Staff Contact
Consider emailing us for the quickest communication, as we are typically busy with the pets in our care and with customers – click on the individual’s name to email. Main Phone Number: 434-448-0088 Center for Pets Reception – for general questions, (434) 219-5459 Adoption Counselors – (434) 219-5650 and (434) 329-7266 Foster Department – (434) 333-6343 Community Resources Department – (434) 219-5459 Rehoming services Pet End of Life Services – (434) 219-5459 Rachel Jastrebski – Pet Care Manager Amber Cabell – Director of Operations (434) 338-7017 Ashley Douglas – Events and Development Coordinator, (434) 515-2412 Kim Haywood – Adoption Center & Foster Manager, (434) 338-6997 Wendy King – Director of Finance & Administration, (434) 338-6528 Claire LeFew – Development & Communications Manager (Media Contact), (434) 338-6961 Jill Mollohan – Executive Director, (434) 338-6598 Allie Murray – Humane Education Coordinator (Camp and Children’s Programs Contact) Summer Phelps – Volunteer Coordinator (434) 333-0515 Community Resource Department (434) 219-5459 Mai Reynolds – Behavior & Training Manager Michelle Thomas – Director of Development, (434) 363-3988 Ben Wyland – Facilities ManagerSpay/Neuter Clinic
Appointments & Questions – (434) 207-2612 Reese McClanahan – Spay/Neuter Clinic ManagerMeet our Executive Team
Amber Cabell, Director of Operations
In 2016, Amber joined the Pet Care team at Lynchburg Humane Society and quickly discovered her passion for animal welfare. She dove in head first and has since taken advantage of many educational opportunities, such as the Best Friends Management Leadership Certification Program and Google Data Analytics, as well as many courses and certifications through MaddiesFund, Best Friends, and other animal welfare platforms. She has successfully piloted several programs to increase lifesaving. She has presented her Pathway Planning program to other animal welfare organizations on a state level at the VA Federation of Humane Societies Conference and on the national level at the 2024 Best Friends Conference.
In her free time, Amber enjoys spending time at home with her husband, Jermaine, as well as their two dogs, Duke and Cherish, and two cats, Bean and Binx. There, you can often find her immersed in a new book or enjoying reruns of I Love Lucy.
Wendy King, Director of Finance and Administration For more than a decade, Wendy has dedicated their career to building compassionate, people-centered organizations that make a lasting difference. As the Director of Finance and Administration at the Lynchburg Humane Society, Wendy plays a key role in supporting the Society’s mission to lead the way in creating a safe, caring community for both animals and people. By overseeing the organization’s financial health, human resources, and long-term planning, she helps ensure that every program and service has the strong foundation needed to save lives and strengthen connections. Before joining the Lynchburg Humane Society in 2015, she spent several years in higher education and the financial sector, developing a deep understanding of leadership, collaboration, and community engagement. Whether helping students find the right academic path, improving operational processes, or managing complex budgets, Wendy has always been guided by a belief in empathy, education, and creative problem-solving. Born and raised in Lynchburg, Wendy is a proud graduate of James Madison University with a B.S. in Sociology. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, crafting, and fruit carving, and treasures time spent with their husband, two children, and their beloved Boston Terrier, Rafi—a happy Lynchburg Humane Society alumnus who reminds her every day why this work matters.
Jill Mollohan, Executive Director
Jill Mollohan began her involvement in the non-profit sector in 2002. She entered the animal welfare industry in 2004 as a volunteer for a shelter in West Virginia. She joined the Lynchburg Humane Society in 2010 and has served on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies since 2019.
Jill believes animal welfare is about people as much as it is about pets. Her leadership focuses on expanding access to care, supporting families in keeping their animals, and building compassionate, sustainable systems that serve the whole community.
Under her guidance, the Lynchburg Humane Society has continued to grow its reach, impact, and innovation in lifesaving and community-based support programs. Jill strongly believes that when we care for animals and the people who love them, we strengthen our entire community.
Jill is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Poultry Science. She also holds associate degrees in Internet Technology and Computer Science, as well as certifications in Executive Leadership and Google Data Analytics.Michelle Thomas, Director of Development
Michelle joined LHS as Director of Development in June 2021. Michelle brings extensive experience to the Lynchburg Humane Society, having served most recently as the Corporate Development Manager and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Program Director for the Centra Foundation. A native of Lynchburg, Michelle earned her Bachelor of Science in Commerce from the McIntire School at the University of Virginia. In addition to her development experience, Michelle’s background reflects over 25 years of business experience from the private sector, having served as VP of Investor Relations at First Colony, Director of Operations at Southern Provision Company, and owner of two successful retail businesses in the Lynchburg area.
A native of Lynchburg, Michelle has successfully developed meaningful relationships with local businesses, corporations, nonprofits, and individuals committed to enhancing the quality of life in our community. Michelle has been a long-time supporter of the Lynchburg Humane Society, volunteering for the organization for many years and serving on the boards of the Lynchburg Historical Foundation and the Downtown Lynchburg Association. Michelle loves biking, reading books, and long walks with her adopted dogs, Winnie and Sadie. She visits her daughters in Richmond as often as possible.
Meet our Management Team
Tara Gurbarg, LVT Tara joined LHS in July as part of our medical care team and has successfully transitioned into shelter medicine, becoming a part of LHS’s dedicated and hard-working crew. Licensed since 2010, she brings over a decade of experience in emergency and critical care, along with several additional years in local general practice. Beyond her professional work, Tara is deeply committed to giving back. She volunteers as a transporter for the Wildlife Center of Virginia and has spent the past year advocating for abused and neglected children in Lynchburg courts through CASA. When she’s not caring for animals or serving the community, Tara loves spending time with her grandchildren or cheering on her niece from the sidelines of the soccer field.Kim Haywood, Adoption and Foster Manager Kim Haywood is the Adoption and Foster Manager at the Lynchburg Humane Society, where she oversees all aspects of adoptions and foster placement with a strong focus on teamwork and collaboration. Known for her supportive, people-first leadership style, Kim works closely with staff, volunteers, adopters, and foster families to ensure every animal receives exceptional care and every placement is a thoughtful, successful match. With a genuine passion for helping pets find loving homes, Kim brings both compassion and organization to her role. She thrives in a team environment, empowering those around her and creating a positive, encouraging atmosphere that strengthens the shelter’s lifesaving work. Whether she’s guiding families through the adoption process or coordinating foster placements for pets in need, Kim is dedicated to making every experience meaningful—for the animals and the people who love them.
Rachel Jastrebski, Pet Care and Community Resource Manager, CPDT-KA Rachel has been a professional in animal welfare for over 14 years. Her experience spans multiple aspects of the field, including animal care, daycare and boarding, grooming, veterinary care, behavior and training, and shelter work. Her passion for animals began at a very young age and has only grown deeper as she has delved further into the field. She graduated from the University of Delaware with a bachelor’s degree in Women’s and Gender Studies and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and a Fear Free certified dog trainer. She is both an animal and a people person, to make a positive connection with anyone and any pet she meets. Rachel joined LHS in March of 2025, and her favorite part of working here is watching nervous pets open up and learn to trust new people. In her free time, Rachel enjoys spending time with her own pets, Scooby, Bailey, Pilgrim, and Sam, as well as creating art or watching the latest true crime documentary.
Claire Lefew, Development and Communications Manager Claire LeFew serves as the Development and Communications Manager at the Lynchburg Humane Society. On the development team, she supports fundraising initiatives and leads the organization’s communication and education efforts. A proud Lynchburg native, Claire grew up visiting pets at LHS and still can’t quite believe she now gets to spend her days working on behalf of the animals she has loved since childhood. Claire graduated Summa Cum Laude from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2017 with a degree in Mass Communications, concentrating in Public Relations, along with a minor in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies. Before beginning her career in animal welfare in 2021, she was part of the award-winning marketing team at a large accounting firm in Richmond. Since joining LHS, Claire has presented four times at the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies’ annual statewide conference and earned recognition as a member of the 2025 Lynchburg Business Magazine Top 20 Under 40. Outside of work, Claire enjoys reading, making pottery, and—most often—spending time with her three LHS alumni: Hobie, Poppy, and Louie.
Reese McClanahan, Spay/Neuter Clinic Manager Reese leads the daily operations at the Lynchburg Humane Society’s Spay/Neuter Clinic where she helps ensure pets in our community receive high-quality, compassionate care. With a deep commitment to accessible veterinary services, Reese plays a vital role in advancing LHS’s mission to reduce pet overpopulation and support families through affordable spay/neuter programs. Reese provides team support and clinic coordination and is known for her steady leadership, attention to detail, and dedication to the well-being of every pet that comes through the doors. She works closely with veterinary and medical staff to maintain a positive, efficient, and safe clinic environment for both animals and the people who care for them. When she’s not at the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her family and pets, exploring the outdoors, and connecting with the people and animals who inspire her work every day.
Mai Reynolds, Behavior and Training Manager, CPDT-KA Mai has been a voice for animals since childhood, starting with imaginative adventures for her dogs. As a teen, she worked at a vet clinic and fostered pets. She has also utilized her skills at the Jacksonville Zoo in Florida. Mai’s work with rescued exotic animals sparked a lifelong passion for rescuing pets. This led to roles in shelters across Florida, where she became a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. Mai has helped rehabilitate numerous animals and now serves as the Behavior and Training Manager at the Lynchburg Humane Society, where she is excited to continue supporting pets and their owners through expert training and compassionate care.
Ben Wyland, Facilities Manager In 2016, Ben joined the Pet Care team at Lynchburg Humane Society and quickly discovered his passion for animal welfare. He also began assisting our previous Facilities Manager with various tasks and operations before taking over the position he had diligently worked under. Born and raised in Madison Heights, Ben is a graduate of Lynchburg College with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology. He is also currently attending CVCC to expand his knowledge in plumbing and electrical systems, enabling him better to address maintenance, repairs, and other issues. In his spare time, Ben enjoys being at home with his two dogs, Jae and Yak, both LHS alumni, who remind him every day of the importance of the work LHS does for animals and the community. He also enjoys archery, gaming, hiking, and reading.