Board of Directors – Humane Society of the Sierra Foothills

Marilyn Jasper

President

Marilyn was born and raised in Sacramento and moved to Loomis (Placer County) in 1970. She graduated from Sacramento State (B.A.), began her teaching career, and later earned an M.A from San Francisco State. She also established a bookkeeping business and was a Licensed Tax Preparer. Now retired after 35 years as a high school teacher (San Juan USD, Sacramento), she volunteers for a number of nonprofits—serving in Board positions and advocating for animals and environmental protection. Her primary passion and commitment is to animal welfare issues and wildlife conservation. For decades, she has fostered rescued puppies and works with them (house training, obedience, etc.) for adoption to permanent homes—with one “foster failure” exception: her 20 lb Whippet/Chi/ Dachshund mix (whom she adopted herself!). She’s lived for over 50 years with rescued Great Danes, who were wonderful mentors for all the fostered puppies.

Dr. Sara Neilson

Secretary

Dr. Sara Neilson is a graduate of the Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Immediately following veterinary school, Dr. Neilson completed a one-year small animal ER/general practice internship at Loomis Basin Veterinary Hospital (now VCA Loomis Basin). She remained as a full time associate there for five years after her internship. In 2015, Dr. Neilson began serving many different hospitals, shelters and rescues as a relief veterinarian, which she continues to do presently. Her pets include one rescued stray goldendoodle and one nine-year old cat rescued as a kitten. She has lived in Auburn, CA since 2011 and greatly enjoys all the trail and outdoor activities Auburn and Northern California have to offer.

Sherry Couzens

Member of the Board

Although Sherry loves all animals, her extensive knowledge of equines plays an important role on the Humane Society of the Sierra Foothills Board. Sherry worked for the Placer Union High School District for over 20 years in a variety of teaching assignments. During that time she began the Inmate Education Program and served as its lead teacher. In addition to her contributions on this Board, Sherry also serves on the board of the Friends of the Auburn Library and teaches cooking classes at Placer Adult school. Sherry is married to Judge J. Richard Couzens and has four grown children.

Kari Freidig

Member of the Board

Kari Freidig has lived in the Auburn area for more than 50 years. Her home town is Meadow Vista where she grew up riding horses, participating in 4H and competing in local horse shows. She is the former Chairwoman of the Placer County Fish & Game Commission and served on the Commission for 12 years. She has been a wildlife rehabilitator for 18 years, specializing in avian and raptor rehabilitation. Kari is a licensed Master Falconer, working with young, injured and recovering raptors, releasing them back into the wild. She is a wildlife educator, raptor consultant, and past board member of the California Foundation for Birds of Prey, Gold Country Wildlife Rescue, and Wildlife Rehabilitation & Release. Kari holds a Master’s Degree in Gifted Education, she worked for 20 years as a math & science educator, and administrator for Gifted and Talented Education Programs in Placer and Nevada County.