Board and Staff Members

Diane Diane Zook
President

By profession, Diane is a former banker and small business owner over a 25 year span. By passion, she was intimately involved with the operational and board management of a Midwest animal shelter for nine years serving as its Executive Director, Board Member and President.
In talking about her animals, Diane says, "My animals...sometimes silly, sometimes mischievous, sometimes insightful... always trusting...my life has been filled with the special love, loyalty, companionship, and life lessons that only animals can give."
Diane shares this special photo with her pets, Blue Boy the horse, Bootleg the cat, and Scoozi the dog.

Susan Bury
Vice President & Recording Secretary

“I’m sometimes asked, why help animals when so many human beings are in need? The people I’ve met in this work have families they love, and they’re active in schools, churches, kids’ clubs, helping other people. They have enough room in their hearts for the animals, too. I think the world could use more of these big-hearted people.”

Susan Bury and A.K (age 18). Susan was employed at the Humane Society of the U.S. in the late 1970s, where she launched a newsletter for animal shelters that since evolved into the HSUS magazine Animal Sheltering. While living in Washington DC, she was on the board of the Washington Humane Society and served as WHS board president from 1995 to 1998, when she moved to Red Lodge.

Patricia Espenscheid
Treasurer

"Being a board member for the BHA allows me the opportunity to pursue my passion of creating a better way of life for neglected and unwanted companion animals. I share my home with three "orphans of the world" who bring a sense of balance and unconditional love to my life. My work with BHA is a series of small steps rewarded each time a companion animal finds a "forever" home."

Judge Carol Anderson
Board Member

"The 'little girls' in our lives today are Daisy and Punkin. They are Bichon Frise, but Glenn and I have had many animals during the 52 years of our marriage, but always at least one dog. Most of our pets have been mixed breeds from shelters or found abandoned, these girls are exceptions. Daisy came from a puppy mill, at three months old her feet had never touched the ground! Punkin came from a breeder in the eastern part of our state. One of our favorite dogs, Tuffy, was shot and thrown on the old Red Lodge dump, our daughter Jean brought him home and with Dr. Beug's help we nursed him back to health.

We personally support causes dealing with any type of animal abuse or neglect. Since being appointed a City Judge in Carbon County I have seen first hand the need for strong animal ordinances, an animal control officer and a shelter. When I was asked to be a member of the Beartooth Humane Alliance Board of Directors I was so honored to be able to help this worthy cause."

Ernie Strum
Board Member

...with his beloved horse Lad

Cara Kisthard - Board Member I have loved animals ever since I can remember. I attended college in the Midwest for veterinary technology and have worked in this field for many years. First in Chicago, Illinois, then at the University of Iowa. Currently, I work at Grizzly Peak Animal Hospital in Red Lodge and have been there since they opened. Over the years, I have been touched by the kindness and generosity of many people who have opened their hearts and homes to many homeless and abused animals. Fortunately, my husband and children share my love of animals and provide foster care for this organization. We have 11 pets, all but two were rescued and have provided us with incredible companionship and are considered part of our family. So, when Diane Zook approached me to sit on the Beartooth Humane Alliance Board I was honored and pleased to be involved in such a worthy mission. Beartooth Humane Alliance has been a huge asset to this county starting with the annual spay and neuter clinic, education programs that teach our youth to be respectful and responsible towards all animals, and placing unwanted animals into a foster care program until they can find a forever home. Without the tireless efforts of the many volunteers at the Beartooth Humane Alliance, many homeless animals would still remain without care, shelter and nutrition. I applaud this organization’s efforts and am pleased to be a part of it.

Deb Pranikoff - Board Member

Sarah Harris - Humane Education & Outreach Director “I often describe myself as a biologist by trade, a teacher by passion. I love animals and I love teaching. When the opportunity came to be the Humane Education and Outreach Director for the Beartooth Humane Alliance, I jumped at the chance. Now, I can use my knowledge of animals and my experience in the classroom to help promote responsible animal care through education. I have a Wildlife Biology Degree from Michigan State University and have recently become a Certified Humane Education Specialist with the Humane Society of the United States. I believe humane education is extremely important in teaching respect, responsibility, and kindness to all animals and humans. I am thrilled to bring my love of animals along with my passion for education to BHA.”

Leah Therrell - Administrative Manager We rescued Zeus over 12 years ago. He is a two time cancer survivor and the greatest dog ever! He has enabled us to show many people what wonderful pets Pit Bulls are. Zeus even loves our kitty Kiddo, rescued through BHA this fall. Pit bulls are wonderful, loving animals that deserve the chance to have a good life. I love working for BHA. There are so many generous people in Carbon County helping to feed, rescue, adopt, foster, educate and care for all of the animals in need. Cheers to all of you! Adopt a pet!

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