Mountain West Regional Specialist
Jess Cieplinski
Originally from Reading, Pennsylvania, Jess Cieplinski joined the Mountain West Regional Team in November 2024. Jess spent twelve years as an elementary and special education teacher, tying humane education into classroom lessons whenever possible. She spent her weekends and summers volunteering at the local humane society, as well as fostering puppy mill survivors and cats in need of a safe place to land while educating others about puppy mills and advocating for community cats.
In 2011 Jess traveled to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary for a five-week animal care internship. While it took almost two years to make the transition and move to Kanab, Jess began her career with Best Friends in 2013 as a lifesaving and care specialist in Dogtown. She remained in that role for eight years, working with a wide variety of dogs with individual challenges and needs as well as engaging and educating visitors and volunteers. In August 2021, Jess joined the leadership team in Dogtown where she had the privilege of working with a diverse mix of dogs and a talented group of people as the Pathway Planner and later, Assistant Manager.
Some of Jess’s priorities include relationship building and mentoring, creative problem solving, and collaborative projects. She has a particular interest in transport planning, aiming to connect organizations and increase lifesaving. Her passion for helping misunderstood animals is in the forefront of her mind often, as she gravitates towards the shy and overwhelmed animals she meets. Jess enjoys sharing her expertise in dog handling, behavior, and enrichment, as well as her experience with challenging medical and behavioral cases, in order to help and support others.
Jess has a bachelor's degree from Villanova University and a master's degree in education from Alvernia University. She earned a Certificate in Animal Shelter Management from the University of the Pacific, is Fear Free Certified, and earned a certificate in Compassion Fatigue Strategies from the University of Florida’s Shelter Medicine Program. Jess shares her home with a variety of cats and dogs, welcoming fosters when possible. She loves spending time with animals, reading, and yoga. Jess and her significant other Tom enjoy hiking and traveling, especially exploring National Parks.