Operation S.O.S. touts an Extraordinairy group of behind-the-scenes Professionals:
Dr. Julie Kittams, Lead Veterinarian
If you don't find Dr. Kittams at 8am sweating it out loading over 300# of furry friends on to the surgery van, you will find her ocean-kayak-bound with her pal, Skipper the kayaking terrier, Okeechobee Animal Control Rescue-special. Dr. Kittams' past is full of international animal causes, leadership in a City of a million, and a fan-club of colleagues supporting her dreams. Dr. Kittams aspires to every surgery as a work of Art: Tidy little incision and a pain-free Patient. Her entire 20 year+ career has been to provide affordable veterinary care to the underserved. She is the Visionary of this Organization.
Amber Sweatt, Lead Surgery Technician
Amber is the coordination expert for everything from appointments, admission, directing surgery and recovery. She is who you will check-in with, hear her phone-voice when Fluffy is ready for pickup and will laugh with when she tells you how awesome your pet did. Her incredible skill-set is at the center of Operation S.O.S. She is your animals advocate. She completes more tasks in a single day than most in a month. Give her a hug (or gift-card) for all that she does to ensure your pet is expertly cared for. She is the Foundation of this Organization.
Maddie Lavial, Surgical Assistant
Maddie is interested in attending veterinary school at Iowa State after she finishes her Bachelor's Degree at IRSC. She has 4 dogs, a cat, and a horse. She brings with her a smile at check-in and is Amber's right hand with induction and prep of the surgery patients.
Brian Bohmueller, President
Brian brings compassion and reason to bear in his Operation SOS role. With a background in mechanical engineering, science education and information tech, he leverages his expertise to streamline board efforts, website design and public relations. He is also a regular when it comes to volunteering on the van. On a personal level, Brian lives a vegan and humanist lifestyle, recognizing the imperative for progressive animal rights and planetary environmental health. He represents the Conscience of this Organization.
Joanne Bury, Treasurer
You cannot have an interaction with Ms. Bury and not recognize she is a Powerhouse. She owned/operated a successful Physical Therapy practice in Stuart for over forty years after a distinguished military career. Who can tout they treated Eisenhower?! In retirement, Ms. Bury was the Board President of the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, along with the Director of the Martin County BOCC Animal Welfare Committee. She tells you like it is and keeps our ducks in a row. We are honored to benefit from her lifetime of medical and professional experience, as she is the firm Heart of this Organization.
Dr. Sara Mathews, Veterinary Advisor
Dr. Mathews daily navigates uncharted waters. She is a true animal advocate. Her work from Saint Lucie to Indian River county has put animal welfare issues squarely on Municipalities. She is willing to take bold stands for community cats and humane care using her clout to change ordinances and government policy. Shackles, fines and attorneys do not deter her from establishing the Truth. She is the fierce Compassion of this Organization.
Holly Ann Shearin, Secretary
Holly is a dedicated pet lover with an enormous background in animal care. She has worked as a lab animal technologist (RLATg certified), a vet technician and has run independent pet sitter business for many years. Her resourcefulness and devotion with regards to pet welfare is insurmountable. On a personal level, Holly has four furry animal companions, two dogs and two cats, all of them rescues. She embodies the Empathy of this organization.
We are always looking for Board members committed to animal welfare and willing to volunteer their time for Van Outreach days. Email us at operationsosflorida@gmail.com. We are excited to have our Organization grow by paws and whiskers.