We are an all-volunteer organization. Everyone at Phinney's volunteers their time for free to support families in need and their beloved pets.
Judy Bell – President
After 37 years working at Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA, Judy retired and joined Phinney's in 2014. She was also involved with Minuteman Senior Services, assisting in their Money Management, Meals On Wheels, and Protective Services programs. Judy has been Vice President, Clerk and leader of the Fundraising area of Phinney's before becoming President in 2022. Judy's inspiration comes from seeing how much Phinney's makes a difference in the lives of the pet parents we help. She lives in Burlington with her Conure, Peanut, and parakeets, and enjoys reading and gardening besides volunteering for Phinney's.
After 37 years working at Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA, Judy retired and joined Phinney's in 2014. She was also involved with Minuteman Senior Services, assisting in their Money Management, Meals On Wheels, and Protective Services programs. Judy has been Vice President, Clerk and leader of the Fundraising area of Phinney's before becoming President in 2022. Judy's inspiration comes from seeing how much Phinney's makes a difference in the lives of the pet parents we help. She lives in Burlington with her Conure, Peanut, and parakeets, and enjoys reading and gardening besides volunteering for Phinney's.
Laura Howes, C.P.A. – Treasurer
Laura, a Certified Public Accountant, became involved with Phinney’s in 2014. Animals are Laura’s passion and besides her dedication to promoting the human-animal bond, she is a strong supporter of no-kill animal shelters and advocates for spay and neuter organizations. Laura, who shares her life with her beloved, super fuzzy rescue Persian cat, leads our Finance Committee. She is responsible for the company’s day-to-day financial reporting and bookkeeping, and also enjoys helping with pet care.
Laura, a Certified Public Accountant, became involved with Phinney’s in 2014. Animals are Laura’s passion and besides her dedication to promoting the human-animal bond, she is a strong supporter of no-kill animal shelters and advocates for spay and neuter organizations. Laura, who shares her life with her beloved, super fuzzy rescue Persian cat, leads our Finance Committee. She is responsible for the company’s day-to-day financial reporting and bookkeeping, and also enjoys helping with pet care.
Lisa Nelson – Clerk
Lisa Nelson started volunteering with Phinney’s in 2008, and has greatly enjoyed being a part of the family ever since. She is an illustrator and painter, as well as an avid animal lover. She has volunteered with multiple pet charities, walking newly surrendered dogs, assisting pet owners with their pet care, staffing numerous pet charity events, as well as creating artwork for these events. She joined the Phinney's Board of Directors in 2020, when she helped coordinate the help we give to pet owners in need, and now focuses on Phinney's many administrative responsibilities.
Lisa Nelson started volunteering with Phinney’s in 2008, and has greatly enjoyed being a part of the family ever since. She is an illustrator and painter, as well as an avid animal lover. She has volunteered with multiple pet charities, walking newly surrendered dogs, assisting pet owners with their pet care, staffing numerous pet charity events, as well as creating artwork for these events. She joined the Phinney's Board of Directors in 2020, when she helped coordinate the help we give to pet owners in need, and now focuses on Phinney's many administrative responsibilities.
Rebecca Critser, Esq. – Director
Rebecca, who has joined Phinney's in 2020 to lead the nonprofit's Planned Giving efforts, has been passionate about animals since a young age. She has her J.D. from Indiana University and is an Indiana-licensed attorney residing in Boston. Rebecca is pursuing an Animal Law LLM from Lewis & Clark Law School to help bring about legal reform for the benefit of all animals. When she is not advocating for animals, she spends her time bird watching, playing board games, and enjoying the company of her spouse and fur babies.
Rebecca, who has joined Phinney's in 2020 to lead the nonprofit's Planned Giving efforts, has been passionate about animals since a young age. She has her J.D. from Indiana University and is an Indiana-licensed attorney residing in Boston. Rebecca is pursuing an Animal Law LLM from Lewis & Clark Law School to help bring about legal reform for the benefit of all animals. When she is not advocating for animals, she spends her time bird watching, playing board games, and enjoying the company of her spouse and fur babies.
Morgan Ritz – Director
Morgan joined Phinney’s Friends in 2022. She worked in the mental health field for many years, most recently as residential manager of a group home. A lifelong animal devotee, Morgan wanted to do what she could to help the millions of animals suffering in the world, so she started volunteering with The Cat Connection in 2010, was involved in every aspect of that nonprofit, and served as their president from 2016 to 2021. Currently a dog-walker and cat-sitter, she lives in Watertown with her clowder of failed foster cats and her boyfriend. Morgan believes that all animals (with the possible exception of house centipedes) deserve a chance to have a good life, and is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Phinney’s to help pets and their people stay together happily ever after!
Morgan joined Phinney’s Friends in 2022. She worked in the mental health field for many years, most recently as residential manager of a group home. A lifelong animal devotee, Morgan wanted to do what she could to help the millions of animals suffering in the world, so she started volunteering with The Cat Connection in 2010, was involved in every aspect of that nonprofit, and served as their president from 2016 to 2021. Currently a dog-walker and cat-sitter, she lives in Watertown with her clowder of failed foster cats and her boyfriend. Morgan believes that all animals (with the possible exception of house centipedes) deserve a chance to have a good life, and is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Phinney’s to help pets and their people stay together happily ever after!
Lauren K. Terry – Director
Lauren K. Terry became a volunteer with Phinney's in 2013. She started out as a foster parent and media assistant. Soon after, she took on the role of Foster Manager, worked as Communications Co-Chair, and now is Fundraising Co-Chair, responsible for Grants. She brings 15 years of experience in nonprofit management, specializing in developing compelling grants to submit to foundations. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband, Eric, and a clowder of feline friends.
Lauren K. Terry became a volunteer with Phinney's in 2013. She started out as a foster parent and media assistant. Soon after, she took on the role of Foster Manager, worked as Communications Co-Chair, and now is Fundraising Co-Chair, responsible for Grants. She brings 15 years of experience in nonprofit management, specializing in developing compelling grants to submit to foundations. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband, Eric, and a clowder of feline friends.
