American Humane’s Animal Protection Division trainers include some of the nation’s most highly regarded professionals in the fields of animal welfare and animal emergency services. All have years of real-world experience in their areas of expertise, in addition to being outstanding educators. We’re proud to introduce you to these top-notch trainers.

Jennifer Orme

Shelter Operations School, Shelter Operations School for Managers, Customer Service for the Animal Welfare Professional instructor (since 2005)

Born in Indianapolis, Jennifer Orme began what was to be a prolific career in animal welfare in 1971, when she volunteered for the Morgan County Humane Society and fostered her first kitten, Poo-Ball. From there, she went on to hold leadership positions at four animal welfare agencies throughout Indiana and Illinois. Today, Jennifer enjoys a demanding travel schedule as the principal instructor on shelter operations, management and customer service topics for American Humane. She is also a frequently requested speaker at both state and national conferences.

A voracious adult learner, Jennifer has completed course work on group facilitation, group dynamics and adult learning theory, as well as having a background in theater, animal science and wildlife management. She is a member of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) and has obtained training from the Rocky Mountain branch of the National Speakers Association (NSA).

Jennifer has two grown children and shares her Denver home with three very talented former shelter cats: Sweetie, Hugs and Frank.

Colleen Smith

Managing Compassion Fatigue instructor (since 2009)

Colleen Smith began her animal welfare career in 1990. Since then, she has held a variety of positions, including animal care technician, medical manager and companion animal services director for the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in Lynnwood, Wash. Colleen also holds a nursing degree and currently maintains a Registered Nurse license in the state of Washington.

Colleen shares her home with former shelter dog Beatrice, a miniature pinscher/Yorkshire terrier mix, and Trudy the cat. Notes Colleen, “Bea is the first small dog I’ve shared my life with and the first terrier mix, so living with her has been a whole new learning experience!”

Of her work as a trainer for American Humane, Colleen says, “I feel both excited and privileged to join the American Humane teaching team. Providing animal welfare professionals with the tools necessary to avoid compassion fatigue and increase their sense of job satisfaction is extremely rewarding. When people understand the importance of practicing self care and how the animals and organization benefit from it, then I know I’ve accomplished my goal. My favorite part of the job is realizing that I’m helping both animals and people.”