Leadership Staff

Michele oversees all aspects of the organization’s programs including implementing, planning, evaluation, and expansion.

“Working directly with people and pets is my passion. To assist with people who are trying their hardest to solve pet homelessness is not only rewarding, but an honor.”

Michele is an Arizona native and has over 20 years experience working in both and human services with a focus in domestic violence and sexual assault survivors. With a Community Advocacy and Social Policy Degree from Arizona State University and Certification in Nonprofit Leadership and Management through the University, Michele is well-prepared to lead and manage organizations that serve the greater good. In addition, Michele serves as the Training Supervisor for our local RAINN Victim Service Management Team and Safe Helpline staff. In her spare time, Michele enjoys reading and spending time with her family and pets, including her three cats and dog (Walt).

As the Program Manager, Krista works alongside our outstanding program team to ensure successful delivery of our strategic services.

“The companionship, love, and acceptance that we receive from our pets on a daily basis is a critical component to our overall happiness which in turn affects our health, both mental and physical. In helping to remove barriers to pet ownership and pet care for disadvantaged populations we send the message that every person’s AND animal’s well-being is important.”

Krista has over 15 years of experience working with and for non-profit organizations in the areas of human rights, disability rights advocacy, and fundraising and development. Krista holds a Master’s degree in Social Justice & Human Rights as well as an undergraduate degree in Psychology, both from Arizona State University. Her volunteer work over the last 25 years has centered around supporting or advocating for communities experiencing social injustice or human rights abuses, as well as animal conservation. Krista spends her time outside of work with her husband, 3 children, and doodle, Max. You can typically find her perusing the shelves in a bookstore or reading when not hiking, camping, crafting, or playing board games with her family.

As the Policy and Statewide Expansion Manager, Margaret works to build strong, trusting relationships in the community to bridge the gaps between animal and human care and to support a deep understanding of the challenges faced by people with pets

She holds a Master’s in Education well as a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with an emphasis on community health education. Additionally, she is certified in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Parent Education, Mental Health First Aid, and Trauma Informed Care.

As Lead Case Worker, Janet is an integral part of The Arizona Pet Project’s team of social workers. In addition to the support she provides to families in crisis across Arizona, she is based part-time onsite at the Arizona Animal Welfare League to prevent the unnecessary surrender of pets to their shelter. 

“I have a big passion for helping others in need and have been in the human service field for most of my career. I also deeply care for animals and feel it is important to advocate for them. I love working with animals and their families and feel it is so important the work that we do.”

Janet has over 10 years of experience in human services and over 4 years of experience in animal welfare. Her focus in human services involves working with survivors of domestic violence and clients struggling with substance abuse and mental health. In her free time, Janet enjoys watching movies, traveling, checking out local coffee spots, and spending time with her young son and dog (Callie).

Lauren leads all of the organization’s marketing and communications strategies. She oversees the development and implementation of the organization’s marketing plans, communications efforts, public relations activities, and customer relationship management software. Additionally, Lauren manages the marketing budget and advertising performance, and all marketing and communication campaigns and materials. She also oversees the organization’s website, ads, and social media.

“I love working with organizations doing important work in our community. The Arizona Pet Project provides vital support to humans and their pets, and I am beyond honored to tell their incredible stories.”

Lauren is also the CEO of Stude Studios LLC, an independent creative consulting and production firm based in Phoenix, Arizona. Prior to running her own business, Lauren served as CEO for Phoenix Center for the Arts. Lauren is also a published songwriter and recording artist. She is an Arizona native, an Arizona State University grad, a Valley Leadership alumna, an Athena Awards finalist, and a committed community advocate.

Jocelyn serves as a social worker on The Arizona Pet Project team. Her passion for social work began early—at the age of 15—through political advocacy, community outreach, community organizing, policy reform, and peer mentorship. This foundation inspired Jocelyn to pursue both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work, with a specialization in Direct Practice with children, youth, and families.

“Giving back to my community has always been important to me. I’ve been proud to serve in many different areas of social work — whether it’s supporting families, helping individuals navigate complex systems, or working with underserved communities. I’m passionate about bridging human services and animal welfare to help keep pet families together and to honor the special connection between people and their fur babies.”

Before joining the AZPP team, Jocelyn worked extensively with unaccompanied minors as a crisis case manager, helping them navigate life in the United States. In that role, Jocelyn supported clients with complex medical issues, mental health needs, and trafficking concerns, connecting them to resources that supported their safety, growth, and long-term stability.

In addition to crisis work, Jocelyn has experience in school social work and private practice therapy, which has helped her build a holistic, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approach to care. Whether she is working in direct service or organizing within communities, Jocelyn strives to center dignity, empowerment, and equity in all that she does.

Roberto Lara serves as The Arizona Pet Project’s Homeless Community Counselor, where he provides support to pet families who are experiencing homelessness. With a professional background in substance use disorder services and case management, Roberto combines practical expertise with deep empathy. Having experienced homelessness himself, he understands the challenges his clients face and works to build trust through shared experience.

“It is my mission in life to help those in need in my community. I was given a helping hand and I asked that person, ‘how can I ever pay you back?’ They replied, ‘pay it forward.’ I gave that person my word and try my best every day to keep it.”

Roberto is driven by his life purpose: to help people in the homeless community. Outside of work, he stays active by going to the gym and continues his mission on weekends by reaching out in the community, sharing his story, and offering encouragement to those still struggling.