Volunteer Spotlight: Heather

This month, we’re so delighted to shine our Volunteer Spotlight on Heather, co-chair of Mission’s Young Animal Philanthropic Professionals (YAPP) group! Heather has been a powerhouse behind the scenes, playing a huge role in planning both Mission Paw-looza and Bingo Night—and then jumping right in as a lead volunteer to help bring both events to life. Her love for her dog, Missy, and all furry friends is unmistakable, and she brings that passion to everything she does for Mission. We are incredibly grateful for the time, energy, creativity, and heart Heather shares with our community! Thank you for everything you do, Heather!

What first inspired you to volunteer with Mission Animal Hospital?

We adopted our dog Missy during COVID, before she'd been spayed since clinics were closed. Her spay was scheduled at Mission's rescue spay & neuter day which was my first experience with the hospital. Even though she'd unexpectedly gone into heat the week before, the vet team handled it skillfully and made my husband and I feel confident she was in good hands. That experience, plus my love of dogs, inspired me to start volunteering!

You are a member of our YAPP committee (Young Animal Philanthropic Professionals). What does that entail?

 The YAPP committee is a group of young professionals who were seeking out opportunities to give back to Mission and experience what being on a board of directors is like. We meet monthly to help the staff plan Mission Paw-looza every year, volunteer at events, and support in planning other opportunities for Mission to get its name out into our community. We’ve hosted Bingo Nights, helped with Santa Photos during the holidays, and will be exploring more opportunities in 2027!

Can you share one of your favorite moments or memories from volunteering here?

 We hosted a Valentine’s Day Bingo Night at Unmapped Brewery as a fundraiser and awareness event on behalf of the YAPP committee. We had an amazing turnout, raised money for Mission, and had a blast celebrating pets and their people together.

What do you enjoy most about being part of the Mission volunteer community?

Being a part of a community that cares deeply about animals and their people is incredibly rewarding. Coming together to help support and lift up the organization and the staff is so fulfilling, and seeing the happy stories of families being able to get the care their beloved pet needs and go home smiling is the best.

How has volunteering at Mission impacted you personally or professionally?

Being a part of Mission has not only extended my network as a professional, but allowed me to introduce the organization to friends & family who may not have heard of it, and are in need of the services. You never know who you’ll meet that needs the support that Mission provides.

What do you wish more people knew about Mission Animal Hospital or the volunteer program?

How many options there are to get involved and help. From events to in-hospital support, office support, etc. There’s truly something for everyone and it all helps drive the mission forward.

Tell us a little about yourself outside of Mission — pets, hobbies, fun facts, or anything that brings you joy.

My husband and I adopted our first dog, Missy, back in 2020 and she is our favorite hobby right now. We go on lots of adventures with her to breweries, events, etc. She loves people and loves being pet so she’s a social butterfly. I recently stepped out of my corporate career in marketing and began a consulting business which has been really fun. It’s allowed me to spend more time doing things I love (like volunteering) and more time with Missy.