The Staff at CAP

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CAP has a dedicated staff whose experience with animals and their care often spans several decades. The staff's knowledge and love of animals, which both employees and volunteers share, have created a welcoming atmosphere for both pets and people.

Kappy Muenzer, Executive Director

kappy muenzerKappy Muenzer has worked in the field of animal protection for thirty-eight years. She began her work in 1974 as a volunteer and founded CAP’s adoption program in 1975. She was one of the founders of the CAP Shelter which opened in 1981. Kappy served as Board President for almost ten years. In 1986 the Board of Directors appointed her as Executive Director of CAP. She has also served as Gala Coordinator for CAP’s Celebrity Paws Gala since it’s inception in 1986.

Kappy served for thirty years on the board of the Texas Humane Legislation Network. She was President of that organization for two years and Vice-President for four years. In addition, Kappy served on the board of directors of the Texas Federation of Humane Societies for over twenty years. She currently serves on the advisory committee for the Houston Community College Paramedic Veterinary Program. She holds BA and Masters degrees in music from Northwestern University where she became a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and Phi Beta Professional Fraternity. Kappy’s late husband, Al, donated much of his free time to assist her with many CAP projects and computer programs. She shares her home with two shelter rescue dogs, MaryBelle, a Border Collie mix, and Jascha, an Australian Shepherd, in addition to her adored kitty cats! Kappy was recently named and honored by The Social Book as a 2010 "Houston Treasure". Contact Kappy Muenzer

Barbara Fitzgerald, Director of Animal Care Services

barbara fitzgeraldBarbara Fitzgerald has worked at CAP since January, 1989. Her love of animals influenced her to make the decision to enter the Animal Paramedic Program at Houston Community College. During this time, she volunteered at the CAP shelter in order to receive the required volunteer hours for school. Barbara was subsequently hired as an Animal Care Attendant during her second semester of college. Over the years, Barbara has been promoted from Animal Attendant to Animal Technician, Senior Animal Technician to Shelter Manager, and she currently holds the position of Director of Animal Care Services.

Barbara has two children, Laura and Joseph, and four grandchildren. In addition to her passion for dogs and cats, Barbara loves horses and has one of her very own. She also has eight cats, three dogs, numerous Cockatiels, Finches and Parakeets, Box Turtles and a Koi pond! Barbara opens her heart and home for the Houston Chronicle’s Pets of the Week while they are waiting for adoption.

Jessica Marks, Shelter Manager

Coming soon...

JoAnne Jackson, Director of Operations

joanne jacksonJoAnne Jackson began working for CAP in September, 2006 as the Director of Administrative Services and became the Director of Operations in early 2011. JoAnne has worked in the field of animal protection since 1976. She began her career in Killeen, Texas, as an Animal Control Officer and was among the first group of officers to obtain the Texas Department of Health, Animal Control Certification. After ten years in animal control, JoAnne moved to Waco where she directed the transfer of the animal shelter from city operations to the Waco Humane Society. She remained as the Executive Director for sixteen years. JoAnne was Manager of the Dallas Spay/Neuter Clinic which was started by SNAP and then operated by The Humane Society of the United States. During her thirty-three years in animal protection, JoAnne served on the board of the Texas Humane Legislation Network, the City of Waco - Animal Control Advisory Board and, the McLennan Community College, Veterinary Technician Advisory Board. She also worked part-time as a Veterinary Technician for the Texas Animal Emergency Clinic. JoAnne currently shares her home with her two cats, Snickers and Kit Kat. Contact JoAnne Jackson

Rita Benton, Marketing Director and Pet Supply Shop Manager

Rita Benton has worked in the field of marketing for forty years years, but her love of animals spans her lifetime. She began her work with CAP in 1995 as a volunteer, and shortly thereafter became a full-time employee.

Rita holds BA and masters degrees in marketing from the University of Georgia, where she was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority. She is a licensed airplane pilot, holding land, sea, instrument, multi-engine and instructor ratings, and teaches flying in her off time. Rita and her husband Jim share their home with seven cats. Contact Rita Benton

Megan Mangum, Director of Annual Giving

megan-bioMegan started working at CAP in March of 2007 as a PetsMart Adoption Counselor. In 2008, she became an assistant to the Director of Administrative Services, and then added the Adult Volunteer Coordinator position to her job duties before becoming the Director of Annual Giving in 2011.

Megan has loved working and being with animals all of her life. She volunteered at the Haven Animal Care Shelter while attending school in Lubbock. She adopted her first pet when she was in the fourth grade, and has always believed in and promoted responsible pet ownership.

She graduated with honors from Texas Tech University in May of 2006. She has a bachelors degree in management and a minor in human development and family studies. Megan is originally from Arlington, Texas, and moved to Sugar Land in December 2006. She shares her home with her rescue dog from CAP, Hannah. In her spare time, Megan loves to read, travel and spend time with her family and pets.  Contact Megan Mangum

Hershey Grace, Special Events Coordinator

Hershey Grace has had a love for animals all of her life! When she was in her early twenties, she was one of the founders of the SPCA in Corpus Christi. Moving to Houston, she got involved with CAP in 1986 when she was a committee member for the first Celebrity Paws Gala. In 1987, she chaired the CAP gala with Robert Wagner as the Celebrity Star of the evening. Since that time, Hershey has continued to serve on the Gala Steering Committee and has served as Auction Chairman for many years. She joined CAP’s staff as Special Events Coordinator in 1999. In 2003, she initiated the CAP “Paws on Parade” Dog Walk in partnership with Rover Oaks Pet Resort. She has coordinated Mr. Magoo’s Annual Birthday Bash (“Paws for Style”) since 1995. Hershey is also the manager of CAP’s Thrift Store, the only thrift store in Houston benefitting animals! She and her husband, John Moritz, share their home with four cats adopted from the shelter. Hershey also serves as a foster mom for underweight and orphaned cats and kittens. Contact Hershey Grace

Trisha Royal,Community Outreach Director

trisha royalTrisha Royal has been associated with Citizens for Animal Protection since 1976.  While working in the corporate world, she volunteered for the animal shelter for 15 years where she became very active with fundraising events, fostering special needs animals, and serving on the board of directors.  In 1990, Trisha joined CAP as a staff member and has held positions such as Volunteer Coordinator, Executive Assistant, Community Relations Director and is now the Community Outreach Director.  She gladly shares her job with her shelter adopted companion, Annie – the official CAP Goodwill Ambassador Dog & Head of Humane Education and misses the late and great Dixie, who was the CAP ambassador from 1997-2010.  Together they strive to teach the community about CAP and its mission, pet care, the pet overpopulation crisis and the responsibilities/commitment of pet guardianship.    

Trisha grew up with animals all her life and wants to make a difference in the future of all living creatures.  Her personal pets include Annie (Chihuahua), JoJo (Yorkshire Terrier), and Buttercup (a former CAP housecat now living in retirement). Contact Trisha Royal

Coni Moore, Shelter Activities / Community Service Coordinator

Contact Coni Moore

Darci McFerran, Volunteer Coordinator

darci-mcferranDarci McFerran first started with CAP as a Foster Parent before becoming an employee 5 years ago. Rescuing animals always came naturally to her, when she was a little girl she would pick up stray animals from the street and hide them in her room until her mother found them, worried that they would be lonely and cold at night. As an adult she still worries about the strays of Houston, but no longer has to hide them. She currently has three dogs of her own, all former CAP alumni. Simma (a basenji mix), Stubby (a Corgi/Pit), and CoCo (Pit Bull) and two wonderful cats.

Darci currently holds the position of Volunteer Coordinator and shares her office with shelter house cat Mariah, but is also responsible for the Administrative duties of the Data Management Software the shelter uses Petpoint, the microchipping services with 24Petwatch and Sheltercare Insurance. She has previously held the title of Training Supervisor, a role which allowed her to work in all aspects of the shelter and learn a great deal about animals and people.  Contact Darci McFerran

Shelter Staff

Assistant Shelter Managers

  • Mary Hunt
  • Kathy Lawson
  • Laura Berrones

Foster Home Coordinator - Yvonne Moye

Assistant Foster Home Coordinator - Bianca Burrascano

Sr. Animal Health Technicians

Responsible for documenting and evaluating the health status and temperament of the animals in our care. This includes providing medical care and screening of all incoming and adopted animals.

Animal Care Staff

CAP employs part-time and full-time animal care attendants. They are responsible for general care and maintenance of the shelter animals. This includes feeding, walking, grooming and cleaning. They also assist in introducing potential pet adopters to the many pets needing homes, screen potential pet adopters and process adoptions.