President: Valerie Burke

Even as a young girl, Valerie Burke had a passion for animals. From dogs and cats to rabbits, chickens and a skunk. She was destined to work with animals.

Valerie worked at the local zoo where she was fortunate enough to gain experience with many of the 1600 animals in the zoo’s collection. She specialized in native Florida wildlife including manatees. Valerie started out as a volunteer and ended her tenure 11 years later as an Assistant Curator.

After leaving the zoo she began volunteering with the local animal shelter where she became involved in the Bay Area D.A.R.T. (Disaster Animal Response Team) and later N.D.A.R.T. (National Disaster Animal Response Team). Valerie responded to Hurricanes Charley, Katrina and Ike to name a few.

Valerie founded Home Sweet Home Animal Rescue of Tampa Bay, Inc. in response to the community’s need for a safe haven for farm animals and parrots.

Secretary: Cindy Tuley

As a child growing up in St. Petersburg, Florida, Cindy Tuley spent her time outside exploring her backyard, local parks and beaches. She looked under rocks for insects, searched bushes for lizards and would sit patiently with birdseed in hand until the birds became comfortable to come and eat. Any stray dog or cat that crossed her path found its way to Cindy’s house and was given a new home.

Her interest in animals continued as she got older and graduated the University of West Florida with a Biology degree. For the next seven years she worked at two zoos as an education instructor and zookeeper, where she gained experience with a variety of animals such as snakes, parrots, otters and manatees.

Cindy still works closely with animals today by training dogs and through Home Sweet Home Animal Rescue of Tampa Bay. Her passion exists to help animals in need and to strengthen people’s knowledge of all animals.

Treasurer: Kelly Ryder

Kelly Ryder has always had a fondness for animals, driving her parents crazy by bringing home everything from puppies and kittens, to a tadpole and a minnow.

Her interest in animals blossomed at Santa Fe Community College, where she earned a specialized Associate’s degree in Zoo Animal Technology and then went on to the University of Florida, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Ecology. She worked at a local zoo for over 13 years, many of those in a supervisory capacity. Kelly’s specialty is birds.

She still brings home animals in need and is usually greeted enthusiastically by her husband and son! She is excited to be a part of Home Sweet Home Animal Rescue of Tampa Bay to keep in touch with her animal side, while raising her child. She looks forward to experiencing his and other childrens' nurturing of animals in need.