STAFF
Alyse Arras, Executive Director
Prior to joining us as our Executive Director, Alyse served on the organization's board for two years, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the cause. Her professional background includes content marketing expertise, which she now leverages to amplify the voice of animals in need and promote the importance of animal welfare in our community. Driven by the belief that every animal deserves a loving home, Alyse is dedicated to fostering connections between people and pets. When not advocating for animals, she enjoys hiking, knitting, reading, and loving on her own rescue pets: Lady Fina, a bearded dragon, and Lenny, a beloved pit mix. Email: alyse.arras@carverscotths.org
Tricia Buerke, Animal Intake and Foster Supervisor
Tricia has been in the animal welfare industry for quite some time, starting with doggy daycares and moving to shelter work. Though she went to school for her theatre passion, her passion for animals rivals that! In her free time, you can find her on film sets, writing scripts, working out with her partner, or creating art. Email: tricia.buerke@carverscotths.org
Ridley Coate, Director of Development and Communications
Ridley has dedicated her career to the nonprofit sector, gaining broad experience in operations and grants management and ultimately focusing on communications and development. She is deeply passionate about fostering empathy through storytelling and loves sharing the heartwarming stories of CSHS and its animals. Outside of work, Ridley enjoys tackling home improvement projects, exploring new hiking trails and local breweries, or staying in to cook with her husband, Sean. They share their home with two beloved rescue dogs, Atticus and Mabel, and a cat named Spiders. Email: ridley.coate@carverscotths.org
Cam Hernandez, Animal Intake and Foster Supervisor
With a rich history of caring for animals across different animal shelters and zoological facilities, Cam brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role. Cam's passion for helping and advocating for animals is the driving force behind her work at CSHS. In her free time, Cam spends a lot of time with her partner and enjoys spending time in nature, taking hikes, or sitting out on the front porch. Cam and her partner brought home a foster cat, Hazel, just six days into working at CSHS and officially adopted her a short time later. Email: cameron.hernandez@carverscotths.org
Jesse Preibe, Animal Wellness Supervisor
Jesse's cherished childhood dog, boo, sparked her journey into animal healthcare. Motivated by the desire to have Boo by her side forever, Jesse dove into animal healthcare to learn how to keep Boo healthy and happy for as long as possible. Though Boo passed four years ago, her memory continues to inspire Jesse's mission to provide the best care to every animal in her path. Since becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), Jesse has worked with animals, both large and small, in emergency medicine and everyday vet care. Jesse realized rescue medicine is where she is the happiest as it allows her to make a difference in the lives of animals who need her the most. In her position at CSHS, Jesse looks forward to continuing her efforts to "save all the animals" by helping to grow the organization and its reach. Off-duty, Jesse shares her life with her husband, Andrew, and their own pack of 4 cats, 3 dogs, 1 horse, and 8 fish. Email: jesse.priebe@carverscotths.org
2025-2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Carver-Scott Humane Society (CSHS) is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Executive Director reports to the Board. Board members are elected and serve two-year terms, with a three-term limit. To reach the entire Board of Directors via email: boarddirectors@carverscotths.org
Angela is a dedicated and accomplished professional with a wealth of experience in the field of accounting and finance. Currently serving as the Senior Accounting Manager at Intact Insurance, Angela has consistently demonstrated her expertise in managing complex financial operations and leading high-performing teams. Her commitment to excellence and ability to navigate through various changes with a positive outlook have earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues. In addition to her professional achievements, Angela is deeply passionate about animal welfare. She has been actively involved in volunteer work with animal rescues, contributing her time and skills to support the well-being of animals in need. Her appointment as Vice President of the Carver Scott Humane Society Board of Directors is a testament to her dedication to making a positive impact in the community. Angela brings a unique blend of financial acumen and compassionate leadership to the board, where she will play a pivotal role in advancing the organization's mission to protect and care for animals in need. Angela holds a strong belief in the power of teamwork and collaboration. She is known for her solution-oriented approach and ability to inspire and motivate others. As a leader, Angela is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Outside her professional and volunteer commitments, Angela enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the great outdoors with her two Pitbull rescues, Thea and Sulley. She is an avid supporter of various charitable causes and is always looking for ways to give back to the community.
Tim has had lifelong relationships with animals that have enriched his life - including cats adopted from rescue organizations and Alaskan Malamutes retired from competition, to riding horses and being a wolf pup nanny at the International Wolf Center. As founder and COO of marketing technology firm Relationship One, Tim brings a mix of business, marketing and technology expertise to help CSHS achieve its mission. Tim lives in Minneapolis with his wife, two cats named Moose and Squirrel, and a snake named Kitty. He enjoys time with family, hiking, bouldering, and just about any sci-fi/fantasy movie or book.
Angela Price, Immediate Past President
A long-time foster and volunteer for multiple Twin Cities rescues, Angela always thought she was a cat person until a bossy stubborn pit bull stole her heart. Since then, Angela has split her time loving both cats and dogs and hopes to grow spay/neuter initiatives to relieve the pet overpopulation issue. Angela and her husband Steve live in Prior Lake and are currently parents to a senior pit bull (Zeus), a tenacious senior cat (Sigmund), and two CSHS foster fails: (Betty and Enzo).
As a long time dog rescuer and animal lover, Nick joined the board in April 2023. Nick is a senior portfolio analyst on the High-Yield Fixed Income Team at Columbia Threadneedle Investments. He received a B.S. in both Finance and Accounting from Iowa State University. In addition, Nick holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation. Nick is an avid hockey player and likes to golf during the summer. He lives with his girlfriend and two dogs, Natalie, a shepherd/retriever mix, and River, a Great Dane.
Since 2018, Whitney has been a dedicated volunteer with the Carver Scott Humane Society, passionately advocating for animal welfare and community engagement. Over the years, she has fostered numerous cats and dogs and adopted two cats herself. In her professional role as a Global Communications and Change Management Manager, she utilizes her expertise to develop effective communication strategies and promote positive organizational change. With a strong belief in the importance of compassionate care and community involvement, Whitney is excited to continue her work on the board, helping to advance the mission of the Carver Scott Humane Society.
Cindy holds a marketing degree from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas. Her early career spanned various fields including Retail Marketing, Graphic Design and Commercial Property Management. Her most extensive expertise lies in Pricing Strategy and Revenue Management where she has held leadership roles at Best Buy, Post Consumer Brands and currently, Cargill. She loves to use her left brain and right brain, so outside of work she is drawn to artistic endeavors such as painting rocks with inspirational messages. She has had a deep connection to cats since she was two years old and has always had animal companions. Currently she shares her home with her high school daughter and two beloved cats: Pepper and Eva. Cindy has been fostering cats and kittens with Carver Scott Humane Society since early 2023 and has found it deeply rewarding. Her involvement with CSHS has renewed her passion in animal welfare and ensuring they find loving homes.
Additional CSHS Volunteer Role(s): Facility Committee Chair, Active Foster
A seasoned digital leader at UnitedHealth Group, Renee Edwards oversees digital innovation and consumer experience, leveraging technology to improve how people access and manage their health. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she has been part of the Carver‑Scott Humane Society family for many years.
Starting as a cat‑care volunteer and kitten foster, she discovered the joy (and occasional heartbreak) of caring for litters until they found their forever homes.
Two of those fosters, Snickers and Dunkin, became “foster fails” when they charmed their way into a permanent place in her home. She also has a third kitty, Oreo that was also a rescue kitty. Renee is excited to bring her volunteer experience, passion for animal welfare and leadership skills to the organization, helping to ensure that every animal receives the love and care they deserve.
Additional CSHS Volunteer Role(s): Events Committee, Marketing & Development Committee, Active Foster
Jessy Halverson has spent over 25 years as a Licensed Veterinary Technician and 15 years as a Veterinary Practice Manager, bringing both experience and heart to everything she does. She has a special interest in feline medicine and is passionate about incorporating a Fear Free approach into veterinary care. Jessy loves working with people and their pets in every way—whether it’s welcoming new arrivals through intakes, supporting the animal wellness team, guiding families as an Adoption Advocate, or fostering countless dogs and cats who have found a safe stopover in her home.
Her passion for animals shines through in all she does, but she also treasures time with her family and friends—both the two- and four-legged kind. She enjoys reading, catching a good show at the theater, and simply being surrounded by those she loves. Jessy shares her home with her wonderfully patient husband and their four cats—Montana, California, Puerto Rico, and Jax—and is a proud mom to a beautiful daughter who shares her love of animals.
Additional CSHS Volunteer Role(s): Adoptions Lead, Animal Wellness Volunteer, Events Committee, Active Foster
Emily has been a life-long animal lover and has been involved with CSHS since 2023, starting as a cat care volunteer and foster parent. In October 2024, she joined the CSHS board. With a passion for fostering a positive employee experience and a collaborative company culture, Emily leads HR for a family of travel brands. Emily holds a B.S. in HR Management from Minnesota State University, Mankato and is SHRM-CP certified. Emily and her husband Carter reside in Shakopee with their three beloved rescues: Two black lab mixes, Remy and Pepper (CSHS alum/foster "fail"), and a feisty orange cat, Chester, who rules the pack.
Additional CSHS Volunteer Role(s): Policy Committee Chair, Cat Care, Active Foster
Katie is a lifelong animal lover who believes every pet deserves a cozy spot on the couch and a place in the family. While she’s currently dog-less, she’s eagerly preparing to welcome a furry friend into her home and has already picked out the name and the squeaky toys. Katie holds an accounting degree from Luther College and an MBA from the University of St Thomas. She has spent her career in finance and works as a Financial Planning & Analysis Manager at Andersen Corporation.
Katie has cultivated a successful career in the heavy civil construction industry, contributing to a variety of mid-to-large scale projects across the United States. Now thrilled to return to the Midwest, she serves as a Proposal Manager for Ames Construction. With a strong foundation in project management and a deep passion for animals, Katie is eager to support the exceptional work of CSHS and make a meaningful impact. She resides in Lakeville with her beloved dog, Leo, and two cats, KP and Max.
Additional CSHS Volunteer Role(s): Events Committee
Alex is a passionate animal advocate and combines her leadership skills with a commitment to animal welfare. With two dogs of her own and experience fostering others, she brings firsthand knowledge of the love and care each animal deserves. Outside her work with CSHS, Alex holds a leadership position with Medica Health Plans, where she applies her strategic vision to make a positive impact. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the outdoors through hiking, traveling to new places, and spending time with her own furry companions. Driven by a mission to create compassionate communities, Alex works to support initiatives that promote responsible pet ownership and help animals find loving homes.
Jen Reczac
Jen has a lifelong love for animals and enjoys bringing people and pets together. She is an active foster, rescue volunteer, and pet owner, and is excited to serve on the CSHS board. Jen is the Director of Education for a large, nationwide organization, where she uses her 20+ years of experience to support people’s growth and development. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, staying active, and traveling.
Additional CSHS Volunteer Role(s): Events Committee, Governance Committee, Active Foster
Dr. Steve Barghusen, Advisory Member
Dr. Steve Barghusen is a veterinarian at Pet Crossing Animal Hospital & Dental Clinic. He graduated first in his class from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and later pursued advanced training in companion animal medicine and surgery at the Cornell University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Dr. Barghusen is a board certified Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, specializing in canine and feline practice. His professional interests include ophthalmology, internal medicine, and laser surgery. In addition to practicing veterinary medicine, Dr. Barghusen is an attorney concentrating on issues that affect pets and their people. His main legal interests include how the law views animals and how people can provide for the ongoing care of their pets via wills and trusts. Dr. Barghusen also lectures and publishes papers and articles on medical, ethical, and legal topics. Additionally, he is the proud dad of several poorly behaved cats and dogs and a very cute tree frog.