About - Staff - Staff | Animal Friends Humane Society

Executive Director

Eli Favela, Executive Director

Eli Favela has spent the last five years working across nearly every facet of animal sheltering. From Animal Control Officer to Shelter Manager, he has developed a comprehensive understanding of operations, animal care, and community engagement.

As the new Executive Director of Animal Friends Humane Society, Eli brings a leadership philosophy rooted in transparency, accountability, and team empowerment. In his previous role, he led efforts to restructure communication systems, implement consistent workflows, and strengthen collaboration across departments. His work helped create a culture of trust and measurable improvement.

A military veteran, husband, and father, Eli brings a grounded and service-driven approach to his work. He believes in second chances for both people and animals and is committed to building strong partnerships across Butler County to help every pet and person thrive.

Administration

Cindy Edens, Administrative Support

I’m our Administrative Support. I started as a kennel tech when we were in Trenton in 2008.

Over the last decade and a half I’ve witnessed the evolution of the organization with many added resources for our community.

Kathy Hosmer, Foster/Rescue/Outreach Coordinator

Hi, I’m Kathy Hosmer, and animals have been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember. Born and raised in Ohio, my passion for animal care began early and led me into the horse world at just ten years old. Over the next thirty years, I dedicated myself to training, care, and management — including six years in Maine, where I oversaw the daily care and operations for an Olympic Dressage trainer.

After returning home to Ohio, I opened my own training facility, eager to share the knowledge I’d gained and continue building strong relationships with both animals and their caregivers. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with veterinarians and specialists across a wide range of disciplines, which deepened my commitment to staying current with best practices in animal care and welfare.

When I stepped away from the horse world, I found a new calling in animal shelter and rescue work. I fell in love with the opportunity to help animals who might not otherwise get a second chance. With over nine years of specialized cat care experience and Fear Free Certification, I’ve developed a particular passion for helping cats thrive in foster and shelter environments.

Today, as the Foster/Rescue Coordinator at Animal Friends, I focus on supporting our fosters, strengthening partnerships with other shelters and rescues, and helping animals find safe, loving homes. Building trust — with both people and animals — is at the core of everything I do.

At home, I enjoy a quiet life with my husband, our three dogs, and five beloved cats (all foster fails, of course). I still open my home to foster kittens whenever there’s a need. Outside of animal care, I love cooking, gardening, home improvement projects, and spending time with friends.

Helping animals heal, grow, and find their forever families is more than my job — it’s my lifelong passion.

Dana Shamp, Cat Coordinator/Social Media Coordinator

Hi, I’m Dana, and I’ve had a passion for animals for as long as I can remember. That love inspired me to start my first job as a Kennel Technician while I was still in high school, and later, I earned a degree in Animal Science from Wilmington College. Over the past 10+ years, I’ve worked in a variety of roles—from Kennel Technician to Veterinary Assistant to Laboratory Animal Technician—all of which have deepened my dedication to animal care.

As my career has grown, so has my desire to make a lasting difference. That’s what led me to my current role as Cat Care Coordinator, where I’m excited to help cats not only receive the care they need, but also find loving forever homes.

I was born and raised in Ohio, but I’ve spent so much time in Minnesota that it feels like a second home. My husband and I share our lives with two rescue pups. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, homesteading, crafting, and immersing myself in a good audiobook.

Rachael Wilkinson, Volunteer Coordinator

My name is Rachael! I’m originally from Louisville, but moved up to Cincinnati to attend Northern Kentucky University where I earned a degree in Electronic Media. While my background is predominantly in marketing and graphic design, I’ve held a deep love for animals since I was a child. That love has led me to Animal Friends Humane Society! My hope is to support the animals desperately in need of head scritches and warm beds, as well as the incredible volunteers who have an abundance of love to give.

Outside of the shelter, you can find me painting, playing video games, or lounging around with my two cats, Clover and Kaya!

Want to chat about getting involved? You can typically find me at the shelter during business hours, or, feel free to send me an email at Rachael.wilkinson@bcohio.gov

Kaitlynn Nappo, Behavior Team Lead

Hi, my name is Kaitlynn and I am originally from Florida. I started working in the shelter environment two years ago, where I gained experience and knowledge as the K9 Behavior Team Lead. I am happy to be continuing my career as the Behavior Coordinator at Animal Friends Humane Society. I now get to focus on building programs that support both animals and adopters in creating positive and lasting bonds.”

Maria Johnson, Behavior Team

Hi, my name is Maria, and I’m originally from Vermont. My passion for animal welfare started when I began working at a shelter near my hometown, where I spent an over year gaining hands-on experience in nearly every area of shelter operations. During that time, I assisted with monthly spay/neuter clinics, helped care for cats and dogs through daily cleaning and enrichment, supported intake procedures, and even learned how to administer vaccines. Most importantly, I developed a strong interest in understanding animal body language and behavior from my shelter manager. Now, I’m proud to continue that journey here in Ohio as part of the Animal Friends Humane Society Behavior Team

Picture of Sara Ferguson with lots of dogs on leash

Sara Ferguson, Behavior Team

Hi, I'm Sara and I've been with Animal Friends Humane Society for 4 yearsin several different departments from kennel staff to kennel lead to dog care coordinator. My true passion and skill has always been with working with behavioral dogs, whether they're shy or standoffishy, I have an ability to read and understand dog psychology and body language.

It has proven to help our scared and shy dogs feel more comfortable and come out of their shell. I'm happy to become part of this behavior team to help all the doggies that may need me.