Director of Operations
Instructor/Course Coordinator

Alan R. Spence

Alan has 30 years of law enforcement, animal husbandry and business experience. He recently retired as a Police Sergeant Investigator. His many years in criminal investigations, animal science, and dealing with the public, well qualifies him for his position with TAACO. Alan also holds a state teaching / instructor certification with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement through Texas A&M University, Certified Animal Cruelty Investigator, and is a Certified Animal Control Officer. His training and education also includes associate courses in animal science and reproduction. Alan was born and raised on a working cattle ranch where he worked for many years before entering law enforcement in 1979. He has experience in dealing with domestic animals of all types, but emphasized his interest on equine and bovine.

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Chief Admin Assistant

Staci Retzlaff

Staci is an experienced office manager with many years of dealing with the public. She also has experience as a teaching assistant with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Hunter Safety Courses. Her love and devotion to animals is proven in her day to day interaction with them. Her management skills are impeccable and truly enjoys running the office. She will also be in charge of the student record keeping as well.

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Training Assistant

Leslie Hodges

Leslie is a Registered Veterinary Technician with over 5 years of experience in the field of veterinary medicine, ranging from working in veterinary hospitals, to working in a non-profit animal shelter. She has an Associates Degree in Applied Science, and numerous hours of continuing education and in-service training. She is a member of TVMA. She trains barrel horses and attends barrel races in her free time.

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Staff

Joe Lara

After graduating from Giddings High School, in 1971, Joe did an 8-year stint in the US Air Force, where his duties consisted of Military Police. Joe separated in 1983 at the E-5 Rank of Staff Sergeant. After his military service ended, Joe continued a 25-year career in civilian law enforcement with a department in the San Antonio area, which had begun while in the military. His career ended with an Investigator position with the Texas Lottery Commission in 1998. Joe retired due to medical disability in 1999.

From 1984 to 1986 Joe attended Blinn College, and graduated with a AA degree in Criminal Justice in 1986.
From 1986 to 1988 Joe attended Southwest Texas State University, and continued studies in Criminal Justice and completed 96hrs towards a Bachelors Degree.

During his career, Joe earned an Advanced Peace Officer Certification, an Instructor Proficiency Certification, among attending many hours of law enforcement in-service training through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education.

01 May 2001 Joe was hired as an adjunct instructor to assist with courses in Animal Cruelty Investigations, Officer Safety & Survival and our Basic Field Spanish. Joe is bi-lingual, which is another true benefit to our training program. Joe is also assisting us with the design and construction our new animal rescue assistance trailer for disaster situations call outs.

Joe is an active member and elder at the Cowboy Church of Lee County, here in Giddings. We are pleased to have him as part of our Instructor/training team.

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Staff

Amy Perrenot

WE here at TAACO are very pleased to have Amy on board as one of our very knowledgeable and experienced instructors.

Amy has many years of combined experience in the animal care & control and shelter operations field. She also possess a BA degree in animal science, from Southwest Texas State University. She has also earned her Basic and Advanced ACO certifications, through the Texas Department of State Health Services. Amy has experience as a Veterinarian Assistant, Animal Care Tech and as an Animal Care Facility manager, plus she is very knowledgeable in animal health and nutrition. (small & large animal)

Amy will be assisting us with teaching numerous courses, but emphasizing on the ACO BASIC, ADVANCED, ADMINISTRATIVE, SHELTER MANAGEMENT, ANIMAL CARE TECH and ANIMAL CONTROL SUPERVISOR courses.

Amy will also be heading up our Animal Care Facility (shelter) consultant team.

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