Matt Schaecher

Chief Operations Officer
734-661-3522
matt@hshv.org

Matt has been a Detroit firefighter for 15 years. Although always an animal lover, that is where he first saw the animal suffering that he knew he wanted to help end. Matt started as cruelty investigator at HSHV in 2005 and in 2015 he became HSHV’s Chief Operating Officer — helping to put out HSHV “fires.” He is passionate about protecting animals and saving every life possible and wants HSHV to be the best it can be. He is grateful to HSHV’s community of people who give so much of themselves to animals in need. He currently has a furry dog and two rather furless human babies.

Chad Wood

Human Resources Manager
734-661-3547
jobs@hshv.org

Chad’s first job was obtained specifically to support his pets, which have ranged from cats and dogs all the way to geckos and snakes. Chad has always loved animals, almost as much as helping others. This is what brought him to work in HR, non-profit HR specifically. The opportunity to serve others as well as help animals is the perfect combination for a workplace, and Chad is thrilled to be part of the HSHV team.

Alicia Curley

Friends for Life Coordinator
734-661-3550
ffl@hshv.org

As a kid, Alicia dreamed of being a zoologist who would travel the world saving endangered species. While her path didn’t quite go in that direction (she spent 13 years in the tech industry), she’s happy to now combine her career with her love of animals at HSHV. Starting as a dog walker and laundry volunteer, Alicia is now the Friends for Life Program Coordinator. Believing the human-animal bond is nothing short of magic, she’s proud and humbled to coordinate support services that help pets stay with their people for as lovingly-long as possible.

Lindsay Clark

Leadership Giving Officer
734-661-3531
lindsayc@hshv.org

Having spent most of her nonprofit career in human services organizations, Lindsay is excited to join HSHV to advocate and fundraise for animal welfare. A strong conviction that “we belong to each other” and that we must care for the vulnerable among us compelled her to earn a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and continues to inform her passion for nonprofits and volunteering. When she isn’t working or volunteering, Lindsay is likely reading, walking, baking, or spending time with family.

Tawn Hinze

Volunteer Manager
734-661-3517
tawnh@hshv.org

Tawn’s always had a love of animals having had chickens, rabbits, cats, and two German Shepherds growing up. Pair a love of animals with a passion for volunteering that started during college through various student organizations, becoming a volunteer at HSHV seemed like the perfect fit. She began volunteering in 2009 and was hired as an assistant to the Volunteer Manager in 2014. Tawn feels lucky to be a part of such a wonderful, dynamic, and talented group of volunteers. Outside of HSHV, you can find her at local coffee shops, going on hikes, doing yoga, or spending time with family & friends.

Jessie Hitt

Humane Education and Community Engagement Director
734-661-3564
jessieh@hshv.org

Jessie was planning to pursue a master’s degree in library science when she happened to attend an information session on the newly formed Humane Education department at HSHV. During that info session, led by Karen Patterson, she learned about the existence of the master’s degree program in Humane Education from the Institute for Humane Education. She knew right away that was what she wanted to do! Jessie enjoys talking to people of all ages about the interconnectedness of animal welfare, humanitarianism and environmental protection. She has a special place in her heart for farmed animals and black cats.

Samantha Jeffries

Clinic Manager
734-661-3558
samj@hshv.org
Samantha grew up near Detroit and has always had a passion for animal welfare. She attended Baker College for Veterinary Technology, and graduated from MSU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology. Upon moving to Ann Arbor, she started volunteering at HSHV, and then accepted an externship in our vet clinic through Baker College’s Vet Tech program. When a job opportunity opened up in 2014, she was brought on to the team, and has been here ever since! In her free time, Samantha and her wife like to explore all that Michigan has to offer, take long road trips, and love on their two dogs and four cats, all HSHV alumni, most of which are missing an appendage or two!

Joy Johnsen

Director of Special Events
734-661-3536
joyj@hshv.org

Joy has been fundraising for local non-profits for over 18 years.  When she started at HSHV as a volunteer in 2010 she was immediately drawn to the HSHV mission, and was hired as the shelter’s Special Events Coordinator in 2012.  Today, she serves HSHV as the Director of Special Events and is always kept on her toes coordinating HSHV’s annual fundraisers: Walk & Wag and Run and the Compassionate Feast. She also hasn’t forgotten her original volunteer commitments, and continues to care for a local feral cat colony. Joy enjoys relaxing at home with her two HSHV alumni: a small white fluffy cat and LARGE black fluffy dog.

Perry Koltys

Adoptions Manager
734-662-5585
perryk@hshv.org

Growing up with an unwavering passion for animals, Perry embarked on a diverse career journey that began in cosmetology but soon led her to discover her true calling of animal welfare. Since 2018, she has channeled her love for animals into her role as Adoptions Manager at HSHV, where she blends her customer service expertise with her commitment to animal care. When she is not at work, you can find Perry enjoying life at home with her son and husband, surrounded by their lively family of three dogs, three cats, three chinchillas, and three lizards!

Karie McMahon

Data and Process Manager
734-661-3515
kariem@hshv.org

Karie started working at HSHV as an Intake Technician in 2009. Having never worked in an animal shelter before, it was an eye-opening experience. Prior to that, she had worked as a zookeeper, and caring for laboratory animals, but until HSHV had not found a place that was the right fit for her. She loved HSHV instantly, and the rest is history. She shares her home with 3 feline friends, and lots of Star Wars toys.

James O’Bryan

Facilities Manager
734-661-3534
jameso@hshv.org

As a kid, James saved every stray cat in the neighborhood. Today, he’ll stop on any road to save a turtle. And he’s always enjoying saving and fixing things. So when the facilities job opened up at HSHV, he jumped at the chance to come back home — marrying his love for animals with helping people. Prior to that, he’d been working as a facilities manager/director at a Traumatic Brain Rehabilitation facility and Assisted Living/Memory Care retirement community. When he’s not fixing things at HSHV, you’ll find him on the lake!

Cathryn O’Connell

Development Manager
734-661-3573
cathryno@hshv.org

Always an animal lover from a young age, Cathryn was never too far from her pets growing up.  Whether it was her dogs, cats, chickens, horses or a feral cat in the area, she was spending time with at least one of them, if not all of them at once.  After a career in design and project management, Cathryn feels lucky to combine her customer service skills with her life-long passion.  Connecting with animal loving donors, volunteers and furry friends is a dream come true. When she is not at HSHV, she enjoys spending time with her furry and non-furry family, enjoying the outdoors, learning new skills and working on various projects that mostly include her pets.

John David Patrick

Director, Legacy Gifts and Capital Development
734-661-3543
johndavidp@hshv.org

John David (JDP) is a devoted advocate for nonprofit advancement and community development having worked alongside performing arts, human services, healthcare, and LGBTQIA+ organizations. Having a lifelong passion for animals, JDP sought an opportunity to contribute to animal welfare. He relocated from Indianapolis to join the HSHV family and is committed to using his passions to make the world a better place for animals and humans alike. JDP is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a graduate of Indiana University’s Lilly School of Philanthropy, and the Vice President of Programs for the Association of Fundraising Professionals. His free time is spent cuddling with his furry companions, trying new recipes, and spending time outdoors.

Karen Patterson

Vice President of Volunteers and Humane Education
734-661-3575
humaneed@hshv.org

Karen Patterson is a life-long animal lover who has a passion for education and animal welfare. Teaching others about showing kindness and compassion for both animals and humans is her passion in life and is the inspiration of her first published book, Harley Saves the Day. Karen has ten years of formal teaching experience in the classroom and has since worked with students and teachers throughout Washtenaw County in her role at HSHV. She holds a Master’s of Education degree (in humane education) and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Humane Education Coalition.  Karen currently lives in Chelsea with her son and four furry kids.

Jaci Schaecher

Vice President of Development and Marketing
734-661-3525
jaci@hshv.org

Jaci (pronounced jack-ee) developed a passion for fundraising while pursuing her Master’s in social work — realizing the importance of adequate funding for nonprofits in order to fulfill their mission and beyond. At HSHV, Jaci combines that passion with a love for both animals and animal-lovers. “I love our donors and what they allow us to achieve every day,” she says. She’s a strong believer in the human/animal bond… so much so, that she has a hard time not adopting every cat who comes through our administrative offices!

Vikki Sushka

Animal Care and Behavior Manager
734-662-5585
victorias@hshv.org

Vikki has always been interested in animal welfare and grew up with a variety of animals. She studied animal behavior at the University of Michigan where she was involved in conservation work, both locally and abroad. After graduating, she began working as an animal care technician at a rescue before being promoted to overseeing canine behavior. Vikki is a certified behavior consultant for canines through the CCPDT, and she started at HSHV as the canine behavior specialist before becoming the animal care and behavior manager. Vikki is also a founder and on the board for the Humane Training Alliance, a group whose mission is to help adopters find safe, reputable trainers who use current, science-based training methods.