Board Member Bios
Debby Beaufort – Chairperson
Debby has volunteered at Calaveras County Animal Services since 2003. She served as a board member of Calaveras Humane Society, presently is chair of FOCAS,the dog team lead at the shelter, serves as volunteer coordinator, as well as fosters puppies. She lives with 2 rescued dogs in Mokelumne Hill.
Kim deArrillaga – Treasurer
I am retired from Calaveras County Public Health in 2013. I am a knitter and quilter and lover of animals. I raised 5 service dogs for Canine Companions for Independence, and currently have my own personal pooches. I show rally, obedience and scent work and enjoy the challenge of teaching my pups new skills and watching them have fun.
FOCAS has accomplished so very much so far and I am proud to be associated with such a great non-profit. I look forward to the great accomplishments we will continue to achieve.
Christine Albertine – Secretary
Christine retired a few years ago as an attorney with the State of California after 10 years. Prior to that she was an union attorney for 22 years. Christine shares a household with 6 dogs and 2 cats ranging from a 1 year old to a 15 years old. All rescued (I’m not sure who rescued whom) and vocal! Christine joined the FOCAS board in 2021.
Joanne Elliot – Director
Lives in Murphys for the past 25 years with husband, Casey, three golden retrievers, Hank, Annie, Nash and a cat, Chief. “I am a retired Elementary School Teacher. I’ve previously served as a board member Calaveras County Humane Society for 10 years. I have recently been invited to join the board FOCAS and I look forward to working with this incredible group.”
Cindi Garringer – Director
Cindi joined the FOCAS board in summer of 23. Volunteered at AS since 2002 cleaning cages, socializing cats and transferring AS kitties to CHS foster care. Helped to manage a foster cat program with CHS from around 2005 through 2017. Lives in Murphys with husband Val and daughter Heidi. Their cat family has reduced drastically over the years to a mere 2 cats, Lala and Bean and a very sweet Aussie named Luna.
Melissa Hamre – Director
Melissa has been immersed in animal care and animal welfare since she started a successful business walking neighborhood dogs at 11 years old. She has a degree in biology from The University of Montana, and had been a small animal vet tech for about 20 years. She has love for all species, both wild and domestic, and rescues any animal who needs rescuing. She is most passionate about horse rescue, and also spay and neuter programs for small animals. She’s been part of FOCAS since 2021 and currently lives in Valley Springs with her dogs, cats, and horses.
Bobbie Pile – Director
I have been a full-time resident in Calaveras County since 2002. Growing up, we always had cats/dogs. My parents took in all types of animals that needed help, including a turtle, a tarantula, possums and a crow. I guess that is where my love and respect for animals comes from. I began walking dogs at the shelter in 2009 and continue to do so at least twice a week now. During the Butte Fire I was tasked with running the “Tent City”, caring for the displaced dogs. It was a joy to help folks that needed shelter for their dogs, to work with dedicated volunteers and to see the outpouring of care that our community gave to our efforts. I have been helping at FOCAS’ free clinics in the past few years. When asked to join the Board, it was an easy decision, knowing the great benefit FOCAS is to the animals of Calaveras County.
Erin Dahlquist – Director
Erin is the newest member of FOCAS’ Board of Directors. She is co-founder of Latchkey Marketing, a digital marketing consultancy she launched in 2019 after a long career in corporate marketing. A native Californian, Erin lives in Calaveras County with her husband and cats with odd names: Brown Noser, Fifty-fifty, Garfield, Mama, Fat Head, and Tabitha. She is passionate about animal welfare and proud to support the mission of FOCAS.