Meet the Team

West Place is made possible by a long list of talented and selfless volunteers, a small but mighty staff, and our board members.

Each individual plays an important role in the day-to-day operations of the sanctuary.

Staff/Administration

Wendy Taylor

Founder &

Executive Director

Wendy Taylor began West Place in memory of her beloved animals who perished in a house fire. From that traumatic experience, she gained strength and focus and West Place was born. She left the practice of law after twenty years and has dedicated her life to improving the lives of animals who have been victims of cruelty, abuse or neglect.

Wendy is a Level II licensed wildlife rehabilitator, and also sits on the State of RI Animal Welfare Council, which recommends new laws go before the legislature.

Watch her powerful TEDx Talk here

Patrick Cole

Director of Development
& Communications

Star Schaeffer

Operations Manager

Riley Durette

Animal Care Manager

Board of Directors

Thomas D. Humphrey

Board Chair

Thomas has worked in various engineering, sales and management roles at APC/Schneider Electric for the past 25 years primarily in electrical and mechanical aspects of the data center business.

Thomas is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a B.S. in Civil / Environmental Engineering, and the current chairman of the board of West Place Animal Sanctuary.