Meet the Leadership team
Laura Toller Gardner, Chief Executive Officer
With more than three decades of nonprofit leadership, Laura has held multiple executive roles, guiding mission-driven organizations to greater capacity, impact, and cultural transformation. She believes that strong organizations center their mission, vision, and culture to drive smart strategy, and she is deeply committed to investing in and empowering people who bring diverse skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. At Pets In Need, Laura is proud to lead a talented and passionate team, building on the organization’s essential, lifesaving work in shelters and communities. Prior to joining PIN, she held executive roles overseeing fundraising and development, marketing and communications, organizational development, and IT infrastructure. Laura holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Southern California and a Certificate in Nonprofit Executive Management from Georgetown University. A lifelong animal lover and devoted cat co-parent, she brings extensive board and hands-on-rescue volunteer experience in Bay Area animal welfare.
To reach out to Laura, please email ceo@petsinneed.org.
Jeanne Wu, MBA, CAWA, Director of Human Resources
Jeanne Wu came out of retirement in 2024 to join Pets In Need, bringing decades of nonprofit leadership experience in human resources, volunteer programs, and operations. Before her work in animal welfare, she held executive HR roles in the high-tech sector, developing inclusive and people-focused workplaces. A devoted animal lover and frequent “foster fail,” Jeanne lives with her husband, four cats, and her rescue dog, Joey.
Laura Birdsall, RVT, CAWA, Director of Behavior and Medical Services
Laura Birdsall oversees behavior, medical programs, and staff across both Pets In Need locations, ensuring animals receive compassionate, high-quality care. With 16 years of leadership experience in animal welfare, she brings deep expertise in behavior, medical services, and shelter management from organizations including Humane Society Silicon Valley, San Francisco SPCA, and Placer SPCA. In addition to being a CAWA and RVT, Laura holds a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology with an emphasis in Animal Behavior from UC Davis.
Lauren Wickman, Director of Shelter Operations
A Bay Area native, Lauren Wickman brings over 15 years of leadership experience in operations across nonprofit and for-profit sectors. She is passionate about creating positive experiences for employees, animals, and clients alike, and is dedicated to advancing best practices in animal welfare. Before joining Pets In Need, Lauren held key leadership roles in shelter operations, helping organizations achieve the highest standards of care and innovation. She is a Fear Free certified professional, holds animal CPR certifications, and has significantly contributed to implementation of AAHA standards in several hospitals. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys spending time with animals, hiking, baking, and watching sci-fi with her fiancé.
Chelsea Miranda Denton, Director of Development and Marketing
Chelsea Miranda Denton leads development and marketing at Pets In Need, driving initiatives that strengthen community connections and inspire generosity. With over a decade of experience in philanthropy, she is dedicated to creating lasting impact and ensuring every animal finds a loving home. She lives on the Peninsula with her family and their rescue dog River, who keeps them grounded, joyful, and reminded of why compassion matters.