Jessica Reilly

VETERINARIAN TECHNICIAN MANAGER

I am Jessica Reilly. I grew up in West Charleston , Vt, daughter of Owen and Carol Reilly. I attended North country Union High School and was enrolled in health careers, which I shadowed a local Veterinarian . This helped me decide what I wanted to do in life. At a very young age, I had a connection with animals. I had several dogs and cats growing up. I always would always spend all my free time connecting with them. In 1998, I began the Veterinarian technician program at Vermont Technical College in Randolph, Vt. Upon completion, I moved on to a full time position at Derby Pond Animal Hospital. This Animal hospital was a mixed animal hospital that I worked at for 20 years. I gained many clients over the years and life- long friends and colleagues . In 2018, when my boss passed away and there was new ownership , I then transferred over to The Animal Doctor in Newport Center, Vermont. I worked as Vet Tech for Dr. Selina Hunter for 5 years. This was a great place to work and I gained many more life-long friendships. I always had a passion for surgery . I assisted many over the last 25 years. In the spring, I then was offered a position at The North Country Hospital where I learned the role of a "surg tech". I missed my animals while working there and just wasn't for me. In late summer, I was approached by the shelter to fill the manager position. I began here at Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter in mid - September. I am the first vet tech manager ever hired here. We can now do lots of things "in house", which is nice and helps save money because we are a non-profit organization. It is very rewarding here, the animals are always so grateful to have us here loving on them daily. I have a daughter Lily ,who is 17 years old and shares equally the love of animals. I have a wonderful boyfriend and life partner, Travis, who we live together in Derby, Vt. We have 3 dogs. Lacey lou is a 11 year old black golden doodle who would steal anyone's heart. Brooklyn Rose is a 4 year old doodle who is half human. She enjoys keeping us all on our toes. We then adopted "Genie the weenie" from a shelter in Arkansas, before I began here at PMFAS. These 3 dogs are our family's whole life! I continue to help animals daily and show my love for them and would not trade this for anything!

Mary Kate

STAFF MEMBER/VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Mary Kate grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pa. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Temple University and taught First Grade for many years prior to moving to Vermont in 2010. While substitute teaching and volunteering at various community organizations, she began her involvement with PMFAS in 2011 as a volunteer. Seeing how each animal came to the shelter with a different background and a unique set of circumstances, Mary Kate began to see that her training as a teacher carried over to her work with shelter animals. “Meeting individual needs is what it’s all about for animals and people alike”, states Mary Kate. She was inspired to play a bigger role in the adoption process, and officially joined our staff in 2014. She especially enjoys helping to make successful matches and giving these animals that second chance at a new life. She shares, “Every day they remind us why we do what we do and why we must never give up. We’re transforming their lives and helping to make families, and I simply love being part of that journey.”



Mary Kate shares her home with five rescue cats (two from PMFAS) and her dog, Gordon, also from PMFAS. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and doing anything outside, especially going for walks with Gordon and gardening.

Jake Wolf

DOG ATTENDANT - STAFF

Jake Wolf is a native-Vermonter who found his way back home after 20 years serving his country. While his professional background is criminal justice, he has always had a passion for animals. His father started volunteering several years ago, and Jake has picked up the torch and ran with it. Jake loves working with our dogs, to allow them the opportunity to find their forever home.

Sadie Collins

PHOTOGRAPHER/CAT ATTENDANT STAFF

Sadie Collins has been involved with Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter for the past ten years! It is simply not possible to convey one specific role when it comes to Sadie, as her talents and gifts are many. What Sadie is best known for, however, is using her gifts as a talented photographer to snag the best candid shots of our furry adoptable friends! When Sadie first entered the shelter scene, she could see that some animals find shelter life a bit overwhelming. As she learned of their stories, particularly the ones having had more of their share of challenges, Sadie became heavily invested in helping them in their journey to a new life. She would sit with the animals, caress and sing to them, giving them the time they needed to feel comfortable and helping them to build confidence. As she spent time with each animal, she thought of the commercials she’d seen on TV, portraying the animals in a sad state, invoking pity. Melancholy music usually accompanied these commercials, and she wondered if there was another way, a better way, to shine a light on the plight of these shelter animals. Using her passion for exemplary photography, Sadie transformed her compassion into action! Sadie showcases the animals in the most creative ways, seeking to pique the interest of potential adopters. Her photos and videos leave viewers with a feeling of intrigue and wanting to know more. Many forever families have been formed because of seeing Sadie’s posts and deciding to take that next step.

After many years of volunteering, Sadie officially joined the PMFAS Staff in 2023, broadening her role to include the intake process of animals to the adoptions.

In her spare time, Sadie enjoys relaxing at her favorite place, Lake Willoughby, and enjoying the company of her cat, Eowyn, whom she adopted from PMFAS.

Nate Lucier

DOG ATTENDANT - STAFF

My name is Nathan, or Nate, and I am a 31 year old lifetime Vermonter. I grew up in Barre VT, and also spent some of my younger years in Jay VT. I always grew up around and loving animals of all kinds, especially dogs. I never remember going any time without a dog of my own by my side. During my time attending Lyndon State College I started doing Personal Care work, and I have continued since then, off and on. I have worked with numerous clients over the years, but currently I am only working with my good buddy Michel. After a couple of years bringing Mike to the shelter to volunteer working with the cats, I was hired on to start working with the dogs of the shelter. Nearing almost a year now of working for Pope Memorial, I have only enjoyed my time working with the pups more and more. We have a very caring, competent, and knowledgeable crew right now, which makes days flow by that much easier. Our goal is to always match up our dogs with the best homes possible, but while they are staying with us I will always do my part to make sure they are always as loved, safe, comfortable, and healthy as possible. Come on in, see our pups, and say hey!

Mary Lovegrove

DOG & CAT ATTENDANT

Ever since I was little, I have been fascinated with animals. I grew up here in Northern Vermont, surrounded by all creatures big and small. Both of my parents had spent large parts of their own lives caring for animals; my dad being a dairy farmer, and my mom owning horses, showing cows, and more. I’ve always had a particular interest in dogs. A lot of my childhood and teen years were full of me avidly researching incredibly specific canine jobs and sports (sled dogs being my favorite). Of course, I love cats as well. It is so fun to watch them hop around and get up to mischief. When I started working at PMFAS, I was overjoyed to help out the dogs and cats that need a welcoming place to come before finding their forever homes. I have always had a special fondness for the oddballs, catching myself falling in love with the runts of the litter or the spitfires with unique physical or behavioral traits.

I am out of school for right now, having attended college for 3 years studying Visual Art. If there’s anything I enjoy as much as spending time with a friendly critter, it’s drawing them! On top of that, I’m also a musician, comic book fan, and a film geek. I currently share my home with my two rescue cats Matilda and Foster, as well as my goofy black lab, Mabel.