Leadership Team

Carole Casner, Placement Program Director

Since retiring from Colorado Springs Utilities, Carole’s life has been dedicated to animal welfare, non-profits, and helping people. Carole loves the unique mission of Safe Place where she can serve all those passions.

Carole has a Certified Veterinary Assistant Certification from Pima Medical Institute, spent a year at Bel-Rae Institute for Veterinary Technology, and holds a BA in Anthropology from the University of Northern Colorado.

She’s been involved in many non - profits over the years including Rockledge Ranch Historic Site for 8 years where she was a docent, general store manager, and Board 0fficer; 6 years at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region as a vet assistant in the surgery center and coordinator of the low cost spay/neuter/vaccination program for the public; animal care technician, volunteer trainer and special events at Teller County Regional Animal Shelter; then 2 ½ years as the cat care manager/medical manager for Happy Cats Haven. Carole has also volunteered at Colorado Parks and Wildlife assisting with injured animal transport and special events. She is active in her Homeowner’s Association serving as past board president, secretary, and treasurer.

Carole joined Safe Place in 2019 as the Cat Care Coordinator, served on the Board of Directors, and was promoted to Placement Program Director in 2021. Safe Place has been through many changes in the last 5 years, and she is thrilled to be a part of that.

She currently shares her home with Sam, adopted from Safe Place in February after losing all 3 of her long-time pet companions last year. “It was just too quiet without a pet, so I was happy to give Sam a home.” She has also fostered over 200 special needs cats, kittens, and the occasional dog.

Tavie Watson, Social Media Coordinator

Tavie was born and raised in Colorado. She grew up in a household full of dogs, cats, sometimes rabbits, and more. She’s been an animal lover all of her life!

She graduated in 2020 with a degree in Sports & Social Media Marketing and is passionate about the way that social media can bring people together. She is excited to support Safe Place for Pets through social media, newsletters, and community outreach.

In her free time when she isn’t focused on marketing, she spends time with her 4 year old Australian Shepherd/Border Collie mix named Finn!

SARAH MCDOWELL, FELINE COORDINATOR

My name is Sarah McDowell and I am so excited to be working with everyone at A Safe Place for Pets! I grew up with cats and have 2 of my own currently and will be getting another one soon. 

I have lived several places but mainly grew up in Canon City, Colorado. When I turned 18, I moved to Missouri and at age 22 I joined the Navy and spent 3 1/2 years serving my country. While I was in the Navy, I had my son and we moved back to Colorado in August of 99 and have been here ever since. My son is now 29 and he is my best friend!

Kaylee Koserski, Volunteer & Operations Manager

Kaylee was born and raised on a farm in Nashville, Tennessee and has been around animals her whole life. Before moving to Colorado in early 2022, she worked at a county shelter in Tennessee as a Kennel Tech, where she decided Animal Welfare was the perfect fit for her. In her free time, she enjoys training her German Shepherds, adventuring with her husband, and snuggling with her cats.

Eric Dugre, Feline Placement Coordinator

Eric moved to Colorado from New Hampshire in 2020 and joined the Safe Place for Pets team early 2021. He brought his brave cat Calamity along for the 2,000 mile drive and she did great!

With some experience volunteering for the elderly and a great love of cats, Safe Place seemed like the perfect fit for him. He currently works as a Feline Coordinator after his day job as a Software Engineer, and enjoys gaming and reading on his time off.

BRIAN gateley, CANINE Coordinator

Brian is a native son of Colorado Springs. Animals have always been a big part of his life; riding horses in a 4-H horse club and taking English riding/jumping lessons as a boy and having many cats and dogs throughout the years.

He has fostered dogs from the Humane Society of Pikes Peak and from Safe Place for Pets. SPFP found a new home for his mother’s dog when she passed away and after seeking a volunteer opportunity for some time, he saw the need for a Canine Coordinator there and thought that would be a perfect fit. Brian works from home full-time in I.T. and enjoys reading, hiking, and messing around with his laser engraver and 3D printer in his spare time.