Our Volunteer Board

Meet the House Rabbit Society board. Our board is comprised of volunteers who bring a variety of expertise, experiences, and ideas to the strategic vision of HRS. As a working board, our board members have a direct impact on crafting programs, resources, and expanding support to rabbit guardians of all skillsets and backgrounds.

  • Chris Beafore

    Board President

  • Cecille Caterson

    Secretary and Treasurer

    Cecille has more than 25 years experience working in the non-profit sector as a program manager, board member, and community volunteer. She recently retired from the California State Parks Foundation where she helped raise funding for and implemented several key park improvement projects including a $20M wetlands restoration project at Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, and a historic preservation project at Pond Farm, the former home and studio of Bauhaus trained potter Marguerite Wildenhain (1894-1985), located in Austin Creek State Recreation Area, Guerneville. When not learning new things about the care and protection of house rabbits, she and her partner Gene enjoy living in San Francisco and recreating in the Presidio.

  • Pilar Mendoza

    Director

    Pilar is a seasoned consultant in the social sector who leads evaluation and learning projects and supports capacity building for nonprofits and foundations. As a HRS board director, she brings over 15 years of experience in planning, program evaluation, and organizational development to support HRS’s growth and impact. Throughout her career, she has led teams in designing and implementing data-informed strategies that help organizations identify root causes of disparities and create sustainable solutions. Pilar has been a dedicated HRS volunteer for over a decade, serving in various capacities while personally experiencing the joy of rabbit companionship through her three adoptions from the organization. She currently shares her home with her partner and two beloved HRS alumni, Jessica and Tuturu.

  • James Nalivka

    Director

    James has volunteered, alongside his wife Nareeya, with HRS for the past 14 years. He has volunteered monthly as an adoption counselor, supervising volunteer, hopshop volunteer, and course teacher.

    James has over 18 years of experience in operational management and is currently working in data analytics for Team People @ Google. James and Nareeya currently have 4 bonded bunnies of their own (Mikey, Sully, Elsa, and Anna) and are regular fosters as well as monthly volunteers.

  • Marinell Harriman

    Director Emerita

    Marinell Harriman is the creator of the House Rabbit Handbook, the seminar book that highlighted indoor rabbit housing and helped elevate rabbits to status of companion pets on par with cats and dogs. In 1988, Marinell founded House Rabbit Society after wanting to expand her work fostering rabbits from local Bay Area municipal shelters and create a larger impact through educational resources accessible to rabbit caregivers at all skill levels.

  • Beth Woolbright

    Director Emerita

    Beth is one of the original founding members of House Rabbit Society. Under the direction and in partnership with Marinell, Beth provided rabbit wellness, care, housing, and special needs care experience and information to rabbit owners in the Bay Area and beyond. Beth’s specialty is working with children on humane education and inspiring the next generation of rabbit owners, veterinarians and animal welfare workers alike.