MEET THE FOUNDERS
Ilaria Borghese, MS, MA, OT
CEO & Co-Founder
Ilaria earned her MS in Neuroscience from the University of Connecticut. She served as Clinical Coordinator for the Brain Research Center at Children’s Hospital in Washington, DC, where she was responsible for evaluating emerging drug therapies for children with autism. She later continued her academic work at Yale University School of Medicine and published multiple articles in peer-reviewed medical journals. She went on to complete her MA in Occupational Therapy at New York University, where she combined her research background with clinical practice. This work led her to focus on canine patients, and in 2001 she founded Thera Paw, Inc., a company dedicated to the design, development, manufacturing, and distribution of soft orthoses, mobility aids, and other assistive products for animals with special needs. Ilaria collaborates closely with small animal practitioners to advance innovative approaches to custom splinting and bracing. She teaches internationally and contributed to the 2013 publication Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation published by J. Wiley & Sons. In 2010, Ilaria co-founded STAAR, the Symposium on Therapeutic Advances in Animal Rehabilitation, a conference created for veterinary professionals seeking advanced, comprehensive education in animal rehabilitation, sports medicine, and fitness taught by leaders in the field. In 2020, Ilaria founded Vital Vet, a online, multi-platform supercenter created to improve the lives of animal companions. Vital Vet brings together veterinary rehabilitation, animal physical therapy, mobility, fitness, and wellness in one central destination, supporting both veterinary professionals and dedicated pet parents as they learn, connect, and make informed decisions. Ilaria has a special interest in Greyhound dogs. She has lectured and written articles on paw-related conditions in ex-racing Greyhounds, and has conducted and co-authored one of the largest epidemiological studies on the breed.
Maria Denzer
COO & Co-Founder
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/
Vanessa Roberts
Marketing Manager
Growing up in New York City, Vanessa pursued her passion for global business at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), where she studied International Trade and Marketing. With over a decade of experience in digital advertising, she honed her skills in business development and client services before taking a well-deserved break to focus on her family. She then transitioned to real estate, working for five years at a boutique agency in beautiful Morris County, NJ. Now, she leverages her diverse experience in the pet rehabilitation industry, fueled by her love for animals and a commitment to ongoing learning and personal growth.
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.