Our Team
Jen Lehane
President/Founder
jennifer@jensneonatalnursery.com
Jen has been rescuing baby kittens her whole life. Eight years ago, she decided to open a Neonatal Kitten Nursery and went to train at Austin Pets Alive Neonatal Nursery! Upon her return, Jen went to work with HPA and started their Neonatal Kitten Program. Today, Jen has seen her dreams come true. She works tirelessly with the friends she has met along the way to save the most vulnerable kittens, the “Neonatals.”
Dr. James Simmons
Advisory Director
Dr. Simmons is President Emeritus of Lamar University and served as President of the Board of Managers for the Beaumont Independent School District. He has extensive expertise in leadership and management protocols and is always available for advice and counsel to the board members.
Christy Stetson
Vice President/Founder
christy@jensneonatalnursery.com
Christy is our neonatal kitten EXPERT. An accountant by trade, her passion has been caring for neonatal kittens and medical cases. Dedicated to providing the highest level of care and support to these special kittens, Christy helps them on their path to recovery. Through her experience, compassion, and collaboration with veterinarians, she strives to give these kittens the best chance at a healthy and happy life.
Zamira Soni-Woods
Treasurer
zamira@jensneonatalnursery.com
Zamira started fostering kittens after Hurricane Harvey and has not stopped. She lives a double life as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a passionate kitten foster. Zamira believes in balancing a professional career with the joy and fulfillment of saving and caring for adorable little felines.
Nicole Anderson
Secretary/Founder
nicole@jensneonatalnursery.com
Nicole is a huge animal lover and recently served as Houston Pets Alive Executive Director. She is a retired CPA and continues to help companies with organizational documents and fosters when she can. Her passion for kitten rescue started when she moved to Houston in 2020 and trained with several JNK mentors.
Baou Ta Shardonofsky
Foster Coordinator
Baou and Jen met to volunteer with HPA after Hurricane Harvey. Baou has five years of fostering experience and is excellent at that! An educator by day but a full-time foster by heart with a special place for neonatal bottle babies.
Dr. Karen Euers
Advising Veterinarian
Dr. Euers answers medical questions for the team and is always available at a moment's notice. Her contributions undoubtedly make a significant difference in the lives of our foster kittens.
Jennifer Spriggs
Adoption Coordinator/Adoption Coordinator/Advisor to Board
Jennifer and Jen met when Jennifer was a Houston Pets Alive volunteer for the Kitten/Cat program during and after Hurricane Harvey. Jennifer eventually landed at the Helm as HPA Executive Director. Jen has a passion for not only helping the kittens but for helping the organizations she volunteers with become the best they can be. Her professional operational/logistical background serves us well. She is a troubleshooting genius during the day and a heck of a bottle feeder at night!
Jennifer Johnson
Intake Coordinator
Jennifer and Jen met volunteering with HPA after HARVEY! Jen is an accountant by trade and has over seven years of experience fostering kittens. She has a special place in her heart for amputees, blindness, CH, and Panluek.
Sofia Patino
Marketing Specialist
Sofia's role as the JNK Social Media Manager is essential in showcasing the adorable kittens and their journey to potential adopters. Her talent in finding the perfect photos and little video gems undoubtedly helps capture the hearts of many, spreading awareness and love for these kittens. Her contributions to managing the social media accounts are crucial in promoting kitten rescue and finding them forever homes. Kudos to Sofia for her fantastic work in positively impacting these little felines' lives!
