Staff

Jessica, Executive Director

I started working for Animal Friends Humane Society in May 2024. I first started as Community Outreach Coordinator, then moved to Executive Director. Helping animals has always been my passion. Before I started with AFHS I have had many different roles in animal welfare, Adoption Coordinator, Wellness Assessment Center Manager, Barn Cat Coordinator, Surgery Assistant, Vet Assistant, along with many years of doing TNR work to help community cats. As Executive Director, I am very passionate about my job and I truly want to find ways to make the shelter better for its employees, volunteers, and all of the furry friends.  One of the things I love most about AFHS is the outstanding team and amazing volunteers that I work with.

My husband, Rusty, and I are originally from Bowling Green, KY.  We have two boys, Austin, and Zander. Before moving to Northern Kentucky, we lived in Tennessee for 14 yrs. In my spare time I care for my cats and 4 dogs along with fostering kittens. I enjoy caring for fosters and helping them find a home.  Some other things I enjoy spending time with my family vacationing, boating or just hanging out watching Netflix!

Cindy, 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.

Sarah, Dog Care Coordinator

I’ve always really enjoyed being around animals and helping them as much as I can. I previously worked as a kennel technician, a veterinary assistant, and with training and handling drug detection dogs. I have two dogs of my own named Major and Layla. I’m very excited to help the dogs here find fosters and their new forever homes!

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.