We'd like you to meet our staff. Their strength and dedication has made it possible for Orphans of the Storm to continue providing for the welfare of thousands of dogs and cats every year and keeps the shelter running smoothly, clean and open to the public. The exciting and fast-paced environment at the Shelter is a testament to their hard work.

Gail Donahue
Gail Donahue has been a tireless force in meeting the rigors of running the day to day operations of the shelter since early 1990. Gail’s boundless love of animals has lead to her steadfast focus on the outstanding care and attention the animals receive at Orphans of the Storm. Gail Donahue has worked as Orphans’ Shelter Administrator since 1989, being hired by Richard Zwirner. In 1996, she was invited to join the Board of Directors of Orphans of the Storm. One illustration of Gail’s love of animals is the unofficial old age home at Orphans which provides for the old and infirm, arthritic, disabled and other animals unable to stand for adoption. She maintains this unofficial home in spare rooms, corners and crevices throughout the shelter. Gail’s hard work, dedication and professionalism have helped to lead Orphans of the Storm to the standard of care the animals enjoy today.

Pam Fradin
Pam Fradin has been with Orphans of the Storm since 1992 as an adoption counselor. Pam has developed an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the 500 or so four-legged residents at the shelter, its workings and local animal care providers and cooperators. Pam answers phone calls, organizes the office, works with adopters and supports the work of Gail and others. Orphans of the Storm has benefited greatly from Pam’s effective work over the years.

Kris Irvin
Kris joined our team in 2000 and right away has had a positive impact at Orphans of the Storm. Kris’ animal background started with pets at home and continued with her work at a boarding kennel. Kris’ fondest moment at Orphans of the Storm so far is when the dog named Larry got adopted in January 2001. Larry had been at the shelter since he was 4 months old, and after over four years at Orphans, he was adopted. "We almost cried", said Kris about the day Larry was taken to a new home. Kris’ good humor and dedication to the animals helps Orphans of the Storm greatly.

Gerry Bahena
Gerry fills an important role as Gail's right-hand man with daily medicating of the animals and receiving. He supports the shelter office with adoptions and assists the public with his knowledge of the dogs as well as the cats. Since 1990, Gerry has grown to be a trusted and calming face to the animals and a familiar one to the visiting public.

Kennel Staff
The Kennel Staff at Orphans of the Storm have been a hard working and committed group. They are the behind-the-scenes workers responsible for the many positive comments Orphans receives about the cleanliness of the shelter, the care of the animals, and their generally happy and contented dispositions. The Kennel Staff also assist with medication, handle daytime feeding and shepherding the dogs between their individual kennels and our larger outdoor exercise pens.