SHELTER DIRECTOR

What I love most about my job is being able to make a difference every day for both my community and the animals within it. I’ve always been drawn to those who need the most help, like American Pit Bull Terriers and community cats, because they so often go overlooked yet have the biggest hearts. 

One story that has always stayed with me happened years ago when the shelter I worked for held its first fee-waived adoption event. We were nervous about ensuring the animals went to good homes. As people lined up around the building, an elderly woman fainted and needed medical attention. She refused to leave, saying this was her only chance to adopt a companion on her fixed income. I promised her that if she went to the hospital, I’d make sure she had a pet waiting for her when she returned. That day reminded me that love and companionship can’t be measured by an adoption fee; people and animals truly need each other. 

What makes me proud is the dedication and heart my team shows every single day. Their compassion, hard work, and commitment to saving lives inspire me constantly.

When I’m not at the shelter, you can find me in my garden or at a rock concert.

SHELTER & INBOUND OPERATIONS MANAGER | VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

My heart lives at the intersection where animals in need and people in need come together to make each other whole. Every day, I witness broken people helping heal broken animals, and in that process, both find comfort and hope. Working in Intake and Lost & Found allows me to see compassion in action: people doing their best for their pets and trusting us to continue their care until we can find those animals their next forever home.

My favorite animals? Anything with a face! But if I had to choose, I’d say bats, for their important role as pollinators (and their cuteness!), tardigrades for being tiny yet indestructible, and cats, for reminding us that mutual respect must always be earned. 

Every animal and person has a story, and if we take the time to truly listen, we can help write better endings together. Whether it’s walking a scared shelter pet, fostering, or donating, every act of kindness makes a difference. I’m incredibly proud to work alongside such a dedicated team that uplifts both animals and one another. Our Director, Ashley, has built an environment that thrives on compassion, creativity, and community, all focused on saving lives.

I honestly live here at work, if not physically then mentally XD. But if I'm not at work, I'm at home tending to my books, my household of special needs cats and senior dogs, and crazy ferrets.

FOSTER & PLACEMENT COORDINATOR

My favorite part of my job is being able to provide animals in our care with the love they may not have had before. I love watching them grow and learn to trust again, especially when they find their forever home and we get to see how happy they truly are.

I believe that all living beings are little souls who deserve a life filled with care and compassion. I encourage you to step over ants, put worms back in the grass, leave food out for strays, release spiders back into your garden, and be patient with scared dogs.

Another favorite part of my job is knowing that every single animal who comes into our shelter is showered with love until the day they walk out.

When I am not at work, you can find me at home building Legos, watching movies, and running a K9 rescue with my partner. And yes, my favorite animal is the bison. Need I say more?

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST

What I love most about my job is being part of a team of like-minded people all working toward the same goal, making a difference for animals and the community.

It’s impossible for me to choose just one favorite animal because each has its own unique charm and personality.

What makes me proud is the passion and dedication of the team I work with every day. Together, we’re creating positive change and helping countless animals find their way to loving homes.

When I’m not at work, you’ll usually find me at home spending time with my own animals.

INTAKE TEAM LEAD

What I love most about my job is helping animals learn to trust again and experience love, sometimes for the very first time. Aside from dogs (of course!), my favorite animal is the otter because they’re like playful little water puppies.

One belief that guides me is that the world can be dark, so it’s up to us to be the light, for ourselves and for those who don’t have a voice. I’m proud to know that every day, we get the chance to make a difference, even if it’s for just one animal.

When I’m not at the shelter you’ll find me caring for my babies and fosters, running the rescue, or relaxing with a good book.

RECEPTIONIST

What I love most about my job is being able to care for the animals and be their voice when they don’t have one. Each animal I work with is special to me, I could never choose just one favorite! They all have such unique personalities and loving souls.

One story that truly touched my heart was a reunion with one of our long-term residents. She had been declining in the shelter environment, and I worried deeply about her.

One day, a family came in looking to adopt. They told me their dog had run away months earlier during a thunderstorm, and despite searching endlessly, they had lost hope. As they walked through the kennels, they suddenly froze, because there she was, their dog! I immediately burst into tears watching their emotional reunion. I had never seen her so full of joy. It was such a beautiful reminder of hope, love, and second chances.

What makes me proud to work at the shelter is being able to serve both the animals and our community. I love helping people find their forever companions and providing them with the support and resources they need to keep their pets at home, safe, and loved.

When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my teenage daughter or heading out into nature with my fur baby for walks and adventures.

ADOPTION SPECIALIST

What I love most about my job is caring for our animals, building bonds with them, and working alongside such an amazing team.

I especially love spending time with our dogs, my favorite is Ship! He starts off full of energy but quickly turns into the sweetest love bug.

The most rewarding moments are seeing our long-term residents finally go home or helping injured strays heal and find the loving homes they deserve.

I enjoy spending time with my two kiddos or handing out with my best friend and her kids.

ADOPTION SPECIALIST

I love being part of a team that helps animals find their forever homes and knowing that I’m making a difference in their lives.

Dogs have such loving and affectionate personalities; they just need a little time and patience to adjust to new surroundings. Animals need time to warm up.

I love seeing them go from the shelter to a happy home is the best part of my job!

I enjoy relaxing and spending time in my cozy bed when I’m not working.

ADOPTION COUNSELOR

What I love most about working here at the SCAS isn’t the puppies. It’s not the happy endings. It’s not even the adoptions. It’s the moment a dog decides I’m safe. The dog that came in growling. The one who flinches at every hand. The one who doesn’t understand that this place is actually their second chance. I love watching fear turn into curiosity. Curiosity turn into trust. Trust turn into connection.

I love advocating for the misunderstood ones. The “too much” dogs. The shutdown dogs. The reactive dogs. The ones people scroll past. I love helping them feel seen. I love giving them structure when their world has been chaos. I love showing them that humans can be fair, patient, and consistent. And honestly? I love the people too. The staff who show up on the hard days. The fosters whose hearts break so other hearts can heal. The adopters who take a leap of faith. This job is heavy. But it’s meaningful.

I’m proud of what we do behind the scenes, when no one is watching, we’re cleaning wounds, building trust, sitting quietly in kennels so a dog learns a hand doesn’t always hurt. I’m proud that we don’t give up quickly. That we look past behavior and see the “why.” That we work to understand instead of label. I’m proud of the team, the people who cry in the break room but still walk back out and try again, because at the end of the day, we are the last hope for these animals in this building.

INTAKE SPECIALIST

My favorite part of my job is seeing animals come in rough shape and watching them heal, grow, and eventually find their forever homes.

My favorite animal is a cat! They’re so full of personality and charm.

One story that touched me deeply is about a dog named Bruno. His family was preparing to surrender him, but with our help, we were able to provide them with the resources and support they needed to keep him. It was such a powerful reminder that sometimes a little help can keep families together.

I’m proud to be part of a team that helps animals every day and works tirelessly to find them loving homes.

When I’m not at work, you can usually find me at the bookstore, getting lost in a good read.

ADOPTION SPECIALIST

What I love most about my job is helping our animals find their forever homes. Two of my favorites are Ship and Pugsley!

Ship is an energetic, loving ball of joy who gets along with everyone, and Pugsley is a sweet old soul who’s been through so much yet continues to radiate happiness and love.

Caring for these animals gives me a sense of purpose and pride. I’m grateful to be their voice and to show them the love and compassion they’ve always deserved.

I enjoy reading a good book, napping with my dog, or exploring a new hobby.

Intake Specialist

I love making a difference for the animals who desperately need an advocate. As a lifelong resident of Sevier County, I’ve seen the needs and compassion of our community directly. My work with animals officially began in 2015, but my passion for animals has been strong since childhood. My family consists of a wonderful son with two senior dogs of his own as well as two rescue dogs and a rescue cat. I have enjoyed working with animals in many capacities, including previous shelter work and veterinary office work. In my free time, I enjoy anything outdoorsy from zip lining to simple hikes throughout the glorious mountains. I am very excited to be back with this wonderful team at Sevier County Animal Shelter