Bob Farlow
Chair
Born and raised in Sarnia by 2 of our biggest and most pawsome supporters, Bob joined our Board just a few years ago after a very prestigious 39-year career in law enforcement.
Always one to give back to his community, Bob has been proudly involved with the Sarnia Legionnaires Jr B Hockey Club and is an active member of the Friends of Canatara Park committee.
Three sons, 1 daughter, 4 grandsons and a granddaughter arriving soon, Bob enjoys spending time with his family traveling throughout Canada appreciating all the wonderful sights of the wonderful landscapes and wildlife.
Bob enjoys nature/wildlife photography with his wife and best friend Sue, calling Algonquin Park their home away from home.
Cheryl Edwards
Vice Chair
Cheryl has been actively involved with the Sarnia & District Humane Society for over 4 decades; both as a volunteer and now Vice Chair of the Board of Directors.
Cheryl joined the Board of Directors at Sarnia Humane Society to make a positive impact on the lives of the animals that SDHS protects and advocates for. Cheryl, and her husband Rick, have fostered, adopted and cared for many of our shelter’s animals over the years and currently share their home with Lily, their senior lab mix.
Now retired, Cheryl enjoys spending time with her 4 grandchildren, grand horses, grand dogs, and the many other animals that naturally find their way to her. She continues to be an active volunteer at the shelter; traveling throughout Canada and the United States to assist in our dog transfer program.
Les McDermott
Treasurer
Having volunteered with the Sarnia Humane Society for over three decades, Les currently serves on the board in the position of Treasurer. After earning three business degrees and four professional designations, his 40-year corporate and personal finance career ended with his retirement in 2012. His past community involvement also includes serving as board chairperson for the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce, the Sarnia Lambton Economic Partnership, and the Sarnia Community Foundation. As an avid cyclist, Les has toured throughout Canada and the United States. Les also actively supports our local wildlife rehabilitation centre, Heaven’s Wildlife. Although three children no longer live at home, he and his wife, Deborah, enjoy living on the beautiful St. Clair River along with their dog, Tucker, and cat, Ebony.
Sara MacDonald
Secretary
Sara has been volunteering with the Sarnia Humane for over 15 years, though her love for animals goes well beyond those 15 years!
Sara’s’ career in the finance and accounting sector and her role as Secretary to the Board of Directors has provided invaluable assistance to the Sarnia Humane Society over the years.
Now retired, Sara is an avid foster parent and volunteer for our community wellness programs assisting pet owners in need.
Along with being an avid nature walker, Sara enjoys spending time with her family and shares her home with her husband Joe and their 2 dogs and cats.
Georgette Parsons
Director
After a very distinguished 25-year volunteer career Georgette’s tireless advocacy, support, and ongoing commitment, influenced growth and change for both the Women’s Interval Home/Sexual Assault Survivors’ Centre and our community.
As a volunteer for our organization, Georgette’s passion for animals suffering neglect and cruelty have assisted us in our advocacy efforts throughout the years to give voice to those who have no voice. She is also an active member of a group working towards the eradication of puppy mills.
Georgette shares her life with her husband, 2 dogs and many other dogs that she walks each day.
George Vandenberg
Director
Currently Sarnia City Councillor. Board member and past chair Sarnia Humane Society. Graduate University of Western Ontario, University of Windsor, and Ontario Police College. Licenced Paralegal. Former Sarnia Police Officer.
George Vandenberg has been involved with the Humane Society for many years and currently sits as an active Board member. A current City Councilman, George sits on the Sarnia Heritage Committee, Undrip Committee, Bluewater Trails and Sarnia Transit Committees.
George spends a great deal of time in our community helping people as a licensed paralegal and former Sarnia Police Officer.
As a member of the Sarnia Street Machines and Sarnia Street Cruisers groups, he enjoys showing off his 1967 Chevy Chevelle SS396.
In his spare time, George enjoys time with his family and golfing with friends.
Justin Day
Director
Justin has been an active Board member for over 6 years now, and brings experience in business and accounting, which he studied at Wilfrid Laurier University while completing his Business Administration degree.
N living in Sarnia with his wife Sheena, son Harrison, and his dog Kramer and cat Cosmo, most of his free time is spent at the rink helping coach his son’s instructional hockey team, or volunteering with the Sarnia Legionnaires, where for the past eight seasons he has served in both coaching and management roles.
In his spare time during the warmer months, Justin enjoys getting out on the golf course, and finding time to travel as much as possible.
Dr. Melanie Moore-Fernandes
Director
Dr. Melanie Moore-Fernandes is a veterinarian committed to animal welfare, providing accessible care, and public education. Originally from the Cayman Islands, Dr. Melanie grew up surrounded by stray animals. By the age of 14, she began working in an animal clinic and witnessed the financial and socioeconomic barriers to giving animals happy, healthy lives. Now, her mission is to provide affordable treatment, promote responsible care, and support animal population control through affordable spay and neuter programs.
Dr. Melanie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from Aberystwyth University is Wales before graduating from Ontario Veterinary College with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2021. Her professional interests include providing cost effective services and protocols to pet owners, shelter medicine, and providing low-cost pet sterilization services to the community. She is currently pursuing a Certification in Veterinary Acupuncture (CVA) from Chi University to provide alternative, holistic services including acupuncture, food therapy, and Tui-na (Chinese medical manipulation).
Dr. Melanie is co-founder of two organizations; Canadian VIBE (Veterinary professionals Instilling Black Excellence) Network, a collaborative network of Black Veterinary Professionals throughout Canada, and Canadian Collective for Equity in Veterinary Medicine-Collectivité Canadienne pour l’Équité en Médecine Vétérinaire, a collective of veterinary professionals and students working towards an equitable, accessible, and sustainable profession through community-building, education, and advocacy. She is the recipient of the 2021 Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Change Agent Award, which honors rising leaders and their commitment to diversity and change in veterinary medicine.
In her spare time, Dr. Melanie is a board member for the Sarina Humane Society, volunteers for Big Brother Big Sister Sarnia, and mentors aspiring veterinary professionals. She also enjoys spending time with her husband and their Persian cat Sultan, weightlifting, and canvas oil painting. She looks forward to meeting you and your fur babies!
