantry, which is now a program through the APCSM that aims to feed pets in our community. Her involvement with the Pantry sparked her passion for fundraising, marketing, and community outreach, which is why she LOVES her current role as Project & Development Coordinator!
At home, Corinne has a pitbull named Coan and a black cat named Bear. In her spare time, Corinne enjoys being outside and spending time with friends and family.
Dr. Beth Marks, Shelter Veterinarian
DVM - The Ohio State University
BS, Biology & Chemistry - Simmons College
Since returning to the Boston area, Dr. Marks has worked locally as an associate veterinarian. In September 2018, she started volunteering at the APCSM for approximately six months prior to officially joining the team as a part time staff veterinarian. Outside of work and the shelter, she enjoys spending time with her cat Toey Toto and dog Billie (both adopted from the APCSM), gardening, and playing tennis.
Karen, Volunteer Coordinator
Karen is the new Volunteer Coordinator at APCSM, she is dedicated to recruiting, training, and supporting our incredible team of volunteers and a deep commitment to animal welfare. Her love of animals comes from her parents, they always took in strays and always found room for "just one more". Karen is excited to make a positive impact on our shelter community and to help more animals find their forever homes. Currently, she is training to become a certified dog trainer further enhancing her ability to improve the lives of the animals. Her two sons, James and Michael are grown and out of the house. Along with her husband John she shares her home with her 4 pups, 2 cats, a cockatiel, and multiple fish. In her free time, she visits multiple institutions with her 10-year Pitbull Maximus who is a Certified First Responder Therapy Dog,
Katie C., Animal Care and Adoption Counselor
Board of Directors
Amanda Bettle
President
Amy White
Secretary
Spencer Henderson
Treasurer
Members of the Board:
Kim Heise
Chuck Givonetti
Meg Murray
Paul Zeller
Carl Abramson
Chris Delano
Joseph Grimaldi