BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Steve Jenkins, Chairperson
Steve has been crazy for animals ever since he can remember - rescuing turtles in the road, squirrels who have fallen from trees, so it was no surprise when he answered the call from an acquaintance to bring a "mini-pig" into his and Derek's very small home in Georgetown. This impulsive act put Steve and Derek on the roller coaster ride of a lifetime leading them to establish Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary in Campbellville, Ontario, as a sanctuary for abused and neglected farmed animals.
Steve is a loud and proud speaker for animals around the world and he brings his incredible communication skills and love of all animals to Friends of Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary.
Scott Phillips, Treasurer
Scott has always fought on the side of what is right. Starting with his career in law enforcement through to his work with the U.S. Department of Justice and research at the FBI’s National Academy, into his current position as a full professor in the Criminal Justice Department at SUNY Buffalo State, Scott brings a strong sense of justice to everything he does.
When it comes to time away from work, Scott is no less committed to equality and compassion. Scott, along with his wife and fellow advocate, Mary, began volunteering at HEEFS in early 2017. Scott and Mary commute from their home in New York state on a regular basis to volunteer at the Sanctuary and can always be counted on for event and fundraising support. They both believe deeply in the mission of FHEEFS and are working hard to help create a world where farmed animals know only love and respect and are considered “some ones” not “something”.
Ann Belles, Secretary
Ann Belles has been recusing the abused and abandoned her entire adult life. Living in California, she is the adoptive parent of over 60 children and young adults who, prior to their adoption, suffered significant abuse and neglect. For the past 10 years, Ann has also rescued and rehomed over 300 dogs from a local shelter who were scheduled for euthanasia. Ann was introduced to HEEFS in 2015 through social media and almost immediately became a dedicated and tireless supporter of the Sanctuary. As a member of the FHEEFS Board, Ann will be able to continue to do what she does best by helping farmed animals in need live healthy and engaged lives.
Kellie Heckman
Kellie Heckman combines her experience as a nonprofit executive and scientist to improve the lives of all animals in need. Kellie developed an appreciation for the unique ability of farm sanctuaries to promote compassion while serving as executive director of Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. There, she focused on supporting high standards of care, operations and governance at animal sanctuaries worldwide. She currently optimizes operations and maximizes fundraising opportunities for charities as the COO of Insurgent Campaigns. Kellie spends her free time being crafty in vegan-friendly St. Louis with her two rescued Boston terriers and one rescued cat.
ADVISORS AND VOLUNTEERS
Mary Carroll, Project Coordinator &
Administrative
Assistant
As both a biologist and a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, Mary has worked with a wide variety of animals over her many years due to what she calls her "unabashed love" for all species. She has volunteered at the local SPCA doing foster care and organizing their bunny enrichment program. In addition, she has volunteered at Farm Sanctuary, the Audubon Society, and many other animal and environmental organizations over the years. Mary loves volunteering at HEEFS because it is a place where farmed animals are treated as sentient beings with their own distinct personalities. HEEFS offers an environment where they can live out their lives surrounded by love and where they are thought of as "someones", not somethings. By volunteering at HEEFS, Mary feels that she can really make a difference in fighting for the betterment of farm animals everywhere.
Kimberly Roemer, Advisor
Kimberly Roemer is a U.S. based Certified Public Accountant with a specialty in tax and advising small businesses and Friends of Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary, the US based organization which supports the sanctuary. Kimberly is a life-long animal lover, having lived with many felines since a small child. Currently, when not working, she spends her time with her four cats, 3 of whom are pitch black, forming the nefarious gang “The Black Cat Mafia”.