Meet the Team
West Place is made possible by a long list of talented and selfless volunteers, a small but mighty staff, and our board members.
Each individual plays an important role in the day-to-day operations of the sanctuary.
Staff/Administration
Wendy Taylor began West Place in memory of her beloved animals who perished in a house fire. From that traumatic experience, she gained strength and focus and West Place was born. She left the practice of law after twenty years and has dedicated her life to improving the lives of animals who have been victims of cruelty, abuse or neglect.
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Wendy is a Level II licensed wildlife rehabilitator, and also sits on the State of RI Animal Welfare Council, which recommends new laws go before the legislature.
Patrick Cole
Director of Development
& Communications
Molley Bailey
Director of Media, Marketing & Events
Star Schaeffer
Operations Manager
Riley Durette
Animal Care Manager
Board of Directors
Thomas D. Humphrey
Board Chair
Thomas has worked in various engineering, sales and management roles at APC/Schneider Electric for the past 25 years primarily in electrical and mechanical aspects of the data center business.
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Thomas is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a B.S. in Civil / Environmental Engineering, and the current chairman of the board of West Place Animal Sanctuary.
Peter Rodriguez
Board Secretary
MK Getler
Board Member
Dr. Blaine Hymel, DVM
Board Member
Sarah Kickham
Board Member
Thomas Rocco
Board Member
Erica Freeze
Board Member
Amy Abajian
Board Member
Michele Pratt
Board Treasurer
Special Volunteer Teams
Pam Dow
Green Thumb Volunteer Supervisor
Tom Freitas
Handyperson Volunteer Supervisor
Andrea Souza
Volunteer Tour Guide
Glenda Duclos
Volunteer Tour Guide
Jesse Dufault
Volunteer Videographer