the board

My name is Kelly Thyssen and I am an the co-owner of Humane Educators of Texas. I have been involved in the animal welfare industry since 2005, and I have worked in just about every capacity of animal welfare and have been an animal control officer since 2007. In 2010 I reached an unhealthy level of compassion fatigue that resulted in my leaving the animal control field in early 2011 to work for TX DSHS Region 7 Zoonosis Control. After spending almost 18-months with DSHS, I felt recovered enough to return to Animal Control to work for the City of Georgetown as an ACO! I started Humane Educators of Texas in 2014 and left the City of Georgetown in 2018 to pursue teaching and running Humane Educators full time with my business partner, Tabitha. When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter, traveling, and enjoying the outdoors.

My name is Kasey Schwartzer. I have been in Animal Control/sheltering for 16 years. I became an ICISF Peer in 2023. I have always had a passion for animals and knew that my career had to include them. I originally began my career path as a Veterinary Tech. I worked 5.5 years in a small mixed practice in Lampasas but I felt I needed a change. I took a chance and applied to be a 911 dispatcher/corrections officer. I got the job and was so surprised by how much I loved it. I did that for 1 year but when the County Animal Control Officer position opened, I knew what I wanted to do. So, with a day and a half of training, I was thrown out in the county to do my new job. It was a sink or swim moment for sure. After 1.5 years, the opportunity to start a new shelter from scratch came along and I jumped. I became the Shelter Supervisor of the Lampasas Animal Shelter. I had to write every policy and procedure. My blood, sweat, and tears are in that building. I have lost time with my family, a marriage, my health, and so much more in this career. I have only recently figured out how to balance this job, my life, and my mental health. My goal in this career was always to make it better for those that follow, both human and animal. No one should have to start in the career with the lack of training and support I had. While my shelter is small, the challenges were huge. My little shelter has come such a long way and all the mistakes and lessons I have made along the way could be helpful for someone else. My main goal with being a Peer is that I don’t want anyone to feel as alone as I did in the beginning. I am so happy to offer my advice, my suggestions, and my time to just listen to anyone in need of it. I won’t have all the answers but I will certainly be with you to help find the person that does.

My name is Tabitha Blewett and I have been in the Animal Welfare field for over 20 years. I started my journey in California working for boarding and training facilities in the San Diego area as well as the North County Humane Society. While in California, I served as the education director for a non- profit wildlife rescue organization with a special focus on large cats. I relocated to Texas with my family in 2004 and started my Texas career off as the kennel manager for the Humane Society of Williamson County and in 2008 I went to work for Williamson County. In 2018, I left Williamson County Sheriff's Office after serving as the Animal Control Field Supervisor, LRCA, and led a team of well trained ACOs. In 2018 I went on to pursue small business ownership and full-time teaching with my business partner at Humane Educators of Texas. Throughout these last couple of decades, I found myself struggling with compassion fatigue, maintaining a good work-life balance, and the strains of working in a highly demanding profession. But with great professional and personal support, I was able to work through those hurdles and it has driven me to help others who are struggling similarly. I became an ICISF trained peer in 2020 and with Kelly have deployed several times to serve other agencies in the capacity of a trained peer.

Hello, I'm Alexis, a dedicated professional with over 25 years of experience in the field of animal welfare. Throughout my career, I've been on a continuous journey of learning and growth, driven by a deep passion for the well-being of animals. Currently as the Operations Manager at WCRAS, I take immense pride in leading and supporting a team that shares my commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of our animal friends. Over the years, I've had the privilege of working on various projects and initiatives that aim to improve the lives of animals in need. This journey has not only deepened my understanding of the complexities within the field but has also reinforced my dedication to creating a better world for our furry companions. At the core of my professional identity are values of compassion, advocacy, and continuous improvement. I take great joy in fostering a supportive work environment where my team is not just colleagues but a family. Their growth and well-being are paramount to me, and I strive to create a culture that encourages collaboration, innovation, and a shared sense of purpose. Away from the hustle of work, you'll often find me basking in the tranquility of any beach, with a special affinity for those in foreign lands. The rhythm of the waves and the vastness of the ocean hold a unique allure for me. Beyond that, my interests span the vibrant realms of shopping, exploring farmers markets, and indulging in the beauty of art and architecture. I find joy in spending quality time with friends, cherishing the moments that life offers. I aim to continue making strides in animal welfare, exploring innovative approaches to better the lives of our animal companions. Additionally, I am committed to fostering a workplace where both my team and I can continue to learn, grow, and make a lasting impact. In essence, my journey has been one of passion, purpose, and a genuine love for both animals and the people who share this journey with me. I believe that through collective effort and unwavering dedication, we can create a world where animals thrive, and our shared love for them knows no bounds.

I’m Shyah Johnson, and I’ve been working in animal welfare since 2016. I started as a part-time Animal Care Specialist and have held roles in both municipal and nonprofit shelters, as well as a boarding facility. I spent several years in a supervisory role as an Animal Health Technician in a shelter setting, with a focus on high-volume spay/neuter. Currently, I’m the Animal Care Supervisor at a regional shelter that takes in approximately seven thousand animals each year, where I lead a team of 19 staff members and help provide steady, responsive care in a constantly shifting environment. In addition to my shelter work, I teach Kennel Technician courses for Humane Educators of Texas and am passionate about helping others grow in their animal welfare careers. I care deeply about building positive, collaborative teams and creating spaces where both people and animals feel safe, supported, and understood. In my current role, I’ve worked hard to build relationships grounded in trust and open communication, and I’m grateful that many of my team members feel comfortable coming to me—whether they’re facing a challenge or sharing a success. Supporting the people who care for animals is just as important to me as the hands-on work itself. Having experienced compassion fatigue and burnout firsthand, I’m deeply committed to the mental health and wellbeing of animal welfare professionals. I believe that prioritizing self-care, boundaries, and balance is essential to sustaining this work long-term. That’s why I’m proud to be part of Humane H.E.L.P. and its mission to provide connection, mentorship, and peer support to those on the frontlines. No one in this field should have to face the hardest parts of the job alone. Outside of work, I enjoy photography, roller skating, and spending time with my own pets. Animals are my happy place, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to support the people who devote their lives to caring for them.

Cathy Bustos is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas. She is a graduate of American Military University with a bachelor's degree in psychology along with a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with a specialty in trauma and crisis from Walden University. Currently, she is providing counseling services for veterans and first responders at Angels On The Horizon Therapeutic Center in Copperas Cove, Texas. Cathy served for 25 years as a Texas police officer with the cities of Copperas Cove and Cedar Park. She is a graduate of The Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute Leadership Command College at Sam Houston State University. She retired at the rank of Lieutenant in 2019. Cathy is an International Critical Incident Stress Foundation approved and certified Group Crisis and Assisting Individuals in Crisis Instructor. She's also a certified trainer on the topic of Law Enforcement Suicide. She's a member of the instructor cadre with Warrior’s Rest Foundation. Every year, Cathy returns as support services for National Police Week in Washington DC. She also travels the nation as support services for the Concerns of Police Survivors Traumas of Law Enforcement Trainings. She provides Wellness Services for Survivors of Blue Suicide and for the Texas Fraternal Order of Police. She can be reached by emails: cathyandjavi@gmail.com or cbustos@warriorsrestfoundation.org Her website: www.cathyandjavi.com

With over two decades of hands-on experience in animal welfare, Rebekha Montie has dedicated her career to improving the lives of animals and supporting the communities that care for them. Currently serving as the Field Services Program Manager for the City of Austin, Rebekha brings deep expertise and compassion to every role she takes on. Throughout Central Texas, Rebekha has worn many hats in the field — from veterinary technician and animal care technician to animal control officer, supervisor, and shelter manager. Her well-rounded background gives her a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within animal welfare work. Rebekha is known not only for her leadership and experience, but also for her commitment to humane, progressive field services and shelter operations. Whether she’s leading a team, responding in the field, or mentoring others, her mission remains the same: protecting animals and supporting people. When she's not out in the field or mentoring others, Rebekha enjoys a good round of disc golf and relaxing with her pets.

My name is Amanda Moore, and I am an Animal Services Manager with the City of Killeen Animal Services. I have been involved in the animal welfare industry since 2007, and spent four years before that working with exotics at a private zoo facility. I have worked in just about every capacity needed to run an animal shelter, and have been an officer since 2010. From 2017-2021, I specialized in animal cruelty investigations. I have worked with the Humane Society of the United States in large-scale animal cruelty seizures and spent time learning veterinary forensic investigation techniques from Dr. Melinda Merck, one of the first veterinarians to define and develop the veterinary forensic field. In 2021 I suffered a complete burn-out that resulted in my leaving the animal control field to become a Code Enforcement Officer. However, after an 18-month hiatus, I felt recovered enough to return to Animal Services as a manager overseeing the Fort Cavazos Stray Animal Facility and all animal control officer operations for the City of Killeen where I am working to develop and train a team of 9 brand-new ACOs! I love my current position and have found my purpose in teaching young ACOs the ins and outs of this crazy career and how to work together as a team. When I’m not at work, mine and my husband’s lives revolve around our two Rottweilers and our crazy Vizsla. Our nights and weekends are spent training for competitive dog sports or competing in conformation shows across the state.

Mary Brown moved to Texas about 6 years ago after falling in love with the people and gorgeous scenery of the Texas hill country. She was involved with animal welfare rescue for 5 years in Wyoming and has since been at Austin Animal Center for 5 years in various roles. After working in the private sector for 7 years she wanted to make a major career change that gave back to people and after being involved with animal rescue for years in her free time, it only made sense to pursue it as her lifetime career. She has too many animals at home to name. She says it comes with the territory when you love what you do and bring it home with you! Her hobbies include reading, gardening, and continuing to explore the beautiful Texas outdoors.