John Plummer, Executive Director
Prior to joining the staff at DVGRR, I spent 16 years as a partner/operator with my father and brother in the family soft pretzel and Italian ice franchise businesses. Before that, I spent eight years as a computer programmer analyst for Meridian Bancorp. I graduated from Lebanon Valley College in 1988 with a BS in Computer Information systems and a minor in Business Management.
My involvement with DVGRR began in 1994 as a volunteer after adopting Toby. From 1994 through 2005, I kept busy as a volunteer, helping at events and serving on the Golden Gateway acquisition committee. In 2006, I was asked to join the Board, on which I served until November 2013, the last four years as Board Chair. Prior to becoming Executive Director, I was the Facility Operations and Staff Support Manager, responsible for the human resources aspect of the organization as well as maintenance of the facility buildings and managing current and future campus building expansions. I can honestly say that I am continually amazed at the growth the organization has undergone over the past 20+ years from a foster home-based rescue to a campus with seven facility buildings covering over five acres. This is a true testament to the unbelievable generosity of DVGRR’s donors and volunteers and their belief in our mission.
I look forward to working with the incredible Management Team and staff to continue to provide the best possible care and rehabilitation for the Goldens and dogs with “hearts of gold” in our program and enable them to find their “fur-ever” homes as well as continuing to build on the prior achievements of DVGRR and pursue exciting new opportunities.
My family includes my wife, Mary, and sons, Tony and Adam, and our DVGRR dogs, Lucy Lou, and Hunter. Next to my family and dogs, my greatest love in life is the game of football, and I am an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, Penn State, and my alma mater, Lebanon Valley College. When I’m not at DVGRR, I enjoy spending time with my boys as well as attending their car shows and athletic events.
*COMPENSATION PROCESS FOR TOP OFFICIAL: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (ED) COMPENSATION IS DETERMINED BY THE PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENTS OF THE BOARD OF DVGRR BASED UPON SIMILAR POSITIONS, THE ECONOMY, AND THE OPERATIONS OF DVGRR. THE PROPOSED PAY INCREASE IS BROUGHT TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FOR APPROVAL. THE APPROVED AMOUNT IS INCLUDED IN THE ANNUAL BUDGET THAT IS APPROVED BY THE FULL BOARD.
Inza Adams, Development and Donor Engagement Manager
I joined the DVGRR staff in 2008 after working part-time in the accounting department of a printing company for six years. Prior to having kids, I spent 13 years as a flight attendant for US Airways.
At DVGRR, I began assisting with bookkeeping functions but was soon given added responsibilities, including building our retail store and expanding the webstore to include more items for all dog lovers. Over the years, I also became our Volunteer and Events Manager. Managing the Golden Gala event each year is my favorite responsibility. Seeing all the guests having a great time and hearing all the updates on their adopted DVGRR dogs makes it all worthwhile. Anytime I can communicate with our adopters, donors, and volunteers to listen to their stories and ideas for DVGRR means so much to me as those interactions are the foundation of DVGRR success.
My assorted responsibilities are all very rewarding, but my greatest sense of satisfaction comes from seeing the happy faces of both the dogs and adopters when one of our dogs leaves to go home. I love interacting with all the dogs and sharing the dogs on our social media posts!
My family includes my husband, Bill, and my children, Kurt and Paige, and our DVGRR Golden, SeaSea. When I’m not working at DVGRR, I love to travel, cook, bake, crochet, and spend time with my family!
Heather Hatt, Manager, Lynne Glennon Sanctuary for Senior Goldens & Puppy Mill Survivors;
Director, Project Home Life; Golden Groomer
Before coming to work for DVGRR in August 2006, I was very involved in the music world. I earned my bachelor’s degree in music from Lebanon Valley College, worked in a music store, played in several rock bands, and was a live sound engineer.
At DVGRR, I work directly with the dogs in The Lynne Glennon Sanctuary for Senior Goldens and Puppy Mill Survivors and also live on the premises. I am responsible for ensuring that any dogs who need assistance overnight will receive it; this usually happens during thunderstorms if there are thunder-reactive dogs in the kennel.
I truly enjoy seeing and helping the dogs in our program improve while they are with us. I love seeing shy dogs becoming more playful, the fearful dogs learning to trust, the anxious dogs getting more relaxed, the jumpy dogs redirecting their energy more appropriately, etc.
I have a special interest in puppy mill breeder dogs and am proud of my role in helping to develop and manage our Project Home Life program, a transitional step between kennel life and life in an adoptive home. This program gives me the opportunity to help our volunteers and adopters learn how to live with and provide the necessary support and guidance to puppy mill breeder dogs.
I also oversee DVGRR’s monthly Shy Dog Park, a safe place where our adopted puppy mill dogs and other shy dogs can come for play and socialization post-adoption to be around dogs that all get along well together. It’s a great place for their adopters as well since they can chat with other adopters and talk about the special needs of puppy mill survivors as well as their dog’s successes. I also monitor a Facebook group for DVGRR adopters of shy dogs and puppy mill survivors where they can share challenges and praises about their dogs.
Along with other staff members at DVGRR, I give presentations about shy and fearful dogs as well as help other shelters and rescues start their own programs similar to Project Home Life. My responsibilities at DVGRR also include helping to bathe and groom all of the dogs the week before our Monthly Open House events!
I currently share my home with Lance, a former hoarder dog, and Leia and Lady, both rescues from Puerto Rico. My boyfriend, Jeff, and I love hiking and snuggling with our dogs and playing music.
Dennis with his DVGRR adopted dog “Alley” Cat
Dennis Stauffer, ABCDT, ABC Mentor Trainer Kennel Manager
I was hired as Kennel Manager for DVGRR in July 2006.
Prior to that, I had years of experience in customer service and management, but it was my goal to get out of the corporate world and forge a new career. I loved dogs and wanted to start my own boarding/training kennel. I spent several years pursuing everything I could learn about kennel management and operations, and I became a certified dog trainer through Animal Behavioral College.
Wanting to gain some hands-on experience, I applied for a kennel position at DVGRR. Little did I know at the time how that would change my life. The existing kennel manager wanted to retire, and I was blessed to be at the right place at the right time. I have given up the idea of owning my own boarding kennel but feel like I’ve found my calling. Rescue gets into your blood, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.
My family includes my wife Heidi, and daughter Sophia. We have adopted three wonderful senior Goldens from DVGRR over the years but currently do not have any Goldens. However, I do have my fourth DVGRR dog, a Lab mix that came from Puerto Rico, and she loves doing agility training with me. In addition to her, we also have two Boxers and a Pug. They are all rescues.
Karen with 8-year-old Ruby (12-075)
Karen Whittaker, Accountant
I have an extensive background in accounting and have been DVGRR’s accountant since May 2010. I handle all of the accounts receivable, including donations, adoption fees, memberships, event registrations, etc. I also help answer the phone when needed, so you may find that I am the person on the other end of the line if you call into Golden Gateway.
To meet me in person, come to one of our events! I will often be found staffing the membership table at the Reunion, helping record auction sales at the Wine Dinner or Golden Gala, and taking food orders at Basket Bingo or Goldens in Paradise.
When I’m not working at the rescue, I’m busy caring for my family, which includes my husband Vernon, our five children, our dog Sammi (a Border collie/red heeler mix), and our DVGRR-adopted Golden, Stryder. I stay active and healthy by jogging!
Marie R
edcay, Veterinary Assistant
Prior to being hired by DVGRR in July 2011, I worked at VCA Sinking Spring Animal Hospital for over nineteen years as Dr. Scott Krick’s assistant. Since Dr. Krick was the veterinary advisor for DVGRR and was involved with many of the DVGRR dogs in need of medical care or surgery, I was well acquainted with rescue and knew several DVGRR staff members. When Dr. Krick left the practice, it seemed like a natural next step for me to come work at Golden Gateway. A large percentage of my first few months was spent getting ready for the opening of DVGRR’s on-site Veterinary Treatment Center, BARK (Buddy’s Animal Rescue Klinic) which saw its first canine patient in October 2011. I was involved with much of the planning for the center, ordering of equipment and supplies, and development of policies and procedures. It was a whirlwind beginning, to say the least!
Now that BARK is up and running, I work closely with our veterinarian who comes in several times a week to do all initial exams, spay/neuter surgeries, dental cleanings, and other needed procedures for our Golden Gateway dogs. I schedule all the appointments, assist with each exam or surgery, perform follow up care as necessary, and provide information about each dog’s health care status to other DVGRR staff. I also oversee medication administration, ensure that all dogs are appropriately vaccinated and microchipped, and assist with several kennel shifts each week. I love seeing the dogs respond to all the great care they receive while here, and watching them change and improve as we prepare them for adoption.At home, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Jim, and caring for our four dogs, two barn cats, and assorted chickens, turkeys, and sheep. For relaxation, I am partial to kayaking and flower gardening.
Z
ack Morgan, Adoption Manager
I have been Adoption Manager at DVGRR since 2015, and I love it. I have worked at the rescue since 2008, initially being a Kennel Caregiver and then Assistant Kennel Manager. I graduated from Millersville University in 2013 with a degree in Marine Biology.
My days at DVGRR are always different, and that is one of the best parts of my job. My main duty is to match each dog with a family that seems ideal for them. I regularly answer e-mails, phone calls, and work with families that have adoption applications on file with us to help find the dogs that are suitable matches. I also review the list of approved applicants and the new dogs coming into the rescue as well, to see which dogs may be a possibility for each family.
My greatest satisfaction has been working with the dogs that arrive nervous or scared and to see them really come out of their shell once they learn that people are not so bad. Seeing their true personalities come out and seeing them gain trust and confidence is very rewarding. I also love to receive updates and photos from our adopters. Whether it is a dog that was adopted a week ago or several years ago, it is always so nice to see how they are doing in their adoptive homes.
Growing up, my family always had several dogs in the house, as well as many other pets, so I quickly became an animal lover and wanted a career working with animals. Having a strong passion for the ocean and sea life, I always saw myself working at an aquarium or zoo; however, when I was offered a full-time position at DVGRR, I could not refuse. After working here part-time for several years, I fell in love working with the dogs on training, socializing, and seeing them adopted as well as the whole rescue organization. My family includes my wife Maddie, our son Oliver, our daughter Anna, and Gilbert, a Golden Retriever mix that we adopted from DVGRR. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, fishing, reading, watching TV, and spending time with my friends and family.
Jessica Berrier, Assistant Manager DVGRR Sanctuary
I have been working at DVGRR since July 2013. I started off as a Kennel Caregiver. Since then, I have learned so much about Goldens, Golden mixes, and most importantly, retired breeder dogs. I currently work at DVGRR’s Sanctuary, where I help care for the senior Goldens and puppy mill survivors. This has been the most gratifying experience of my work, and I strive to help all dogs that arrive at DVGRR.
I also live on DVGRR premises in the apartment of our resident caretaker house. I get to help ensure the well-being of the dogs not just during the day but also overnight if needed, especially during thunderstorms, or to help dogs that need some extra care.
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my daughter, Zoey, and my family. I have two pets of my own: a cat named Finn and my adopted DVGRR dog named Aida!
Working at DVGRR is my absolute joy. Not only am I helping save deserving dogs every day but I’m fulfilling my greatest passion while doing it.
Lisa Jagielski, Intake/Volunteer Manager and Trainer
Dogs (and horses) have long been a part of my life. In my role at DVGRR, I strive to help educate dogs and their humans, so they can exist happily together and enrich each other’s lives. As the Intake Manager, my job is to screen dogs prior to accepting them into our program. I also work with the breeders and other rescues/shelters to transfer dogs to DVGRR.
I communicate daily with volunteers on our transport team to coordinate pick up times for dogs needing to come to DVGRR either by ground or air transport. I’m lucky to almost always be the first staff member to greet the dog when they arrive at DVGRR.
Prior to becoming a paid staff member, I have volunteered as a dog trainer for DVGRR and spearheaded the organization’s Life Skills Class for our program dogs. In fact, I started as a DVGRR volunteer when I heard the story about the NC20 multi-dog rescue. I fell in love with them and adopted Bonnie from that group, now named Lillie.
Professionally, I was a paramedic working with Western Berks Ambulance for almost 20 years. Educationally, I hold an associate’s degree in equine science and a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science/equibusiness, both earned at Delaware Valley College (now University) in Doylestown, PA.
I also received certification in canine training and management from Kutztown University have attended a number of professional dog trainer’s conferences including those offered by Dr. Ian Dunbar, Kyra Sundance, Nicole Larrocco Skeehan, and Debbie Jacobs.
In 2019, staff member Heather Hatt, and I presented a seminar at the Humane Society of The United States (HSUS), Animal Care Expo Conference, along with two HSUS staff members on the topic of, “Rescuing, Rehabilitating, and Rehoming Dogs from Crisis Situations Like Hoarders & Puppy Mills.”
I look forward to putting my knowledge and passion to work now on a full-time basis to enable every dog at Golden Gateway to make a smooth transition into its adoptive home and to help adopters better understand what their dogs are telling them.
I’ve had many Labrador Retrievers over the years, and in addition to my current dog Lillie, I have a horse, Jetlag.