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).

Catharine 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, Catharine 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.

“Sharing stories is a passion of mine, and my goal is to share the story of how The Arizona Pet Project serves our community by supporting families and saving pets.”

Before joining the team, Catharine spent 10 years working as a digital marketing manager and professional blogger. A lover of all things philanthropy, Catharine serves on multiple boards and leads additional organizations in realizing their ambitions and producing meaningful change through her expertise in storytelling, marketing, and fundraising. She and her husband, along with their dog (Bowie), call Phoenix home, and she is an Arizona State University alumna.

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 Manager of Strategic Partnerships, Kathy works to increase collaborations between human service agencies, animal welfare providers, and other community organizations. Through these collaborations, Kathy is working to develop innovative cross-sector partnerships that make it possible to keep more people and their beloved pets together.

“I have a passion for bringing groups together to listen and learn from each other, build consensus, and move forward together collectively to build a world that works better for all of us. To do this work on behalf of both the people we serve and the pets they love is a dream come true!“

Before joining The Arizona Pet Project, Kathy held leadership roles in animal welfare and human healthcare. She is also an attorney and spent time practicing law at the beginning of her career. In her spare time, Kathy enjoys spending with her family, including her husband and the cutest dog ever (Lark). She also enjoys running, trying to lift weights, and planning her next great adventure.

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 the Development and Events Coordinator, Victoria supports the organization by facilitating The HERO Awards, fundraising events such as the Duck Derby, and development-related projects. Additionally, she supports our development team by managing donations and performing donor outreach. 

“Pets are an integral part of any family dynamic, and it is heartwarming to get to work with an organization that recognizes that importance and bond in caring for these key members of our homes.”

Working out of our first–of–its–kind bilingual resource center in South Phoenix, Luis provides services to families in-person at our center and provides shelter intervention support through referrals from Maricopa County Animal and Control Center. Luis’ daily work consists of connecting with families through phone calls and emails and discussing what services are needed for their pets.

“There is a need to understand the relationship people have with their pets and the value they have in their lives. Keeping these relationships intact is important, and helping families maintain them is a great thing!”

Before joining the team, Luis had experience working in the social work field and serving multiple populations. Luis received his Master’s in Social Work from Grand Canyon University in October 2022 and spends his free time enjoying sports and watching dog videos.

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).

As a social worker, Patrick supports clients at UMOM New Day Centers. 

“It is my belief that the animals we love and that love us are as integral to the fabric of our culture as family, food, language, etc. When we support and celebrate this culture of loving and being loved by our animals, we create a path for healing, understanding, and growth.”

Patrick’s professional career has centered on direct social work practice with children and families experiencing child welfare involvement, with a sense of urgency assisting children to achieve legal and relational permanency as quickly and safely as possible. Patrick has also dedicated his work to focus on BIPOC/DEI issues to address disproportionality in child welfare. Patrick has been involved in child welfare systems improvement as statewide and national Trauma and Healing Informed Care trainer. Patrick is passionate about his family, and enjoys living in a 100-year-old home raising 2 humans, 2 dogs, 7 chickens, and 1 very spoiled bearded dragon.

Working out of Tucson, Karmina supports our shelter intervention efforts expanding into Southern Arizona. In her role as a social worker, she meets with clients and their pets to provide the resources needed to prevent loved cats and dogs from entering animal shelters.

“Owning a pet can have so many benefits both mentally and physically. People from all social economics deserve the opportunity to have a furry friend. Working with the community and providing support is a passion. Having the opportunity to be a part of The Arizona Pet Project team and work with people and their fur babies is the best of both worlds.”

Before joining The Arizona Pet Project team, Karmina previously worked in case management and social work primarily with unaccompanied minors, behavioral health, and public health. She is currently working on getting her Masters in Social Work from Arizona State University.

Through street outreach and collaboration with experts in housing and homelessness, Miles works to remove barriers and stigma against our unsheltered neighbors with pets. Every week, Miles collaborates with our partners at Human Services Campus and André House to ensure our unhoused neighbors and their pets receive the support they need to stay happy and healthy.

“Pets and their owners are capable of enriching each other’s lives to the fullest extent. Access to resources should never be the obstacle to that enrichment.”

Miles graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, and has experience working in addiction treatment and how it uniquely pertains to Native Americans, child welfare, and family preservation services. In addition, Miles has an emphasized education in tribal social welfare, crisis intervention, and social policy and legislation. In his spare time, he enjoys watching basketball, going on walks with his wife, and spending time with their dog (Tucker) and their cat (Silvy).

Not a stranger to canvassing, Mitzi has had different experiences in knocking on doors, including in her latest role as the Pets for Life Community Organizer for The Arizona Pet Project. From elections to issue-based campaigns, Mitzi has connected with community members for over 12 years.

Although new to this field, Mitzi is committed to keeping families and their pets together. By providing resources and services to community members she works hard to make sure “she leaves the world better than she found it.” She is also a proud dog aunt to two adorable doodles (Sunny and Oliver).