Board of Directors

At Orphans of the Storm, our Board of Directors sets policies and strategic direction to ensure our organization remains true to its values and goals, while the Senior Staff oversees day-to-day operations with dedication and expertise. Together, they uphold our nearly 100-year legacy of rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals, providing safe shelter and high-quality care, and fostering a culture of kindness and support. Their collective commitment ensures that every animal receives the attention and compassion they need as they journey toward finding warm, loving, adoptive homes.

Michelle Shields, Board President

My connection to Orphans began when I was five and adopted my first dog here, and it’s remained an important part of my life ever since. I became Volunteer President in 2024 after many years of volunteering in a variety of roles—including dog walking, cat enrichment, fostering, photography, and social media. As a longtime small business owner, I’m excited to bring my experience to help the shelter grow and evolve, and to be part of building an even better future for the animals and community we serve.

Sarah Alter, Board Member

As a passionate (sometimes called crazy by my family) animal lover, volunteering at the shelter and serving on the Orphans Board has been a true joy to me since 2023. I love to walk our Orphans’ dogs, entertain them with treats and toys, praise them with kind words and snuggles. My newest adventure will be playing with our incredible cats and kittens. As a former nonprofit CEO, I will be leveraging all that I have learned from this adventure to benefit our efforts to grow our mission and impact. Professionally, I serve on several startup boards, and I am the CEO of a startup that provides Talent Solutions to small to mid-sized organizations. Most importantly, our family fur babies include Sugar, and two grand-dogs, Bean, and Lily, who is an Orphans adoptee!

Tom Breuer. Board Member

My involvement with OOTS started in mid 1980’s when I joined the Board. We are a cat loving family, and our sons/daughters in law and grandchildren love being with our OOTS cats. My business experience includes running divisions of health care companies (Baxter, Hollister) and management consulting (McKinsey, and since 2002 Breuer Partners). I gladly share my experience with OOTS, particularly with the initiatives to build a new shelter and ensure success for the next 100 years of helping our dogs and cats find loving permanent homes.

Robin Hirano, Board Member

Rescue animals, especially cats, bring so much joy to my life. In 2025, I joined the Orphans of the Storm board and became a Cat Enrichment volunteer. I’m a retired Vice President of Transformation, Talent Development, and Operations at Alight Solutions (formerly Hewitt/Aon Hewitt). Now, I cherish time with family and friends, playing with our granddaughter and our pets, cooking, swimming, and staying active—all while finding purpose in making a difference.

Alyssa Knobel, Board Member

I began volunteering at Orphans of the Storm in 2023 after losing our beloved rescue dog Daisy, turning heartbreak into purpose by helping other dogs find the love and security she had. A longtime communications consultant with over 30 years of experience in strategic planning, public affairs, and crisis response, I’ve also served two terms on the Highland Park City Council and remain deeply engaged in civic and charitable work. My passion for animal welfare is an extension of my broader commitment to advocacy and building stronger, more compassionate communities. I can be spotted most days walking dogs on the trail at Orphans—each step a tribute to the joy Daisy brought to our lives.

Jan Stern Reed, Board Member

Having grown up in Deerfield, and raised my kids there as well, I have been aware of Orphans for many years. I began volunteer dog walking in 2016 after retiring from my position as SVP and General Counsel of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Dogs are such an important part of bringing joy and happiness to my life that my husband describes me as a “dog pusher.” I currently serve on the board of directors for three publicly-traded companies, and I’m looking forward to bringing my board skills to the Orphans Board to help the shelter and its short-term furry residents grow and prosper.

Lew Seidenberg, Board Member

I was the first staff Veterinarian at Orphans in 1970 when I also joined the Board. I have been active with the shelter ever since. Slowing animal population growth is critical. I traveled through South America teaching early spay/neuter projects and organized Veterinarians and Technicians from the US and Canada to travel with me to enhance these projects.

Craig Steinberg, Board Member

I am a career Human Resources professional in the Rewards area. I have been a part of the Orphans of the Storm family for over 25 years and a member of the Board for over 15 years. You will find me and my wife, Hope, walking dogs every weekend and many days as well. Or you’ll see me in the cat room playing. I have a special knack for pairing people looking for a new family member with one of our animals that need their forever home.

About Orphans of the Storm

Honorary Board

The Orphans of the Storm Honorary Board has been established to recognize and honor individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the shelter’s mission and history.