Dr. Vasquez leads our medical team with two decades of experience in high-volume shelter medicine and surgical intervention, holding board certification in companion animal health. Known for her meticulous approach and profound dedication, Dr. Vasquez is responsible for overseeing all medical protocols, from preventative care and diagnostics to complex emergency surgeries and rehabilitation. Her bio reflects a deep commitment to treating the whole animal, integrating pain management and stress reduction techniques into standard veterinary practices, which is crucial for animals recovering from trauma. Beyond the operating room, she trains staff and volunteers on recognizing subtle signs of illness or distress, ensuring that our medical care is proactive and responsive. Dr. Vasquez believes that cutting-edge medicine, paired with gentle handling, is the essential foundation for preparing every animal for a long, healthy, and happy life beyond the village.

Marcus Chen is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and feline behavior specialist who directs our customized enrichment and rehabilitation programs. With a master’s degree in Animal Behavior and a background working with complex trauma cases, Marcus designs curricula focused on positive reinforcement, counter-conditioning, and teaching necessary life skills to make animals highly adoptable. His extended bio emphasizes his holistic approach to behavioral health, which views reactivity or shyness not as flaws, but as understandable responses to past experiences. Marcus works tirelessly to build confidence in shy cats and teach impulse control to exuberant dogs, utilizing custom-built play yards and sensory tools. He is also key in training new adopters, providing them with the tools and resources needed to maintain training consistency and behavioral success long after the animal leaves HVAWO.

Sarah Jenkins spearheads our extensive network of volunteers, foster families, and community partners, ensuring that external support seamlessly integrates with the daily needs of the shelter. Her passion for community building and her background in non-profit management make her uniquely suited to mobilize the hundreds of individuals who donate their time and resources to HVAWO. Sarah’s bio highlights her talent for matching volunteer skills to organizational needs, whether it’s pairing a quiet individual with a shy cat needing socialization or coordinating large-scale cleanup events. She is also responsible for managing our foster program, providing detailed support and resources to families who open their homes to animals requiring specialized care outside the main facility. Sarah is a firm believer that the success of Heidi’s Village is fundamentally dependent on the powerful, collective energy of its compassionate volunteers.

David Rodriguez manages the complex logistics of animal intake, facility management, and daily operational efficiency, ensuring that the shelter runs smoothly, safely, and humanely 24/7. With a history in large-scale resource management and a deep understanding of sanitation and safety protocols, David is the backbone that allows the medical and behavioral teams to focus on care without interruption. His bio details his commitment to maintaining a clean, low-stress environment for all residents, overseeing everything from climate control and quarantine procedures to inventory management for food and medical supplies. David coordinates transportation for rescues, manages the flow of incoming animals, and ensures accurate documentation for every resident. His dedication to meticulous organizational standards is critical, as it directly impacts the health and mental well-being of the animals by providing a stable, predictable, and hygienic place for recovery and residence.