Board of Directors
Sherri Morris
Chair
Sherri holds a Master of Education degree from the University of Missouri. She is a lifelong educator having taught in colleges, corporations, and the private sector. Sherri currently works for the Defense Health Agency creating curriculum for students at the Medical Education and Training Campus.
Sherri started volunteering as a foster with HHS in 2011. She took a brief hiatus when a job change moved her to Virginia but returned to San Antonio and fostering for HHS as soon as she could. Sherri’s husband, James, is a valuable partner in her fostering endeavors.
Mary Washburn
Vice Chair
Mary is a lifelong animal lover that has been a foster and volunteer with HHS for 4 years.
Currently a Director of Learning Delivery for Arise Virtual Solutions, her focus is on supporting operations for a team of over 450 instructors that certify over 30,000 call center agents annually supporting over 20 US, Canadian and UK companies.
Mary is a Northern Illinois University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. She lives with her Border Collie mix Cooper and Blue Heeler Bindi and their small “herd” of cats and various foster cats, kittens or pups.
John Walvoord
Treasurer
John Walvoord a board member serving as Treasurer. He volunteers with our grass and grounds crew. His nonprofit experience includes serving on The Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES Texas) board since 2013. Currently is he serving as Treasurer, previously he was board chair from 2016 to 2021. He has over twenty years in the commercial furniture industry. “Your house will always be blessed with love, laughter, and friendship if you have a cat.”—Lewis Carroll
Diane Swanson
Secretary
Diane’s professional experience includes Senior Technical Writer, Trainer, Curriculum Designer, and Information Technology professional with experience working for the federal government,
contractors, and corporations. She is a Navy veteran, certified fitness professional, and an animal welfare advocate. Her rescue dog, Piper, placed 8th in the AKC’s 2021 National Agility Championship in the most competitive class. Diane has been an HHS supporter for years, financially, as a feline foster, and as an advocate/resource for others.
Janice Barth
Board Member
Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Janice lived and traveled throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic states until relocating to San Antonio, Texas in 1995. Recently retired from Citigroup after 45 years as a Senior Program Manager focused on client-facing process improvements, technology advancements, and regulatory compliance initiatives. Currently an active United States Tennis Association member/player who also enjoys all types of travel. Janice is the “proud parent” to Lexy, Finnegan, and Riley all rescues from the Helotes Humane Society
Regina Gomez
Board Member
Regina Gomez currently serves the UTSA University Career Center as the Associate Director of Employer Engagement and College Relations. Regina has 13+ years of experience in higher education. She moved to the San Antonio area in 2013 with her family and cats. Regina is passionate about TNR (Trap- Neuter- Return)and assist individuals and local communities with TNR initiatives.
Regina is originally from Colombia and is fully bilingual in English and Spanish.
Kim O’Connor
Board Member
Kim joined HHS Board of Directors in February 2024. Kim was born and raised in Champaign, IL. She attended Eastern Illinois University graduating with a B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation. After graduation, she spent 12 years working in her field. Kim and her family moved to San Antonio (and the Helotes area) in 2010. She and her husband have 4 children. The two oldest graduated from O’Connor High School, and their 3rd is currently a junior. Last year, they adopted their granddaughter, and they are currently also foster parents to a 10 month old. They’ve always been a multi-pet household, currently sharing their home with 3 dogs (1-Marlee was adopted from HHS) and 2 cats. Kim was drawn to HHS because of their mission statement. Also, the fact that most HHS animals wait to be adopted in foster homes where the foster families can get to know them prior to adoption helps ensure each pet is a good match with their forever family. Kim is excited to learn the ins and outs of the organization and jump in with both feet as a volunteer for HHS and an advocate for our animals!
Rebekah Reyes
Board Member
Rebekah Reyes is a dynamic professional with over 10 years of experience in nonprofit management, program coordination, and volunteer engagement. A military spouse and mother, she brings a unique, empathetic perspective to her work, advocating for programs that foster resilience and community connection among military families.
As Volunteer Manager at Operation Homefront, Rebekah leads volunteer training and engagement, building national teams that sustain the organization’s mission. Previously, as Program Coordinator, she organized over 100 morale-boosting events impacting more than 4,000 military families and secured funding through grants and community partnerships.
Rebekah’s diverse background includes roles as an Employment Specialist, Outreach Coordinator, and Program Coordinator Assistant, where she managed emergency resources, organized large-scale events, and strengthened community ties. She also served as Military Liaison Program Coordinator for the El Paso Art Association, promoting resilience through art programs for military families.
Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Art Theory, Rebekah combines her creativity with her dedication to community impact. She also volunteers with the Helotes Humane Society, advancing animal welfare initiatives.
Passionate about empowering communities and advancing causes close to her heart, Rebekah brings expertise, empathy, and dedication to her role as a board member.
Cathron Sterling
Board Member
Cathron Sterling
Occupational therapist
Clinical Rehabilitation Specialist
Methodist Healthcare System
Cathron has a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy. She also has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration as well as a certificate in nonprofit leadership and management. She has been a member of the Helotes Humane Society since 2009. In 2014 she joined the board of directors. Since her time with the society, she has served in different capacities from fostering to volunteering along with fundraising, grant writing, and budget planning.