Debbie Hughes
Debbie Hughes joins the team as Executive Director. She migrated south from New Jersey to attend Old Dominion University, where she earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in English. Some might think she pursued teaching English. Rather, for 24 years, she helped teachers and students through the Virginia Beach Education Foundation–the only non-profit organization dedicated to Virginia Beach City Public Schools.
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Her professional journey began in fundraising with United Way before transitioning into public relations, marketing, and event planning roles at the Virginia Zoo and Stihl Incorporated. These experiences ultimately led her to her long-standing leadership role with the Virginia Beach Education Foundation.
Now, Debbie channels her passion for advocating for the underserved into animal welfare—a field she has aspired to be part of since childhood. She is deeply committed to supporting those who cannot advocate for themselves, whether they walk on two legs or four.
At home, Debbie and her husband continue their mission of compassionate care by raising three rescued dogs, who have lovingly taken the place of their now-grown children.
Emily Peck
As Associate Director of the Chesapeake Humane Society, Emily plays a key role in supporting program managers to ensure they achieve their strategic goals, tracking the organization’s mission and vision impact across the community, and assisting the Executive Director in guiding CHS’s growth. Emily also oversees all development and marketing initiatives, where her deep understanding of animal welfare and donor stewardship allow her to connect passionate supporters with meaningful opportunities, ensuring that every contribution makes a tangible difference in the lives of animals and their families.
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Growing up in rural Ohio, animals have always been a central part of Emily Peck’s life. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Otterbein University, where she studied biochemistry and equestrian sciences while competing on the IHSA Equestrian Team. In 2012, Emily relocated to Hampton Roads, beginning her career in the nonprofit sector—first with a focus on veterinary medicine before transitioning into a successful career in fundraising and organizational leadership.
Emily is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Hampton Roads Chapter, where she is currently serving as the 2025 President-Elect. Emily was recognized as one of Hampton Roads’ Top 40 Under 40 Business Professionals in 2016 and received Otterbein University’s Alumni Gold Award in 2017 for outstanding volunteer service and community impact.
Outside of work, Emily enjoys riding her beloved horse, Trip, and spending time with her husband, Andrew, and their two children, Henry and Eleanor. The “Peck Pack” also includes their two much-loved rescue dogs, Ben Franklin and George Bailey, as well as Henry’s pet fish, Meatball.
Rita Hemmings, DVM
Dr. Hemmings joined the Chesapeake Humane Society in 2023. Dr. Hemmings received her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Rutgers University and her DVM from Western University of Health Sciences.
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Nicole Harrig
Meet Nicole Harrig, the Crisis Boarding & Outreach Manager at Chesapeake Humane Society. In her role, she assists families and their pets in need by providing boarding services, pet food assistance, and vital community outreach programs.
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With over eight years of experience in animal welfare, Nicole has dedicated her career to supporting both pets and families facing difficult circumstances, including disaster relief efforts. Her extensive background in customer service, combined with three years of management experience in animal welfare, allows her to provide compassionate, efficient support to those who rely on CHS’s services.
A proud graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, Nicole holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a foundation that strengthens her ability to connect with people and understand their unique needs.
After spending 13 years in Richmond, Virginia, she returned to the Hampton Roads area to be closer to family. Outside work, she loves to read, play golf with her dad and brother, and cheer on the Buffalo Bills every football season. Family time remains a priority; she cherishes every moment spent with loved ones.
Tracy Magro
Meet Tracy Magro, a compassionate and experienced Shelter Manager who brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the Chesapeake Humane Society (CHS). Originally hailing from Wisconsin, Tracy found her way to North Carolina before settling in Hampton, Virginia, in 2006.
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With an impressive 25 years of management experience under her belt, including seven years as a Veterinary Practice Manager and two years specifically in Shelter Management, Tracy is committed to making a difference in the lives of animals and their human companions.
Tracy discovered her calling for animal welfare through her involvement in the foster program for a rural shelter starting in 2016. Starting as a medical foster, she quickly became passionate about providing temporary care and rehabilitation for animals in need. This dedication led her to the Chesapeake Humane Society, where she is thrilled to contribute to the Crisis Boarding Program, which aims to keep families together with their beloved pets during difficult times.
Recognizing the importance of supporting the team, which makes CHS’s mission possible, Tracy prioritizes the well-being of the staff. She believes that by nurturing and empowering her colleagues, they can provide even better care for the animals in their charge.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Tracy has a green thumb and a soft spot for all living things, great and small. In her free time, she rescues plants from local garden centers and shares her home with two dogs and a snake named Extra Pickles, proving that she’s not just a crazy cat lady, but a dedicated animal advocate through and through.
With her extensive experience, unwavering dedication, and genuine love for animals, Tracy is an invaluable asset to the Chesapeake Humane Society and the community it serves.
Alyssa DeSena
Alyssa has been a dedicated member of our shelter team since 2021, bringing her passion for animal welfare and her exceptional organizational skills to everything she does.
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As our Assistant Shelter Manager, Alyssa plays a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of our shelter, from overseeing daily activities to supporting our hardworking staff and volunteers.
With a deep love for animals and a commitment to making a difference, Alyssa is involved in everything from animal care and intake to managing shelter resources and helping implement new programs. Her hands-on experience working directly with animals and strong leadership abilities allow her to provide compassionate care while keeping the shelter environment safe, efficient, and welcoming.
Alyssa’s dedication to improving the lives of animals and her drive to foster a positive, collaborative atmosphere makes her an invaluable part of our team. When she’s not caring for the animals or coordinating shelter operations, she’s continuing her education in animal welfare to further her expertise and enhance her impact.
We’re grateful to have Alyssa as part of our shelter family, and she continues to inspire those around her with her commitment to our mission and the animals we serve.
Stacy Cooper
Stacy joined CHS in July of 2023, bringing 17 years of experience in animal care/medicine and a lifetime of compassion for animals.
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Dr. Bleuer
Dr. Meredith Bleuer has been with CHS since 2022. She graduated from Oregon State University in 2019 and has worked in general practice and shelter medicine.
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She is passionate about shelter medicine and helping animals who need it most. Dr. Bleuer is particularly interested in increasing access to veterinary care for pet owners and helping companion animals throughout all stages of life.
Dr. Phan
Dr. Phan joined the CHS team in 2024 as our third doctor! She started her journey in shelter medicine in Richmond, Virginia, when she was just 13 years old.
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Her love for shelter animals grew, and she eventually went to school in Tennessee, where she got her masters in biomedical science and her doctorate in veterinary medicine. After completing her graduate degrees, she moved back to Norfolk, VA, where she went to college at ODU. Since graduating, she has worked at several nonprofit clinics and has recently landed here at Chesapeake Humane Society. Her interests are in high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter. She has four dogs, three cats, nine tortoises, two frogs, a couple of fish tanks, and a human child. She loves a good cruise vacation, and her guilty pleasure is reality TV.
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Asia
Carrie
Grace
Juli, LVTg
Justys
Kai
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Kendell
Kristie
Leslie
Lily
Margaux
Nora, LVT
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