She also developed and managed communications campaigns for major non-profit clients as a PR account executive.

As Executive Director, Raissa has overseen the growth of Tree House, including the opening of the Veterinary Wellness Center in 2021, doubling of the organization’s reserves, and a complete rebrand in 2019. She also serves as the co-chair of the Chicagoland Humane Coalition.

Raissa was selected as part of the Allstate-Kellogg Greater Good Nonprofit Leadership Program and has undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Chicago. She lives in Berwyn, IL, with her husband, two sons, and two beloved orange tabbies.

Since graduating Jamie has devoted her career to the non-profit animal welfare industry. In her previous role she served as Director of Intake and Foster at PAWS Chicago. With over 10 years of experience in the industry Jamie has developed a knack for saving lives.

When Jamie isn’t tending to the garden or rock climbing, she’s typically surrounded by her animals. With a full house of 3 dogs, 2 indoor cats and 3 outdoor cats there is rarely an empty lap.

She remained in NYC working in private practice and as a per diem shelter veterinarian. In 2017, she joined the ASPCA’s Community Medicine department where she practiced high volume, high quality spay/neuter surgery and provided veterinary care to underserved communities. She developed a passion for community engagement and training other veterinarians in spay/neuter surgery. She has performed over 10,000 spay/neuter surgeries to date. Originally hailing from the Midwest, Dr Klein is thrilled to return to the Chicago area where she can raise her young son closer to family. She also has 3 cats, all of them foster fails: a senior from the Bronx named Busy and two new Tree House cats, Smudgey and Pastel.

After volunteering for several years, building relationships, and moving people to invest financially in the future, Jesi got her start fundraising at Equality Illinois before working for a local elected official, helping neighbors navigate city systems.

She prides herself on attempting to read a book a week, which gives her CACC adopted cat, Tommy, plenty of chances to get cuddle time in. In her spare time. Jesi actively tries to take over the world (https://youtu.be/mYvAYwpUDv8) through throwing down for political causes and packing food boxes for seniors at a local pantry. In her spare time, Jesi values escaping the cement jungle – whether that’s hiking in national parks and visiting all the MLB and NFL stadiums (half so far!)

Most recently he was at the non-profit All Chicago, as a Senior Manager, managing their homeless database help desk system. In his spare time, Brian is a professional-amateur photographer and volunteers his time working with first-generation college students.