2025 Conference Speakers
"Emergency and Disaster Response"
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Brittany Rivera
Corporal with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. She began her career with the sheriff’s office in February of 2020. She comes from a bloodline of law enforcement. She began her career in the jail, helping create and manage the Pups with Purpose program, which later coincided with the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment program. She has since transitioned into the liaison between the Sheriff’s Office and Animal Services and Shelter. She is also the part-time Public Information Officer and participates on the Incident Response Team when disasters occur. Brittany has patrol experience and currently assists judicial operations and enforcement.
Prior to joining the sheriff’s office, she obtained an Associate’s of Criminal Justice Technology from Chattahoochee Technical College, as well as a Bachelor’s of Criminal Justice from Reinhardt University in August of 2021. She also interned with the United States Marshals Service and assisted the Southeastern Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFTF). Brittany has also obtained FBI-LEEDA certifications for media and public relations.​​​​​
Haley Brown, CAWA
She is a professional with expertise in investigations, legal compliance and animal welfare and safety. She oversees Forsyth County Animal Services and the operation of all field personnel including disaster response and recovery. She serves as the Vice President of the Southeastern Animal Control Association Board of Directors and is a Board Member with the Georgia Animal Control Association. She also has worked with USDA by investigating HPA violations on a vast number of deployments across the country. She possesses numerous certifications in emergency response, investigations, animal protection and welfare. She has worked in the animal industry with differing roles at local, state and federal agencies for the past 10 years.
Dr. Lawrence “Larry” Garcia, MS, DVM
He is a Clinical Associate Professor, as Medical Director for the Veterinary Emergency Treatment Service (VETS) Team at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Garcia began his career as a general practitioner who transitioned to Shelter Medicine and Surgery in a large, open-admission municipal animal shelter in South Florida. While in this role, Dr. Garcia participated in multiple emergency response drills and assisted with development and updates for county emergency management (ESF-17) protocols and procedures, served at the County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the shelter, as well as providing oversight and guidance to both shelter and field operations. After several years, he was recruited to the University of Florida. Upon arrival, he used his knowledge and experience in county shelter operations to create two clerkships in which clinical veterinary students are embedded in municipal animal shelter operations. In addition, he was able to use his county training and experience in emergency management for disaster preparedness and response as the Medical Director for the UF VETS Team. In this role, Dr. Garcia develops medical protocols and procedures, oversees medical equipment and pharmaceutical inventory, and provides team leadership and training. He has provided support to, and instruction in, the Awareness and Operations level Animal Technical Rescue courses offered to veterinary students, veterinarians and first responders. Additionally he, assists with on-line, graduate level, disaster response courses. He has collaborated with the Florida State Agricultural Response Team on large scale disaster response drills and disaster response deployments.
Tracy Reis
She came to The Atlanta Humane Society in February 2015 as the Director of Operations-Howell Mill Campus and Director of Disaster response. In December 2020, she was moved to the Animal Protection Unit (APU) as its Director. Prior to that, she was the Director of Operations at the Humane Society of South Mississippi for 2 ½ years. She was also the National Director over Emergency Services at American Humane from 2006-2012 and lead the Red Star team on over 45 responses including Fires, Hurricanes, puppy mills, and hoarding cases. This also includes a nine day trip to Haiti at the invitation of the International Fund for Animal Welfare, in Jan 2010. She was the Co-Chair of the Federal Level, Sheltering Best Practice Working Group and sat on multiple local working groups (USAI, Denver CART). She was also a member of NARSC (National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition) since its inception in 2006.
In 2009, she received the “Human Hero Award” given by the Colorado Veterinary Medical Foundation.
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With 30 years in animal welfare, she has extensive large and small animal handling, shelter operations-including admissions, adoptions, foster and animal care, large scale emergency sheltering expertise, large scale cruelty operations, as well as emergency field rescue experience and knowledge.
Dr. Armstrong
He is a native of southeast Alabama and an Auburn University Alumni. He received his Bachelors, Masters, and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees from Auburn University. Upon graduating veterinary school, Dr. Armstrong enjoyed mixed animal practice in Okeechobee, Florida. Dr. Armstrong returned to Auburn University to complete a residency in Theriogenology and became a diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists in 2015. Following his residency, Dr. Armstrong joined the faculty in the Livestock Section at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Louisiana State University. Dr. Armstrong left LSU to practice as an associate veterinarian in a large animal exclusive veterinary hospital in Elgin, Texas. Dr. Armstrong returned to Auburn University in 2022 as a clinical associate professor in the Farm Animal Theriogenology Section. He provides veterinary care for all livestock species and reproductive management of horses. Dr. Armstrong enjoys all aspects of bovine practice and has special interest in lameness, surgery, and fertility evaluation. Dr. Armstrong co-authored the 2nd edition of the Bull Breeding Soundness Manual and has shared his passion for evaluating bull fertility at numerous national and international meetings. Dr. Armstrong is an active member of the Louisiana State Animal Response Team providing disaster relief during hurricane’s Harvey (2016), Michael (2018), Laura (2020), and Ida (2021). He is currently the Director of the Auburn Veterinary Emergency Response Team (AVERT) that formed in 2023. Dr. Armstrong’s research interests include understanding infectious causes of infertility, optimizing fertility evaluation and refining urogenital surgery techniques.
Briana Haberman, MA, CEM, CA-PEM
Briana Haberman is a nationally recognized Certified Emergency Manager with over 20 years of hands-on experience in emergency operations, disaster recovery, and community resilience. Currently serving as the Operations Coordinator for Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency, Briana is renowned for her ability to build and sustain effective intergovernmental relationships-an essential skill in managing complex incidents involving both people and animals.
Throughout her distinguished career, Briana has directed emergency responses for one of the largest peace time, non-hurricane, no-notice evacuations in U.S. history, the Oroville Dam crisis, and has led multi-jurisdictional exercises and disaster recovery efforts that have secured over $33 million in FEMA funding. Her leadership has been instrumental in developing and implementing innovative programs for animal care and agricultural pass systems, ensuring that the needs of all community members-human and animal-are addressed during disasters.
Briana’s expertise extends across all facets of emergency management, from strategic planning and grant administration to stakeholder engagement and public information. She has served as Emergency Operations Center Director for multiple counties, coordinated mutual aid during major wildfire events, and presented as a subject matter expert at national conferences and civic forums. Her solution-focused approach and commitment to open, respectful communication have enabled her to foster collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, resulting in stronger, more resilient communities.
With advanced degrees in Homeland Security & Emergency Management and Organizational Management, Briana is dedicated to advancing best practices in disaster preparedness, especially in the often-overlooked realm of animals in disasters. Her session on “Bridging the Gap: Building Powerful Partnerships for Animals in Disasters” will draw on real-world lessons learned from decades of coordinating multi-agency response and recovery efforts, offering practical strategies for building partnerships that save lives-both human and animal-when it matters most.
Peter Randolph
Peter Randolph is an Emergency Management Officer with Huntsville-Madison County Emergency Management Agency. In this role he coordinates emergency response operations with local, state, and federal agencies for large scale emergencies within Madison County. Peter is a leading voice for the development and use of GIS and AI within the department, developed and administers EMA’s internship program, and assists with public outreach. Additionally, he assists the agency’s planning division with updates to the Emergency Operations Plan, Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Plant Plan, Hazard Mitigation Plan, and the Threat Hazard Vulnerability Plan.
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Peter got his start in Emergency Management in high school as a Search & Rescue volunteer with Civil Air Patrol. He used that knowledge to become the Emergency Communications Coordinator for Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. In this role Peter was responsible for the daily accountability and safety of 4,500 scouts & staff, and all livestock over 220 square miles. This included coordinating the response for all lost scouts, medical emergencies, vehicle accidents, forest fires, and flash floods. Peter has also served as a Program Manager/Lead Instructor for Civil Air Patrol’s National Search and Rescue Academy.
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Peter holds a B.S. In Emergency Management from Jacksonville State University, Advanced Public Information Officer FEMA certification and New Mexico Search & Rescue certification. He will also earn the Advanced Emergency Manager Certification from the Alabama Association of Emergency Managers this year. This certification recognizes the completion of over 1,000 hours of Emergency Manager training.
I began my law enforcement career in Centre, Alabama in 2009, as a corrections officer at the county jail. Then in 2011 I began my animal welfare career as the county animal control officer.
I was heavily influenced in my decision because of my love of animals, and maybe because I was tired of those long 12-hour shifts. When I began my animal welfare career, the training I
first received was a truck, set of keys, trap and a control pole. I wasn’t really shown how to properly use any of them. After finding out about NACA, I started attending as many classes as
possible. My goal was to become the best animal control officer that I could be, and maybe one day an instructor. I was heavily influenced by my Baptist Preacher of Dad, Jerry Clower, Justin
Wilson, Johnny Mays, Jeff Clemons, Kathy Strouse, Mindy Gilbert and Kevin Hearst, just to name a few. I’ve worked many cruelty cases in my county and assisted in many in surrounding
states. My next chapter in my animal welfare career came in 2015, when Kevin Hearst asked me to assist in teaching a state law class in Alabama. After my first day on stage, I was hooked.
My next chapter came in 2017 when I was given the honor of becoming the Shelter Manager of the newly opened county animal shelter. I’m recognized as an animal cruelty investigator and nationally certified animal control officer. Since 2015 I have been recognized as an instructor for Humane Law In-Service Training, formerly known as Big Time Speakers. I’ve had the honor of speaking at multiple training sessions, and conferences, throughout various states.
DUSTIN DUTTON
Kati Krouse
Kati is the Founder and Executive Director of BEARS Etc., a Bear & Exotic Animals Rescue & Sanctuary, and has been passionate about animals, and their wellbeing, her entire life. She went to Veterinary Technology School at Purdue University where she minored in Wildlife Management and Natural Resources and tracked wildlife and exotics. She is, also, a 5th generation farmer and is a certified Master Gardener. She believes in sustainable farming using plants working together instead of using harsh fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. She, and her husband, founded BEARS Etc. to leave the world better than they found it by connecting people with nature and giving them, and their rescued animals, a PEACE of the Wild.
Over the last 25 years she’s worked in corporate, private practice, and nonprofit facilities, and runs her own pet grooming, pet training, and pet sitting/boarding businesses, the Dog-E Dude Ranch.
She, currently, lives in Huntsville, TX and sits on the board as past Chair of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, Vice President of the Texas Black Bear Alliance, and is a member of the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance. She cares about her community and is passionate about leaving it better than she found it.
Venessa A. Sims, MEP, GA-CEM is the Director of Outreach for Law Enforcement and Emergency Management at the Georgia Department of Agriculture. She serves as a liaison and supports education and outreach for emergency management, law enforcement, and homeland security duties for the food and agriculture sector. Venessa is the Georgia representative for the Southern Animal and Agriculture Disaster Response Alliance (SAADRA) and served as the Past Board President and a current Board Member for the National Alliance of State Animal and Agriculture Emergency Programs (NASAAEP) and the Heritage Emergency Response Alliance (HERA). Venessa is the Emergency Support Function (ESF) 11 Coordinator for the state of Georgia and coordinates response activities at the State Operations Center (SOC) for ESF 11 during activations, chairs ESF 11 planning, coordination, and exercise support activities, and coordinates ESF 11 recovery endeavors. She is the Training & Exercise Coordinator for the Department where she works collaboratively with local, state, federal and private sector partners to plan, train and implement exercises related to food and agriculture and public health. She was the VISTA FORGE-ATL FSE Unified Commander (UC) and chaired the Planning Committee for animal decontamination operations and routinely serves as a subject matter expert for animal decontamination training and exercises nationwide. She served as the Food Defense UC for Super Bowl LIII and 2025 College Football in Atlanta. She has served on the AVMA CDEI Committee and the FDA FSMA Intentional Adulteration Workgroup as a state representative.
Vanessa Sims
Celia Jackson
Celia Jackson is the Program Director for Disaster Response at Humane World for Animals, where she leads the Animal Rescue Team’s US-based disaster response efforts. With a background in emergency management, search and rescue, and humanitarian aid, Celia brings over a decade of experience coordinating large-scale operations, sheltering logistics, and cross-agency coordination during disasters.
Celia has a graduate degree in Natural Resource Management and currently holds certifications in Swiftwater Rescue and Boat Operations, as well as a variety of certifications from previous positions, including Fire Fighter II, EMT-II, Wilderness First Responder, SAR Tech II, and HAZWOPER certification. While she has extensive deployment experience, her passion is disaster preparedness and capacity building. As a board member for National VOAD, she is also committed to encouraging cross-stakeholder collaboration among animal protection organizations and other NGOs serving in disasters.
She is based remotely in Detroit, MI with her husband, two energetic dogs, and a senior kitty. In the winter you can find her curling at the Detroit Curling Club, and in the summer she enjoys swimming, running, and generally spending time outside with friends and family.
Clint Ganus
Manager, Disaster Response
ASPCA – National Field Response Team
Clint Ganus is a seasoned emergency response professional with over 14 years of specialized experience in animal welfare and disaster operations. Currently serving as a Manager of Disaster Response on the ASPCA’s National Field Response team, Clint plays a vital role in mobilizing and leading field operations during natural and man-made disasters that impact animals and communities across the country.
Since joining the ASPCA, Clint has brought a wealth of field experience, logistical insight, and leadership to complex disaster missions. His expertise spans a wide range of response operations, including emergency sheltering, technical animal rescue, coordination with local and state emergency management, and interagency partnerships to ensure a seamless and humane response to crises.
Prior to his tenure at the ASPCA, Clint served as the Administrative Lieutenant for Disaster Response at the San Diego Humane Society, where he managed deployment logistics, training programs, and operational oversight for both planned and emergent incidents. He was also an integral member of the San Diego Humane Society's Emergency Response team, which specialized in disaster response, water rescue, and technical animal rescue operations.
Clint's dedication to the protection and humane treatment of animals is evident in every aspect of his work. Whether coordinating logistics for emergency deployments or working hands-on in flooded communities and wildfire zones, Clint prioritizes both animal and human safety. His approach reflects a deep commitment to preparedness, collaboration, and resilience—values that are critical to navigating the uncertainty of disaster response environments.
Clint is recognized not only for his technical expertise and calm under pressure, but also for his collaborative leadership style and ability to build strong relationships with local animal welfare organizations, emergency responders, and national partners. His work is driven by a mission to reduce suffering and restore stability for people and animals in crisis.
Clint Ganus
Field Haven/Joy Smith
It all started in 2003 with a barn and a handful of feral cats. Word got out that sisters Jann Flanagan and Joy Smith were on a mission to rescue cats. Operating out of a trailer located on a private horse ranch in a rural area of Lincoln, California, the sisters established “FieldHaven Feline Rescue,” a safe haven for local cats and kittens until they were adopted. Being on a ranch is one of the many things that makes FieldHaven unique.
By 2008, it was apparent the community’s needs were great and FieldHaven’s facilities were small. A campaign to raise funds to build a state-of-the-art cat center was launched and completed in 2011. The shelter facility was created in cooperation with the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program; the innovative design is recognized worldwide as a model for improving the health, safety, and adoptability of rescued felines.
At FieldHaven, the cats roam freely in indoor/outdoor community rooms and individual suites.
It soon became clear that FieldHaven’s scope of services was expanding and it was becoming the “center” of all things feline in Lincoln and the surrounding communities. In 2013, the name was changed to “FieldHaven Feline Center” and a new, stronger mission statement was established to reflect the growth and knowledge acquired in the first ten years of service.
At FieldHaven, it isn’t just about adoptions. Our goal is to enhance the lives of cats and their owners and caregivers by offering programs to Lincoln and surrounding communities that fulfill their needs.