Operation S.O.S. touts an Extraordinary group

of behind-the-scenes Professionals:

​

Dr. Julie Kittams, Lead Veterinarian

          If you don't find Dr. Kittams at 8 am sweating it out loading over 300 pounds 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 leveraged to provide affordable veterinary care to the underserved.  She is the Visionary of this Organization. 

​

Maddie Lavial, Lead Veterinary Technician

           Maddie is a future Veterinarian in-the-making. She is working on finishing her bachelor's degree at IRSC.  She works full-time to keep the surgery days organized and efficient.  She is small, but mighty, taking on the biggest dogs and most feisty cats with care and kindness. She likes to ride and train horses, hike with her pals Whiskey and Christian, and pursue creative endeavors.  She is the Helping Hands of this Organization.

​

Gwen Taylor, Veterinary Assistant

Gwen grew up in a military family, living in places like South Korea.  After graduating high school, Gwen attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) pursuing a career as a pilot.  She spends her four days a week on the van expanding her love for animals.  The remaining days of the week she finds time to accrue flight hours, traveling around the state. She shares her life with her golden retriever, Luna, partner Brock and his Quaker Parrot, Barry. 

​

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 Operation SOS Board of Director 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, gently inspiring a world where progressive animal rights and planetary environmental health are at the forefront. He represents the Conscience of this organization. ​

​

Dr. Sara Mathews, Vice President, 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.

​

Joanne Bury, Treasurer

            Joanne owned and 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. 

​

Holly Ann Shearin, Secretary

            Holly is a dedicated pet lover with an enormous background in animal care. She has worked as an RLATg certified lab animal technologist, a vet technician and has run an independent pet sitter business in the Treasure Coast area for years. Her resourcefulness and devotion with regards to pet welfare is insurmountable. On a personal level, Holly has three furry animal companions, one dogs and two cats, all of them rescues. She embodies the Empathy of this organization.

​

Judi Dunlap, Director

            Stuart resident Judi Dunlap is a retired Montessori educator and charter school principal with decades of leadership experience. A lifelong animal lover, she has dedicated her time to volunteering at Save the Chimps and the Humane Society of Sarasota. After witnessing the caring and efficient work of the Operation SOS team, Judi is eager to bring her background in education and community service to the Board to support animal welfare. Judi represents the Harmony 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.