2026 Board of Directors
Kristi Boucher President
Margaret Cooper Vice President
Bekka Kraai Secretary
Leslie Wall Interim Treasurer
I began working with animals at the age of 16, starting my career at Petco, where I spent nine years growing through multiple leadership roles, including General Manager and District Trainer overseeing 14 stores. I later served as District Manager for Pet Pros before transitioning into a Hospital Manager role for a busy veterinary practice.
Since 2017, I have proudly served as the Animal Control Officer for the Bothell Police Department. My commitment to animal welfare, public safety, and community education has been at the forefront of my work.
In addition to my professional career, I have been an active member of the Washington Animal Control Association (WACA) Board of Directors since 2018, holding positions including Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and President.
I am passionate about supporting and mentoring officers in the field, advancing professional development, and fostering strong community relationships through education and advocacy.
I have worked as a Community Service Officer for Lake Stevens Police Department for the last three years. Prior to that, I worked for a pet insurance company and in veterinary clinics as a receptionist and assistant. I have a French Bulldog named Gremmie and an Arabian horse named Bentley. I love helping animals and am excited to continue to serve on the WACA board for 2026.
Bekka Kraai, a born and raised Washington resident, is a dedicated animal welfare professional with five years of experience spanning all aspects of shelter operations, including adoptions, intake, transfer and rescue coordination, foster program management, community cat programs, and field response. She has played a key role in developing several programs from the ground up, most notably Joint Animal Services’ Volunteer Animal Cruelty Response Team. Her hands-on experience supporting the field team during large-scale warrants, assisting through every stage of the warrant process, has given her valuable insight to advocate effectively for the animal victims she is charged with finding rescue and foster care placement. A proud pet parent to two disabled cats, Bekka is deeply committed to compassionate and inclusive animal welfare.
I am passionate about helping animal control officers feel prepared and empowered in their work. In my current role as Assistant Animal Services Manager for Everett Animal Services, I develop training programs and resources that give officers the tools, knowledge, and confidence to serve their communities safely and compassionately.
In addition to field training, I lead shelter initiatives that improve animal flow and outcomes, including daily population rounds and programs such as “Wandering Rovers,” which increases visibility and adoption opportunities for dogs. I have also strengthened internal processes through the creation of standard operating procedures and cross-department collaboration to streamline shelter operations.
This past year, I was selected for the Northern Tier Fellowship, where I worked alongside shelters across multiple states to develop best practices, evaluate operations to improve efficiencies at Everett and within our local animal control community. I am also actively pursuing the Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) credential to deepen my leadership and industry knowledge.
Chris Miller
Paul Batchelder
Sarah Weaver
I am excited to represent eastern Washington on the WACA board! My primary goal is to Improve public safety and animal welfare through education and outreach. I started my journey in the animal control field in 2013. I have served as an Animal Control Dispatcher, Animal Control Officer, and currently as a Field Operations Manager. From 2013-2017 I worked for Wenatchee Valley Humane Society, serving Chelan and Douglas County. From 2017-2021 I worked for Regional Animal Services of King County. In 2023 I began working for Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service. In 2015 I graduated from the WACA – ACO academy. In 2019 I graduated from the National Animal Control and Humane Officer Academy. I am grateful for the opportunity to assist other ACO’s in our state with their professional development.
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In 2010 I started my career as a livestock nutrition specialist for a local feed mill, specializing in livestock care and farm management systems. In 2014, while still working in the livestock industry I joined North Country EMS as a volunteer EMT serving Northern Clark County, SE Cowlitz, and Skamania County. During my time serving as an EMT, I received extensive technical rescue training while working with the Mt. Saint Helens Volcano Rescue Team and Life Flight. In 2019 I received my certification as a Wildlife Control Operator for WDFW, specializing in public education, nuisance wildlife abatement, and predator control. In July of 2022 I was hired as an ACO for Clark County Animal Protection and Control, I successfully completed ACO Officer I and ACO Officer II training through NACA. In March 2023 I graduated from the WACA ACO Academy in Burien WA. I was promoted to lead officer in August of 2023. While working as an ACO, I have earned the nickname “NETS” for my ability to safely capture animals in difficult situations. I have a strong passion for protecting animals and cultivating relationships within the community. |
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I am Animal Services Officer Sarah Weaver. I currently work for Snohomish County Animal Services and have been working this job since January 2024. I am currently serving as a reservist in the United States Navy (USN) and have been in the USN since May 2016. I graduated from the 17 weeklong Park Ranger Law Enforcement academy in May 2025, where I learned so much about case law, officer safety, and defensive tactics. I worked as a team with my fellow classmates and was awarded the certification for taser and pepper spray. In almost two years as an Animal Services Officer, I have worked on a large number of cases ranging from leash law to animal cruelty, as well as serving alongside my team when we did our first successful animal fighting warrant. I have completed 461 cases as the primary officer. Joining WACA was always a goal of mine, but I first needed to complete Field Training, as well as graduating from the academy – both things have been successfully achieved. WACA is an organization dedicated to promoting professionalism and excellence in animal care, education, and enforcement while protecting animal welfare and public safety through training and support. This mission statement aligns with my goals as well. |
How to Become a Board Member
Each fall we are looking to expand our board and gain new team members. The board has about 6 meetings per year, most are virtual. There are two events that the WACA Board works hard on each year, the Spring Animal Control Officer Academy, as well as the Pacific Northwest Animal Care & Control Conference. These are activities that you as a member, are needed to participate in and help plan. It takes a team to pull these kinds of events off. As a reward, each Winter, there is an annual working retreat in some fun location. Different positions are available from Conference Coordinator, Academy Director, Membership Committee Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Social Media, Newsletter and much more. The board is a great way to network, add something to your resume, have fun and help a great group achieve big accomplishments as a team effort.
Interested in joining the Board of Directors?
If you are interested in being a board member and would like to represent your Agency as well, please complete and submit the following documents to info@washingtonanimalcontrolassociation.org
- Cover Letter
- Resume
Introducing the 2027 Board Applicants
Kristi Boucher
Margaret Cooper
Leslie Wall
Chris Miller
I began working with animals at the age of 16, starting my career at Petco, where I spent nine years growing through multiple leadership roles, including General Manager and District Trainer overseeing 14 stores. I later served as District Manager for Pet Pros before transitioning into a Hospital Manager role for a busy veterinary practice.
Since 2017, I have proudly served as the Animal Control Officer for the Bothell Police Department. My commitment to animal welfare, public safety, and community education has been at the forefront of my work.
In addition to my professional career, I have been an active member of the Washington Animal Control Association (WACA) Board of Directors since 2018, holding positions including Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and President.
I am passionate about supporting and mentoring officers in the field, advancing professional development, and fostering strong community relationships through education and advocacy.
Kristi Boucher
Animal Control officer
Bothell Police Department
I have worked as a Community Service Officer for Lake Stevens Police Department for four years. Prior to that, I worked for a pet insurance company and in veterinary clinics as a receptionist and assistant. I have a French Bulldog named Gremmie and an Arabian horse named Bentley. I am the current Vice President for the WACA board and previously served as Secretary in 2023 and 2024. I have a passion for animals and would love to continue to grow in my current position and help other animal control officers around the state grow as well.
Margaret Cooper
Community Service Officer
Lake Stevens Police Department
Having previously served on the WACA Board for three years, I valued the opportunity to support an organization that strengthens the animal control profession, provides education and resources to officers throughout Washington, and creates connections among agencies across the state.
Since my previous board service, I have continued to grow both professionally and as a leader within animal services. In my role as Assistant Animal Services Manager for the City of Everett, I train Animal Control Field Services in addition to overseeing shelter operations. This has given me a broader perspective on the challenges facing animal control agencies, including staffing and training needs, officer safety and wellness, consistency in policies and procedures, community expectations, and the increasingly complex situations officers encounter in the field.
Professional development has also remained an important priority for me. I have continued to pursue training in leadership, animal welfare, emergency response, crisis intervention, and animal control operations. I have also had opportunities to collaborate with animal welfare professionals throughout Washington and beyond, experiences that have reinforced how valuable strong professional associations are to the people doing this work every day.
I would welcome the opportunity to bring that experience back to WACA. As a returning board member, I would be committed to being an active participant and contributing to WACA’s training, professional development, networking, and advocacy efforts. I am particularly interested in supporting opportunities that strengthen leadership within our profession, develop the next generation of animal control professionals, and help agencies share resources and best practices.
Leslie Wall
Assistant Animal Services Manager
City of Everett Animal Services
With over a decade of experience in animal control and a deep commitment to advancing professional standards across our state, I am eager to contribute my skills, leadership, and vision to WACA’s continued success.
I am particularly passionate about developing an accredited training program that will serve Animal Control Officers throughout Washington. With the recent changes in WACA’s relationship with the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, we are at a pivotal moment to strengthen and expand our impact. My primary objective in the coming years will be to help establish an academy in Eastern Washington, creating opportunities for agencies in underserved areas that may not otherwise be able to attend the academy traditionally held on the west side of the state.
Over the past 10 years, I have served as an Animal Control Officer with both Regional Animal Services of King County and Wenatchee Valley Humane Society, and I currently serve as the Field Operations Manager for Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS). In this role, I manage a team of 10 Animal Control Officers, overseeing both field and sheltering services for a population of 500,000 across 2,000 square miles of metropolitan, rural, and suburban communities. Under my leadership, our team has significantly improved enforcement and response capabilities through enhanced training programs and upgraded equipment.
I believe my experience in managing diverse jurisdictions, implementing effective training, and fostering operational excellence will be an asset to WACA’s mission. I am committed to helping agencies statewide strengthen their programs, improve service delivery, and elevate the profession of animal control.
Chris Miller
Field operations manager
Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service
Noah Cherry
RJ Wheeler
Jessica Gilginas
Russ Onkka
As Chief Animal Control Officer for Kitsap Humane Society, I have come to view animal control not simply as enforcement work, but as a profession built on public trust, sound judgment, humane outcomes, officer safety, and a commitment to continual improvement. I would welcome the opportunity to bring that perspective, along with my energy and field experience, to WACA’s leadership.
My direct animal control career spans nearly three years, beginning with the DeSoto Police Department in Texas in September 2023 and continuing with Kitsap Humane Society, where I have served since April 2025. In my current leadership role, I supervise four full-time Animal Control Officers while remaining actively engaged in field operations. My work includes oversight of complex cruelty and dangerous-animal investigations, municipal and state code enforcement, case review, evidence documentation, officer development, public-safety response, and collaboration with law-enforcement and community partners.
My experience in the animal field extends beyond enforcement. Since 2018, I have worked and volunteered in veterinary care, kennel operations, animal behavior, and professional dog training. Those experiences have given me a broad view of the profession and reinforced the importance of balancing effective enforcement with education, humane handling, strong communication, and practical solutions for the communities we serve.
I hold WACA, NACA, TACA, Humane Euthanasia, and FEMA training credentials, and I am committed to continued professional development. If selected to serve on the Board, I would be particularly interested in supporting high-quality training, officer safety, professional standards, and stronger collaboration among animal control agencies across Washington. I would also bring the perspective of a working field leader who understands both the day-to-day realities faced by officers and the responsibility agency leadership has to give those officers the tools, training, and support necessary to succeed.
I see service on the WACA Board as an opportunity to contribute beyond my own department and to help strengthen a profession I care deeply about. I would approach the position ready to listen, learn from established leaders, contribute meaningful work, and advocate for the continued growth and recognition of animal control professionals throughout Washington.
Noah Cherry
Chief Animal Control Officer
Kitsap Humane Society
I value WACA’s role in strengthening animal control and animal welfare services throughout Washington State, and I would welcome the opportunity to support its mission through board service.
Through my experience as a Community Service Officer with the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, I have developed a strong understanding of the responsibilities and challenges faced by animal control professionals. My experience includes field operations, investigations, animal care, public education, emergency response, community outreach, policy development, and successfully completing the Animal Control Course. This work has reinforced my commitment to humane, consistent, and professional animal services.
I believe I would bring a practical and collaborative perspective to the Board. I am prepared to contribute to WACA’s training and professional-development efforts, support effective policies and partnerships, and advocate for the needs of animal control professionals and the communities they serve. I am also committed to listening to diverse viewpoints, participating actively in Board responsibilities, and working constructively with fellow directors.
Serving on the WACA Board would provide a meaningful opportunity to give back to the profession and help shape its future in Washington. I would be honored to contribute my experience, energy, and commitment to advancing WACA’s goals.
Thank you for considering my interest in joining the Board of Directors. I appreciate your time and consideration.
RJ Wheeler
Community Services Officer
Lewis County Sheriff’s Office
My experience and education expands over a decade within the field of animal care. I am deeply passionate about supporting animal welfare organizations and am committed to using my experience and knowledge to drive meaningful impact.
Throughout my career, I have consistently sought to improve the quality of life for animals through community engagement, public education, advocacy, and organizational stewardship. My experiences have strengthened my ability to lead teams effectively, collaborate across departments, manage complex responsibilities, and serve as a voice for animal welfare.
WACA’s mission closely aligns with both my personal values and professional experience. I share your commitment to upholding the highest standards of animal care and control while fostering a community dedicated to the welfare and protection of animals. I would be honored to contribute my knowledge, leadership, and perspective to support WACA’s continued growth and positive impact on the animal control profession, along with the communities and animals it serves.
Jessica Gilginas
Senior Animal Cottrol Officer
Edmonds Police Department
One of the unique qualities I possess over many who end up overseeing an Animal Control department is my “Boots on the Ground” experience. I can bring an understanding of the position from a hands-on perspective and make it relatable to Joe Citizen. There are specific needs and requirements that Animal Control has that no other agency would understand. A combination of law enforcement, social workers, animal advocates, mediators and educators all rolled into one person.
Prior to my work with Clark County, I was a sergeant with Orange County Animal Control in Southern California. For eight years, I served as a training officer, supporting and mentoring new animal control officers. I also led investigations into several high-profile hoarding situations. And I was privileged to lead a multi-agency response team to help displaced people find care for their pets.
I have extensive experience in ensuring for the proper care and welfare of domestic, livestock and wild animals. I have investigated and testified in cases of animal cruelty, vicious dogs, nuisance complaints, and rabies exposure. My focus has always been on building relationships within the community so that “the dog catcher” is seen as a positive resource. As such, I have produced many public education programs centered on animal welfare and public safety.
Russ Onkka
Program Manager
Clark County Animal Protection & Control
If your membership is current, please join us on October 1st at noon for membership voting via Teams!
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