About
Beyond Animal Sheltering was founded by Madison County residents who believe that strong communities care for both people and animals, and that our local animal shelter plays an essential role in making that possible.
Our board members, contracted professionals, and community partners work alongside the leadership of Madison County Animal Services to strengthen the resources, infrastructure, and support systems that help the shelter serve our county. We are not a replacement for Animal Services. Instead, we exist to expand its capacity, support its staff, and help connect the shelter with the people who care about its success.
We recognize that animal sheltering and animal control are skilled public service professions that require dedication, expertise, and resilience. By investing in the people doing this work, we help create better outcomes for animals, pet owners, and the broader community.
Many of us have spent our careers in animal welfare, public service, community outreach, and nonprofit leadership. Together, we share a deep respect for the role animals play in Madison County and a commitment to practical, community-driven solutions that support their well-being.
Whether helping improve shelter resources, supporting staff development, expanding community programs, or building partnerships, our focus remains the same: strengthening the systems that help animals and people thrive together in Madison County.
Meet Our Board
Sydney Bartson Queen
Sydney brings over twelve years of experience in animal sheltering, behavior, and program development, with a background spanning local and national animal welfare organizations. She is particularly passionate about advancing education, building collaborative partnerships, and supporting both the animals in our communities and the people who advocate for them.
Sydney holds a Master’s degree in International Animal Welfare, Ethics, and Law and a Certificate in Organizational Leadership from the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement. In addition to her professional work, she has volunteered with nonprofits for over fifteen years. As President, Sydney is committed to advancing the organization’s mission through thoughtful leadership, strategic planning, and meaningful community engagement
In her free time, Sydney enjoys riding her horses, working sheep with her Border Collie, and hiking with friends in beautiful Madison County.
President
Adam Cotton
Adam graduated from UNC Asheville and returned to Western North Carolina in 2015 to help launch Asheville Humane Society's community outreach program. With 14+ years of experience in animal welfare, he has focused on developing programs that strengthen the bond between pets and their people while expanding access to resources that help families keep their pets at home.
Before entering animal welfare, Adam worked in welfare-to-work programs, civil rights advocacy, and human sheltering services. This diverse background gives him a unique perspective on the challenges facing both people and animals and informs his commitment to addressing the root causes of pet relinquishment through compassionate, community-based solutions.
Adam lives on a small farm in Mars Hill with four large-breed dogs, two cats, two horses, six goats, two sheep, two pigs, more than twenty chickens, and two rabbits. Most of his animals were adopted from local shelters.
Vice President
Dr. Chelsea Fogal, DVM
Dr. Chelsea Fogal has spent the last 15 years working or volunteering in a variety of ways in animal welfare; through MASH-style pop-up Spay/Neuter and pet wellness clinics, training surgeons and veterinary students in high-volume Spay/Neuter techniques with the ASPCA, and developing and maintaining robust shelter medicine and surgical programs for five animal sheltering organizations.
Growing up in the Asheville area, she was drawn back to the mountains of WNC after spending time in the Midwest. She once again feels at home after working with organization as progressive and innovative as MCAS and AHS.
Treasurer
Dr. Adam Bennett, DVM
Dr. Adam Bennett earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2013 and has a small practice in Madison County. His background includes work with municipal shelters, humane societies, foster-based rescues, animal control reform efforts, and nonprofit programs focused on keeping pets and people together during difficult times.
Bringing both veterinary expertise and hands-on experience to BAS, Dr. Adam has a strong focus on compassionate care, shelter support, practical problem-solving and building sustainable community resources for Madison County animals and the people who love them.
Secretary 
Debbie Davis
Prior to retiring to the lovely western NC mountains, Deb worked in the non profit sector for over thirty years. During that time she experienced the many facets of non- profit life including Executive Director, volunteer, and board member.
Animals have always been a priority, especially the many rescue dogs who became part of the family.
Her idea of an ideal world is where all animals are valued, cared for, and treated with the respect they deserve.
Board Member
Willa Mims
Willa has lived in Madison County for almost two decades and has been working as Registered Veterinary Technician during that time. She has worked in spay neuter, specialty surgery and in general practice. Her latest adventure has been working at a low cost vet clinic helping people and pets stay together and offer financial assistance as much as possible.
She has several adopted pets from Madison County Animal Shelter and strongly believes in the important work the shelter does in the county for both pets and people.
Board Member
Dr. Craig Goforth
Dr. Craig Goforth serves as Chair of the Criminal Justice Department at MHU, where he has worked since 1990 in both administrative and academic leadership roles. He earned a Ph.D. in Business Administration with a specialization in Criminal Justice in 2010 and became full-time faculty in 2015.
He teaches a range of criminal justice courses and has contributed to the field through scholarly publications and professional presentations. A sworn law enforcement officer for 27+ years, he holds an Advanced Certificate from the NC Criminal Justice Standards Commission and has served as a military police officer, fraud investigator, and chief of police.
He is active in community service, youth athletics and nonprofit governance.
Board Member
Daria Uporsky
Daria is honored to serve on the Board of Directors for BAS, a role that is especially meaningful to her because animals are one of her greatest joys in life. Prior to joining the board, she volunteered as a foster for the Madison County Animal Shelter.
Professionally, Daria serves as the director of a local nonprofit focused on community resilience and disaster recovery in the wake of Hurricane Helene. She also serves as board treasurer for another nonprofit expanding recreational opportunities in her rural community.
Outside of her professional and volunteer work, she loves to run trails with her dog, bake pies, and write poetry.
Board Member
Kathryn Klos
Kathryn is a marketing strategist and founder of Bloom Wild Consulting, where she provides digital marketing, web design, and communications strategy to nonprofits and mission-driven brands. She spent nearly a decade as Director of Strategy & Planning at Goodway Group, leading campaigns for Fortune 500 clients, and currently serves as CMO for Hound & Co., a pet supplement company.
An active volunteer with the Madison County Animal Shelter and FoMCA, Kathryn has supported spay/neuter education, vaccination clinics, and local animal welfare initiatives. She joins the BAS board to help amplify its voice, deepen community impact, and build sustainable support for the animals of Madison County.
Board Member