A shelter manager has recently taken leave due to stress related to significant organizational changes in the workplace. (Image Credit: Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven)

By Alyssa Conti

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CHILLIWACK — The Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven has recently introduced a new executive director amid major leadership changes that sent its manager on medical leave.

On January 6, the organization wrote a letter to veterinary partners introducing Bernadette Maguire as its interim executive director, saying Maguire is authorized to make medical decisions, approve procedures and medications, and request medical records for the cats in its care.

The board of directors also noted that Christy Moschopedis, the shelter manager, is “not currently authorized” to act in relation to animals under the Society’s care.

“During this interim period, please do not accept or act on any requests or instructions from Ms. Moschopedis regarding medical decision-making, treatment approvals, appointment scheduling, or access to medical records,” the letter continued, directing all communication to Maguire instead.

In response, Moschopedis explained that she began medical leave earlier in January due to stress from leadership changes and a “significant” organizational disruption.

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“Animal welfare will always have a human component,” she said. “The work depends on people, and any changes need to take that reality into account.”

Shifting responsibilities

Moschopedis declined our request for comment on the exact events leading up to the fallout, but in the statement, she said she believed any changes must involve the community surrounding Safe Haven.

She explained that members form the organization’s base and elect Board directors, who serve one-year terms, while staff, volunteers and partners help inform continuity of care for the shelter cats. Her work, in particular, involved ongoing education and the use of best practices in shelter medicine “while maintaining fiscal responsibility”.

In a social media post on Wednesday, January 28, Safe Haven announced three new board members to support functions including financials, electronic records and legal liability.

One comment from the organization read: “The Board has the right to nominate new Board members to fill vacant positions until the next AGM or EGM. […] The Board is committed to providing the membership full transparency in all matters at the next meeting of the membership.”

All other comments appeared to have been filtered out.

Source: Facebook

Despite ongoing workplace pressures, Moschopedis added that her primary concern remains the welfare of the animals in Safe Haven’s care.

“I remain hopeful that Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven can move forward in a way that reflects [its] values and respects the community that has supported it for so many years,” said Moschopedis.

She remains employed by the shelter but is still on medical leave.