About Us
Since 1922, Calgary Humane Society has been more than a shelter. We are proud to be Calgary’s first and most robust animal welfare organization.
Who we are
Everyone is human, but not everyone is truly humane.
It’s the essence of our humanity—within us all, yet an aspiration for many…because real compassion takes selflessness and going beyond ourselves every day isn’t easy to sustain. But when we achieve it, life takes on a deeply fulfilling purpose.
Our humanity bonds us with animals, especially those in need.
At Calgary Humane Society, we exist to create a more humane world – when animals are at their most vulnerable, our dedicated care sees them through. We are always there to protect and nurture the welfare of all animals with kindness and love, and in turn, animals remind us every day what it truly means to be human.
We believe in inclusive animal welfare—every animal, every person, and every situation are welcome through our doors.
We explore all avenues of care until the very end, with animal wellbeing at the core of every decision. We support people and their animals, for life.
The joy of adoption; the rewards of behaviour classes; the relief that is felt knowing we are here for every animal who needs us…our team is there in good times and bad. When animals need protection, we respond. We’ll never shy away from a tough situation—even if it takes an emotional toll. Our work for animal welfare is unending.
Our dreams for the future are rooted in education and prevention.
We’re a true community hub for countless Calgarians. Our voice has power. It’s our responsibility to inspire empathy and compassion for both animals and humans.
For over 100 years, Calgary Humane Society has been at the centre of animal welfare in our city and for every day to come, we’ll work harder than ever to create a world where animal lives are treated with respect and compassion which translates into more compassion for others in our community.
Helping to create a more humane world.
Our mission
Protect animals. Support people. Create a more humane world.
Our vision
An empowered community with the courage to advocate for animal welfare.
Meet our team
Meet the exceptional team at Calgary Humane Society. Distinguished professionals with unwavering commitment and profound dedication to animal welfare. Every day, they bring their expertise and compassion to life, ensuring the highest standards of care and advocacy for the animals we serve.
Carrie Fritz
Executive Director
Carrie Fritz, CGA-CPA, has been the Executive Director of Calgary Humane Society since 2014, where she’s helped build a skilled team for animal welfare, and promotes education and community responsibility.
Carrie Fritz was appointed Executive Director of Calgary Humane Society in 2014. Carrie is a CGA-CPA, who was drawn to a career in animal welfare and the not-for-profit sector from the start.
Carrie attended the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University, obtaining her accounting designation in 1996. She worked at a public accounting firm focusing on Audit and Assurance.
After returning to Calgary from a five-year contract in Boca Raton, Florida, Carrie was delighted to accept the position of Controller at Calgary Humane Society in 2007.
Since taking on the role of Executive Director, Carrie has focused on building a professional, highly skilled team to further all aspects of animal welfare.
Growing up in a family of teachers, she understands the importance of education and uses this to develop her team, so they can be successful in inspiring the community to take on the challenges of animal welfare and be responsible pet owners.
Carrie lives just south of Calgary, where she shares her home with her daughter, her two dogs, Daisy and Lacey, as well as her two rescue rabbits, Winter and Autumn.
Brad Nichols
Director of Enforcement & Vice Executive Director
Brad Nichols, a Mount Royal University graduate, has dedicated over 17 years to the Calgary Humane Society, rising to Director of Operations and Enforcement while leading an acclaimed animal protection program.
Brad Nichols graduated from Mount Royal University in 2003 with a degree in Justice Studies. Shortly after, he joined Calgary Humane Society’s Animal Protection & Investigation team as a field officer, incorporating his love for animals and his interest in advocating for vulnerable victims.
Over the past 17+ years, he has worked his way up the organization in roles of increasing responsibility, most recently to Director of Operations and Enforcement. He has investigated thousands of animal cruelty files and oversees an internationally recognized animal protection program.
Dayna Burghall, CPA, CA
Director of finance
Dayna holds a BComm and Master of Professional Accounting from the University of Saskatchewan, and has extensive experience working with not-for-profit organizations from her time in public practice.
Dayna has been with CHS since 2014. She received her Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Professional Accounting from the University of Saskatchewan and earned her Chartered Accountant (CA) designation in 2014. During her articling period in public practice, she gained extensive experience working with not-for-profit organizations.
Melaina Slater, CPHR, CTMP
Director of Human Resources
Melaina is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and Certified Talent Management Practitioner (CTMP), and is passionate about lifelong personal and professional development.
Melaina is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR), Certified Talent Management Practitioner (CTMP), and holds her certificate in Human Resource Management through the University of Calgary. She has been involved in animal welfare since 2004 and started her career at Calgary Humane in 2006.
She is a firm believer in lifelong personal and professional development with a keen interest in human rights and employment legislation, leadership development, and psychological health and safety in the workplace. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her spouse, their chihuahua named Terry, and two birds, Eddie and Chuck, all of whom are CHS alumni.
Sally Johnston
Director of Community Services
Sally joined the Calgary Humane Society in 2016 and has worked her way to become the Manager of Animal Operations in 2021, where she now oversees animal flow and operational teams.
Sally has been with the Calgary Humane Society for over 8 years, with a focus on supporting animals through community programs, including foster, intake diversion, and creating from scratch innovative programming for seniors with companion animals. Today, as the Director of Community Services, Sally focuses on collaborating with community partners to develop resources for people with pets to ensure the health and wellbeing of both the pet and owners alike. Sally envisions a future wherein those who want to keep their pets have the tools to do so responsibly, and no surrender is due to a lack of access to resources!
Anna-Lee Fitzsimmons
Director of Public Relations
Anna-Lee, an advocate for animal welfare, has been a part of the Calgary Humane Society since 2015. Embracing various roles, she values adaptability and remains dedicated to the cause.
Her leadership and team development extends to creating connections with the community, recognizing the importance of collaboration in bridging the gap between the public and the impactful work of animal welfare.
Driven by a passion for facilitating connections, Anna-Lee has education in Horticulture and Volunteer Management, reflecting her commitment to the one health model and the interconnectedness between environment, animal and human health. Anna-Lee continues to dedicate herself to creating a humane community for the animals that share our world.
Kaleigh Goehringer, CFRE
Director of Philanthropy
Our newest member of the team, Kaleigh joined CHS in June 2023. Kaleigh is an experienced fundraiser driven by a passion for dismantling systemic barriers that affect our community’s most vulnerable people and animals.
Kaleigh attended the University of British Columbia, obtaining her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2006. Over the past 20 years she has worked in diverse sectors including youth and families, housing and homelessness, community and sport, environment, wildlife conservation and animal welfare. Kaleigh was proud to receive her Certified Fundraising Executive designation in April 2023 and enjoys investing this knowledge and experience at Calgary Humane Society, advocating for critical and urgent change.
Kaleigh’s approach to fundraising is strategic and relationship-oriented, with a proven track record of success. Leading teams towards a common goal, she focuses on maximizing impact. Her leadership style? The innate ability and unwavering desire to uplift those around her, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. She challenges, motivates, and energizes, creating a ripple effect of positivity and excellence.
Outside of work Kaleigh enjoys spending her time immersed in outdoor activity with her husband, sons and dog. Kaleigh also spends time in music and has played with a volunteer orchestra since 2009.
Elissa Bessonette, BSc, DVM
Director of Animal Health, Lead Veterinarian
Elissa is a Bachelor of Science (BSc), Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), has a Graduate Certificate in Shelter Medicine, and is deeply passionate about animal health and wellness.
Dr. Elissa Bessonette has been a member of the Calgary Humane Society team since 2006 when its doors first opened in the current location. She continues to work as a shelter veterinarian in the Lead Veterinarian role for the Calgary Humane Society Spay Neuter Clinic. Most recently, she moved into the role of Director of Animal Health overseeing the operational teams of Animal Care, Behaviour Operations and Animal Health. Dr. Bessonette looks forward to the opportunities this new role will provide as she guides the teams responsible for the health, care and welfare of the society’s animals while also helping to expand community programming keeping animals in their loving homes.
Elissa received her veterinary degree from the Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island in 1999. She worked in private practice in Fryeburg, Maine and Halifax, Nova Scotia before pursuing her interest in wildlife medicine, completing a month-long internship at the Wildlife Center of Virginia. She was a veterinarian with the Toronto Wildlife Center and volunteered with the Fatal Light Awareness Program until her family relocated to Calgary, Alberta in 2005.
In 2006, Elissa began working for Calgary Humane Society. She completed the University of Florida Online Graduate Certificate in Shelter Medicine in 2014 and has been an adjunct clinical instructor for the University of Calgary Distributed Veterinary Learning Community since 2011. She volunteers on the board of directors for the Canadian Animal Shelter and Community Medicine Association, a national organization dedicated to providing continuing education and networking opportunities for shelter and community medicine professionals. Elissa and her husband have two children and two previously fostered sibling cats as well as multiple adopted fish. She enjoys throwing mud in a pottery studio or spending time outside gardening, hiking or peacefully floating on the water in canoe or kayak.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors dedicates their time and expertise to shaping the strategic direction of our organization. Their guidance drives our decision-making process and empowers us to achieve our goals, enabling us to make a meaningful impact on animal welfare.
Andrew Wilson
Board Chair
Andrew, a King’s Counsel and former Managing Partner at JSS Barristers, has an extensive legal background and was inspired to join the board of directors due to his love of animals and his legal experience, which focuses in part on corporate governance.
Andrew graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Waterloo, a Bachelor of Laws from Dalhousie University, and a Master of Laws from Cambridge University.
He was an associate at Bennett Jones LLP for 9 years. He was then Litigation Counsel – Enforcement at the Alberta Securities Commission for four years before becoming a Partner at JSS Barristers in 2015. He was the Managing Partner of JSS from February 2020 until February 2022. Andrew was named King’s Counsel in 2022.
Andrew was inspired to join the board of directors due to his love of animals and his legal experience, which focuses in part on corporate governance. Andrew also volunteers as a foster parent for Beagle Paws and volunteers with Calgary Legal Guidance. Andrew’s hobbies include soccer, running, travel, and home brewing beer. He shares his home with his wife and their beagles, Winston and Archie.
Keri Lee
Keri is the Chief of Staff & Acting Head of Scale at AltaML, a MRU Foundation Board Director, and has degrees in Communications and Business Admin. She’s passionate about animal welfare and education, while enjoying life with her family and cat Poubelle.
Keri graduated with a Bachelor of Communications from Mount Royal University in Calgary and a Master of Business Administration from American University in Washington D.C.
Keri spent the early years of her career at two global consulting firms, before pivoting to work with small and medium size businesses as they look to grow and scale. Keri is an “expert generalist” and currently the Chief of Staff and Acting Head of Scale at AltaML, a leading North American applied AI company.
Keri grew up on a working farm in Longview Alberta, which is where she first discovered her love for animals. As a member of the Board, Keri is excited to support the CHS by building its awareness and capacity in the community. In addition to being passionate about animals, Keri is also passionate about Education and is a Director on the Mount Royal University Foundation Board. Outside of work and volunteering, Keri and her husband spend most of their time wrangling their 11-month-old twins, and beloved cat, Poubelle.
Yvette Steiner
Treasurer
Yvette is the CFO & Development Partner at THYYC Inc. and TH Chestermere Ltd., with a BComm degree from the University of Saskatchewan. She’s passionate about animal welfare and community service, and balances her career with kickboxing, travel, and family life.
Yvette is Chief Financial Officer and Development Partner at THYYC Inc. & TH Chestermere Ltd.
Prior to her current role, she worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) for 23 years (1994-2017). For ten of those years, she was a partner at PwC in the Assurance practice. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and has a BComm from the University of Saskatchewan. Yvette enjoys staying active by kickboxing, golfing, and lake activities such as paddleboarding and kayaking. She also loves to travel.
Yvette joined the Board of Directors of Calgary Humane Society to bring her passion for animals together with her desire to give back to the community. Yvette shares her home with her husband Andrew and their two dogs, Monty and Sadie.
Elyce Harris
Secretary
Elyce Harris is a Financial Advisor at Cornerstone Financial Group. She loves travelling, hiking, snowboarding, and baking.
She’s been lucky enough to have grown up with pets and seen how much love they can give and how much they brighten people’s lives—so it’s a natural fit to spend her time advocating for animals.
Corinne Jamieson
Bio coming soon!
Dave Cunnington
Dave is the Technology Director at Strut Creative with 20+ years in the tech industry. He’s passionate about the outdoors and volunteering, and is motivated to support animal welfare through his involvement with CHS.
Dave is the Technology Director at Strut Creative, a Calgary-based communications agency. He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from Curtin University in Perth, Australia and has been in the Tech industry for over twenty years – he built his first website in the mid 90’s!
He is passionate about being outdoors, always looking forward to the next camping trip, hike, or day trip to the Rocky Mountain foothills. When not running kids to and from hockey or baseball practice, you will normally find Dave on the weekend in some forest or plain of Southern Alberta.
Dave believes that volunteering is an obligation to a functioning society – we must look after all, not just the able. His volunteering experience is vast, ranging from the Red Cross, assisting the elderly and homeless, family support in prisons, children, and animals.
Dave and his wife Kelly have three children and a senior black Lab (Molly) who is the center of their family. After growing up with a rural background and being surrounded by pets, the love of animals is central to Dave’s motivations for joining the Calgary Humane Society. He is inspired by the passion and commitment that all CHS employees and volunteers show every single day while helping our furry (and not so furry) friends.
Lisa Kindree
Lisa is the Co-Executive Director of Youth Central and has over two decades of experience in the non-profit sector. She holds degrees in Environmental Studies and Anthropology, and is passionate about helping others.
Lisa has been working in the non-profit sector since 2001 in various capacities. She is the Co-Executive Director of Youth Central, a non-profit dedicated to providing leadership and volunteer opportunities to young people.
She has degrees in Environmental Studies and Anthropology from York University. Lisa enjoys helping others and working with those who may need help or, in the case of animals, are unable to help themselves. Lisa adopted her first dog from Calgary Humane Society in 2001. A lover of travel, cooking, reading, skiing, and hiking, Lisa shares her home with her husband, son, their dog Tucker, and highly dangerous goldfish named Sharky.
Scott Cressman
Bio coming soon!
Dr. Iain Chynoweth
Dr. Iain Chynoweth is a dedicated veterinarian and Area Medical Director at VCA Canada Horizon Veterinary Group, known for his commitment to animal welfare, community service, and outdoor activities with his pets.
Dr. Chynoweth is a Veterinarian and Area Medical Director with VCA Canada Horizon Veterinary Group. His first job as a veterinarian was working for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSCPA) in Hong Kong, one of the oldest and largest animal welfare organizations in the world. Throughout his career Dr. Chynoweth has continued to strive to give back to the community in ways that can improve the lives of animals and their people. In his spare time Dr. Chynoweth enjoys spending time with family, including Gemma his Spinone Italiano dog, and Gaston the grey tabby cat, and stays active by walking with Gemma and spending time outdoors, cycling, skiing, kayaking, and hiking when possible. Dr. Chynoweth continues to find inspiration in compassion, humanity, and the unique bond that exists between animals and humans.
Patric Nagel
Patric Nagel is currently the President &CEO of Tiger Calcium Services. He has worked across a broad range of industries with companies and boards in the private, public, and private equity sectors.
For Patric, volunteering is about contributing to meaningful causes, particularly animal welfare. At home, he and his wife care for two rescued Ridgebacks, reflecting their deep love for dogs.
Despite a busy professional life, Patric values time outdoors with his family and pets. He enjoys walking dogs with his wife, running, traveling, and cheering for the Mariners and Seahawks. He is driven by the opportunity to make a positive impact, whether through mentoring or simply being present for others. An interesting tidbit? Patric often jokes that, aside from his immediate family, he has yet to meet anyone as good as a dog—a sentiment well-known and accepted among his friends.
Sarah Gingrich
Sarah is a Partner at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP specializing in corporate finance, mergers & acquisitions, cross-border, and private equity transactions, while also actively volunteering for animal welfare initiatives.
Sarah Gingrich is a Partner at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, in addition to being the Co-Leader of the Firm’s Capital Markets and M&A Group. Sarah specializes in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, cross-border, and private equity transactions. She possesses extensive experience in corporate governance, continuous disclosure obligations, and general regulatory compliance. Sarah frequently advises boards and special committees and she is also a member of the Alberta Securities Commission Advisory Committee. Sarah holds a BA in History from the University of Western Ontario, an MA in Military History from Wilfrid Laurier University, an LLB from Dalhousie University, and an ICD.D from the Institute of Corporate Directors. Beyond her legal career, Sarah enjoys travel, photography, and outdoor adventures with her family and three dogs.
Volunteering is a cornerstone of Sarah’s values, driven by a desire to give back and set a positive example for her daughter. Her international experiences living and working in France, Japan, and Dubai have shaped her appreciation for diverse cultures and cuisines. Inspired by her daughter’s passion for change and leadership, Sarah is committed to advancing animal welfare initiatives at CHS.
Melanie Litoski
Melanie is the Managing Director at Aisling Strategic Group, dedicated to helping others succeed and supporting meaningful initiatives like CHS, while also enjoying time with her family, friends, and two rescue dogs.
Melanie is the Managing Director at Aisling Strategic Group. She is passionate about helping people succeed and supporting initiatives that are meaningful to her. When she’s not volunteering as a board member at CHS or working as the Managing Director at Aisling she is spending time with family and friends.
Speaking of friends and family, she is also a wonderful dog mom to two doggos, Georgie and Tucker. Georgie is a six year old golden retriever who is currently living her best retirement life with Melanie and her family after suffering from a number of health issues as a mama to three litters of puppies for an unlicensed breeder. Tucker is a six month old chihuahua mix who also has a similarly tragic past but like Georgie, is happily living his best life with his sister Georgie.
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