Join Team KSMP and the Shelter Learniverse as we celebrate the first graduates of the Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program! Launched in summer 2024, this first-of-its-kind professional development program for frontline animal shelter staff is designed to elevate skills and credentials and equip teams to provide expert care at a time when shelters and communities face increasing barriers to essential veterinary services. In California alone, over 344,000 shelter animals lack adequate access to veterinary care staff. Shelter Care Specialists are meeting these challenges head-on.
After completing two core courses, Modern Shelter Foundations and Animal Care Foundations, learners can earn a certification with a Medical Focus by completing electives in Advanced Medical Care and Clinic Skills and Operations. Alternatively, they can pursue a Welfare Focus by choosing Population Management and Behavior, Training, and Enrichment electives. Staff seeking an even higher level of expertise can achieve Advanced Shelter Care Specialist Certification by completing all four elective courses.
#ThanksToMaddie and generous support from Maddie’s Fund®, the Shelter Learniverse Shelter Care Specialist Certification is currently offered at no cost. To apply for the next session beginning October 13 or learn more about how this program can strengthen your shelter team, visit the Shelter Learniverse.
The UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program is dedicated to making shelter medicine happen, because no matter where they call home, animals shouldn’t have to wait for essential care. Through the Shelter Learniverse, we provide flexible online learning opportunities to enhance the lives of shelter animals and support the teams caring for them, while addressing profound access to care challenges shelters and communities are facing.
Congratulations to the inaugural class of certified Shelter Care Specialists! Your commitment to animal health and well-being sets a new standard for the industry.
Medical Focus
Ludwing Casillas (Madera County Animal Services)
Lisa Harris (Southeast Area Animal Control Authority – SEAACA)
Desiree Villegas (City of Sacramento Front Street Animal Shelter)
Welfare Focus
Adriana Atteberry (Town of Apple Valley Animal Services)
Jessica Bridgen -(Tulare County Animal Services)
Heaven Dempski (Devore Animal Shelter)
Paula Fierros (BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions)
Jill Ganley (Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter)
Brandie Garcia (Town of Apple Valley Animal Services)
Nathan Hinsley (San Francisco SPCA)
Tracey Jordan (City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department)
Han Russell Laws (San Francisco Animal Care & Control)
Breanna Mora (City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department)
Ashlie Rhodes (City of Sacramento Front Street Animal Shelter)
Emily Scheerer (San Diego Humane Society)
Advanced Certification
Aidan Barba (The Humane Society of Tacoma and Pierce County)
Stacy Burkhalter (Madera County Animal Services)
Susan Ellis (City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department)
Dallas Gibson (Madera County Animal Services)
Christina Robinson (Madera County Animal Services)