education Archives - The Community Cats Podcast

June 9, 2016

Welcome to our community!

Welcome to the Community Cats Podcast website. I am thrilled to be launching this website where we, as a community, can help more community cats. What is a community cat you ask? Community Cats are cats that are either feral (born in the wild-outdoors), abandoned cats, or owned indoor/outdoor cats […]

June 17, 2016

Get to know your host, Stacy LeBaron

Episode #0.5 – Welcome to the show! Get to know Stacy LeBaron, hear a bit about her life’s work with cats and non-profit organizations, and learn more about the show. Listen to Episode #0.5 Now

June 18, 2016

Interview! Laura Heffernan, Director, Lowell (MA) TNR Collation

Episode #1 – Six Years of Progress Laura talks with Stacy about the importance of patience, how to build a successful TNR organization, and why the biggest challenge you face may be educating people, not trapping cats. To find out more visit Lowell TNR Collation online. Listen to Episode #1 […]

June 19, 2016

Interview! Julie Jacobson, Program Manager for Spay Tennessee

Episode #2 – “You’ve got to fix them all” Julie explains the challenge of overcoming entrenched attitudes about animals and lack of resources in rural Tennessee, and the county-by-county approach that’s helped make spay/neuter services available and affordable for the state’s residents. To find out more about Spay Tennessee go […]

June 22, 2016

Interview! Jen Bennett, Founder, PAWSitive Pantry (Vermont)

Episode #5 – “They were feeding their pets their own food.” Learn how Jen determined that pet food was missing from local food banks and started an all-volunteer effort to get dog and cat food to families in need. She recommends a “simple, scalable model”, shares some resources and software […]

June 23, 2016

Interview! Sarah Hess, Founding Member of United Coalition for Animals (OH)

Episode #6 – Bailing a ship with a cup of water. Sarah Hess, Founding Member of United Coalition for Animals (OH), Grant Manager at TwoMauds.org Sarah describes the “aha” moment when she realized that aggressive spay/neuter efforts were a necessary partner for rescue activities. She also discusses how cooperation and inclusiveness […]

July 20, 2016

Interview! Scott Giacoppo, Chief Community Animal Welfare Officer Washington (DC) Humane Society

“Community cats are not homeless..they are loved and cared for.” When Scott accepted the challenge of joining the Washington Humane Society, their live release rate was 28%…today it is 90%. Scott outlines the various programs that have moved the dial, including improved coordination and cooperation with animal control, their Pets for […]

August 4, 2016

Interview! Alice Burton, Program Manager, Animal Control and Shelter Liaison

“When an animal control agency/animal shelter is working with a TNR group, it’s a great relationship.” Former animal control officer Alice Burton has transformed her beliefs about trap-neuter-release. Alice tells Stacy about synergistic relationships between animal control departments and TNR organizations, resources for communities that hope to introduce TNR, and […]

August 5, 2016

Interview! Michael Morefield, Communications and Marketing Manager for the Arizona Animal Welfare League and SPCA

“We all have our own donor sources, yes, we have our own projects and so on, but we are in this together.” Michael tells Stacy about all things animal welfare in Arizona, from a ten-month kitten season to roaming packs of chihuahuas. In addition, he emphasizes the importance of working […]

August 11, 2016

Interview! Bryn Rogers – Program Manager at the MSPCA, MA

“I’m better at being a copycat than an original… With all the webinars and podcasts like these, you can learn so much from each other.” Always a lover of animals, a young Bryn Rogers thought she would take the obvious career path of veterinarian—until she shadowed at a vet office and found […]

August 13, 2016

Interview! Zeke Zekoff, DVM Founder, United Pet Fund, OH

“We need an organization that can educate the public, but, at the same time, also provide resources for the smaller ‘mom and pop’ groups.” With 33 years of experience as a veterinarian in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dr. Zeke founded United Pet Fund in 2010 and United Pet Resource Center in 2015. […]

August 14, 2016

Interview! Dr. Emily McCobb, DVM, MS, DACVAA, Director, Shelter Medicine Program Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine Tufts University

“I would like every veterinarian to be supportive of TNR and to understand the huge difference that it’s made.” In this episode, Stacy interviews Dr. Emily McCobb, director of the Tufts Shelter Medicine Program and clinical associate professor of anesthesiology at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Having volunteered at TNR clinics as a […]

August 14, 2016

Caitlyn Macintosh, Cat Team 7 Volunteer Coordinator and HSUS District Leader Volunteer

“I think it’s very hard for people to envision the solution, especially if they don’t have an investment in their heart in cats.” Initially a dog person and very allergic to cats, Caitlyn Macintosh made an unlikely candidate for founder of an organization dedicated to helping community cats. Her US Marine husband’s passion […]

August 16, 2016

Interview! Christine Wilford, DVM, Founder, The Feral Cat Spay Neuter Project, WA

“Equate the cost of helping an individual cat with how many spays and neuters you aren’t doing.” In her 8th grade research paper, Dr. Christine reported that up to twenty-two million cats were killed annually in shelters at the time. Almost thirty years after pursuing her DVM, those numbers have […]

August 17, 2016

Interview! Esther Mechler, Founder of Spay USA

“I felt if this cat shouldn’t have been born and if there weren’t such a surplus, they’d all have a better shot at a good life.” After her first experience losing a beloved stray to overpopulation in a Bridgeport, CT shelter, Esther’s passion for improving the quality of life for […]

August 18, 2016

Interview! Rick DuCharme, Founder and Executive Director, First Coast No More Homeless Pets

“What really keeps me and most of our team coming to work every day is the fact that we have seen such great success.” A national expert in animal welfare issues, Rick is an advocate for spay/neuter programs targeting low income pet owners. He founded Jacksonville, Florida’s First “Coast No […]

August 19, 2016

Interview! Kate Hurley, DVM, Director Koret Shelter Medicine Program at UC Davis

“I thought to myself, there has to be a better way…and that was what drove me, right after vet school, to go to work in a shelter.” From working as an animal control officer in 1989 to becoming the first person ever to complete a veterinarian residency in shelter medicine […]

August 20, 2016

Interview! Jon Cicirelli, Assistant Director Public Works, Director Animal Care and Services, San Jose, CA

“The program changed our view, philosophy, and focus and what we were saving on the cat side was helping us do better on the dog side as well.” John’s background in wildlife management and a biology degree from George Washington University led him to become an animal control officer in […]

August 23, 2016

Interview! Susan Krebsbach, DVM, Founder, Dane County Friends of Ferals and Founder of Creature Counseling

“We have a better option for this subset of underrepresented cats.” In the field of animal welfare, “Dr. Susan” possesses a prolific resume. She opened her own veterinary-behavioral consulting service in 2000, has maintained a position as veterinary advisor for the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association since its beginning in 2008, runs a […]

August 25, 2016

Interview! Liz Pease, Executive Director of the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society

“My hope is that there comes to be more acceptance of the idea of a community cat.” Liz began her work with cats in 2004, when she was feeding a local cat colony and reached out to the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society for help. Soon after, she became the MRFRS’ main […]

August 26, 2016

Ask Stacy! Questions and Answers for Inquiring Cats

“When you’re looking to recruit, recruit everywhere and all of the time.” It’s time for another Q&A session with Stacy! In this episode, Stacy takes questions posted to the CCP Facebook page. Listeners asked for advice on how to keep the peace between an area’s cat colonies and its disgruntled residents, […]

August 30, 2016

Interview! Angela Walters Rockwell, Executive Director of the Animal Shelter Assistance Program (ASAP), Santa Barbara, California

“For community cats, it takes a community. There’s always something you can do.” Angela shares fascinating information about ASAP’s innovative programs, particularly their recognized “Tiny Lion Tamers” initiative that socializes feral kittens within the shelter environment. So far, this program has 125 “graduates” and has made a significant difference in […]

August 31, 2016

Interview! Danielle Jo Bays, Community Cats Program Manager for the Humane Society of the United States

“Many cats are outside through no fault of their own.” Danielle calls on both her hands-on trapping experience and public policy work to help HSUS develop campaigns and programs that will educate and empower people who want to support cats in their community, such as webinars and tools for trappers […]

September 1, 2016

Interview! Sara Pizano, DVM, Program Director for Target Zero

“Look at the data. Look at what’s happening. We need to sterilize, ear tip, and rabies vaccinate and put these cats back home.” A graduate of Cornell’s College of Veterinary program, Sara is the Program Director for Target Zero, a national initiative focused on assisting financially struggling shelters. She discusses […]

September 3, 2016

Interview! Heidi Colonna, Curriculum Development Manager for the Humane Society and Board Member with Association of Professional Humane Educators

“Humane education can prevent situations where people lack knowledge of basic care and, in other cases, lack of empathy.” Heidi was volunteering at a local shelter in 1994, which compelled her to choose animal science and public policy over a potential business degree. She discusses her focus on ‘preventable people […]

September 6, 2016

Interview! Pamela Krausz, Founder and Executive Director of Vermont Companion Animal Neutering

“One thing that people don’t realize is how much healthier the cat population is on farms when the population is spayed/neutered.” Pamela is a founder and the executive director of Vermont Companion Animal Neutering (VT-CAN), a low cost, high volume spay/neuter clinic. As a stationary clinic with a mash-stlye component, […]

September 7, 2016

Interview! Sheri Gustafson, Spay/Neuter Community Liaison for the Massachusetts Animal Fund

“I’m actually really excited about how TNR is being viewed across the state.” Sheri serves as the Spay/Neuter Community Liaison for the Massachusetts Animal Fund, which provides a voucher program for low income pet owners. This program focuses on three main priorities: S/N support for municipal shelters, providing vouchers for […]

September 8, 2016

Interview! Cameron Moore, Project Manager, Target Zero

“When we offered spay/neuter to them, these caretakers would cry with happiness.” Given Cameron’s contribution to a diverse number of game-changing initiatives, she and Stacy have a wide-ranging conversation about a number of topics related to TNR, abandonment and adoption programs, and helping communities get the support they need to get […]

September 10, 2016

Interview! Kelley Bollen, Owner and Director of Animal Alliances Consulting Firm

“Feeding animals in bowls is a wasted opportunity to enrich their brains.” Kelley earned a Master’s in Animal Behavior, has taught at Cornell Veterinary School, and now consults with both pet owners and shelters to improve life and outcomes for companion animals. She and Stacy talk all things behavior, and […]

September 14, 2016

Interview! Linda Gage, No More Homeless Pets Network Specialist, Best Friends Animal Society

“These animals deserve a life outside: that’s where they’re born, that’s where they live, that’s where they’re used to being.” Linda outlines the myriad resources that the No More Homeless Pets Network offers to small organizations around the country: ideas on how to get a Community Cats program started, marketing […]

September 15, 2016

Interview! Andi Kola, Founder Lumen LS, Broward County, Florida

“What are all the bad things that could happen to me if I were a cat?” Andi is a man on a mission… a mission to eliminate euthanization of cats in his home area of Broward County, Florida and beyond. He recounts his efforts to work with local animal control officials as […]

September 16, 2016

Interview! Merritt Clifton, Journalist and Founder, Animals 24-7 News

“We want feral cats to be safely in their nocturnal environment, or pet cats safely at home not wondering into a busy road.” It would be challenging to find someone with more experience in the animal welfare field than award-winning writer Merritt Clifton. From his childhood ambition to “starting a […]

September 17, 2016

Interview! Cheryl Ann Fernandes, Regional Shelter Care Representative, PetLink

“We’re trying to help shelters and Animal Control Officers embrace pet identification as a means of improving live release rates” Drawing on Cheryl Ann’s diverse, 25-year career in animal welfare, she and Stacy have a wide-ranging discussion about the challenges of being an urban animal control officer, the persistent challenge […]

September 20, 2016

Interview! Amanda Arrington, Director, Pets for Life Program at The Humane Society of the United States

“We have as much to learn as we have to give.” Amanda’s childhood interests in both animals and in social justice have led her to a career overseeing a groundbreaking program to help not just pets, but people in underserved areas. She leads he innovative HSUS “Pets for Life” initiative, which […]

September 21, 2016

Interview! Tammy King, Founder, Mayport Cats (FL)

“Fix a feral before you feed him!” Mayport Village, a fishing village near Jacksonville, Florida, had become a popular place for people to “dump” cats, both healthy and sick. Enter Tammy King, who brought her persistence and compassion to address the problem. Originally dealing with 200-250 cats, the population is now […]

September 22, 2016

Interview! Mike Phillips, President, Urban Cat League, and Community Outreach Coordinator for the New York City Feral Cat Initiative

“When you’re frustrated, remember that every cat you neuter is an tremendous improvement in that one cat’s life.” Even though he had lived in Manhattan for decades, Mike didn’t know there were street cats in New York: “I had no idea because I lived on the 43rd floor,” he observes. In […]

September 24, 2016

Interview! Taryn Breuer, President, Friends of Jeannette Hunt Animal Shelter (NE)

“Gosh we’re not alone out here….maybe we can get this population under control.” Taryn describes how rural Blair, Nebraska needs its resident cats to help keep rodents from getting into the grain farmed there, but also needs an active TNR effort to keep the numbers of cats in check. Participating in […]

September 27, 2016

Interview! Mike Cahill, Director, The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ Division of Animal Health

“When your options are quarantine or euthanize, that’s the worst part of the job.” Mike’s been an integal part of Massachusetts’ animal welfare efforts for 22 years. He has extensive experience managing situations where community cats — and potentially their caretakers — have been exposed to rabies, and recounts several challenging […]

September 28, 2016

Interview! Peter Wolf, Cat Initiatives Analyst, Best Friends Society

“A lot of the folks who end up writing these laws don’t have a great deal of experience [with community cats], and you can end up with some real dire unintended consequences.” Peter Wolfe is a cat initiatives analyst at Best Friends Society and a blogger at Vox Felina, where he seeks […]

September 29, 2016

Interview! Holly Putnam, Faculty Clinician, Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program, Cornell University

“This is the time to get the ideas into [students’] heads…. I think [vets] have a hard time accepting new information once they’ve been doing what they’re doing; it’s hard to change people’s minds. But our veterinary students are there to be educated, and they already have open minds.” Dr. Holly Putnam graduated […]

September 30, 2016

Interview! Valerie Ingram and Alistair Schroff, Founders of The Lakes Animal Friendship Society

“We consider education to be our number one priority.” The combination of Valerie’s nineteen years’ experience in elementary education and Alistair’s passion and business experience has led to inspiring changes for animal welfare in their rural British Columbia community. Co-authors of children’s books Nobody’s Cats and Out of the Cold, Valerie and Alistair discuss their belief […]

October 1, 2016

Interview! Jennifer Blough, Psychotherapist in Compassion Fatigue and Author

“The best of us get compassion fatigue. It’s something that is inherent in this field… you’re not alone, you’re not weak, and you’re not crazy.” With experiences ranging from animal care attendant to animal control officer, Jennifer choose to passionately pursue the subject of compassion fatigue as a psychotherapist after […]

October 4, 2016

Interview! Christie Kamiya, Chief of Shelter Medicine, Humane Society Silicon Valley

“What we found in the past decade or so is that there is a connection between stress, illness, and housing that ultimately has an effect on a cat.” At nine years old, Dr. Kamiya’s first experience adopting a dog sparked a lifelong passion for battling animal welfare issues. A graduate of […]

October 5, 2016

Ask Stacy! Questions and Answers for Inquiring Cats

“We also need to educate or partner with folks in the local community so they can be our neighborhood watchers.” As Community Cats Podcast celebrates its eightieth episode, Stacy and guest host Lisa Finkel discuss how bird lovers and cat lovers can work together to decrease both the number of […]

October 6, 2016

Interview! Blake and Adrienne Kuhre, Founders of the Furry Foundation

“If we can be better on the educational side, then I feel that we can prevent a lot of these issues from happening.” Blake and Adrienne are the founders of the Furry Foundation, a non-profit, foster care organization in Los Angeles focused on TNR, cat socialization, and educating the community on proper […]

October 7, 2016

Interview! Cindy Wiemann, Treasurer of the National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA)

“Now we’re getting calls about one or two cats…not the calls where someone wants 25 cats removed.” Cindy was instrumental to bringing TNR to the small community of Madison, Georgia. She helped research the appropriate ordinances, and ultimately Madison implemented the first 100% government operated and funded TNR program in […]

October 8, 2016

Interview – Part One! Mary Smith, Executive Leadership Team and Sheila D’Arpino, Director of Research, of Maddie’s Fund

“Every animal should have a healthy home or habitat.” In this special two-part episode of the Community Cats Podcast, Stacy interviews two leaders at Maddie’s Fund, one of the most innovative and results-oriented non-profits helping animals across North America. Through its educational programs, advocacy and grants, Maddie’s Fund has been […]

October 10, 2016

October 10, 2016

What about Kids? Ideas and Tips for Community Cat Education

I must admit that I have been remiss over the years when it came to neglecting the importance of Community Cats Education. What about Kids? Ideas and Tips for Community Cat Education is such an important hurdle. We need the next generation to get excited about Community Cats! Over the […]

October 11, 2016

Interview – Part Two! Mary Smith, Executive Leadership Team and Sheila D’Arpino, Director of Research, of Maddie’s Fund

October 15, 2016

Interview! Brianna Lovell, Outreach and Events Manager, at Alley Cat Allies

“No action is too big or too small.” To commemorate National Feral Cat Day (NFCD), Stacy speaks with Brianna about the origins of this annual event. Originally, National Feral Cat Day was simply a way to celebrate Alley Cat Allies’ 10th anniversary, but in the years following that, it’s become […]

October 19, 2016

Interview! Dr. Peggy Larson, Founder of Cat Spay and Neuter Clinic, Colchester, VT

“You have to balance, to make sure that that cat’s going to be alright going back to where he came from.” Peggy Larson, founder of National Spay/Neuter Coalition, holds degrees from Ohio State Vet School, UC Davis, and Vermont Law School. She has used her education to support fellow vets trying […]

October 20, 2016

Book Reviews for Community Cat Lovers

An episode for both book worms and compassionate cats. In this special episode, Stacy shares some of her favorite resources for information on community cats, as well as how to take care of yourself when doing the hard work of animal welfare. We’ve included the names of the books and […]

October 27, 2016

Interview! Emma Clifford, Founder and Executive Director of Animal Balance

“Islands are helping islands, which is exactly what we wanted to happen.” Don’t miss this fascinating look at how community cats are being helped around the world by Animal Balance, the brainchild of its founder, Emma Clifford. Beginning with a program in 2004 to assist the Galapagos Islands in managing […]

November 24, 2016

Interview! Alana Yanez, Manager of HSUS Pets For Life Los Angeles

“When we have literally put these vouchers in people’s hands at their doorsteps, there really is no excuse now.” An advocate for animals and residents of underserved communities in East Los Angeles, Alana brings compassion and political experience to her position as manager of Pets for Life Los Angeles and […]

November 28, 2016

Interview! Andi Kola, Founder, LumenLS

“To fix the problems that are facing cats, all center around increasing the perceived importance, the perceived value, and the perceived acceptance of cats to humans.” In his second interview with Stacy, Andi discusses his organization’s approach to challenges facing community cats in Broward County, Florida. With a mission of […]

December 1, 2016

Interview! Karen Little, Executive Director, Alley Cat Advocates

“Urban cats are accustomed to urban living. Rural cats are accustomed to rural living… Keeping those colonies in tact, adjacent to where their habitat might have been destroyed, is in the best interest of the cats.” In her second interview with Stacy, Karen explores the issue of relocation in the […]

December 22, 2016

Interview! Dr. Marty Becker, “America’s Veterinarian” and Founder of the Fear Free Initiative

“To finally realize we were causing psychological damage to animals…once you know it, you can’t not know it.” After being a renowned veterinarian, including being the resident vet on Good Morning America for 17 years, Dr. Becker says, “I’m not retiring…I’m refiring!” His latest initiative is an innovative program that helps […]

December 24, 2016

Interview! Kathy Downey, Journalist and Animal Rights Advocate, Plus Mickey’s Story

“These cats are citizens of our community, just like you are, just like I am.” Kathy was one of the earliest volunteers for the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society when she moved to Newburyport, Massachusetts in 1992. She and Stacy reminisce about the feral cat colony on the Merrimack River and how she […]

January 7, 2017

Interview! Aimee St. Arnaud, Director, Humane Alliance a Program of the ASPCA

“We need to focus on stopping the problem at the root… that’s why we focus on prevention.” In today’s episode we are relaunching Aimee St. Arnaud’s super podcast, as we had a technical glitch. Since the episode was only live for a short period of time, we want to make […]

January 31, 2017

Interview! Myles Chadwick, Vice President of the New School at Emancipet

“In order to reach people who haven’t been [reached] before, we have to do a lot of listening, not just a lot of telling.” What do line cooks and high-volume spay-neuter vets have in common? Coming to the animal welfare world from a background in restaurants and cooking, Myles didn’t know the first […]

February 4, 2017

Interview! Joe Miele, TNR project coordinator, Broken Promises SW

“A tight-knit colony is going to keep other [cats] out of the area.” Joe Miele is the TNR project coordinator for Broken Promises SW, a non-profit that seeks to address community cat overpopulation in Las Cruces, New Mexico and the surrounding county. Joe has been working with community cats since […]

February 14, 2017

Interview! Christina Ha, Co-Founder of Meow Parlour and Creator of Cat Camp NYC

“How can I bridge the gap between people who want to learn about cats and the experts who know all about cats?” Until 3 1/2 years ago, Christina’s passion was food rather than felines. But after adopting her first kitty, Mr. Socks, she decided to combine her talents as a […]

February 25, 2017

Interview! Rob Halpin, Director of Public Relations at the MSPCA

“Journalists love to help animals just like we do.” Rob Halpin is the director Public Relations at the MSPCA Angell Animal Hospital in Boston, MA. He transitioned from the corporate sector, working as a PR agent for At&T, to his current job about five years ago and found a perfect […]

March 30, 2017

Interview! Julie Bank, President and CEO of Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA

“I saw the animal shelter as a living museum.” Julie Bank is the president and CEO of Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA. She approaches running an animal shelter from the unique perspective of curating a museum—in fact, she enrolled in a museum education program purely to bring the tools of […]

April 18, 2017

Interview! Sara Pizano, Program Director for Target Zero

“You are doing this on behalf of the cats. Put the nerves on the back burner; it’s about saving cats.” Stacy revisits with Sara Pizano, the program director for Target Zero and the podcast’s guest of episode 56. Sara shares with us an innovative way that Target Zero was able […]

May 16, 2017

Interview! Mike Fry, Founder and Senior Consultant at No Kill Learning

“The killing that takes place is harmful and costly and damaging.” Mike was raised in a family of animal welfare activists who opened the first no-kill shelter in Minnesota in 1977. After working for Fortune 500 companies in the technology field, he decided to dedicate his shelter experience to end […]

May 18, 2017

Interview! Tracie Hotchner, Author, The Cat Bible and Radio Pet Lady

“The point is to reach people and influence their hearts and minds in ways that are really meaningful.” Tracie is a premiere podcast presence, supporting the education and wellness of cats. She is the author of The Cat Bible: Everything Your Cat Expects You to Know as well as producer […]

May 25, 2017

Interview! Laura Mullen, SPORE Program Director at San Francisco SPCA

“Ringworm is nothing worth dying for.” Laura Mullen has worked in the shelter medicine department at the San Francisco SPCA for 15 years. Her current project is the SPORE Program, or Shelters Preventing Outbreaks of Ringworm through Eductation. Ringworm is a pesky fungal infection that lives on the keratin in animal […]

May 30, 2017

Interview! Bianca Leos, Student at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University

“Animals lives are going to depend on me one day, so I need to know all this information.” Bianca Leos is a student at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. She intends to become a shelter veterinarian working in a high quality, high volume spay-neuter program. When […]

June 1, 2017

Ask Stacy! Stacy LeBaron, Host, The Community Cats Podcast

“Oftentimes, these folks are not upset about the cats in general, but the fact that they’re not being cared for.” In this, the seventh (!) Ask Stacy episode, Lisa and Stacy leave the world of cat lovers behind for a moment to take a look at “cat opponents”—whether those be […]

June 13, 2017

Interview! Part One, Monica Frenden, Cat Program Manager, Austin Pets Alive!

“We let the public decide what they want rather than assuming what they want.” When Monica Frenden lived in rural Illinois, she didn’t expect to start a TNR program. What started as a commitment to getting her own cats spayed and neutered exploded into a community-wide support and demand for […]

June 20, 2017

Community Cats Podcast Anniversary Show, The Podcast Team

“I’m learning so much about the talents and passions it takes to make the world a better place for cats.” Community Cats Podcast celebrates it’s first year online! In the Anniversary Show, Stacy shines the spotlight on the ‘behind the scenes’ talent that has made this past year a success. […]

June 27, 2017

Interview! Erin Berry, Executive of Marketing and Communication, BoardSource

“You have to think, “What is most important for this organization, not for myself?” Erin Berry is the executive of marketing and communication at BoardSource, an organization that helps strengthen the boards of non-profits. Erin has twelve years of experience in non-profit management, and she’s no stranger to volunteering, either—by […]

July 15, 2017

Interview! Meredith Hippert, Director of Field Operations, Animal Balance

“Through this work, I recognized my passion for serving the underserved, and working with communities to implement change for animals.” Though largely self-educated in the field, Meredith Hippert holds an impressively broad resume in animal welfare, from admission guidelines and outreach to foster programming and TNR. Her journey started when she began […]

October 14, 2017

Interview! Bryan Kortis, Director of National Programs for Neighborhood Cats

“It feels like we are starting over in Maui. We are having fascinating on-the-ground experiences!” Stacy catches up with Bryan Kortis today to cover a wide range of topics from what is happening in Hawaii with pending legislation that would help community cats, to an update on the group’s work in Jersey […]

January 13, 2018

Interview! Nell Thompson – Coordinator of National Getting To Zero Program

“I’m passionate for improving outcomes for community cats. I believe TNR would work great with cooperation and collaboration to achieve community change.” Nell Thompson has worked in the animal welfare world for over twenty-five years. With a background as a veterinary technician, she has exceptional experience and knowledge. Her journey […]

March 31, 2018

Interview! Ask Stacy! Online Cat Conference Review

“I’m passionate about the idea of having a dedicated annual cat conference nationally and this was a great way to work towards providing access to everyone.” Stacy is back to discuss all of the in’s and out’s of how the first Online Cat Conference went this past January! She always […]

April 1, 2018

Vaccination and Microchip Clinic Best Practices

This week’s post comes to you from guest blogger Liz Pease. If you’d like to know a little more about Liz and her experience in non-profit management, TNR and cat care, check out episode 51 of the podcast. One of the best ways to get to know your community—and get […]

April 7, 2018

Interview! Vickie Fisher – President of The International Cat Association (TICA)

“We cherish both pedigree and non-pedigree cats. We just want the world to value cats as companion animals.” Vicki Fisher had a successful career in finance & management, but in retirement, she has really been able to devote more time to her passion: CATS! She is the President of the […]

April 28, 2018

Interview! Christina Ha, Creator of Cat Camp

“I’m so incredibly excited for Cat Camp this year!” Christina Ha, who originally joined us on Episode 144, is back to talk about this year’s Cat Camp—now known as Jackson Galaxy’s Cat Camp. Galaxy, who attended last year’s event, loved it so much that he wanted to expand it. Cat […]

June 10, 2018

Can We Be Buddies?

This suggestion has been presented to me many times and I feel the need to share this idea with all of you! Based on the data, there are many areas of the country where we seem to have cat overpopulation under control. These successful areas have offered community low-cost spay/neuter […]

June 30, 2018

Interview! Chad Nelson, Advocacy Director at PawsWatch Rhode Island

“Tons and tons of cat lovers have no idea … that there’s this whole population of cats that really need our help.” Chad Nelson, a lawyer by trade, is the Advocacy Director at PawsWatch Rhode Island, an all-volunteer network for community cats. Chad came to his work in TNR and […]

July 29, 2018

Maddie’s Pet Forum-Our Helping Hand

Okay, I am really excited about the Pet Forum platform that the folks at Maddie’s Fund have put together. You can read more about it at maddiesfund.org. I believe that this forum could potentially be the next generation of technology that can help take us to the next level for cats. It […]

August 25, 2018

Interview! Karen Kraus, Executive Director of the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon, and Bob Sallinger, Conservation Director at the Audubon Society of Portland

“… the key is recognizing that in general … the public wants solutions that are good for birds and cats.” Karen Kraus and Bob Sallinger’s organizations, the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon and the Audubon Society of Portland, have formed what may seem to some to be a most unlikely […]

March 3, 2019

Trapper Tips and Tricks Profile: Bryan Kortis, Neighborhood Cats

This week, we have the next installment of our occasional series called Trapper Tips & Tricks, which will profile folks who are involved in trapping community cats. This week we interview Bryan Kortis, co-founder and National Programs Director of Neighborhood Cats, a leading community cat advocacy group with hands-on programs […]

June 17, 2019

Trapper Tricks & Tips – Liz Pease

This week, we have the next installment of our occasional series called Trapper Tips & Tricks, which will profile folks who are involved in trapping community cats. This week we bring you tips from Liz Pease, former executive director of the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society, who has been trapping […]

June 29, 2019

Dr. Sara Pizano, DVM, Team Shelter USA

“Ending euthanasia doesn’t take years, and it doesn’t take millions of dollars.” Listen to Episode #306 Now Stacy sits down with Dr. Sara Pizano (a previous CCP guest on Episode 56, Episode 171, and Episodes 246 and 247) to discuss Dr. Pizano’s new book,The Best Practice Playbook for Animal […]

July 28, 2019

Community Cat Centers – What Do You Think?

This article about the work that LeBron James has done in the Akron, Ohio public school system has me thinking hard about where animals fit into this new generation of thinking about community. Some of you know that my daughter Rachel is interested in education and has been working at […]

August 29, 2019

Fall Outreach—What Is That?

As we approach Labor Day Weekend, I find this is a good time to begin to think about fall and your plans for reaching out into your community. Summer always seems to be a more reactive time in our business. We are loaded with kittens, lots of emergencies, incredible adoptions, […]

October 24, 2019

She Podcasts Live! Conference – Reporting In!

Kristen and I had a booth at the She Podcasts – Live! conference on October 11-13 in Atlanta, GA. She Podcasts, the first podcast for female podcasters, strives “to support and nurture as many female-led podcasts as possible.” Kristen and I both had a lot of fun answering folks’ questions about […]

November 7, 2019

Webinars Reviews: What I’m Watching

I have been binge-watching lots of webinars lately. Webinars are a great way to learn new information without loading up the car or getting on a plane to go to a conference. This week, I’ll share my thoughts on some of the webinars I have been watching recently. ASPCA Pro: Leadership […]

November 14, 2019

It’s Goal-Setting Time

When I first started the Community Cats Podcast, I had big dreams of being able to provide tip sheets every week on all parts of taking care of community cats. I had big dreams and high goals. Yes, I said goals. I have hit some of the goals that I […]

November 19, 2019

Isa Peraza-Martinez, ASPCA Community Cats Outreach Manager

“You need the buy-in from your community — and the support.” Listen to Episode #326 now Isa Peraza Martinez began her career at the APSCA as an animal caregiver at the organization’s adoption center. Today, she serves as Community Cats Outreach Manager. In this role, she delivers monthly TNRM (trap-neuter-return-monitor) […]

November 21, 2019

Book Reviews

These are some of the books that I have been reading lately and my thoughts about them. Several of them would be great holiday gifts. Rescue Meez – Siri Zwemke This is a wonderful book and anyone who is thinking about starting a nonprofit organization should definitely read it. I hadn’t […]

December 19, 2019

This Blog Is for You! The 2019 CCP Listeners Survey

I would like to find out from you, our listeners, some of your thoughts about the Community Cats Podcast and our programs. If you can take a few minutes to answer these questions, it will help us improve our programs next year. If you can fill this quick survey out […]

December 26, 2019

Happy Holidays!

I hope everyone is enjoying a great holiday season. This week I would like to share a couple of my favorite blog posts from the past. Enjoy, and I hope you continue to enjoy time with friends, family and of course, kitties. In 2020, the Community Cats Podcast will be […]

December 31, 2019

Julia Grosz, Cat Hustler

“Marketing is not adoption counseling … [it’s] the highlight reel.” Listen to Episode #332 now This episode is sponsored by Dr. Elsey’s Veterinarian Formulated Quality Products for Cats, makers of “litter we’re so confident you’ll love, your first purchase is on us.” Learn more! Julia Grosz earned the nickname […]

January 2, 2020

Community Cats Podcast Goals for 2020

Many of you know that goal-setting is one of my favorite things to do. I usually start to think about goals in the fall, but unfortunately this year I just haven’t had a chance to sit down and really focus on our goals here at CCP until now. I can’t […]

January 9, 2020

Fundraising TV: What It Is and a Review

I had the opportunity to spend some time this weekend checking out Sandy Rees’s Fundraising TV program. Many of you know Sandy from her presentations at the 2018 Online Cat Conference and the 2019 Online Kitten Conference. I have also had Sandy on the Community Cats Podcast as a guest […]

January 21, 2020

A Best of CCP Episode! Dr. Sara Pizano, DVM, Team Shelter USA

“Ending euthanasia doesn’t take years, and it doesn’t take millions of dollars.” Listen to Episode #335 now Stacy sits down with Dr. Sara Pizano (a previous CCP guest on Episode 56, Episode 171, and Episodes 246 and 247) to discuss Dr. Pizano’s new book, The Best Practice Playbook for […]