Nanette Martin: Executive Director, Co-Founder
and Lead Photographer
Nanette Martin is an international, award- winning editorial and documentary photographer (www.nanettemartin.com). Her editorial work has been published in LIFE, People, Sport Illustrated, Reader’s Digest, Marie Claire Italy, The Advocate, 5280, San Diego Reader and more, along with a number of regional, national and international newspapers. Much of her documentary work consists of images she captured during the aftermaths of hate crimes and disasters, including: the murders of Matthew Shepard and James Byrd in 1998; the Columbine High School Massacre in 1999; Los Alamos, NM after the 2000 Cerro Grande Fire; New York City after 9-11; San Diego County after the deadly 2003 Cedar Fire; New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005; Missouri and Mississippi during the Midwest Floods of March, 2008; and Denham Springs, LA during and after Hurricane Gustav in September 2008.
Nanette is also a dedicated animal lover and has been using her camera to help animals in need since September 11, 2001. After documenting the animal rescue effort in New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Nanette began photographing animals in the shelter system to facilitate and accelerate their adoptions. Since then she has photographed over 5,000 homeless animals. Her images have increased traffic to shelter websites and facilities, which has in turn led to increased adoptions (some as high as 100% for the animals photographed!).
Sonja Andréasson-Martin: Deputy Director, Co-Founder
and Lead Handler
Sonja Andréasson has worked as an Occupational Therapist (OT) for over 25 years, many of those while raising three children. She is a devoted animal lover and has supported her local Humane Society through both financial donations and volunteer time (10-20 hours/month). Sonja and Nanette work in tandem to connect with, and capture the spirit of, the animals they photograph. In her current position as an OT in skilled nursing facility, Sonja uses canine therapy assistance wherever possible. This first hand knowledge of the power of animal-human relationships and the subsequent healing properties of those relationships fuels her passion for SMP.
Maribeth Hite: Secretary/Treasurer
Maribeth Hite is a retired Costume Director with 30 years of experience in the nonprofit theater and educational theater worlds. She has developed Social Enterprise the form of Costume Rental businesses in both Los Angeles (Center Theatre Group) and Minneapolis (Guthrie Theater). In addition to volunteering for SMP, she currently freelances as an adjunct professor at the University of Denver and has launched her own art business, Crazy Quilts by Maribeth.
Merry Carol Porter. DVM: Board Member, Veterinary Advisor
Merry Carol Porter is a practicing Veterinarian at the Veterinary Centers of America (VCA) All Pets Animal Hospital in Boulder, CO. She earned at Bachelor of Science Degree in Biomedical Science and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine Degree from Texas A&M University.
Dr. Porter has a deep love and respect for animals, which she learned from her mother who was continually rescuing and rehabilitating lost or injured strays. Dr. Porter was six weeks old when she shared a bassinet with an injured gerbil in a shoebox during a family relocation from New York to Texas because her mother was concerned for the safety of the animal. Dr. Porter and her family have cared for a number of animals and have adopted strays and shelter animals over many years.
Pam Alford, Board Member, Shelter Advisor
Pam Alford is the Manager of the Aurora, CO Animal Shelter. Having been around animals for most of her career, Pam understands the unique niche SMP fills for the Shelter industry. On a personal note, after watching Nanette photograph her grandson’s very elderly dog to “capture” his spirit for posterity, she has enrolled wholeheartedly in the SMP team.
Laura Oldham: Board Member
Laura Oldham is a human resources professional who has been involved with animals and the shelter system through her family connections for most of her life. Her advice to date has helped set some specific volunteer parameters for SMP.
Melody Brooks: Board Member, Marketing Advisor
Melody Brooks has been a copywriter since 2008 and is currently the head copywriter for Sumer, LLC, a firm that specializes in business and website marketing. She has extensive experience with website copy, press releases and social media. She brings an understanding that marketing in the 21st century is about engaging prospective donors, shelters, and volunteers, rather than advertising at them. Her vision is to help SMP grow to be a well-known name in the shelter and rescue world with the resources to serve all animals who need them.
