Board President

Chris B. is a dedicated rabbit advocate and the founder of a house rabbit rescue based in Ohio, established in 2020. What began as a personal mission to help a few abandoned rabbits quickly evolved into a full-scale effort focused on providing care, rehabilitation, and forever homes for domestic rabbits in need. Chris has spent years educating the public about rabbit welfare and responsible guardianship, blending hands-on rescue work with community outreach.

Before joining the board of the House Rabbit Society in 2022. Chris served on various committees of varying organizations. On the HRS national board, he helps shape initiatives aimed at improving the lives of rabbits across the country. Outside of rescue work, Chris brings a background in information technology and datacenter engineering, and enjoys photography and spending time outdoors.

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.

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.

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.

Director

Sondra graduated from Rutgers University with a BA in psychology in 1986. After spending 5 years working with special needs individuals, she returned to university to receive her BSN in nursing. For 25 years Sondra worked as a RN in a variety of roles, including brain trauma nurse, home health care nurse and 17 years as an operating room nurse. She also completed a certification program in wound care.

In 2018, Sondra, who always had a passion for animal welfare,took on the position as Rabbit Caregiver at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. It was here she became familiar with the HRS and worked towards achieving the goal to become a HRS educator.

After leaving BFAS in 2022 to care for her parents, Sondra became a remote volunteer with the HRS. She hosts Rabbit Care 101, Introducing Rabbits and 1:1 bonding support. With her passion for bonding, she went on to assist in the creation of the Hopscotch bonding handout and the first draft of the upcoming bonding section for Houserabbit.org.

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.

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.