Kimberly Smith - Ford, Board President

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Kimberly has been an active member in the CNY rescue community for the past 16 years. She has been the Director of Education, foster and volunteer coordinator for various rescue groups. Kimberly has been with Second Chance since the groundbreaking and is passionate about giving second chances to local dogs in our community. She lives in Camillus with her husband and daughter. She is an elementary teacher in a local CNY school district.

Dr. Alison Marganski, Secretary

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​​Alison Marganski is a criminologist and behavioral scientist who has experience working with victims, offenders, and justice services. She is currently a professor of criminology at Le Moyne College. She has taught courses on violence and victimization as well as on animals and justice, and is a strong believer in second chances/restorative practices. She is a past dog owner who now lives in Syracuse with her husband and three beloved cats. ​

Deborah Hauswirth, Treasurer

​Deborah Hauswirth has been been with SC 5 years. She is retired from MONY/AXA  after 35 yrs.  She lives in Liverpool with her husband, 6 yr old pom mix and 4 yr old rottie.  Deborah has always been an animal lover!

Ashley Rotella, Adoption Coordinator

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​  Ashley has 2 dogs adopted form SPCA Adele and Izzy, 4 adopted kitties and a rescue   bird. She worked at the SPCA for 3 years. She has been a volunteer with Cuse pit crew since 2015 and has been with Second Chance since it opened first opened

Georgette Fernandez, Certified Trainer

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​​Georgette has been doing dog rescue for 20 years in the CNY community, including founding her own 501(c)(3) Save One Dog Foundation.  She is Certified Dog Trainer of 15 years through Animal Behavior College. A member of APDT (Association of Professional Dog Trainers) as well as being a supporting member of IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants) and is a certified Canine Good Citizen evaluator.  She volunteers her dog training skills to our shelter program.  Georgette has 2 daughters (30 and 21).  She owns 4 rescue dogs of her own, 6 horses and a barn cat.  She is a medical professional in the pharmaceutical industry.

Pamela Budnikas, Volunteer Coordinator

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​Pamela Budnikas is a retired Social Worker. She has been with the shelter for 4 years. She has 2 dogs Violet a 9 year old Shitzu/Poodle mix and Breezzie an 11 year old Pitbull/Lab mix.

David Sturgis, Food/Nutrition Coordinator

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​David is a true family man, especially to his 2 fur kids Elsa and Rudy, both rescued Pit Bulls. He enjoys being able to volunteer at community animal welfare events. When he's not "paying it forward" he likes going to classic car events in his classic car. David and his wife Ruth are the owners of Dog Daze Bakery in North Syracuse

Joanna Parisi, Event Coordinator

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Joanna has been a volunteer with Second Chance since 2017. She has always had a soft spot for helping animals. She is a strong believer in second chances and the unconditional love that comes from adopting a rescue. Joanna lives in Syracuse with her 3 rescue dogs.
​She is an elementary teacher in a local CNY school district. ​

Carol Wolkensdorfer, Foster Coordinator

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Carol has been a volunteer with Second Chance since we opened in 2015.  She is now in charge of all our dogs in foster homes. Making sure they have everything they need, and are loved and cared for while they wait for their forever home. Carol has had rescue dogs all her life. She is pictured here with her dog Zuzu, her latest rescue from Second Chance!

Paul Palladino, Fundraising Coordinator

Nikki Peios, Marketing/Advertising Coordinator

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Nikki is a mother of 3, who’s children share her passion and love for animals…especially shelter dogs! She can be seen at the Jamesville Dog Park daily accompanied by her Second Chance alumni pups Frankie and Brenda. Growing up in Jamesville with multiple adopted dogs she understands  the importance of local shelters and the need for support from her community.  ​