Pet Haven Team

Long-time animal welfare advocate Kerry D’Amato is honored to serve as Pet Haven’s executive director. She sees the challenges facing animal welfare, both at the Pet Haven and throughout our community, becoming increasingly complex. At the same time, she sees more opportunities than ever to save pets’ lives. Kerry’s devotion to animals began early in her life. In high school, she worked in animal care at the Denver Dumb Friends League, where she saw how challenging the shelter environment could be for companion animals. She quickly understood the impact foster-based rescues could have—giving second chances and saving animals’ lives. Kerry went on to campaign for improved animal welfare through legislative action and rescue work in New York, Ohio, and Minnesota.In addition to her work in animal welfare, Kerry has more than 20 years of experience in special events and marketing, fundraising and development for nonprofit and political organizations, and project management. Her passion for animal welfare, broad base of experience, and strong relationship-building skills are an ideal fit for Pet Haven. Driven to rescue, Kerry often spends her free time helping homeless and feral felines thru TNR, fostering and re-homing. She also pursues a yoga practice, enjoys good food and conversation with friends, spending time at “the lake,” and being at home with her family and their rescued feline companions.

Dr. Lisa graduated from UWEC in 1996 with a bachelor's degree in biology and had no idea what to do with it. She took a job as a kennel worker in a small animal shelter in Eau Claire, WI. This is where I ​she learned about the plight of unwanted, neglected, and abandoned animals. ​Dr. Lisa decided then and there to pursue a career in veterinary medicine,​ and Pet Haven is glad she did! ​Dr Lisa graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine in St Paul, MN, in 2004. ​In her first few years as a veterinarian, ​she worked in private practice, in emergency, as a relief veterinarian, and also in an animal shelter in the Twin Cities. ​She developed a variety of skills during this time and found that she was particularly drawn to surgery. ​Dr. Lisa also served on the board of directors for Animal Folks, MN, a non-profit organization, from 2006 to 2016. The mission of Animal Folks is to educate veterinarians, law enforcement, and the legal community about animal cruelty laws. ​She is currently still an advisor for this group, helping to strengthen protection for our companion animals in the state. ​Dr Lisa has spent the majority of her career working in the non-profit sector, performing high-volume spay and neuter surgeries,​ and most recently was honored to be the very first in-house veterinarian for a local dog rescue in Somerset, WI. As the medical director for that organization, ​she developed their in-house veterinary center to handle the medical and surgical needs of all incoming animals. ​Dr Lisa is now very excited to bring the same dedication and drive to Pet Haven. Outside of work, Dr. Lisa enjoys time with ​her wife and ​their 4 dogs. ​They are starting a new adventure in overlanding and are looking forward to traveling and hiking the beautiful landscapes of the country. ​She also enjoys cooking, gardening, and photography.​ Pet Haven is thrilled to have Dr Lisa on our team, bringing vast experience and high-quality care to our rescued pets, changing lives for the better!

Molly Larson joined the Pet Haven team in 2023 as the Volunteer and Events Manager and has moved into the Operations Director Role. Molly’s background includes event planning, fundraising, marketing, volunteer management, and operations management. She began fostering in 2013 and instantly felt a pull to get more involved. In 2015 she hosted a 5k for Secondhand Hounds which became a successful yearly event. In 2019 she joined Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue as their Event, Fundraising, and Program Coordinator and fell in love with working fulltime at a foster based rescue. She looks forward to growing with Pet Haven and continuing to advocate for animals. Molly also teaches yoga at Bodhi Studios in Prescott, WI. She lives in River Falls with her 2 dogs Diego and Doris and spends her free time with them going on hikes, playing frisbee, and relaxing in the country.

Maggiy is thrilled to join the Pet Haven team after serving in the volunteer Volunteer Coordinator role 2016-2022. Maggiy has a background in nonprofit strategy, organizing, and development and has a deep passion for animal rescue and welfare. She is thrilled to bring her passion and experience to this role. In her free time, you can find her reading, cooking elaborate meals, hiking and running, and enjoying animal companionship. She lives in Saint Paul with her six cats Jagger, Pippin, Ivy, Iris, Hamlet, and Nellie; dog Jojo; and horse Lily (all rescues!).

Ashley Marks is Pet Haven’s Social Media Manager. Her role focuses on building awareness of Pet Haven and its mission through creative and impactful content and images. Ashley joined the Pet Haven team in 2017 as a special events volunteer. She has also opened her home to foster dogs and helped with foster outreach. Ashley’s background includes event services, operations management, and organizational development. Ashley has had a life-long passion for animals- she likes to say it’s in her genes. Many of her family members are those crazy animal people. Her other interests include going to concerts, fishing, and being creative. Ashley shares her home with her partner, Brian, their two Chihuahuas named Frank & Beans!

Dr. Veronica Bartsch graduated from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. She went on to practice companion animal medicine in the Twin Cities for the next 18 years, working in both private practices and animal shelters. In 2020, Dr. Bartsch earned her Master of Public Health degree from the University of Minnesota. She joined the Minnesota Board of Animal Health in 2022 as a senior veterinarian in the companion animal sector. Outside of her work at the board, Dr. Bartsch is Pet Haven’s primary surgeon completing both high volume spay/neuter as well as more nuanced soft tissue procedures including amputation, various eye surgeries, and mass removal.

Kate joined Pet Haven in February of 2024 in the role of Veterinary Care Manager . She is a Certified Veterinarian Technician. Kate has worked with animals for 13 plus years including both private practice veterinary medicine and shelter / rescue medicine. Kate is well prepared for her work at Pet Haven. Kate has two adorable dogs, Linkin and Bennie two cats, Kuro and Marvin at home. Kate has the biggest soft spot for senior animals and you'll often find her giving them a little extra lovin'. Kate is very excited to join the Pet Haven crew and looks forward to changing more lives with Pet Haven. Kate has a big role and is responsible for overseeing the wellness, sterilization and care needs of the animals fostered with Pet Haven. We have an average of 50-75 dogs and 200 cats in our program at any one time.

With a decade of experience in veterinary medicine, Amber brings a deep passion for animal care to her role as Surgical and Community Care Manager. She specializes in high-volume spay and neuter procedures, ensuring that every animal receives the best possible care during surgery. She also manages our community care program and engages our community helping them care for their pets best they can. Beyond her professional expertise, Amber has been a dedicated foster with Pet Haven for many years, providing love and support to animals in need. When she's not at work, she cherishes spending time with her family and her beloved dog.