Jessica Reilly

VETERINARY TECHNICIAN

Jessica brings over 25 years of veterinary experience and a lifelong passion for animal care to her role as Shelter Manager at Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter. Born and raised in West Charleston, Vermont, Jessica's connection to animals began early, nurtured by the many dogs and cats she grew up with and solidified through her time in the Health Careers program at North Country Union High School, where she had the opportunity to shadow a local veterinarian.

In 1998, she enrolled in the Veterinary Technician program at Vermont Technical College in Randolph, VT. After completing her training, Jessica began a 20-year career at Derby Pond Animal Hospital, a mixed animal practice where she built a loyal client base and developed lasting friendships with colleagues and pet owners alike. When the practice changed ownership in 2018, she joined The Animal Doctor in Newport Center, working for Dr. Selina Hunter for five years and continuing to deepen her expertise—particularly in surgical assistance, a lifelong area of interest.

Though she briefly explored human healthcare as a surgical technician at North Country Hospital, Jessica realized her heart belonged to veterinary care. In September, she joined Pope Memorial as the shelter’s first-ever veterinary technician to serve as manager. Her presence has allowed the shelter to offer more in-house care for its animals, improving both efficiency and cost-effectiveness for this nonprofit organization.

Jessica finds deep fulfillment in helping animals feel safe, loved, and healthy during their stay at the shelter. She lives in Derby with her fiancé, Travis, and their daughter Lily, who shares her mother’s love for animals. Their home is joyfully run by three beloved dogs: Lacey Lou, an 11-year-old golden doodle with a heart of gold; Brooklyn Rose, a lively and spirited 4-year-old doodle; and Genie the Weenie, a sweet rescue from Arkansas.

Jessica’s commitment, warmth, and deep experience make her an invaluable leader at Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter. She wouldn't trade her work with animals for anything!

Mary Kate

ADOPTION COUNSELOR & VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Mary Kate grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pa. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Temple University and taught First Grade for many years prior to moving to Vermont in 2010. While substitute teaching and volunteering at various community organizations, she began her involvement with PMFAS in 2011 as a volunteer. Seeing how each animal came to the shelter with a different background and a unique set of circumstances, Mary Kate began to see that her training as a teacher carried over to her work with shelter animals. “Meeting individual needs is what it’s all about for animals and people alike”, states Mary Kate. She was inspired to play a bigger role in the adoption process, and officially joined our staff in 2014. She especially enjoys helping to make successful matches and giving these animals that second chance at a new life. She shares, “Every day they remind us why we do what we do and why we must never give up. We’re transforming their lives and helping to make families, and I simply love being part of that journey.”



Mary Kate shares her home with five rescue cats (two from PMFAS) and her dog, Gordon, also from PMFAS. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and doing anything outside, especially going for walks with Gordon and gardening.

Nathan Lucier

SENIOR DOG ATTENDANT - STAFF

Nate is a lifelong Vermonter with a deep-rooted love for animals, especially dogs. Raised in Barre and Jay, Vermont, he’s always had a four-legged companion by his side and can’t recall a time in his life without a dog. His passion for animal care is matched by a strong background in human services, having worked in personal care since his time at Lyndon State College.

For the past few years, Nate has supported his longtime client and friend, Michel, bringing him to the shelter to volunteer with the cats. That connection led to a new chapter—joining the team at Pope Memorial as a full-time staff member working with dogs.

Now approaching his third full year at the shelter, Nate has become a key part of the canine care team. His calm presence, dedication, and compassion help ensure every dog is safe, loved, and well cared for during their stay. He’s proud to work alongside a knowledgeable and committed crew, all focused on finding the best possible homes for each pup.

Whether he’s walking dogs, helping with training, or just spending time making sure they feel comfortable, Nate brings heart and reliability to everything he does. Be sure to stop by and say hello—he’s always happy to chat and introduce you to your next furry best friend.

Mary Lovegrove

KENNEL MANAGER

Mary is a big animal lover who grew up here in Northern Vermont, surrounded by all creatures big and small. She’s always had a particular interest in dogs, having spent years learning about and taking care of them. Mary has a special appreciation for all types of high energy working breeds (sled dogs being her favorite). She also enjoys spending her time befriending the many cats here at the shelter. When Mary started working at PMFAS, she was overjoyed to do her part helping animals that need a welcoming place to come before finding their forever homes. She has a special fondness for the oddballs, falling in love with the runts of the litter or the spitfires with unique physical or behavioral traits. 

Mary is out of school for right now, having attended college for 3 years studying Visual Art. If there’s anything she enjoys as much as spending time with a friendly critter, it’s drawing them! On top of that, she’s a musician, comic book fan, and a film geek. Mary currently shares her home with her two rescue cats Matilda and Foster, her goofy black lab called Mabel, and the very special Jack; a heeler mix in which she bonded with here at the shelter!

Margaret George

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Margaret grew up in New England with cats and dogs her whole life! Her love of nature, animals, and the outdoors can be credited to both of her parents; her mother Joanne, an avid gardener and her late father Jeffrey, a true outdoorsman. Margaret studied Applied Psychology and Human Services at Lyndon State College and graduated in 2013. In 2016, she received her Masters Degree from University of Massachusetts Lowell in Criminology and Justice Studies. After working in Washington, DC for five years and the death of her father, Margaret returned to the Northeast Kingdom to be closer to her family and to focus on what makes her happy! 

This is when her love and passion for animals became her focus in life! Before she found herself at Pope Memorial Frontier she worked in various roles including at a doggie daycare and boarding facility, at a traveling vaccination clinic for cats and dogs, an animal hospital specializing in ACL repair surgeries, and as a travelling pet sitter throughout New England. In addition to loving cats and dogs, Margaret also has a deep passion for wildlife conservation. She has volunteered with the Buffalo Field Campaign in Montana, the Rainforest Awareness Rescue and Education Center in Iquitos, Peru and Greater Kuduland Safaris' anti-poaching program in Limpopo, South Africa. She has worked with American bison, ocelot, tapir, woolly monkeys, three toed sloth, river manatees, and black and white rhinos. 

Margaret lives with her English Setter dog Jess, a retired bird hunting dog, a dilute calico cat Doodle (from PMFAS), a sweet orange kitten called Teddy Toes (from PMFAS), and a Corgi named Jemma (also from PMFAS) and a tricolor American guinea pig named Francis.

(Photo: Margaret and her friend Erin's dog Stormy)

Lily Beauvais

DOG & CAT ATTENDANT - STAFF

Lily brings a lifelong passion for animal and human health to the shelter team. A graduate of an animal science program, she was an active member of Future Farmers of America and part of the Vermont Envirothon championship team, where she honed her skills in natural resource conservation and hands-on animal care.

Growing up in a veterinary clinic with her mom, Jessica, a veterinary technician, Lily was immersed in the world of animal medicine from a young age. This early exposure sparked a deep love for animals and a strong foundation in veterinary knowledge.

In addition to her academic background, Lily volunteers at a local farm, where she works with livestock and has even gained experience with artificial insemination. Her work reflects a strong commitment to learning and a desire to make a difference in the lives of both animals and people.

Lily enjoys spending time with her beloved dog, Genie. Her energy, compassion, and dedication make her a valued member of the team and a trusted caregiver for every animal that walks through the shelter’s doors.