SNIPSA, Inc.

Board of Directors

Shannon R. Espy,DVM
President

Dr. Shannon Espy received her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts from The University of Texas at Austin, her Masters in Counseling at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, and her DVM degree from Texas A&M University in College Station. Having married a first year veterinary student, she was inspired to pursue her longtime dream as a veterinarian. It was at the TAMU campus that Shannon assisted with the institution of a trap/neuter/return program for feral cats.

Following veterinary school, she and her husband moved to Kentucky where he furthered his degree in equine medicine. Shannon put her compassion for helping rescue animals into motion by assisting Woodstock Animal Foundation with sick and injured animals as well as providing low cost spay/neuter outreach in the Blue Grass area. Sterilization clinics were held in fire stations, community centers, churches, and tobacco warehouses. People would drive for miles to have their animals altered at no cost. She saw the immediate results of spay/neuter and knew this was the single most effective means to save lives.

Upon returning to her roots in San Antonio to raise a family, she and a handful of others started SNIPSA. At that time, San Antonio was euthanizing well over 50,000 animals per year and serious reform was in store. She has been a long time advocate of implementing positive change in the animal welfare community and is grateful for the support of SNIPSA employees and volunteers who assist her in this mission. She is the mother to four children and a revolving door of foster animals that pass thru her doors.

Benjamin K. Espy, DVM, DACT

Vice President

Dr. Benjamin Espy received a biology degree from Duke University in 1991. In 1996, he graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in veterinary medicine. During his career Dr. Espy has practiced medicine in Texas and in Lexington, KY at Hagyard, Davidson, McGee Equine Associates.

Dr. Espy has been licensed to practice acupuncture since 1996, is on numerous AAEP committees and task forces, is on the alternative therapy committee for the TVMA, is an animal treatment consultant for the PRCA, is an associate professor at Texas A&M – Kingsville, is on the Board of Directors for the College of Theriogenology (Equine Reproduction) and is Board Certified in equine reproduction.

Dr. Espy’s chosen charity is promoting and performing surgical sterilization and medical rehabilitation for animals that belong to owners of low income households. Dr. Espy has participated in the inception of free spay and neuter clinics for the general public in Lexington KY, Louisville, KY, and in San Antonio, TX. He is currently Vice-President for his wife’s animal rehabilitation non-profit corporation (SNIPSA) in San Antonio.

The Espy’s have 4 children, a household of their own animals, and have enjoyed 16 years of marriage.

Sarah E. Abernathey, DVM

Secretary

Dr. Sarah Abernathey received her biology degree from the University of North Texas in 1994, and then went on to receive a doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M in 1999. After graduating, she moved to San Antonio, and has practiced small animal and non-traditional species medicine for the past 10 years. She currently has 3 dogs, 2 cats, and an 18 year old iguana to call her own. She and her husband of 13 years have one 5½ year old daughter.

Chris Blasko, CPA

Treasurer

Chris Blasko received his Bachelors of Business Administration and Masters in Professional Accounting from The University of Texas at Austin in 2003. After working for the offices of Ernst & Young in Austin, Chris moved to San Antonio in 2006 to join his father and brother in their tax & accounting practice. In the summer of 2010, Chris' long time love of animals led him to offer his services to the SNIPSA board as Treasurer. A strong proponent of conserving Texas wildlife, Chris works to create natural habitats for animals in south Texas during much of his free time. Chris is also the proud uncle of three poodles and one black lab.

Pete Broderick, J.D.

Board Member

Pete Broderick is a shareholder in the Real Estate Section of Cox Smith. He received his Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Business Administration and Economics from Trinity University in 1984 and his law degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1987.

Having previously shared their home with two (2) mastiffs, Pete and his wife Laura currently are owned by Henry, a Golden Retriever, and are tolerated by three (3) cats who cohabitate with them as well. In addition, they have two (2) children who share their parents’ love of animals.