Board of Directors
Donna Dayton
Donna started volunteering at Pets Alive offsite events in the early days of the organization, has volunteered and participated in animal rescue workshops at Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah and has also served on several nonprofit boards. Donna’s passion for rescue and special interest in senior animals led to the founding of Silver Linings Rescue, an organization with a mission to support healthy senior animal/senior people relationships in Bloomington and surrounding areas. Donna and her husband currently are proud parents to 6 rescue dogs and 2 cats. She enjoys spending her free time with her grandchildren and attending anything IU sports related.
Shelley Herman
Shelley is a practicing physician who loves all things animal. In her spare time she enjoys reading, gardening, listening to classical music, and traveling around Bloomington on her yellow scooter. She shares this lifestyle with her husband, extended family, and two dogs.
Rev. Karla Kamstra
Karla is one of the co-founders of Pets Alive and is the founder of our spay/neuter clinic. Karla has been an integral part of changing the game for animals in our community for over 20 years. As an ordained interfaith minister, she is a spiritual mentor and teacher, and also co-founded Numa Soul, a business which enhances the mind/body, home and spirit. Karla and her husband, John, have rescued hundreds of cats and dogs throughout the years and currently enjoy the company of one senior dog (Marmalade) filled with gratitude and one senior cat (Guinness) filled with attitude.
Courtney Packard
Courtney earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism through Indiana University and is currently completing her Master of Science in Communication and Leadership through Purdue University. In her free time, Courtney enjoys reading, running, musicals and cooking.
Amy Stark
Amy’s first job was in her father’s veterinary practice in Elwood, Indiana, at the age of nine. She left veterinary service as an undergraduate at Indiana University and earned a degree in secondary education. Amy’s career path led her to nonprofit organizations, with professional and charitable organizations. She enjoys spending as much time as possible on Lake Monroe.
Bret Syrek
Bret earned his Master of Public Affairs and Master of Arts, Arts Administration from Bloomington’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs in 2019. He also holds a B.A. in History from IU Bloomington. In his spare time, Bret enjoys reading, writing, and painting, and while not currently having one, he loves cats.
Jennifer Turrentine
Jennifer Turrentine earned her Master of Science in Business Analytics at the Kelley School of Business and holds a B.S. in political science and criminal justice from the University of Central Missouri. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys hiking, kayaking, and being outside with her wife and dogs.