- Annual Report
- Financial Report
- Election of new Board of Director Members
Meet the Candidates
Najla Carlton: I am owner of Najla’s Boutique in Blowing Rock. I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Meredith College. My career path led me to the American Red Cross and eventually to the role of Vice President for Cabarrus Operations for the United Way of Central Carolinas. In these roles I was responsible for budgeting, fundraising and volunteer management. I bought a home in Watauga County 20 years ago and I was struck by the reputation Watauga Humane Society held in my new community. If selected to serve on the Board, I would look forward to helping in the effort to continue the legacy WHS and in particular to the animals served by the organization.
Norman Crotts: My name is Norman “Norm” Crotts. I have two degrees from Appalachian State and LHE certification in school administration. I taught middle school mathematics and social studies, was a high school assistant principal and an adjunct professor at ASU. I am an active member of several professional organizations and three POA’s. I am on the board of the Creek Run POA and am the treasurer for three organizations. My volunteer activities with WHS include occasionally cleaning cat condos, but I am primarily engaged in working with S.N.I.P.S. I drive the spay/neuter U-Haul to the Sheets Clinic in Greensboro two or three times a year, work several craft sales throughout the season, attend numerous Dining Days events, and feed the staff at WHS as part of the Lunch Bunch program. I feel that I will be an asset to the WHS Board and will do my best to promote the mission of the Watauga Humane Society.
Patty Dale: A lifelong animal lover and a long-time WHS volunteer, she is finishing her sixth year as a WHS Board member, having served as WHS Board secretary and treasurer and on various WHS committees. Patty would love to continue to serve on the Board to support the Watauga Humane Society’s life changing mission and its hard working and caring staff, and to be a part of the Board as the Watauga Humane Society continues to move in a positive and more self-sustaining direction.
Lauren Fearrington: I'm a 43-year-old female who grew up in upstate South Carolina. I have a bachelor's degree in psychology from The University of South Carolina and a master's in elementary education from Converse College. I taught elementary school for 10 years before moving to Boone where I became the director of operations at High Country Academy tutoring center. After COVID hit, I resigned to help grow my husband's business. To each of these positions I have brought leadership, passion, organization, and out-of-the-box thinking. I've been in charge of small and large groups of people, running social media accounts, and presenting at various conferences. Once I started volunteering at WHS, I was lucky to join Team Educate. I've really enjoyed taking shelter animals to local schools and teaching students how to respect and care for them. I look forward to continuing to serve in any capacity I can!
Susan Graham: A native of North Carolina, Susan has three decades of dedicated service as an administrative professional along with fifteen years of accounting experience in the High Country. She is currently achieving new milestones in her career with Appalachian State University. Susan has two daughters in college and has found her passion in volunteering with organizations such as our medical center and our beloved elementary school. She enjoys hiking, boating, reading, and spending time with her family. She loves to give back to her community and is an advocate for lifelong learning and community engagement.
Amy Lea: I am a retired lawyer and practiced in Ohio and California. I moved to NC in 2001 after I lost my husband. I hope it goes without saying that I am an animal lover. I have 2 dogs and 2 cats. I grew up training horses and later in life training dogs. I have experience in fund raising from my son's schools and many connections within the community. I hope that I will bring a thoughtful point of view to the Watauga Humane Society. It is an honor to be considered for a position on your Board. Thank you for your consideration.
Shante' Mathes: Shante’ has served as a Watauga Humane Society Board of Director since 2018. Her favorite activities while serving on the board have been contributing to fundraising ideas and sewing keychains (and other items she has attempted but failed to master) for SNIPS. Shante’ works at Appalachian State University as the Director of Research Protections and is a resident of Boone, NC with her rescue dog, Diamond. Animal welfare is a passion for Shante'. Aside from being a pet owner, she has worked with animals big and small for more than 18 years in a variety of government, academic, and clinical settings.
Meghan Wills: Currently Meghan works as an Assistant General Counsel at Appalachian State University. Her general practice encompasses policy implementation, public record requests, protection of minors, access and equity, and athletics. Meghan has been a member of the Watauga County community for the past six years. She has two children and three dogs. Her most recent furry family addition is an eight-month-old Great Dane puppy, rescued from the Avery County Humane Society. Meghan believes in the importance of giving back to this community and supporting our furry friends. While people can often be the worst, animals tend to bring out our best.