FieldHaven Feline Center

1. Makenna Gwaltney Named Executive DirectorIn 2020, FieldHaven Feline Centers founder, Joy Smith, along with the Board of Directors, began formulating a succession plan in anticipation of Joys eventual retirement. The plan was thoughtfully crafted with an approximate five-year timeline. In 2024, as planned, Joy stepped down from her role as Executive Director and transitioned into the role of Founder and Ambassador. Makenna Gwaltney, who first joined FieldHaven in 2022 as Clinic Manager, was promoted to Executive Director. Makenna brings not only extensive experience in cat and kitten rescue but also the leadership skills and passion needed to continue expanding our mission.2. Dr. Jennifer Yee Appointed Medical DirectorThe departure of FieldHaven Feline Centers part-time Medical Director in early 2024 presented an opportunity to redesign the role for better integration with our programs. Shelter medicine is a unique and evolving field, and it is essential to have a veterinarian committed to providing the highest level of compassionate, quality care while also maintaining fiscal responsibility.Dr. Jennifer Yee joined us in mid-2024, bringing experience from both private practice and nonprofit veterinary medicine. Her commitment to collaboration and continuous learning aligns perfectly with FieldHavens philosophy: For every cat in need, a solution.3. Opened the Fungal Jungle A Treatment Center for RingwormRingworm poses a significant challenge in shelter settings due to its high contagion rate and lengthy (5+ week) treatment and isolation period. Although completely curable, it has been difficult to manage within the limited space of our main shelter and foster homes, where strict treatment protocols can be hard to enforce.In 2024, we repurposed a separate area of FieldHavens property to create The Fungal Junglea dedicated treatment center for cats and kittens with ringworm. Since its opening in late spring, weve seen a significant reduction in re-infections, cross-infections, and treatment times.4. FIP Stars Program Expanded to Partner with Local VeterinariansNot long ago, Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) was a 100% fatal disease, typically affecting cats between four months and two years of age. In 2017, a team at UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital developed a treatment with an 85% success rate. However, this medication was not initially approved for use in the United States, leading to underground treatment routes not legally accessible to veterinarians.In mid-2024, a legal treatment became available in the U.S., allowing FIP Stars to directly support cat owners in receiving care from an expanding network of FIP-knowledgeable veterinarians. FieldHaven began helping families access this lifesaving treatment while also continuing to educate veterinary professionals unfamiliar with FIP treatments so they can better assist their clients.5. Inaugural Donor Appreciation Fair August 2024As a 100% privately funded nonprofitwith no municipal or government operations fundingFieldHaven relies heavily on donor support. Keeping our supporters engaged and informed about the depth of our work can be challenging.This inspired our first Donor Appreciation Fair in August 2024: a day-long event on FieldHavens grounds that showcased the impact of our donors. Staff led demonstrations and tours of their programs, and we opened our doors to celebrate our community. The event was a tremendous success and will now become an annual tradition.6. Hathaway Spay/Neuter Clinic Regains Full Capacity for the First Time Since the Pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the veterinary industry, stalling community spay/neuter efforts and creating critical staffing shortages. Under the leadership of Makenna Gwaltney and Dr. Jennifer Yee, FieldHaven not only restored our pre-pandemic surgical capacity but exceeded it.Today, the Hathaway Spay/Neuter Clinic continues to grow its capacity daily, representing a major milestone in community animal welfare efforts.