MEET THE FOUNDERS
Ilaria Borghese, MS, MA, OT
CEO & Co-Founder | STAAR Conference
Founder & CEO | Vital Vet
Founder & President | Thera-Paw
Ilaria Borghese brings more than 25 years of experience spanning scientific research, clinical practice, product innovation, and veterinary education. Her work has focused on bridging these disciplines to develop practical solutions that improve animal mobility, rehabilitation, and quality of life. Ilaria earned her MS in Neuroscience from the University of Connecticut and served as Clinical Coordinator for the Brain Research Center at Children's Hospital in Washington, DC. She later continued her research at Yale University School of Medicine, publishing articles in peer-reviewed medical journals, before earning her MA in Occupational Therapy from New York University. Inspired by the mobility challenges of her own Greyhound, Ilaria founded Thera-Paw, Inc. in 2001. Working closely with veterinary practitioners, she has developed innovative approaches to custom soft bracing, splinting, and assistive mobility devices for animals with special needs. She teaches internationally and co-authored a chapter on assistive devices, orthotics, prosthetics, and bandaging in the 2013 Wiley textbook Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. In 2010, Ilaria co-founded STAAR (Symposium on Therapeutic Advances in Animal Rehabilitation), bringing together leading experts and veterinary professionals for advanced, hands-on education in rehabilitation, sports medicine, and fitness. In 2020, she founded Vital Vet, an online resource connecting veterinary professionals and pet parents with trusted information, innovative products, and educational resources focused on animal mobility, rehabilitation, and wellness. Ilaria also has a longstanding interest in Greyhounds. She has lectured and published articles on paw-related conditions in retired racing Greyhounds and conducted and co-authored one of the largest epidemiological studies on the breed. Throughout her career, Ilaria has sought to connect scientific knowledge with practical clinical applications, whether through developing assistive devices, collaborating with veterinary professionals, or creating opportunities for hands-on learning. Her work reflects a commitment to advancing animal rehabilitation and helping animals achieve the best possible quality of life.
Maria Denzer
Co-Founder, Event Manager
Maria earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and began her career working with several retail and computer software and hardware companies. She later joined Thera-Paw, Inc., where she served as General Manager from 2006 to 2023. As Co-Founder of STAAR, Maria oversees conference logistics, including venue coordination and social events. Known affectionately among STAAR attendees as “The Cruise Director,” she brings energy and creativity to every gathering she organizes. Outside of work, Maria enjoys spending time with her family, playing softball and volleyball, cooking, and gardening.
MEET THE TEAM
Deb Fabricatore
Production Coordinator
Deb is a retired special education teacher with a MA in Social Work and a MA in Counseling and Guidance. She has served on multiple nonprofit boards, focusing on environmental causes, women’s health, education, and disability advocacy. Her work with Veterinarians International and as a co-founder of EverythingALS showcases her commitment to impactful change. Currently, she holds the position of Production Coordinator for STAAR and serves as Director of Development for Hark-ALS. Deb is recognized as a highly effective advocate, fundraiser and event planner, committed to making a difference across various sectors.
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Jill Fox
Director of Engagement
Jill is an experienced marketing professional with a passion for helping animals. Since graduating from Monmouth University with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Marketing, she has amassed over twenty five years of experience in marketing communications. While working in marketing management for corporate companies, Jill started a marketing communications consulting business to share her proven skills with small businesses in need of support. Jill creates custom-tailored marketing plans for small businesses of all kinds to meet their unique goals. Jill's clients stem from many different industries, but she most enjoys working with animal-related businesses. Having consulted early on for companies focused on rehabilitating animals with special needs, the move to STAAR was a natural progression. She is thrilled to have this opportunity to combine her expertise with her love of animals. Jill has been with STAAR for over 10 years. She has worn many hats, working closely with the Conference founders, sponsors, exhibitors, attendees, and of course our invaluable dog volunteers. When not in the office, Jill spends much of her time working with animal welfare and rescue groups, and relaxing at home with her husband and “furry children.” Being the mom to a cat with a very rare condition (FGESF), Jill works closely with the world’s leading researcher of this condition to create and manage resources to guide pet parents, educate veterinary practitioners, and spread awareness. For more information on FGESF see: https://www.fgesf.org/
Ellen Quinn
Marketing Manager
Ellen is an entrepreneur with more than three decades of experience in branding, design, and marketing communications – developing strategic visual solutions across print, digital, and environmental media. Ellen’s work combines creative storytelling, marketing strategy, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship to communicate with clarity and impact. Based in Somerset County, she loves to horseback ride and hike with her dog on all the beautiful trails New Jersey has to offer.
Lena Shore
Web Development
Lena is a full-time freelancer specializing in web development, graphic design, and illustration, and she has plenty of opinions on how to improve your project. Growing up as an only child and a Navy brat, Lena entertained herself by playing with bugs and catching lizards. She moved around a lot, read a lot, drew a lot, and made little clay sculptures. From a young age, she always said she wanted to be an artist. Her mother taught her how to type, paint, crochet, cook, and sew her own Barbie clothes. Meanwhile, her dad involved her in projects around the garage, sparking her love for tools. Today, she has a basement full of them, though she admits to feeling a bit guilty for not using them more often. Lena attended Stephen F. Austin State University, majoring in Illustration and Graphic Design. After graduation, she worked a variety of jobs before becoming the Art Director at a big corporation. Though corporate life taught her a lot, Lena eventually transitioned to freelancing.