Our Leadership & Key Staff
Meet our Key Staff
Paula Yudelevit
Executive Director
Joined HART in 2012
“I’ve always had a love for animals, and working at HART has allowed me to use my skills to help try to save them all. It’s an amazing feeling knowing I’m doing something to make a change in the world we live in.”
Paula began her career at HART as a volunteer and joined the organization in 2012. With an extensive background in marketing, management and communication, as well as her love of animals, Paula was ideally suited to be the first executive director of an innovative nonprofit organization. Paula enjoys relaxing around the fire pit with her partner, Steve, reading, and playing ball with her two HART rescue dogs, Katie and Buddy, and her lab, Sunny, and rescue cats Shadow and Baby.
Stephanie Spano-Wilson
Administrator
Joined HART in 2014
“Being able to do my job and work with animals at the same time is like a dream come true. The best part is being there to witness the excitement when our adoptables leave to go to their forever homes.”
Stephanie joined HART in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree from Frostburg State University in business administration. Her strong passion for animals while growing up is what led her to HART. She enjoys painting, crafting, and spending time with her family. She currently resides in McHenry with her husband, three children, and two rescue dogs, Maverick and Nova.
Dr. Jessy Vandevender
Veterinarian
Joined HART in 2017
“Working at HART has been a dream come true. Not only do I get to help animals in need of veterinary care, but my job rewards me two-fold because I’m then able to help homeless animals while they await adoption.”
Dr. Jessy was born and raised in Parsons, WV, and resides there with her husband and daughters. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree at Davis & Elkins College in Elkins, WV, and earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Mississippi State University in 2014. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, three dogs, three cats, and five horses.
Dr. Madison Lambert
Veterinarian
Joined HART in 2023
“ I am thankful to work at a place where we can help homeless animals get the care they need and get adopted, but to also give pets in our community access to affordable veterinary care. “
Dr. Lambert lives on a small farm in Red Creek, WV. She completed her Bachelor's degree at West Virginia University and earned her doctorate at St. George’s University. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking with her English Springer Spaniel, Franklin.
Dr. Paige Geier
VETERINARIAN
Joined HART in 2021
“I feel so lucky living in a place I love and working with an organization that I can use my skills to help save the lives of homeless animals, in addition to helping our community with the care of their own pets.”
Dr. Geier is formerly from Loudon County, Virginia, where she had practiced veterinary medicine since 1992. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree at Cornell University and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Tennessee. Dr. Geier enjoys horseback riding, is a certified scuba diver, and at the beginning of 2021 participated as a veterinarian at the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska. She and her family now reside in Swanton, Maryland.
Caroline Robinson
Program Manager
Founded HART in 2003
“The HART Animal Center is a dream come true, not only for me, but for the homeless pets in Garrett County, because all their needs are met: daily care, medical needs, and behavioral needs.”
Caroline is the co-founder of HART for Animals and serves as the Program Manager, which includes Rescue and Transport, Adoptions, and Programs. The HART Animal Center is Caroline’s vision of excellence in homeless animal care and adoption. Caroline and her husband, Eric, are the parents of 3 adult children, 3 dogs, and 3 cats.
Kayla Amburgey
Manager - adoption wing
Joined HART in 2021
“What I get to do every day is what I used to pretend to do as a kid playing. Each day I strive to make sure every animal here has their needs met and that they are content! Being able to work for a place like HART for animals has been a dream of mine since I was little.”
Kayla started her career as an animal care attendant in the adoption wing. She became the adoption wing team lead before being promoted to the Bed N Bark Inn manager, then moved to the manager of the Adoption Wing. Kayla earned her veterinary assistant certification through Garrett College in February of 2022. She grew up near Gettysburg PA where she loved to explore the battlefields. Kayla has lived in Garrett County since 2015 and is an avid hiker around the county with her dogs Baker and Charlotte.
Board of Directors
jennifer meyett
President
Executive Committee
Jennifer has 22 years of experience in supporting multiple high-level Executives and the Board of Directors at Capital One Financial Corporation. In 2016, Jennifer and her husband, Donnie, bought a vacation home in Deep Creek Lake and began attending and volunteering at many HART fundraisers, including becoming the Logistics Chair for the Deep Creek Lake Art & Wine Festival. Jennifer has also volunteered at Pick of the Litter Thrift Shop, and in the Adoption Wing. She and Donnie share their home with their dog, Peyton, and cat, Pepper.
Ann horton
Vice President, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Ann Horton is a health care executive with over 20 years of experience in health care, public health, and health communications. She has served on the boards of numerous not-for-profits. Most recently, she has served as president of her local civic association and co-chair of a civic transportation group. Ann lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, and frequently spends time at her family home in McHenry. Ann’s family has served as fosters to new kitten families for several years. Ann’s family includes her husband, two teen daughters, a rescued corgi-sheltie, and two cats rescued in McHenry, one of which was adopted from HART.
Shannon Book
TREASURER, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Shannon has been visiting Deep Creek Lake since she was a baby. She and her husband Matt live in Pittsburgh with their two rescue boxers Hops and Rita. Shannon is a Director of Finance at Thermo Fisher Scientific and has 15+ years of finance and accounting experience. Her passion – animal rescue – ultimately led her to HART. She enjoys travel, good food, and most things outdoors. In the summer, you'll find her boating on the lake.
julie stuck secretary, executive committee
Although Julie is relatively new to Garrett County, she has already made a mark in the community. She is a diplomat with the Garrett County Chamber and volunteers with other nonprofit organizations. Julie, a lifelong dog mom, and lover of all animals helped raise money for several charities in her small community within Los Angeles. She is excited to serve on the HART board, where she can utilize her background skill sets. Julie and her husband, Steve, are residents of McHenry.
coby blom director
Coby first visited Deep Creek Lake as a child in 1977 and he became a part-time McHenry resident in 2011. Coby's love of all things Garrett County led him to get involved with HART through friendships with others within the organization. In addition to being a natural cat whisperer, Coby has the ability to listen, empathize, and create solutions to everyday people problems as an insurance agent. When not at the lake, you can find Coby and his wife Dawn at their home or agency in Glen Burnie, MD with their five rescued house cats and one office cat.
Matthew Book
Director
Matt Book has a background in Information Technology and is currently the Chief Information Officer for The Bair Foundation in New Wilmington, Pa. Originally from New Castle, PA, he started coming to Deep Creek shortly after meeting his wife in 2004. Matt and Shannon’s passion for helping animals led them to various HART community events. Matt and his wife have rescued 6 boxers over the past 12 years and currently have Hops, a two -year old boxer, and Rita, a 7-year old puppy mill survivor. He enjoys skiing, hiking, travel, and is an avid runner.
dr. sherman canapp, DVM ms ccrt director
Dr. Sherman Canapp, originally from Maryland, was the first to complete a combined DVM/MS at Kansas State University. He is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and Charter Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, where he is the past President of the college, is currently the National Director of Sports Medicine, Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine for Thrive Pet Healthcare, the co-founder of the Veterinary Orthopedic Sports Medicine Group, created the VOSM Academy, LLC educational training programs for veterinarians interested in bringing high-level sports regenerative medicine, rehabilitation therapy, and established Project GO (Global Orthopedics For Animals), a nonprofit foundation dedicated to helping animals with musculoskeletal injuries. Dr. Canapp is currently a member of the Board of Trustees for John Hopkins Medicine, Howard County General Hospital, Maryland, USA
terah crawford director
Terah is the Real Estate Broker for Taylor-Made Deep Creek Sales. As an 8th-generation Garrett County native, Terah’s knowledge of the area is met only by enthusiasm for the adventure that can be found here. She is a middle school mentor with the GEMS Program through the Garrett Branch of the AAUW (American Association of University Women) and volunteers at the End of the Line Bookstore in Oakland, Maryland. Terah is also a gifted musician, playing the guitar and singing in The Terah Crawford Band, a group she founded in 2013. The greatest joy of Terah’s life is raising her two beautiful boys with her adventurous husband Eric, at their home in Friendsville, MD.
candy degiovanni director
Candy is the co-founder of HART and served on the Board in its early stages but never stopped volunteering for the organization. As a native of Garrett County, animal rescue is something she holds dear to her heart in the community. Candy is the Director of Back Office Services at Morningstar with a team of nearly 60 employees. She is the volunteer manager at Pick of the Litter Thrift Shop, chairs the “Fast & Furriest” Fun Run, and can be seen counting the money at the annual Fur Ball Casino. She lives in Oakland with her husband, two daughters, and her rescue dogs and cats.
daniel moorehead Director
Dan has been with Frostburg State University since 2006 and is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology. In addition to several other courses, Dan teaches Animals in Human Society, which was nominated in 2019 for the “Clifton Bryant Animals & Society Course Award” for Outstanding Course on Animals and Society. Dan is a passionate advocate for all animals and is especially interested in the reduction of cat colonies.
tina orndorff
Director
As an animal lover and pet parent, Tina knows the joy that comes from the unconditional love and loyalty of four-legged family members. A registered nurse turned corporate attorney, Tina brings her problem-solving skills, advocacy, a desire to help others, and expertise in getting things done with minimal resources. Tina, her husband Steve, and their two dogs, Rosie and Brunsli reside in Swanton.
Kelli D. HALLENBECK director
Born and raised in Washington County, MD, Kelli relocated to Garrett County, MD, in September 2014. She is an Assistant Vice President, Mortgage Loan Officer with Truist Mortgage. She brings with her many years of experience on various non-profit boards. Her passion for saving animals is what drew her to HART for Animals. She has served on the board of directors at HART since November 2014. Kelli and her family share their home with two very energetic Goldendoodles, Ginger and Jeter, and an adopted and very loveable Tabby cat, Miley.
Ann Smith
Director
Ann comes from a family deeply rooted in Garrett County. She has dedicated most of her life to volunteering in the county, having served since 1974 with Southern County Rescue Squad, 20 years on the Board of the Garrett College Foundation, 30 years with House of Hope, and several years with the Deep Creek Fire Department. Ann has a great understanding of the importance of fundraising and grant writing. She is the proud parent of Copper, a miniature poodle, and Boomer, a Yorkie.
Joe Zamoiski Director
Joe made Garrett County his full-time residence in 2015 after purchasing a home here in 2013. Originally from Montgomery County, Joe moved to the lake with his wife Barbie and their senior dog Lola. Joe is passionate about helping others and has spent the last 20 years in the mortgage industry – currently with Sandy Spring Bank. Joe loves to golf, fish, read, and travel. He is involved in other local charities and was on the board with both MVK (Most Valuable Kids), Pet Connect, and Friends of Deep Creek Lake.