Linda Spangler was born and raised in Pennsylvania to parents who were involved in community, service to their country and conservation activities. She earned a BA degree in Anthropology from Arizona State University and spent her professional career working first in the environmental health arena in Montgomery County, Maryland and later as Director of Environmental Health Services for Santa Clara County, California.
Linda’s lifelong passion for dogs led her to train and volunteer with her certified dogs in search and rescue missions. She became expert in disaster management and was a member of the United States' disaster team responding to the 1985 Mexico City earthquakes. Combining a professional knowledge of public health issues as a Registered Sanitarian with the effects of disasters upon a community, Linda developed an excellent perspective for emergency planning.
She became a Certified Emergency Manager with the International Association of Emergency Managers and became the Director of Environmental Health Services for Santa Clara County in San Jose, California. She also served as the Executive Director of CARD (Collaborating Agencies Responding to Disasters) in San Mateo County, California and has served on numerous boards and task forces involving emergency management and health issues. Additionally, she was assigned to FEMA’s Urban Search and Rescue Management Team to develop the management parameters for the existing Urban Search and rescue (USAR) task forces.
As a member of the California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health, (CCDEH), she co-authored the California Environmental Health Directors’ Model Disaster Planning Guide. Currently, Linda is an active member of Furry Friends Pet Assisted Therapy Association. She travels to children’s shelters and senior care facilities to offer disadvantaged children and seniors the opportunity for pet companionship with her therapy dogs. Balancing career with family was always a priority, as Linda’s primary concern has been successfully raising her two daughters.
Linda’s goal for the PALS Foundation is to help children and families dealing with the effects of facial difference and develop and support programs that enhance the lives of vulnerable populations, people and animals during crises.