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.
Dylan Zayas, Cat Care Coordinator
Dylan was raised around animals which taught him to love and respect life in all its different shapes and sizes. His family would always keep a happy tribe of dogs, cats, ferrets, and many other wonderful animals in his home; So needless to say, pet care has always been an important part of his journey.
He first started caring for foster cats during High School, where he volunteered with a local adoption organization, Smitten with the Kittens. He took so much pride in making sure the cats were always safe and healthy in our care, and learned so much about how to make sure they’re truly happy in a shelter environment.
Later on, he attended community college and got a degree in Music Technology. He worked in the audio industry for many years, and then eventually got his own cat, Tommy. Setting up stages and recording music was always interesting to him, but raising Tommy from a crazy kitten to the well-mannered gentleman he is now slowly made him realize that his true passion was with animals; Specifically cats!
To Dylan, the most rewarding thing in the world is learning how to connect with a cat that is fearful or anxious, and teach them how to be comfortable and confident in their world again. Each cat has such a unique personality, and although some can take longer to warm up than others. He truly believes that under the right treatment and with enough patience, any cat can blossom into a loving and faithful companion in their own unique way.
Our animals become just as much a part of our families as our brothers and sisters, and he is beyond honored to be able to continue that sacred routine of love and care for all of our furry friends at Safe Place for Pets.
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.
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!