Interview! Michelle Rivera, Founder, Spay-Neuter Kansas City

"We are so people-focused because behind every animal that is coming into our clinic is a person."

Michelle Rivera is the founder of Spay-Neuter Kansas City, a 501(c)3 non-profit that services the Kansas City areas in both Kansas and Missouri. Now going on its fifteenth year of operation, SNKC has increased the live release rate to 90% in the cities' shelters, and it services around 20,000 animals each year. Before the impetus of SNKC, Michelle did not see animal welfare service in her future—she used to be extremely afraid of dogs! However, in order to regain confidence after leaving an abusive relationship, a therapist encouraged her to volunteer at the local shelter. In this way she created her own redemption story by helping lost and abused pets to find theirs. Because of this background, her goal at SNKC is two-fold: to better the lives of the animals that enter the SNKC clinic, and to create an inclusive "workplace culture" for her staff. She believes that a healthy workplace is crucial to provide top-notch service to animals and pet owners, and to prevent the drama and burnout that can be so parasitic to non-profit, welfare-focused organizations.

To find out how you can create a better workplace culture in your organization, you can email Michelle with your questions at [email protected].