Meet the volunteers and professionals supporting Kindred Spirits.

Wayne Laliberte

President

Wayne has lived in Southern California and been part of the local community for over 26 years. He and his family came to California when Wayne began working as the General Contractor for a locally established Real Estate, Development, and Construction company.

He says, “I am fortunate to still be with the same company all these years later. Having dogs as part of the family has been an important part of my life since I was very young, and having a well-trained pet results in a healthier, happier and more well-adjusted pet. I became more actively involved in lessons and training when we got an English Shepherd about seven years ago. That is when we encountered Kindred Spirits. I have always appreciated KSCEC’s approach to dog training and their continual evolution to looking at best practices as well as unique training opportunities.”

Jane Meyers

Secretary

As an owner of a very active puppy, I knew I needed help.  Everyone I asked referred me to Kindred Spirits and Kate.

My professional background includes 46 years with the San Marcos Unified School District, holding positions a teacher, mentor, administrator, and intervention specialist.  I know a great teacher when I see one.  Kate was exactly that.  Her special gift with humans and dogs amazed me.  Kate built my confidence and my skill set.  As a result, my overactive puppy and I have grown to be a therapy team, working  with Love on a Leash and Palomar Paws, at schools and hospitals.

From taking classes, I also learned about the purpose and objectives of KSCEC.  When asked if I would join the Board of Directors for the organization, I felt this was an ideal opportunity to support the effort.

Having served many years as Secretary of the SMUSD Teachers Union and of the North County Pottery Association, I was pleased to join the Board of Kindred Spirits.   I look forward to supporting KSCEC’s plans to grow canine-human connections in the community.

Teri Siciliani

Treasurer

Accounting Professional

Small Business Consultant

Self-employed accountant, computer consultant, and Accountedge Certified Partner. Provided services to small businesses with revenues up to $10M. Assisted clients with accounting systems, reporting, and tax preparation.

Volunteer Experience & Leadership

• Fox Canyon Neighborhood Association — Co-lead
• City Heights Creek to Bay Cleanup — Co-lead volunteer
• City Heights Face Lift Committee — Member & volunteer
• San Diego Women’s Chorus — Treasurer
• San Diego Latino Film Festival — Accounting Consultant
• West Coast Singers — Treasurer & volunteer

Deb Lee

Board Member

As I have mostly owned large breed dogs, I know the importance of having a well-behaved obedient dog. I have been volunteering with Love on a Leash since 2016, first with my GSD Indy and now also with my GSD Raven. I love to see how much joy therapy dogs create when visiting.

 I have been volunteering with LOAL since 2016. First with my GSD Indy and now also with my GSD Raven. I love to see how much joy therapy dogs create when visiting. We do a lot of visits at schools and always make sure to visit with the staff, too. They are also very happy to see us.

Dori Slater Vance

Board Member

Dori Slater Vance’s lifelong passion for all animals led her to her career in veterinary medicine. She is a cum laude graduate of the University of California, Davis, and spent nearly 20 years in the veterinary field. She was an influential advisory committee member of the SPCALA as they built their no-kill shelter in Long Beach, and has worked on the design of a number of animal shelters. 

Dori is also a Board member of FACE, the Foundation for Animal Care and Education. FACE is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) public charity that provides financial grants for animal owners who are unable to afford the cost of their pet’s emergency or critical care. (www.face4pets.org)

​Dori's two Australian Shepherds, Skye and Mysty, approve of KSCEC's mission of providing education and training to increase the bond between humans and dogs.