Wendi Norton
Wendi Norton, RN is the owner of Clever Wood Craft, LLC. Previously Wendi worked as a critical care nurse and Nursing Supervisor. Wendi graduated from Ivy Tech Community School of Nursing in South Bend, IN. Wendi is a mother and a wife. Wendi loves traveling, cage diving with Great White sharks, and spending time with her German Shepherd puppy, Blue. In December of 2018, Wendi’s best friend, an Old English Bulldog, Dozer passed over the Rainbow Bridge. He had a short battle with Lymphoma, though he fought hard. Dr. Amend was with the two of them every step along the way. It didn’t matter if it was her day off, if Dozer needed her she came in! It was the selfless actions, care, and love that Dr. A gave the two of them that led Wendi to WWSDS.
Lou Hillman
Louise Carson Hillman RN, CEN, BSN Louise (Lou) is currently working part-time in the Endoscopy Center at Citizens Memorial Hospital after leaving the Emergency Room where Louise spent 17 years as an ER nurse. Prior to Nursing, Louise was the Accounting Manager for Applebee's International in Kansas City, Mo. Louise Graduated from Graceland University School of Nursing in Independence, Mo. Louise is the mother of two, grandmother to three, and a loving and caring friend of many. Besides being a patient advocate, Louise is an animal advocate. Especially devoted to the senior population and those who have no one to speak or act on their behalf. Lou said,”Writing stories and poems is my favorite pastime as it keeps me off Facebook"
Anna Marshall
Forever Foster and Hospice Coordinator
Anna Marshall has been an animal advocate since she's had a voice. She spends most of her time working as a Vet Tech at Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with her own pets and husband. She has always been drawn to hospice fostering, which is how she got so involved with Whispering Willows. She can’t wait to continue to be a voice for the animals that are so near and dear to her heart.
Dr. Sabra Amend
Rescue Veterinarian
Dr. Amend is a Kansas native. She grew up in Emporia, Ks. and knew early on that it was her dream to become a veterinarian. After graduating high school, she came to Lawrence, Ks. and attended The University of Kansas where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish in 2009. During her years at KU, she worked at Wakarusa Veterinary Hospital, first as a volunteer and then as a veterinary assistant. In 2010, she moved to Manhattan, Ks. and began working at the KSU Rabies Laboratory where she worked as a bilingual research assistant leading up to and during her years in veterinary school. Dr. Amend received her doctorate in veterinary medicine from Kansas State University in 2016. She has a special interest in small animal oncology and surgery. She is so grateful to be planting roots back in Lawrence, Ks. and especially to be back at Wakarusa Veterinary Hospital, where her love and passion for veterinary medicine developed. Dr. A loves to travel, is an avid yogi, and loves camping and trail running with her two loyal running buddies, her English Setter, Trusty and her Brittany, Jack.
Molly Hodes
Secretary and Volunteer Coordinator
Molly is a high school graduate working on a future degree. She resides at the sanctuary and is a full time shelter assistant. She administers medicines and does basic daily health care of the senior dogs. Her favorite breed is the Great Dane and she has a 2 year old Great Dane named Indi! She has loved dogs all her life and thoroughly enjoys working with them, especially with the seniors! In her free time, she also enjoys running and marketing Indi's Instagram ,@indi_thegreatdanish!
Valerie Reid
President and Founder
Valerie began Whispering Willows Senior Dog Sanctuary to honor her Father. She has long loved senior dogs and has grown up with dogs throughout her whole life. Her Father passed away and left behind a senior Doberman, beginning the dream of the sanctuary. Valerie is also a mother and wife. In the past, she has owned her own design/painting business, and taught elementary art. She attended college at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, Ca. for Interior Design. Her true heart is for senior dogs and animal advocacy. The seniors dogs all live at the sanctuary with Valerie and her family. She is Mom and caretaker to every single one. There is always room for one more!
Joshua Reid
Treasurer and Sanctuary Manager
Valerie’s husband Josh is one of our more “behind the scenes” Board Members. In addition to his Treasurer duties, Josh works early mornings at UPS, runs his own engraving business and handles grounds maintenance at the sanctuary. Although you might not see him much in the posts and pictures, from our logo to our t-shirts and other promotional products, you can see his work in most of the graphic design produced for the sanctuary.