Our Team
Wendy - Cat-lover, Founder & Chair of the Board
A frequenter of Kent County since the mid-1980s, the Cat Colloquium's founder has shown a firm commitment to revitalizing downtown Chestertown by establishing a dynamic and inviting community space for both human and felines alike. Rooted in the mission to better the lives of all, our founder has been integral in the design, construction, and programming at the Cat Colloquium--and warmly welcomes anyone in the community who shares her drive to lift up others and to develop meaningful connections one cat companion at a time.
Like most cats, Wendy is at first a little reserved and shy. She wants the focus to be on the space, the resident cats, the Town, and the mission.
Laura Johnstone Wilson, Executive Director
Laura was hired while the Cat Colloquium was still in the planning stages in November 2019. She joined our staff after nearly 24 years of employment at Washington College and nearly 20 years in the Chestertown community; she has demonstrated a high degree of commitment and service to both. In this new position she utilizes her creativity and effervescent personality to make every experience memorable for its participants, including and especially, the four-legged residents that call the Cat Colloquium home.
In Laura’s free time she manages three beehives, 70 chickens, 27 sheep, five alpacas, two cats and 1 active dog.
“My past experiences serves me well in this exciting position. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the community I cherish. I appreciate offering unique and caring encounters for both animals and people. Herding cats will brings an exciting and challenging element to my life.”