I am originally from the Oconto Area and I began working at OAHS back in 2011 while I was attending college. I always knew that I would have a career working with animals and I am blessed to work at such a wonderful shelter. My wife and I are pet parents to four dogs, five cats, and a flock of chickens. As Director I oversee the day-day operations at the shelter, develop new ways to move the shelter forward, and represent the shelter out in the public. When I am not working at the shelter I enjoy reading, hiking with my dogs, and anything involving nature.

I was born and raised in Oconto Falls and am now living in Little Suamico. My wife Dorothy and I have been pet owners our entire lives, and currently have a Red Healer mix named Samantha (Sam). I view my role as Board President is to serve as a liaison to the community to increase support and awareness to the Shelter, as well as assisting in the resolution of concerns.

Amber has a long history in animal health and welfare - growing up she started cleaning kennels and learning the basics to animal health. After graduating High school she moved to Denver Colorado to attend Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology, She spent 10 yrs traveling the country working in various states doing everything from shelter medicine to specialty and emergency. Amber’s true passion is animal behavior and learning how to communicate with the animals so they can be the best versions of themselves. On her free time she enjoys training her dogs River (Wirehaired pointing griffon) and Ash (Min schnauzer) and Rain (Standard Poodle) for competitive agility and obedience or anything dog related and hanging out with her Cat Lynx, as well as fostering dogs and cats for the OAHS.

I moved to Oconto in 2015 and have been working at the local library ever since. I have moved a lot and lived all over the world, and one of the best parts of settling in Oconto has been the chance to foster and adopt animals and join organizations like OAHS. My animal family includes Copper, rescued out of a tree at Copper Culture State Park; Coco, who started off as a foster and decided to stick around; and a few honeybee hives. When I'm not working I enjoy reading, gardening, hiking, and traveling.

I grew up on a small dairy farm just north of Coleman, so my passion for animals was sparked as soon as I could step foot into the barn. While I am pursuing a career as a veterinarian, being a member of this board combines my love of animals, volunteering, and giving back, so I am excited about this opportunity! Whether it was FFA, being a volunteer EMT and firefighter, or running fundraisers here, I’ve developed a strong drive to serve those who need it. Outside of volunteer work, I love to be outside, whether it be fishing, farming, hunting, snowboarding, or anything else!

What happens when you adopt the best dog in the world from a shelter? Well, you become a board member to give back for a true gift of a dogs love. A little about myself, I have lived in NE Wisconsin my whole life, I love to travel, recycle stuff, and educate people on green practices, whether they want to know or not. I enjoy riding my new electric bike, camping, fishing and long walks on the beach. I have been fortunate enough to have dogs and cats with me most of my life, and a horse thrown in for good measure. Who else loves the smell of a just brushed horse? I’m looking forward the challenges that come with my new position, being on this board has been very rewarding.

I believe I was born into a lifelong organization called Animal Lovers. I grew up with a dog, cat, rabbit and fish. As I matured and got exposed to horses, I found another passion. As life progressed and obstacles came up, I can honestly say that the animals in my life have been a crucial part of my being able to face these challenges. I currently live on a hobby farm with my human family as well as my animal family. My animal family has representation from the horse, dog, cat, goat, rabbit, chicken and duck variety. Being on the board allows me to take an extra step further and help give back to the community and to the animals themselves.

I was born and raised in Marinette, WI where I graduated from Marinette High School. I went to college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I graduated with a degree in Zoology. In addition to serving on the OAHS Board, I am currently gaining experience in the veterinary medicine field as I plan to apply to vet school this year. I’ve always loved animals (especially my two family dogs) and I’ve found that I’m enjoying a career where I get to work with them everyday. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies while snuggled up with my border collie. Being on the board has been a rewarding experience so far, as I get to help make a change for not only the animals, but the community surrounding them as well.

Ever since I can remember I wanted to be a Veterinarian. While I tried it during my first year of College, I quickly realized that I love animals, just not operating on them. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t have animals around me. Currently I am a pet parent to three dogs and two cats. I know I drive my husband bananas because I constantly want to have more. Since I couldn’t be a Vet, I went into the family business of accounting, and currently own my own business working exclusively for non-profits. I enjoy working with an organization that’s sole purpose is to give back.

Animals have always been a passion of mine. Growing up with all sorts of animals, I have come to be very experienced. Especially with dogs and horses, which have my heart. Working with and saving animals is a dream come true. Helping animals find a loving forever home like my pets have found with me. I am thankful to be working at a place that helps animals, with people who share the same passion. 

Working with animals has always been my main goal in life. After attending college, that goal was still engrained in my mind. I’ve worked in many areas including boarding, grooming, training, and veterinary care; but animal rescue is the most rewarding in many ways. Especially when I go home to 3 of my own rescue dogs. Luckily, my husband understands the person he married and welcomes the chaos. Animals don’t ask for much, the least we can do is give them a happy life and I’m glad I can be a part of that.

Working at OAHS has given me the opportunity to combine my love for animals and my passion for the arts. Capturing each and every personality and helping the animal find their forever homes has been a very rewarding experience. Finally after 4 years working at OAHS, I adopted my first rescue pup, Finn.

After entering the shelter in 2017, Midnight became OAHS's permanent office cat. She spends her days sunbathing and getting into all sorts of mischief. Midnight is happy to roam the shelter and she greets the staff every morning for a full day of work.

Gizmo spent several months searching for a forever home and in that time, the staff and volunteers absolutely fell in love with him. Gizmo became OAHS's second permanent office cat and the rest is history. He always sleeps on the job and lunch break is all day long.

This three legged champ is our newest addition to the office crew. Pretty Boi will be sure to greet any visitors to OAHS.