About us / leadership

Board of Directors

Jill Bonner

Jill Bonner

President

Jill brings a variety of experiences in veterinary medicine, animal welfare, shelter operations, and nonprofit leadership to Yolo Animal Center. Her dedication to animal welfare began in Guam, where she volunteered full-time at the Yigo Animal Shelter and helped establish the Guam Animals In Need (GAIN) Spay/Neuter Clinic, serving as both Clinic Manager and Veterinary Assistant.

After relocating to Davis, Jill spent more than a decade at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, primarily as the After-Hours Emergency Supervisor in Client Relations. A California Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) since 2000, she also holds degrees in Veterinary Technology and Psychology, including a master’s degree from Sonoma State University. Following her career at UC Davis, Jill teaches psychology courses at Woodland Community College while remaining actively involved in local animal welfare organizations.

As President of Yolo Animal Center, Jill combines her veterinary knowledge, leadership experience, and lifelong compassion for animals to advance accessible and affordable spay/neuter services, strengthen community partnerships, and improve the lives of animals most in need.

Caren Hill

Caren Hill

Secretary

Caren is a lifelong animal advocate with decades of experience caring for, fostering, and rescuing animals. Throughout her 35-year career with the Yolo County Office of Education, she helped children with disabilities experience the joy and connection animals can bring. Her passion for animal welfare has taken her from rescuing homeless dogs and cats in the Philippines to rescue, foster, and TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) work here at home.

Caren serves on the Board of Directors for Summer House, Inc., and beyond her administrative leadership on the Board, she facilitates meaningful human-animal relationships through weekly visits with Summer House clients.

Caren is deeply committed to combating animal over-population and advocating for the welfare of all animals.

Holly Bishop

Holly Bishop

Treasurer

Holly has been a dedicated community advocate in Davis and Yolo County for more than 30 years. Her extensive leadership experience includes serving on the Yolo County Library Board, Davis Friends of the Public Library Board, NAMI Yolo Board, and several City of Davis commissions.

Throughout her years of service, Holly has helped bring meaningful community projects to life, including parks, libraries, and neighborhood improvements. Recognized for her outstanding leadership and commitment to public service, she brings invaluable experience, compassion, and a passion for making a difference to the Yolo Animal Center Board.

Tara Zickler

Tara Zickler

Board Member at Large

Tara is a mom of five sons, longtime Realtor and designer, and passionate animal advocate. Before beginning her real estate career in 2001, she spent 10 years working as an EMT and phlebotomist. With more than 25 years of experience in real estate, design, and community involvement, Tara brings creativity, compassion, and a hands-on approach to everything she does.

Her love for animals has led her to volunteer at local animal shelters, foster dogs in need, and advocate for improved shelter conditions. She is especially passionate about senior dogs and animals who are often overlooked, believing every animal deserves comfort, kindness, and a chance to experience love. Tara is committed to creating calmer, less stressful shelter environments by providing enrichment, companionship, and opportunities for dogs to spend time outside their kennels.

As a board member, she is also dedicated to addressing pet overpopulation at its source through accessible, low-cost and free spay and neuter services. Tara believes that through compassion, education, and community involvement, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of animals and the people who love them.

Names and roles were published on YAAEC’s original website and checked September 24, 2026.

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