Board of Directors, Staff, and Operations Team

Ann Chasson, President

Ann has many years of experience in managing software development projects including stints at Oracle Corporation and small startup companies. In 2002 she co-founded a systems biology consulting firm and continues to work there as President and CEO.

In 2015, Ann founded Karma Cat Rescue. That same year she and her friend Mary Rubin opened The Dancing Cat.

Ann’s love of cats began in childhood with her parents’ first cat, Kitty Girl, and extends to the present as she shares her home with her husband Rob Phair, and rescue cats Coco and Prowler.

Robert Phair, Vice President

Robert is a scientist, an engineer, and a philosopher. He joined this Board to help solve problems, and particularly to ensure that we care for the people of Karma Cat Rescue/The Dancing Cat as well as we care for the cats who grace our lives.

Mary Rubin, Director

With a background in architecture and real estate development, Mary has worked as a project manager in the field of Public Art for many years. Among her major local projects are the San Jose Airport Art Program, San Jose City Hall, and the MLK Library.

In 2014 she discovered her love of cats. As luck would have it, she met her neighbor Ann Chasson and shortly after they co-founded The Dancing Cat. Whether dog, cat, pig, cow or sheep, Mary is committed to supporting the well-being of all sentient beings.

Mary Hoover, Director

Mary has over 30 years experience in the high tech world – and experienced the transformation from punch cards to phones having more power than the first computer she fed cards into. She has always lived with cats – when she was two the resident house cat had a kitten, and she named him “Mao”. He was the first of a series of cats she grew up with

Every morning finds her in the yoga studio practicing Mysore style of yoga, which helps keep her centered and focused.

Mary began volunteering for the Dancing Cat in 2016. In her role of Cat Curator she ensures that there is a balance of ages, sexes and colors. She shares her home with her two cats Pixel and Minx.

Marilyn Smith, Treasurer

Marilyn has 25+ years experience in financial record keeping for non-profit and for-profit businesses including 10+ at Stanford. She was treasurer at her church for 9 years and was "CFO" for her family's garage go-ped business with $100,000+ annual sales.

In retirement, she hoped to volunteer her financial services to small non-profits. That dream was elusive due to physical and energy limitations from worsening Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. She is thrilled that the dream is coming true with the Dancing Cat

Although she loves dogs slightly more than cats, she believes that all God's creatures -- human and animal -- should be treated with love and care.

Alyson Falwell, Secretary

Alyson became owned by her first cat at age 4 and since that time has had a steady stream of felines in her home and in her heart. Alyson first came to The Dancing Cat as an adopter in 2017 and stayed on to volunteer in a variety of roles.

She has a masters degree in public health from the University of Washington and spends her days managing the research operations at Stanford Children’s Health. She is passionate about helping members of the community, especially children, learn about cats and experience the joys of cat companionship. She lives with her husband David and cats Moose and Toro (a Dancing Cat alum!)

Operations Volunteers