Board Member Bios

Debby Beaufort

Debby has volunteered at Calaveras County Animal Services since 2003. She served as a board member of Calaveras Humane Society, presently is chair of FOCAS,the dog team lead at the shelter, serves as volunteer coordinator, as well as fosters puppies.  She lives with her husband and 3 rescued dogs and 2 rescued cats in Mokelumne Hill.

Kim deArrillaga

I am currently serving as the treasurer of FOCAS, and retired from Calaveras County Public Health in 2013.  I am a knitter and quilter and lover of animals.  I raised 5 service dogs for Canine Companions for Independence, and currently have my own personal pooches.  I show rally, obedience and scent work and enjoy the challenge of teaching my pups new skills and watching them have fun.

FOCAS has accomplished so very much so far and I am proud to be associated with such a great non-profit.  I look forward to the great accomplishments we will continue to achieve.

Joanne Elliot

Lives in Murphys for the past 25 years with husband, Casey, three golden retrievers, Hank, Annie, Nash and a cat, Chief. “I am a retired Elementary School Teacher. I’ve previously served as a board member Calaveras County Humane Society for 10 years. I have recently been invited to join the board FOCAS and I look forward to working with this incredible group.”

Michele Cody

Michele joined the FOCAS board in 2019 and lives in Burson. From the words of her beloved cat, Parker, aka Parky Puss :

“Our mom has been involved in animal rescue since she was a teenager, says it’s her mission in life!  All 27 of us are so happy she feels that way (the 11 cats, 5 dogs, 4 horses & 7 chickens) as are the many who went before us. She thought she was going to get to take it easy after she retired from CCPOA in 2009 but we didn’t let her, just kept her on the stray cat hotline even up here in Burson!  Don’t know how much more she has left in her tank but I have a feeling she’ll keep on ’til the end!”

Christine Albertine

Christina retired a few years ago as an attorney with the State of California after 10 years. Prior to that she was an union attorney for 22 years. Christina shares a household with 6 dogs and 2 cats ranging from a 1 year old to a 15 years old. All rescued (I’m not sure who rescued whom) and vocal!  Christina joined the FOCAS board in 2021.

Kathy Nuccio

Kathy lives in Mokelumne Hill with her husband, two rescue dogs, one from the shelter and the other her first puppy foster who was too wonderful to part from and a tuxedo cat rescued from a warehouse in Stockton.  She started volunteering in 2011 and was a dog walker, dog evaluator and transport coordinator.

Melissa Hamre

Melissa has been immersed in animal care and animal welfare since she started a successful business walking neighborhood dogs at 11 years old. She has a degree in biology from The University of Montana, and had been a small animal vet tech for about 20 years. She has love for all species, both wild and domestic, and rescues any animal who needs rescuing. She is most passionate about horse rescue, and also spay and neuter programs for small animals. She’s been part of FOCAS since 2021 and currently lives in Valley Springs with her dogs, cats, and horses.

Bobbi Pile

I have been a full-time resident in Calaveras County since 2002. Growing up, we always had cats/dogs. My parents took in all types of animals that needed help, including a turtle, a tarantula, possums and a crow. I guess that is where my love and respect for animals comes from. I began walking dogs at the shelter in 2009 and continue to do so at least twice a week now. During the Butte Fire I was tasked with running the “Tent City”, caring for the displaced dogs. It was a joy to help folks that needed shelter for their dogs, to work with dedicated volunteers and to see the outpouring of care that our community gave to our efforts. I have been helping at FOCAS’ free clinics in the past few years. When asked to join the Board, it was an easy decision, knowing the great benefit FOCAS is to the animals of Calaveras County.

Cindi Garringer

Cindi joined the FOCAS board in summer of 23. Volunteered at AS since 2002 cleaning cages, socializing cats and transferring AS kitties to CHS foster care. Helped to manage a foster cat program with CHS from around 2005 through 2017. Lives in Murphys with husband Val and daughter Heidi. Their cat family has reduced drastically over the years to a mere 2 cats, Lala and Bean and a very sweet Aussie named Luna.