meet our team
staff directory
Executive Director
Regina DoDaro
(630) 420-8989 x1002
rdodaro@naperhumane.org
Development & Outreach Director
Jenn Smiley
(630) 420-8989 x1011
jsmiley@naperhumane.org
Manager of Volunteer & Pet Therapy Programs and Front Office
Leena Kinnunen
(630) 420-8989 x1003
lkinnunen@naperhumane.org
Special Events & Foster Services Coordinator
Nancy Swantek
(630) 420-8989 x1001
nswantek@naperhumane.org
Humane Education Coordinator
Breanna Cerrillos
(630) 420-8989 x1006
bcerrillos@naperhumane.org
Volunteer Training Coordinator
Peggy Kolar
630-420-8989 x1004
pkolar@naperhumane.org
Pet Therapy Program Coordinator
Julie Balsamo
630-420-8989 x1010
jbalsamo@naperhumane.org
Animal Care Director
Michelle Lenz
(630) 420-8989 x1005
mlenz@naperhumane.org
Animal Care Manager & Foster Services Coordinator
Marissa Farrand
(630) 420-8989 x1008
mfarrand@naperhumane.org
Animal Care Technician
Jenifer Cotner
jcotner@naperhumane.org
Adoption Counselor
Jennifer Pagonis
Kennel Attendant
Eileen Vallandingham
Trainer
Ashley Olson, KPA CTP
(630) 420-8989 x1009
aolson@naperhumane.org
Do you have a great love for animals and a concern for their well being? Join the NAHS team! View our open positions here!
board of directors
Susan DeVito
Board President
Healthcare Practice Executive at Genesys
“As a long-time Naperville resident, I’m honored to serve on the NAHS board where I can apply my previous experience to help the organization realize its mission and goals. Having grown up with cats, I have experienced the unconditional love and joy pets give to people, and want to help further the mission of creating lasting human-animal bonds within our community.”
Anthony Cervini
Board Vice President
“As someone who grew up in Naperville and now works there, I’m grateful to be part of NAHS and play a part in supporting the incredibly important role we play in the community and furthering our mission. As a family that has included several rescues over the years, I know firsthand the love and companionship they bring into a home and I’m excited to have the opportunity for others to experience that same joy.”
Mike Novitski Board Treasurer
Associate Director in Transaction Services at Riveron.
"The love and support the NAHS staff and volunteers provide to our animals is inspiring. Being a part of a group of people who strive to create a more humane world is one of the great joys of my life. I am proud to support NAHS and the lifesaving work this organization accomplishes.”
Jessica Mazza Board Secretary
Senior Managing Director, Deputy Chief Auditor at Nuveen, a TIAA company.
“I was first introduced to NAHS in 2001 and our family has adopted several animals over the years. As a lifelong animal lover and Naperville resident for close to 30 years, I am honored to serve on the NAHS Board. Helping to advance the mission of this terrific organization will make a lasting impact on the community and help others have as rewarding of an experience with pet adoption as my family has.”
Elizabeth Baskerville Board Member
Engineer, UScellular
“Ever since moving to Illinois in 2015, I've been helping out at NAHS in some form or fashion. I have had a passion for helping animals my whole life, and the opportunity to serve on the board and create happy endings for even more furry friends and assist NAHS in furthering its mission is a reward all its own.”
Leslie Pakula Board Member
Training Specialist / Learning Technologies at Nalco Water, an Ecolab Company
“Having grown up in Warrenville, NAHS has always been near to my heart. I remember many trips to the shelter which resulted in a handful of adoptions over the years. It is my honor to give back to a place whose mission I believe in, and a place that has provided much fulfillment, joy and love to my life by way of the furry friends that came from NAHS.”
David Braner
Board Member
“It is an honor to serve on the board for NAHS. Dogs and cats bring so much joy to the world. The least we can do is spend our time and resources matching capable families with animals that have had a rough patch during their short lives on this earth. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a family walk out of NAHS with their new furry friend. The smiles are very telling (both animals and humans)!”
Sonya Stowers Board Member
“Having developed a love for animals very early in life and having been a part of volunteering at NAHS in multiple ways for many years, it is an honor to serve this organization in an additional way. As an adopter of 3 cats, as an in shelter volunteer, as part of their Pawsitive Therapy program with my cat Sputnik, and as a foster for NAHS, I have been able to see the effort and care the staff and volunteers put info fulfilling their mission. Serving on the Board will allow me to use my passion for animals and expertise to help NAHS further its goals in our community. Knowing the love of a companion animal is truly a special experience, one that I get to have each day because of NAHS.”
Jim Koller Board Member
“As part of the NAHS Board, I look to provide an additional financial lens in order expand our outreach and support for animals in need. Having had the love of my senior poodle, Desiree, I now appreciate the benefit a pet gives and how I can give back to them.”
Helen Mantel Board Member
Partner at Baker McKenzie
“As a long-time Naperville resident, I am proud of the tireless dedication at NAHS towards improving animal welfare and the education of the community. It is my honor as a board member to help NAHS continue its mission.”
Are you interested in becoming a board member for the Naperville Area Humane Society?