Our Leadership Team

At the heart of every successful organization are the people who work tirelessly to support the mission and vision set out. Great leaders lend their strength and talents to provide inspiration and guidance through every decision.

We proudly introduce you to our senior leadership team at EHS!

Chief Executive Officer

Liza Sunley

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Since joining EHS at the start of 2019, Liza has leveraged her long history in non-profit leadership towards the goal of development and implementation of a five-year strategic plan. Utilizing her skills in management and planning, Liza is dedicated to supporting the community, EHS staff, and the animals in their care. Having previously opened her home to foster dogs and utilizing services such as Central Bark and Muddy Paws Dog Wash, she found that joining EHS was a perfect fit.

Before EHS, Liza shared her talents as the Chief Operating Officer at Bissell Centre, overseeing all programs and services for this inner-city non-profit, supporting people living in poverty. She was also Executive Director at the Lurana Shelter Society, a local refuge providing safety and supports for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. As a dedicated local leader and spokesperson for Ovarian Cancer Canada, Liza was recognized with the Peggy Truscott Award of Hope and the YWCA’s Women of Distinction Award. Liza’s governance experience includes being an active Board Director for both Ovarian Cancer Canada and Humane Canada. She also holds a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) designation.

As a child, Liza was always passionate about wanting a pet, but with a father in the air force, frequent moves made this a challenge. Her first pet came in grade 6 with a hamster named Fifi. Since then, her love of animals has only grown. She enjoys cooking, spending time with family and friends, sunny days with the family cat (Chester) – adopted from EHS – as well as taking her adopted dog (Ruby) to the park.

Chief Financial Officer

Connie Muller, CPA,CMA, CCA, FCP

Prior to EHS, Connie worked for SCM Insurance Services. Her diverse experience has provided teams and management with support ensuring timely and accurate financial data combined with analysis, process improvements and IT options.

With EHS she continues her mission to implement improvements and process efficiencies. Embracing her role as the Chief Financial Officer, she seeks to foster a nurturing environment for all staff that consists of thoughtful leadership, recognition, and growth, by leveraging her skills in team building and mentorship.

Having grown up on the family farm and surrounded by wildlife, Connie was introduced to animals at a young age with everything from kittens, rabbits, and dogs, to livestock. In her free time, Connie enjoys gardening, travel, and a variety of creative pursuits.

Director, Operations

Mike Foote, DBTMc

Mike joined EHS bringing with him experience from the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) K-9 and Tactical Divisions. Building an incredible relationship with his K-9 partner allowed him to tap into a deeper connection with animals.

Animal welfare and public service runs in Mike’s blood. As a youth, Mike’s parents operated the London Humane Society and his uncle later operated the Scarborough Humane Society. Exposure to animals at a young age helped inform his decision to join the K-9 unit where he really witnessed the incredible acts animals are capable of.

Mike accepted the Director of Operations position after having held several other roles with EHS, including with the behaviour and training teams and most recently as the Director of Administration where he oversaw IT and facilities. When not busy with ensuring things are running smoothly at EHS, Mike enjoys spending time with his family and pets, especially playing fetch and doing scent work with his Shepard, Xena.

Director, Donor and Stakeholder Relations

Mary Saretski, CFRE

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Mary brings over 19 years of experience to EHS’ leadership team, having previously been with the University of Alberta and Habitat for Humanity. Passionate about relationship building and community, Mary also volunteers her time with her local community league board and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Edmonton and Area Chapter.

In her role with EHS, she oversees fund development, communications and marketing, community engagement, and humane education. She strives to build a strong team while bringing our donors, volunteers, stakeholders, and community members even closer to our work and raising awareness about what we do.

Mary is known to be an out-of-the-box thinker and problem solver, whose curiosity and devotion to lifelong learning has contributed to her success with both fundraising and relationship building. She revels in sharing her knowledge and experience about development and stakeholder relations, having taught education sessions for the not-for-profit sector and speaking at national fundraising conferences over the past six years.

When she’s not engaging with our EHS supporters and community, Mary can be found at Central Bark Dog Park with her two dogs: Eugene and Emmy. Her love of animals goes as far back as she can remember, from when her first dog – Fetch – came into her life at the age of five. She credits Fetch with having taught her all about the unconditional love that companion animals provide us. Mary also enjoys board-game nights with family and friends.

Director, Animal Health

Dr. Michelle Meckelborg, DVM, CCRP

Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Fellow 2021-2022

Dr. Meckelborg joined EHS in October 2017 as a casual Shelter Veterinarian where she found her love for shelter medicine, and moved into the role of Director, Animal Health in late 2021. Previously she worked in private veterinary practice for 14 years, after graduating from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) in 2003. She also volunteered at the Saskatoon SPCA and Edmonton Humane Society.

In her role of Director, Animal Health, she oversees the medical team who examine, treat and perform surgeries on our shelter animals, as well as EHS’ spay/neuter programs including PALS (Prevent Another Litter Subsidy) and TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return). She is looking forward to expanding these programs through collaboration with community partners. Additionally, Dr. Meckelborg ensures EHS is up-to-date on best shelter medicine practices.

Dr. Meckelborg knew from a young age that she wanted to be a Veterinarian – so much so, that she never had back-up plan! A special interest in exotic pets, soft tissue surgery, and a insatiable appetite for learning keep Dr. Meckelborg continually expanding her veterinary knowledge. Currently, she is enrolled in the Maddie’s Fund Fellowship Program, a joint effort between the Shelter Medicine program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of California-Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Programs.

When not at the shelter, Michelle’s two teenage daughters keep her busy. She also enjoys hanging out with her senior dog Ruby, fostering kittens, or relaxing at yoga class or with a good book.

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