At Lake Humane Society, each member of our team plays a crucial role in our mission. From our dedicated animal care associates who ensure the well-being of our furry residents to our compassionate adoption counselors who match pets with loving families, every individual contributes to the success of our shelter. Additionally, our database managers maintain vital records and streamline operations, while our events coordinator organizes community engagements to promote our cause. Together, our diverse team works tirelessly to provide care, facilitate adoptions, and engage with our community.
Overview
Randall S. Barnes
Executive Director
Randy Barnes grew up on a small farm in rural north central Ohio and has lived in the state his entire life. He graduated from Heidelberg University with a degree in history/pre-law and then worked in student affairs at his alma mater before working as Director of Development for East of Chicago Corporate. Later, Barnes moved on to ASM International working in volunteer engagement and eventually becoming Executive Director of 5 Affiliate Societies within the association. The last 10 years, Barnes worked at Case Western Reserve University as the Executive Director of the University Center and the Performing Arts Center before joining the team at Lake Humane Society. Barnes holds a masters degree in non-profit organizations (an MBA with a soul) from CWRU, has a passion for working with volunteers, and endeavors to strengthen the relationships people have with their pets. He lives in Parma with his spouse and his 3 rescue dogs Baron, Zee and Finn. Randy feels there is insufficient joy in the world and ‘aims to stir some up’.
Alicia Opalko
Finance and Office Manager
Alicia Opalko joined LHS in January 2017 as the Finance and Office Manager. Alicia manages the daily financial operations of LHS. In addition to her financial duties, she handles Human Resources, payroll, and various other administrative duties. Before joining LHS she worked for University Hospitals and the Cleveland Clinic. Alicia attended Lakeland Community College where she earned an Associate of Arts degree. In her free time, she enjoys staying active, watching sports, spending time with friends and family. Alicia lives in Chardon with her husband, son, and adopted black lab, Macy.
Dr. Deidra Galhotra
Medical Director
Deidra Galhotra is the medical director here at Lake Humane Society, where she has been employed since 2022. She holds her Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Pre-Med from UAB and her veterinary degree from Murdoch University. With over twenty years of experience in the veterinary field, Deidra maintains a passion to serve her community by providing veterinary services to those most in need. She believes animals and their people should always be treated kindness and respect and is a firm believer in positive reinforcement.
Allison Kager
Shelter Manager
Allison Kager joined LHS in June 2017. Allison began her career at LHS as an Animal Care Associate and eventually moved to different positions at the shelter, including, Adoption & Intake Coordinator, Foster & Volunteer Coordinator and now manages the daily operations of the shelter.
Before LHS, Allison attended Kent State University majoring in Zoology. She spent her summers rehabilitating wildlife and running educational programs and summer camps at the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center. Allison has always had a passion for animals and is elated to be able to work with them every day.
When she is not at work, Allison enjoys spending time outside, backpacking and attending sporting events with friends and family.
Candice Boev
Assistant Shelter Manager
Candice has been with LHS since May 2013. She has been in various roles throughout the years at LHS. During her time at LHS she has found her special niche of working with behavioral cats, shy-shut down dogs, and small dogs. Candice has always had a lifelong passion for animals that started as a young girl. Before joining LHS her previous work experiences were at Lake MetroParks Wildlife Center and the International Crane Foundation in Wisconsin. Candice is a graduate of Hiram College with a bachelors degree in Environmental Studies with an Area of Concentration in Wildlife Conservation and Rehabilitation.
In her spare time she loves experimenting with cooking and baking, reading, fish keeping, playing card games with her family, immersing herself in the creative world (painting, colored pencil work, seeing Plays & concerts), spending time with her husband and furry kids (all alumni of LHS: 2 dogs – Missy & Joxer (fka Jax), 3 cats – Olga, Lucy, & Sue, 4 working cats – Beauty, Jimmy, Ellie, & LaBella)!
Christian Courtwright
Humane Agent
Christian joined the team in August of 2024. He brings over 20 years of experience in humane law enforcement. He served as a humane agent and animal control officer in several counties in Ohio and Texas throughout his career. His “education first” approach tries to meet people where they are and help them with solutions to their challenges. Christian can assist in the prosecution of animal cruelty and neglect in those cases where it is appropriate.
Patience Doeing
Intake/Foster Coordinator
Patience joined our team in August of 2023 after graduating from Tiffin University with a Bachelor of Law Enforcement. Prior to going to Tiffin, she was a 4th generation graduate from Fairport Harbor. During her time in college, she did an internship at the Charleston Animal Society in Charleston South Carolina where she was an intake coordinator on a much larger scale. She has always had a passion and love for animals. Her main goal in life is to be the voice for all animals as they do not have voices of their own.
In her free time, Patience spends time with her daughter, supporting her brothers at their sport events, enjoying time with family and friends, being creative with different kinds of crafting projects, and loving all of her adopted pets.
Cindy Sender Riley
Receptionist
Cindy joined the LHS team in 2018. After graduating with a degree in Biology, she spent several years in various environmental education roles including assisting Fish and Wildlife Services Sea Turtle Conservation efforts in SC and working at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
Since being at LHS she has spent most of her time involved with adoptions, education, and marketing the animals. Her favorite part of her job is being able to use her writing skills to tell each animal’s special story in hopes of finding them a home.
Cindy recently self-published a children’s book series titled, Cindy’s Cuddly Critters, that includes stories based on actual rescue animals (some even being LHS alumni!)
Miranda Russo
Event Coordinator
Miranda joined Lake Humane Society in 2024, bringing her passion for animals and extensive event management experience to the team. She has always loved animals and grew up surrounded by dogs, which helped spark her lifelong dedication to their care and well-being.
Miranda graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in Travel, Hospitality, and Event Management. Her career has taken her across the globe in corporate event management, and she has spent the last year of her career in nonprofit fundraising. At LHS, Miranda combines her professional expertise with her passion for helping animals. You can often find her in the dog kennel or out walking dogs if she’s away from her office.
When she’s not at LHS, Miranda enjoys cooking and spending quality time with friends, family, and her long-time boyfriend, Mike, and their two Golden Retrievers, Mack (5) and Marvin (1), who she lovingly refers to as her sons.
Corrine Kuczkowski
Marketing Coordinator
Corrine joined Lake Humane Society in August 2024, bringing her passion for animals and her expertise in business marketing. A proud graduate of Miami University with a degree in marketing, she is dedicated to creating a strong online presence for LHS. Corrine focuses on crafting fun and engaging content that connects with the community and promotes the organization’s mission.
Originally from Kirtland, Ohio, Corrine has always been an animal lover. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and exploring new places through travel.
Alex Bennett
Lead Animal Care Associate
Alex joined our team in October 2023, bringing with her a wealth of first-hand experience and a passion for animal welfare. Her journey into the world of animal care began early, fostered by her childhood spent on her grandma’s donkey farm. With a deep-rooted love for animals, Alex pursued a career as a veterinary assistant after graduating from the University of Akron with a degree in business administration.
Driven by her commitment to animal welfare, Alex found her calling at LHS, where she continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of animals every day. Her diverse background in business administration coupled with her genuine passion for animals makes her a valuable asset to our team, contributing to the success and growth of our organization.
Julia Markell
Veterinary Assistant
Julia, better known as Jay, joined Lake Humane Society in September 2022 as an Animal Care Associate. Over time, she transitioned into the role of Adoption Counselor and now serves as a Veterinary Assistant. A graduate of Mentor High School, Julia pursued her passion for animal care by attending Valley College for veterinary assisting and is currently on the path to becoming a Veterinary Technician. What she adores most about her role at LHS is the opportunity to delve into the realms of animal rescue and medicine, forming bonds with the animals as they await their forever homes. Beyond her work, Julia finds solace outdoors, enjoys painting, and cherishes moments with her beloved companions: a dog, 3 cats, and 2 lizards.
