Matt Kisloski, the new executive director of Stray Haven Humane Society & SPCA, is pictured with Rory the dog. Kisloski hopes to increase the shelter’s strength and sustainability through outreach programs within the community. (Photo by Jacob Elsbree)
Stray Haven Humane Society & SPCA welcomes a new leadership team with the addition of Matt Kisloski as executive director, and Victoria Antonakos as shelter manager and medical coordinator.
Kisloski and Antonakos have helped make improvements to the shelter by serving on its board of directors; but in their new positions, they are able to reach further into the community.
As executive director, Kisloski is focusing on the long-term strength and sustainability of the shelter by making sure people in Tioga County are aware of the facility and its services. He recognizes the importance of public outreach and relationships within the community.
Antonakos’ new responsibilities as shelter manager include oversight of facilities, staff, and animal care. She is also taking on the role of medical coordinator. In this position, she creates relationships with veterinarians, coordinates animal intakes, and monitors the daily and medial care that the animals need.
Victoria Antonakos, the new shelter manager and medical coordinator of Stray Haven Humane Society & SPCA, is pictured with Rory, the dog. (Photo by Jacob Elsbree)
In order to strengthen the shelter, Kisloski is focusing on educating the community. He hopes to run school-wide campaigns as well as community workshops, and finding partners to host educational forums to educate pet families to have a healthy and safe environment in order to increase pet-family retention.
“Coordination and cooperation are our biggest strengths,” said Kisloski, adding, “With the cooperation of the community, the shelter will be able to serve more animals in need. If animals are staying in homes, the shelter can help the strays of the county.”
Another way the shelter can grow within the community is having more people on the board of directors, which has seats to be filled. Members would be helping Stray Haven with fundraising, human resources and grant-writing activities. Interested board members are welcome to visit Stray Haven, or call (607) 565-2859 for more information.
“We do more than just love animals here,” said Kisloski. “We need longevity and we need to be able to sustain and grow.”
There is new energy and youth at the shelter. Using media well. Whenever I drop something off, there is friendly bustling activity!