Board & Staff

Board of Directors

An all-volunteer board is responsible for managing the operations of the shelter. The board consists of up to 15 members. The current board is as follows:

Donald Petruncola

President/Acting Treasurer

Chairperson: Executive Committee, Newsletter Committee

Committees: Fundraising, Grants, Social Media, Building, Budget & Finance, Newsletter

Don began as a volunteer 32 years ago and has been a member of the Board of Directors for 30 years. He has a wealth of animal care experiences and currently works to TNR local cats. Don says, “MHAA is a uniquely different organization, from our active Board and volunteer base to maintaining the area’s largest free-range cat sanctuary. It is a special place. Our work, ranging from daily resident and long term care concerns to preparing for the next emergency injury or abuse case, cannot be secure without the continuing support of private donors.”

Gina DeRenzis

Vice President, Operations and Personnel Liaison

Chairperson: Feral Socialization Committee

Committees:  Executive

Gina has been an avid volunteer since 2011 and became a board member in 2013. She is a member and driver for URRKN (Underground Railroad Rescued Kitty Network) and a member of the PepsiCo Pet Owners Group. Gina shares her home with seven cats, five of them from MHAA. Gina says, “If I have a really bad day, when I get home and see my cats and how happy they are to see me, life is good.”

Ann Marie Riva

Vice President, Finance

Chairperson:  Finance Committee

Committees: Building, Executive, Fundraising, Budget & Finance, Nominating

Ann Marie began as a volunteer with MHAA over 20 years ago and recently joined the board.

Mary Petruncola

Secretary

Chairperson:  Auction Committee, Fundraising Committee, Grants Committee, Social Media Committee, Volunteer Committee

Committees: Executive, Newsletter, Nominating

Mary has been a volunteer and board member for 32 years. She has done everything from scrubbing litter pans to providing foster care for high need and terminally ill cats. Although she enjoys fundraising and runs the annual auction, her heart lies with the hands on care of the cats. She is currently owned by four cats and two dogs, and her two non-furry children are also MHAA volunteers. She knows Essie Dabrusin would be proud of where the organization is today.

Ira Chavis

Committees: Fundraising, Building, Nominating

Ira has been a volunteer since 2006 and became a board member in 2012. He is proud to be able to use his musical talents and connections to raise much-needed funds for MHAA. Ira believes that MHAA is unique in its service to special needs cats. He enjoys daily visits to the FELV area where he is able to interact with these wonderful and loving feline friends.

Delia DeTurris

Committees: Fundraising, Grants.

With years of animal advocacy and volunteerism, Delia recently joined our Board of Directors. 

STAFF

A shelter manager and a small staff run the daily operations of the shelter.

Robert Pedian

Shelter Manager

Anastasiya Sergeyeva

Assistant Manager

Anastasiya has a passion for animal care, and strives to make the shelter a great place for the cats who call it home.  She is enthusiastic about learning and spending time with the animals at the shelter and in her neighborhood.  She loves being part of the MHAA team!

Lori Ann Sartario Jones

Animal Care Specialist

Lori has had cats throughout her life.  She came to the shelter the day of the fire and began fostering MHAA cats.  When it was time to bring the cats back to the shelter, Lori made a promise to them that she would continue to visit and bring them treats and toys.  She is now happy to be a part of the staff and refers to the shelter as her “Happy Place”.

Sarah Goldfarb

Animal Care Specialist

Lillie Mackin

Animal Care Specialist

Ashley Dandeneau

Caretaker

Ashley is a vet tech with a big heart for animals! She enjoys working with the kitties and getting special time with them after hours.