.
Vanessa Evans
Animal Care Manager
Vanessa joined HART in March of 2026 as HART’s Animal Care Manager, bringing extensive, well-rounded experience and a deep love for animals to her role. She oversees the daily care of the shelter, including feeding, housing, behavior, sanitation, and monitoring the health and wellbeing of all cats and kittens.
She began her career as a foster parent and later an Adoption Counselor for an organization in Lodi, California. Vanessa went on to complete a two-year, in-person Veterinary Technology program at Western Career College in Stockton and has been a licensed RVT in California since 2009. She spent five years in private veterinary practice before moving to San Luis Obispo County.
Vanessa then went on to spend 8½ years at SLO County Animal Services, where she coordinated medical care, assisted with large-scale animal seizures, supported intake, vaccinated and microchipped pets, trained interns and inmates, and contributed to billing, ordering, and standard operating procedures. After a brief return to private practice, she joined Woods Humane Society, where she spent two years assisting with high-volume, high-quality spays and neuters (HVHQSN).
Continuing her commitment to Shelter Medicine, Vanessa completed a two-year online Shelter Management Program through University of the Pacific and is currently beginning the Shelter Care Specialist course through the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program.
Vanessa shares her home with her Miniature Schnauzer, Princess Peach, and two cats, Scooter and Cookie. She enjoys paddle boarding, nature walks, antiquing, exploring local wineries with friends, and spending time with her adult daughter. She looks forward to ensuring HART cats receive the attentive care, comfort, and support they need while they wait for their forever homes. Vanessa is pictured here with two of her first rescues at HART, Oliver and Nimbus.
Vanessa joined HART in March of 2026 as HART’s Animal Care Manager, bringing extensive, well-rounded experience and a deep love for animals to her role. She oversees the daily care of the shelter, including feeding, housing, behavior, sanitation, and monitoring the health and wellbeing of all cats and kittens.
She began her career as a foster parent and later an Adoption Counselor for an organization in Lodi, California. Vanessa went on to complete a two-year, in-person Veterinary Technology program at Western Career College in Stockton and has been a licensed RVT in California since 2009. She spent five years in private veterinary practice before moving to San Luis Obispo County.
Vanessa then went on to spend 8½ years at SLO County Animal Services, where she coordinated medical care, assisted with large-scale animal seizures, supported intake, vaccinated and microchipped pets, trained interns and inmates, and contributed to billing, ordering, and standard operating procedures. After a brief return to private practice, she joined Woods Humane Society, where she spent two years assisting with high-volume, high-quality spays and neuters (HVHQSN).
Continuing her commitment to Shelter Medicine, Vanessa completed a two-year online Shelter Management Program through University of the Pacific and is currently beginning the Shelter Care Specialist course through the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program.
Vanessa shares her home with her Miniature Schnauzer, Princess Peach, and two cats, Scooter and Cookie. She enjoys paddle boarding, nature walks, antiquing, exploring local wineries with friends, and spending time with her adult daughter. She looks forward to ensuring HART cats receive the attentive care, comfort, and support they need while they wait for their forever homes. Vanessa is pictured here with two of her first rescues at HART, Oliver and Nimbus.
Dr. Penny Fiser, DVM
Animal Care Team
Dr. Fiser was born and raised in Southern California. She received her bachelors degree from UCLA, and her DVM from UC Davis. She worked early in her veterinary career at the San Francisco SPCA Veterinary clinic and at South County Veterinary Hospital in Arroyo Grande.
Dr. Fiser married a large animal veterinarian and therefore moved to Visalia, where she owned a busy small animal clinic for 34 years until retirement in August of 2022.
Combining her love of cats and the Central Coast, Dr. Fiser came to HART to lend her medical expertise to improve the health and well being of the cats that come to HART.
Dr. Fiser was born and raised in Southern California. She received her bachelors degree from UCLA, and her DVM from UC Davis. She worked early in her veterinary career at the San Francisco SPCA Veterinary clinic and at South County Veterinary Hospital in Arroyo Grande.
Dr. Fiser married a large animal veterinarian and therefore moved to Visalia, where she owned a busy small animal clinic for 34 years until retirement in August of 2022.
Combining her love of cats and the Central Coast, Dr. Fiser came to HART to lend her medical expertise to improve the health and well being of the cats that come to HART.
.
.
Cathy Wedel
Shelter Manager
Cathy was born and raised in New York and has traveled the United States living for a period in North Carolina, but ultimately finding her way to sunny California. Cathy has lived in Sacramento and Bakersfield, but now resides in the beautiful seaside town of Cayucos.
Cathy has always loved cats and has had a few of her own, often taking care of the stray and feral felines that would come to her farm house. While she doesn’t have any cats at this time, she has an adorable Pomeranian - Chihuahua mix named Luna.
Cathy joined the HART team in 2018 and has been a dedicated member of our team. She has a Secretarial background, has worked as a Nursing Assistant, and has a Cosmetology license, “I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to be when I grew up, but I have now found my calling here at HART. It’s the best job I have ever had!” Cathy also paints and makes jewelry, you can find some of her cat-themed artwork and jewelry in HART’s Gift Shop.
Cathy was born and raised in New York and has traveled the United States living for a period in North Carolina, but ultimately finding her way to sunny California. Cathy has lived in Sacramento and Bakersfield, but now resides in the beautiful seaside town of Cayucos.
Cathy has always loved cats and has had a few of her own, often taking care of the stray and feral felines that would come to her farm house. While she doesn’t have any cats at this time, she has an adorable Pomeranian - Chihuahua mix named Luna.
Cathy joined the HART team in 2018 and has been a dedicated member of our team. She has a Secretarial background, has worked as a Nursing Assistant, and has a Cosmetology license, “I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to be when I grew up, but I have now found my calling here at HART. It’s the best job I have ever had!” Cathy also paints and makes jewelry, you can find some of her cat-themed artwork and jewelry in HART’s Gift Shop.
Heidi Irwin
Foster Coordinator
Veterinary Technician Heidi Irwin joined HART in 2023 and currently serves as HART's Foster Coordinator, where she leads and supports HART’s growing foster program. She has held the role since 2024 and in 2026 stepped aside from her position as Animal Care Manager to devote her full attention to HART’s Foster Program. As Foster Coordinator, Heidi focuses on placing cats and kittens into nurturing homes, guiding foster families, and ensuring each animal receives the individualized care they need to thrive outside the shelter environment.
In her role as HART’s Animal Care Manager from 2023 to 2026, Heidi was in charge of overseeing all aspects of in-shelter care, including feeding, behavior, housing, sanitation, and medical needs. We are incredibly grateful for her dedicated leadership during that time—her devotion and tireless work quite literally saved many lives. Prior to joining HART, Heidi spent many years as a Veterinary Technician at the Cambria clinic operated by Dr. Ennis Ogorsolka. She continues to bring her expertise, compassion, and commitment to every cat and kitten through her work with HART’s Foster Team.
Veterinary Technician Heidi Irwin joined HART in 2023 and currently serves as HART's Foster Coordinator, where she leads and supports HART’s growing foster program. She has held the role since 2024 and in 2026 stepped aside from her position as Animal Care Manager to devote her full attention to HART’s Foster Program. As Foster Coordinator, Heidi focuses on placing cats and kittens into nurturing homes, guiding foster families, and ensuring each animal receives the individualized care they need to thrive outside the shelter environment.
In her role as HART’s Animal Care Manager from 2023 to 2026, Heidi was in charge of overseeing all aspects of in-shelter care, including feeding, behavior, housing, sanitation, and medical needs. We are incredibly grateful for her dedicated leadership during that time—her devotion and tireless work quite literally saved many lives. Prior to joining HART, Heidi spent many years as a Veterinary Technician at the Cambria clinic operated by Dr. Ennis Ogorsolka. She continues to bring her expertise, compassion, and commitment to every cat and kitten through her work with HART’s Foster Team.
Wendy Wright
Donations & Events Coordinator
Wendy Wright is a life-long cat lover and cat owner. Wendy was born and raised in Central New York near her grandmother’s farm, which had lots of barn cats. Wendy received a BFA in Communication Design from SUNY Buffalo, then promptly left the snowy, cold and gray climate for the sunshine and warmth of Florida, then Texas and now California. She has worked for several advertising agencies, and has been a freelance graphic designer for twenty-five years.
Wendy joined HART in 2021 and brought with her extensive experience with non-profits and fundraising. Over the years, she has become an integral part of the team, now filling two crucial roles: managing donations and coordinating events as the leader of HART’s Events Committee. Wendy has led the planning and organizing of many of HART’s beloved fundraising and awareness events, including the SweetHART Dance & Silent Auction, HART Anniversary Dinners at Robin’s, Open House, Kitty Christmas Café, HART Movie Night, and a variety of raffles and online art auctions. She looks forward to continuing to use her talents to help HART thrive. Wendy is seen here with her foster failure, Desi. 🐾
Wendy Wright is a life-long cat lover and cat owner. Wendy was born and raised in Central New York near her grandmother’s farm, which had lots of barn cats. Wendy received a BFA in Communication Design from SUNY Buffalo, then promptly left the snowy, cold and gray climate for the sunshine and warmth of Florida, then Texas and now California. She has worked for several advertising agencies, and has been a freelance graphic designer for twenty-five years.
Wendy joined HART in 2021 and brought with her extensive experience with non-profits and fundraising. Over the years, she has become an integral part of the team, now filling two crucial roles: managing donations and coordinating events as the leader of HART’s Events Committee. Wendy has led the planning and organizing of many of HART’s beloved fundraising and awareness events, including the SweetHART Dance & Silent Auction, HART Anniversary Dinners at Robin’s, Open House, Kitty Christmas Café, HART Movie Night, and a variety of raffles and online art auctions. She looks forward to continuing to use her talents to help HART thrive. Wendy is seen here with her foster failure, Desi. 🐾
Dawn Ellner
Media & Fundraising
Dawn has never lived in a home without cats. Her love for felines started when she was a toddler, and Rosie the Kitten was born in the rose bush in her backyard. Since then, at least a dozen cats have been a part of her life.
Dawn grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, and graduated from Santa Clara University with a BA in English Writing and Literature. After graduating, Dawn went on to teach elementary school for 20+ years before deciding to relocate to Cambria in 2019 with her husband, 2 cats, 1 cockatiel, and 8 freshwater fish.
Dawn took the opportunity of a fresh start to pursue something new, and soon found herself at HART - taking portraits of the cats, creating social media, writing profiles, fundraising, updating the website, volunteering for shelter shifts, giving shelter tours, training volunteers, and socializing cats with Jackson Galaxy's "Cat Pawsitive" program techniques. Dawn has been enjoying all HART has to offer, but especially loves creating content to help get the cats noticed and adopted. Dawn is seen here with her cat, Kemba.
Dawn has never lived in a home without cats. Her love for felines started when she was a toddler, and Rosie the Kitten was born in the rose bush in her backyard. Since then, at least a dozen cats have been a part of her life.
Dawn grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, and graduated from Santa Clara University with a BA in English Writing and Literature. After graduating, Dawn went on to teach elementary school for 20+ years before deciding to relocate to Cambria in 2019 with her husband, 2 cats, 1 cockatiel, and 8 freshwater fish.
Dawn took the opportunity of a fresh start to pursue something new, and soon found herself at HART - taking portraits of the cats, creating social media, writing profiles, fundraising, updating the website, volunteering for shelter shifts, giving shelter tours, training volunteers, and socializing cats with Jackson Galaxy's "Cat Pawsitive" program techniques. Dawn has been enjoying all HART has to offer, but especially loves creating content to help get the cats noticed and adopted. Dawn is seen here with her cat, Kemba.
Reception
These are some of the first smiling faces you'll see when visiting HART!
Cathy
Wendy
Libby
Christine
Vicki
Sunshine
Kitchen Meownager
Sunshine is HART’s Kitchen Supervisor extraordinaire! At 12 years old, this beautiful calico has an eye for detail and a flair for charm. Whether she’s overseeing “paw-perwork,” greeting visitors from her catio or the front counter, or making sure everyone takes their proper cuddle breaks, Sunshine has her paws in everything at HART. She can usually be found in the kitchen or Gift Shop at HART. She is in charge of overseeing food-related activities, and making sure they are done to purr-fection. She is great at getting the staff to do what she wants, and is not afraid to tell them exactly how she wants things. In fact, she's got the staff so well trained that she often naps while they are working. She carries herself with a touch of grace and wisdom, yet she’s also sweet, loving, and happiest when she’s soaking up affection.
While we adore having her as our kitchen supervisor, Sunshine is dreaming of a cozy HOME and a family to cherish in her golden years.
Sunshine is HART’s Kitchen Supervisor extraordinaire! At 12 years old, this beautiful calico has an eye for detail and a flair for charm. Whether she’s overseeing “paw-perwork,” greeting visitors from her catio or the front counter, or making sure everyone takes their proper cuddle breaks, Sunshine has her paws in everything at HART. She can usually be found in the kitchen or Gift Shop at HART. She is in charge of overseeing food-related activities, and making sure they are done to purr-fection. She is great at getting the staff to do what she wants, and is not afraid to tell them exactly how she wants things. In fact, she's got the staff so well trained that she often naps while they are working. She carries herself with a touch of grace and wisdom, yet she’s also sweet, loving, and happiest when she’s soaking up affection.
While we adore having her as our kitchen supervisor, Sunshine is dreaming of a cozy HOME and a family to cherish in her golden years.
.
.