The Staff at CAP

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CAP has a dedicated staff whose experience with animals and their care often spans several decades. The staff's knowledge and love of animals, which both employees and volunteers share, have created a welcoming atmosphere for both pets and people.

Kappy Muenzer, Executive Director

kappy muenzerKappy Muenzer has worked in the field of animal protection for 33 years. She began her work in 1974 as a volunteer and founded CAP’s adoption program in 1975. She was one of the founders of the CAP Shelter which opened in 1981. Kappy served as Board President for almost ten years. In 1986 the Board of Directors appointed her as Executive Director of CAP. She has also served as Gala Coordinator for CAP’s Celebrity Paws Gala since it’s inception in 1986.

Kappy served for thirty years on the board of the Texas Humane Legislation Network. She was President of that organization for two years and Vice-President for four years. In addition, Kappy served on the board of directors of the Texas Federation of Humane Societies for over 20 years. She currently serves on the advisory committee for the Houston Community College Paramedic Veterinary Program. She holds BA and Masters degrees in music from Northwestern University where she became a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and Phi Beta Professional Fraternity. Kappy’s husband, Al, donates much of his free time to assist her with many CAP projects and computer programs. They share their home with two shelter rescue dogs, MaryBelle, a Border Collie mix, and Jascha, an Australian Shepherd, in addition to their adored kitty cats! Contact Kappy Muenzer

Cynthia Shaw, Shelter Operation Coordinator

Cindy Shaw left a career as a Graphic Designer/Illustrator to go back to school as a Veterinary Technician. After finishing school she stayed with her passion, dedicating her life to rescuing, caring for, and placing animals, by going to work as a Shelter Technician for CAP, where she remains today, as Shelter Operations Coordinator. As the Co-coordinator of CAP’s Feral Cat Assistance Program (FCAP), Cindy is very involved in the Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) of feral cats. This program not only helps the feral animals, but it is an extremely important and beneficial service to the entire community.

For a number of years, Cindy served as Rescue Coordinator for CAP--animal rescue was the main reason that she became involved in the area of animal protection. She is very experienced in field rescue, especially the trapping of stray and feral dogs. Through CAP, along with other local and national agencies, Cindy was heavily involved in rescue efforts following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, in Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. As a result, CAP was responsible for the placement/reunions of over 250 hurricane victim animals.

Currently Cindy serves as President of the Board of Directors of the Texas Animal Release and Placement Alliance (TARPA) an agency made up of area animal shelters, animal control groups, breed and mixed breed rescue groups whose goal is to promote reputable animal rescue in the Houston area. She also sits on the Advisory Board of the Veterinary Paramedic Program of Houston Community College. As an instructor for that program for 14+ years, Cindy strongly believes in helping and educating people. She functions as a contact for staff and foster homes alike for guidance in many areas regarding animal health and care. Contact Cindy Shaw

Barbara Fitzgerald, Director of Animal Care Services

barbara fitzgeraldBarbara Fitzgerald has worked at CAP since January, 1989. Her love of animals influenced her to make the decision to enter the Animal Paramedic Program at Houston Community College. During this time, she volunteered at the CAP shelter in order to receive the required volunteer hours for school. Barbara was subsequently hired as an Animal Care Attendant during her second semester of college. Over the years, Barbara has been promoted from Animal Attendant to Animal Technician, Senior Animal Technician to Shelter Manager, and she currently holds the position of Director of Animal Care Services.

Barbara has two children, Laura and Joseph, and four grandchildren. In addition to her passion for dogs and cats, Barbara loves horses and has one of her very own. She also has 8 cats, 3 dogs, numerous Cockatiels, Finches and Parakeets, Box Turtles and a Koi pond! Barbara opens her heart and home for the Houston Chronicle’s Pets of the Week while they are waiting for adoption.

Jessica Marks, Shelter Manager

Coming soon...

JoAnne Jackson, Director of Administrative Services

joanne jacksonJoAnne Jackson began working for CAP in September, 2006 as the Director of Administrative Services. JoAnne has worked in the field of animal protection since 1976. She began her career in Killeen, Texas, as an Animal Control Officer and was among the first group of officers to obtain the Texas Department of Health, Animal Control Certification. After ten years in animal control, JoAnne moved to Waco where she directed the transfer of the animal shelter from city operations to the Waco Humane Society. She remained as the Executive Director for sixteen years. JoAnne was Manager of the Dallas Spay/Neuter Clinic which was started by SNAP and then operated by The Humane Society of the United States. During her 31 years in animal protection, JoAnne served on the board of the Texas Humane Legislation Network, the City of Waco - Animal Control Advisory Board and, the McLennan Community College, Veterinary Technician Advisory Board. She also worked part-time as a Veterinary Technician for the Texas Animal Emergency Clinic. JoAnne currently shares her home with her two cats, Snickers and Kit Kat. Contact JoAnne Jackson

Rita Benton, Marketing Director and Pet Supply Shop Manager

Rita Benton has worked in the field of Marketing for over 38 years, but her love of animals spans her lifetime. She began her work with CAP in 1995 as a volunteer, and shortly thereafter became a full time employee.

Rita holds BA and Masters Degrees in Marketing from the University of Georgia, where she was a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority. She is a licensed airplane pilot, holding land, sea, instrument, multi-engine and instructor ratings, and teaches flying in her off time. Rita and her husband Jim share their home with seven cats. Contact Rita Benton

Barbara Veit, Volunteer Coordinator

bviet-bio.jpgBarbara Veit received her degree in 1981 from Houston Community College as an animal care technician. She spent the next 16 years working at an Emergency Veterinary Hospital and then worked the next 5 years for a low cost spay/neuter clinic. During these years, she also worked Saturdays for her own veterinarian. Barbara has resided in Houston since 1959 and has been a long time friend to Citizens for Animal Protection, serving as a volunteer, adoption counselor and supporter. She joined CAP's staff in 2008. Barbara has a passion for dogs and cats and a strong desire to improve the quality of their lives.

She shares her home with three dogs named Sam, Harley, Ruby and two cats named Kitty Kane and Tad. Contact Barbara Viet

Candee Best, Youth Volunteer Program Coordinator and Director of PetSmart Mobile Adoptions

cbest-bio.jpgCandee received a BA in sociology form Southern Illinois University/Edwardsville. Candee and Mike adopted their first rescue dog in 1975 and have shared their home with homeless dogs and cats since then. Contact Candee Best

Hershey Grace, Special Events Coordinator

Hershey Grace has had a love for animals all of her life! When she was in her early twenties, she was one of the founders of the SPCA in Corpus Christi. Moving to Houston, she got involved with CAP in 1986 when she was a committee member for the first Celebrity Paws Gala. In 1987, she chaired the CAP gala with Robert Wagner as the Celebrity Star of the evening. Since that time, Hershey has continued to serve on the Gala Steering Committee and has served as Auction Chairman for many years. She joined CAP’s staff as Special Events Coordinator in 1999. In 2003, she initiated the CAP “Paws on Parade” Dog Walk in partnership with Rover Oaks Pet Resort. She has coordinated Mr. Magoo’s Annual Birthday Bash (“Paws for Style”) since 1995. Hershey is also the manager of CAP’s Thrift Store, the only Thrift Store in Houston benefitting animals! She and her husband, John Moritz, share their home with four cats adopted from the shelter. Hershey also serves as a foster Mom for underweight and orphaned cats and kittens. Contact Hershey Grace

Trisha Royal,Community Outreach Director

trisha royalTrisha Royal has been associated with Citizens for Animal Protection since 1976. While working in the corporate world, she volunteered for CAP for 15 years where she became very active with fundraising events, fostered special needs animals, and served on the Board of Directors. In 1990, Trisha joined CAP as a staff member and has held positions such as Volunteer Coordinator, Executive Assistant, Community Relations Director and is now the Community Outreach Director. She gladly shares her job with her shelter adopted companion Dixie – the official CAP Goodwill Ambassador Dog & Head of Humane Education. Together they strive to teach the community about CAP and its mission, pet care, the pet overpopulation crisis and the responsibilities/commitment of pet guardianship.

Trisha grew up with animals all her life and wants to make a difference in the future of all living creatures. Her personal pets include Dixie (Chihuahua) and Moonbeam (Silver tabby cat). Both are CAP shelter rescues. Contact Trisha Royal

Animal Care Staff Members

cap staff

Assistant Shelter Managers

  • Kate Harward
  • Mary Hunt
  • Kathy Lawson
  • Alicia Turner

Foster Home Coordinator - Yvonne Moye

Assistant Foster Home Coordinator - Bianca Burrascano

Veterinary Liaison - Janet Huey

Sr. Animal Health Technicians

Responsible for documenting and evaluating the health status and temperament of the animals in our care. This includes providing medical care and screening of all incoming and adopted animals.

Animal Care Staff

CAP employs part-time and full-time animal care attendants. They are responsible for general care and maintenance of the shelter animals. This includes feeding, walking, grooming and cleaning. They also assist in introducing potential pet adopters to the many pets needing homes, screen potential pet adopters and process adoptions.