our Team
JoiN oUr Team

The Lawrence Humane Society is always looking to add compassionate, talented individuals to our team. If you’re interested in working with us, check out our employment opportunities today!
ExecuTive leadErshiP


ShaNnoN WeLls
Executive Director
Shannon Wells is a native of Kansas City, MO. Before joining the staff at the Lawrence Humane Society as the Executive Director, she spent 8 years as the Director of Operations & Animal Behavior for Kansas City Pet Project, a nonprofit animal welfare organization operating the City of Kansas City’s municipal animal shelter. Shannon was with Kansas City Pet Project from its inception, and helped to grow operations, expanding from a staff of 20 in 2012 to over 100 employees across 3 locations, increasing the scope, quality of services, and lifesaving capacity provided to Kansas City’s animals in need along the way. During her tenure there, Shannon received national recognition from the Petco Foundation and renowned dog trainer Victoria Stilwell when she was awarded the 2018 Unsung Hero Award for her lifesaving work in the shelter’s Parvo ward, as well as the Petco Foundation’s Paul Jolly Award for Compassion, bestowed to the shelter in 2014. In addition to her leadership experience, Shannon is also a certified professional dog trainer and has utilized her expertise in animal behavior and training to develop and implement behavior programs to ensure adopted pets are successful in their new homes. Shannon enjoys educating people as much as working directly with animals. Shannon holds a Master of Science in Veterinary Medical Sciences from the University of Florida where she studied Veterinary Forensic. Shannon has worked professionally as a veterinary assistant for 7 years. Shannon is the proud adopter of three shelter pups (Momma, Tug, and Finnegan Cooper) and she believes that ensuring they are happy and healthy is her most important work of all.

Dr. luke PicketT, DVM
Chief Veterinarian

Michael lAFave
Director of Development and Communications
Michael LaFave grew up with a mother who had her own petting farm, a grandfather who showed Irish Setters and an Aunt who runs an all-breeds dog rescue. His initial career was in journalism, as a producer for his hometown television station in Central New York. He worked his way up the ranks in television news management, plying his trade at various stations. Michael then began using the communication skills he developed in newsrooms for the nonprofit world. Development responsibilities were soon added to his communications role. After traveling the country for several years, Michael, his wife, Meredith, their black cat and basset hound, settled down in the Midwest, where he helped young nonprofits craft strategy, development, programming and communications plans. That long road has led Michael to the Lawrence Humane Society where he is excited to raise the funds necessary to ensure every pet has the second chance at the home, health and happiness they deserve.
MaNAgEmeNt


lIz Adams
Senior Manager of Operations
Liz Adams joined the Lawrence Humane Society in August 2007 as an Animal Care Associate, and has held a variety of positions including Canine Care Coordinator and Shelter Supervisor. Currently, Liz serves as the shelter’s Senior Manager of Operations. As a Lawrence native, one of Liz’s favorite parts of her job is helping the community she loves. Liz shares her home with her husband, Ryan, and two Lawrence Humane Society adoptees, Ennis, an 13-year-old Shar Pei mix, and Jade, a 9-year-old Boxer mix. In her free time, Liz enjoys camping and spending time outdoors.

ALIsa FariNeLlI
Senior Manager of Programs
Alisa’s first personal dog was Frankie (a bully breed, who lived 16 years). Frankie sparked a passion for advocacy and education which started her journey in animal welfare by volunteering with Game Dog Guardian. She became an active volunteer for the organization through fostering and coordinating events. Her passion, inspired by her time with GDG, led her to professional track when she accepted a position with a privately owned boarding facility in Olathe, KS, working her way up to Co-General Manager. After three years, she was ready to jump into animal welfare where she became the Manager of Petco Adoption Center for Kansas City Pet Project. Alisa, a Lawrence resident, is now excited to be working for her community animal shelter, and looks forward to increase awareness and implement community programs at the Lawrence Humane Society. In her free time, Alisa enjoys cooking, spending time with family, and working with her fur babies, Ernie and Winnie (GDG alumns!), using positive reinforcement training. She really really wants a cat to complete her fur-family, but Ernie and Winnie totally disagree.

Elina Alterman
Senior Manager of Social Work
Elina Alterman officially joined the Lawrence Humane Society in June 2020 after volunteering at LHS while growing up in Lawrence. Animal welfare is a professional change for Elina whose career has spanned philanthropy, nonprofit consulting, direct practice social work, and government relations. A social worker and grassroots organizer by training, Elina served as Program Officer at the Kansas Health Foundation for 5 years where she led KHF’s community and civic engagement portfolio. Elina then led her own consulting company through which she supported nonprofits, foundations, and health care systems across the country through her experience in campaign development, coalition building,
relational organizing, and strategic planning. Elina emigrated to the United States with her family in 1991 and grew up in Lawrence, establishing deep roots in the community which was ultimately what
brought her back from Washington, D.C. where she had been working on Capitol Hill and later leading government relations for a women’s and families nonprofit. Elina began her career as a foster care social
worker and maternity care coordinator in North Carolina. Elina earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Latin American and Latino Studies from Brandeis University and dual Master’s degrees in Social Work and Public Health, with a focus on Maternal and Child Health, from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Elina is thrilled to be back in her hometown of Lawrence and living with her partner and their five senior dogs and seven cats – the ultimate blended family! She serves on the board of Just Food, as board president of Let’s Talk, and board treasurer of Loud Light Civic Action. She is a Big Sister through Big Brothers Big Sisters Serving Douglas County and in her spare time volunteers at Shooting Star Equine Rescue in Topeka to get her horse and donkey fix!

TIa EzeLl
Foster & Transport Manager
Tia Ezell joined the Lawrence Humane Society in 2012. After completing a degree in Sociology at Wichita State University, she made the move to Lawrence from her hometown of Yoder, Kansas. Tia started as a client care associate at Lawence Humane, and eventually moved on to become an animal care associate, medical team member, the Foster and Transfer Coordinator, and is now the Pet Resource Center Supervisor. She loves working with both people and animals, and has been thrilled to be able to combine these passions in the ever changing field of animal welfare. In her free time, Tia spends time enjoying North Lawrence’s quaint neighborhoods with her dogs Zeke and Jayda, porch time with friends, and tending to a large garden and flock of adopted chickens, ducks, and cats.

RiKkI SWEareNgin
Customer Care Manager

ALICia GodWiN
Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator

Megan Herman
Clinic Manager
Megan Herman joined LHS team in 2013 as an Animal Care Associate. Over the years, she bounced around several other areas of the shelter while finishing Vet Tech School. Upon graduation, she joined the brand new medical team, eventually working her way up to Clinic Manager. Megan considers this role as her absolute dream job and loves that she is able to put her education and compassion to use, helping the people and animals in our community. In her free time, Megan enjoys spending her time with friends, fostering neonatal kittens as well as a variety of other medical anomalies, and spending time with her cats, most of which are previous LHS fosters — Monty, Sol, Crahes and Toby.

Rylee Mackinnon

Sydney Martin
Content Creator
Sydney Martin joined the Lawrence Humane Society as the first-ever Content Creator in January 2020. With a background in graphic design and marketing, she utilizes her design and video skills to create entertaining content for the organization. Sydney is excited about the opportunity to use her creativity to help animals find their forever homes! In her free time, you’ll find her cooking up a storm in the kitchen, working on house renovations with her husband, traveling to the mountains, and exploring the beautiful city of Lawrence with her 4-year-old Australian Shepherd, Mishka.

Angela Wright
Donor Experience & Grants Coordinator
Angela Wright started as our Mission-Driven Development Intern in January of 2020. Angela graduated from Johnson County Community College with an Associate of Arts degree in 2018. She plans to graduate from the University of Kansas with a degree in Strategic Communications and a minor in Spanish in May of 2021. Before her roles here, Angela worked in promotions for Kansas City radio stations, was a student reporter for the Eudora Times, tutored students in writing and learned marketing and strategy from internships. Her variety of past experiences have prepared her to blend both creativity and analytical thinking into her work. She is responsible for stewarding relationships with donors, segmenting our donor relations, spearheading our event planning, researching and applying for grant opportunities and writing copy for donor outreach. Angela’s rescue inspiration is her childhood cat, Middy, who was adopted as a stray after her family found her hiding in the garage during a blizzard.

KaTIE BarNETt
Animal Welfare Counsel
Katie graduated from Missouri State University and received her Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas School of Law. She was awarded the Walter Hiersteiner Outstanding Service Award by the law school faculty, which is given to the student whose service to her fellow students, university, and community, demonstrates the greatest promise for contribution to the legal profession and to society. Katie is the Founder of the KU Student Animal Legal Defense Fund, founded the Animal Cruelty Prosecution Clinic in conjunction with the Lawrence Humane Society, and worked for Best Friends Animal Society while in law school, and upon graduation as a legislative attorney. Katie operates her own practice in Lawrence, focusing on animal law and municipal law; representing pet owners, as well as cities, and training law enforcement on animal issues. The Lawrence Humane Society has been a client since the practice opened. Katie works as our Animal Welfare Counsel and liaison for legislative and legal issues on a state and local level. Katie is licensed to practice in Kansas and Missouri, and is a frequent speaker and author regarding animal law matters. Katie is a member of the Lawrence Human Relations Commission and a board member of the Symbiotic Behavioral Treatment Center. She lives in Lawrence with her husband Anthony, their two daughters, and four dogs, including Liam and Leonidas, who are registered therapy dogs with Pet Partners.
Board of DirEcTOrs

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Lawrence Humane Society is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Board determines and defines the organization’s mission, identifies its purpose and goals. The Lawrence Humane Society Board acts as the overall governing body, voting on major policy issues and playing a role in fundraising and community outreach.
The Board of Directors meets on the fourth Wednesday of each Month at 6:00pm. The first 15 minutes of each meeting are open to the public for questions, comments, and suggestions. If you would like to attend, please email us so we can provide sufficient time in our agenda.
2020 Board of Directors
Chair:
John Olsen, Evergy
Vice Chair:
Sandra Gautt, Community Volunteer
Treasurer:
Dale Finnestad, Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Secretary:
Charlotte Tritch, University of Kansas
Members:
John Hanley, Equity Bank
Paula Hatcher, Community Volunteer
Dakota Loomis, Law Firm of Dakota Loomis
Alice Karakas Neumann, Education & Volunteer
Kirk Putman, Interim Executive Director of the Lawrence Humane Society (Retired)
Jolisa Buchner, Community Volunteer, Former Capital Campaign Co-Chair
Director Emeriti:
2013-2019 Al Horning, Hill’s Pet Nutrition (Retired)
2012-2019 Judy Hintzman, Ransom Memorial Hospital
EmPlOyMENT opPOrTuNiTIeS

Put your passion to work!
Lawrence Humane Society employees are a dedicated group of people committed to animal welfare. We value innovation, compassion, and excellence, and are always looking to add talented individuals to our team!
In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to our full-time staff members. Our benefits are designed to help our staff lead healthy and rewarding lives. They include:
- Health insurance
- Voluntary supplemental insurance programs
- Vacation and sick time
- Discounts on pet food, medication and limited veterinary services
Current Openings:
Rolling Application Acceptance:
Reports to: Animal Welfare Manager
Classification: Hourly, Non-Exempt; Full-Time
Salary: $11.00/hour
Position Summary: Responsible for daily animal care and enrichment, kennel and facility sanitation, and providing customer service to shelter clients and volunteers.
Animal Care Duties:
- Ensure animals have access to appropriate types and amount of food and water
- Monitor animal health, including identifying and reporting illnesses and injuries
- Monitor animal behavior and immediately report signs of aggression or stress
- Ensure animals are collared and tagged as needed
- Provide animals with appropriate kennel enrichment and exercise
- Become familiar with animals and their personalities to aid in getting them adopted
- Promote humane animal treatment and positive reinforcement training techniques
People Care Duties:
- Assist owners looking for lost pets
- Train and support volunteers and community service workers in the execution of their duties
Cleaning Duties:
- Must be able to work in all areas of the shelter (Cats, Dogs, Isolation, etc.)
- Clean and disinfect kennels and cages thoroughly and in a timely manner
- Wash and disinfect dishes
- Process laundry until complete, cleaning machines as needed
- Clean, disinfect, and organize workrooms
- Empty trash cans and put trash in the dumpster
- Maintain inventory of supplies and unload/stock donations and supplies
- Perform general housekeeping duties and help maintain the facility and grounds
- Follow all disease control protocols
Record-Keeping Duties:
- Ensure kennel signage is complete, visible, and neatly arranged
- Ensure animals’ online records are up-to-date
- Ensure records such as feeding and behavior charts are complete
- Add notes about animals’ behavior to their records to assist in finding the right placements
General Duties:
- Represent Lawrence Humane Society in a courteous and professional manner at all times
- Provide excellent customer service to external and internal customers (colleagues)
- Promptly report lost or broken equipment to supervisor
- Promptly report when supplies are running low so they can be ordered
- Actively promote a safe work environment by following all workplace safety rules, taking immediate action to prevent or address any safety hazard, and promptly reporting workplace injuries and near-misses
- Respond promptly to radio and in-person requests for assistance in all areas of the shelter, including acknowledging the request and your ability to address it
- Follow all policies and procedures in the LHS Personnel Practices employee handbook as well as other procedures communicated by management
Required: High School Diploma or completion of G.E.D. equivalency; Effective written and verbal communication skills; No allergies to animals or chemical cleaning agents; Strong work ethic and ability to accurately follow detailed cleaning and animal care procedures
Skills/Abilities/Knowledge: Experience in veterinary hospital, animal shelter, or kennel field; Experience working for a nonprofit or Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in related field; Knowledge of basic animal handling, behavior and health; Basic knowledge of Windows-based computer software; Basic knowledge of Google applications and/or Chameleon Software; Proven ability to work in a team environment with a variety of people; Strong customer service skills.
Physical Demands & Work Environment: Work is performed in a kennel environment with regular exposure to high noise levels, chemical cleaning agents, animal dander, wet floors, the elements (when working outdoors), potentially aggressive and dangerous animals and animal bites and scratches. Work requires walking, standing, bending, scrubbing, and reaching up to 10 hours a day, plus moving/walking dogs and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds without assistance. Daily duties require reading and following instructions, using a computer workstation, and wearing a portable radio. Driving may be required.
This job description provides a general understanding of the position and nature of work, but is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions related to this position. Lawrence Humane Society is an at-will employer. The employee or employer may terminate employment at any time, without cause.
To apply for this position, please click the button below.
Job Title: Community Caseworker
Department: Pet Resource Center
Classification: Non-Exempt (hourly), Full-Time
Reports to: Community Caseworker Supervisor
Position Summary:
The mission of the Lawrence Humane Society is to nurture the human-animal bond by providing shelter, care, and advocacy for homeless and vulnerable animals, as well as resources for the people and pets in our community. The Lawrence Humane Society realizes pet homelessness affects our entire community and as part of the mission, seeks to support pet owners in crisis.
The Pet Resource Center (PRC) is an integral component of achieving this mission. The PRC is staffed by three Community Caseworkers who report to the Community Caseworker Supervisor, and is led by the Senior Manager of Social Work. We believe in respecting and supporting the pet and pet owner and seek to create a work culture that promotes compassion, innovation, and excellence. Community Caseworkers are responsible for all animals entering the shelter through law enforcement, Animal Control, transfers, stray pets found, and at times, owner surrenders. Community Caseworkers process incoming requests for pet surrenders, work with pet owners to keep pets in the home, work with community partners and human service organizations to create solutions for pets and owners, and counsel the public on animal care.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Process all incoming animals, including stray, surrendered, and transferred animals. Support colleagues in managing animal flow. Employ the use of lower stress animal handling techniques.
- Deliver services and programs with an open-minded and inclusive attitude. Treat each community encounter with respect, kindness, and compassion.
- Respond to pet owners requesting assistance.
- Become familiar with community resources such as food banks, medical services, housing assistance, and other human services programs. Connect pet owners to community resources that they may need.
- Offer information and counseling on spay/neuter, animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and general pet care.
- Offer owners food, crates, carriers, and other supplies that may be available.
- Understand and abide by all federal, state, and local ordinances, as well as state regulations.
- Diligently enter communication and information into shelter management software, retrieve and report on data collected, and offer solutions based on data collected.
- Keep records of all communications and assistance provided to pet owners and community members. Track data with care and diligence.
- Provide re-homing packets to owners who wish to rehome their pets privately. Include adoption information, meet and greet instructions, questions to ask future owners, etc.
- Communicate critical information to colleagues as needed to ensure the highest standard of animal care and customer service.
- Follow all workplace safety rules, actively promoting a safe work environment and taking immediate action to prevent and address hazards.
- Follow all LHS disease transmission prevention protocols.
- Participate in interdepartmental discussions to support and develop LHS initiatives.
- Other duties as assigned.
Skills and Qualifications:
- To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
- Compassion for animals and pet owners, sometimes in emotionally difficult and complex situations, without judgment.
- Passion for serving the community as a whole and individual people.
- Highly collaborative with colleagues and community partners.
- Demonstrably sound judgement in dealing with the public and handling sensitive and confidential information.
- Highly developed critical thinking skills, a commitment to ongoing learning and growth, and a willingness to consistently address process improvement.
- Skilled at conflict resolution and dealing with challenging individuals.
- Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and endure a fast pace.
- Effective written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills with a diverse range of individuals, sometimes in an emotional, fast-paced setting.
- Proficiency with computers and able to quickly learn new software.
- General animal behavior and care knowledge.
- Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and data entry.
Position Requirements:
- At least 18 years of age;
- High School Diploma or GED;
- Community outreach, customer service, or advocacy experience;
- No allergies to animals or chemical cleaning agents; and
- Able to work holidays and weekends as needed.
Preferred Skills/Knowledge:
- Experience in animal welfare and/or animal handling;
- Experience in human services and/or social welfare; and
- Fluency and/or proficiency in Spanish.
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
- Considerable time communicating with the public;
- Regular contact with upset and emotional individuals, potentially dangerous animals, and deceased animals can occur;
- Exposure to animal bites, scratches, dander, parasites, infectious diseases, strong odors and fumes from caustic chemicals, and animal waste;
- Exposure to high noise levels;
- Work in a stationary position for extended periods of time using a computer;
- Traverse the facility and grounds for extended periods of time performing labor that may include walking (with and without animals weighing up to 150 pounds), reaching with hands and arms, climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling, lifting up to 50 pounds without assistance and operating various tools and equipment;
- Exposure to wet, cold, and/or humid conditions if working outdoors.
The Lawrence Humane Society believes that our organization is strengthened by the diversity of our staff, and welcome such diversity including race, gender identity or expression, educational attainment, disability, veteran status, and personal experiences. The Lawrence Humane Society encourages applications from people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.
To apply for this position, please click the button below.
To apply for this position, please click the button below.
Reports to: Customer Care Supervisor
Classification: Hourly, Non-Exempt; Full-Time
Salary: $11.00/hour
Position Summary: Assists in finding quality, caring homes for adoptable animals based on information obtained through discussion and counseling of potential adopters.
Key Duties:
- Providing extraordinary service to the Lawrence Humane Society customers that visit or call to inquire about our services and programs.
- Actively engaging members of the public from the moment they arrive or call, assisting and answering any questions.
- Counseling prospective adopters to match the appropriate animal to the adopter(s) and educating them on proper care for that species in general.
- Informing customers of the medical treatment the animals have received: i.e., shots, deworming, spay or neuter surgery, etc., educating them on necessary future veterinary care, and encouraging them to opt-in to available programs and services.
- Handling dogs, cats, and occasionally other animals of all sizes, ages, temperaments and needs safely and appropriately.
- Providing all animals with appropriate housing, food, water, bedding, toys and other mental stimulation and enrichment.
- Cleaning kennels and adoptions area daily to ensure the facility is clean and sanitized at all times.
- Monitoring health of animals and rapidly identify any health issues and report to medical staff immediately.
- Fielding calls using a multi-line phone system and transfer calls to proper departments.
- Counseling callers or in-person patrons in regards to their situations with the utmost respect and understanding.
- Fielding inquiries from public regarding animal behavior, training, and providing options as necessary.
- Displaying strong organizational skills and follows through on job assignments.
- Exercising good judgement when it comes to handling multiple tasks, ensuring the immediate tasks take priority.
- Participating in stress and disease reduction efforts through adherence to Standard Operating Procedures.
- Ensuring all animals are clearly and consistently marked with accurate, up-to-date, easy to read information.
- Using shelter database and employee communication systems to keep accurate animal inventory, write animal behavior and other memos, submit medical exam requests, place holds on animals.
- Processing adoptions and related paperwork on a daily basis, collecting adoption fees, issuing receipts for the collection of fees, and maintaining records of adoption sales transactions, with a positive attitude.
- Offering help to team members when needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required: High School Diploma or completion of G.E.D. equivalency; Effective written and verbal communication skills; No allergies to animals or chemical cleaning agents
Skills/Abilities/Knowledge: Experience in customer service preferred; knowledge of basic animal handling; basic knowledge of Windows-based computer software; basic knowledge of google applications; proven ability to work in a team environment with a variety of people
Physical Demands & Work Environment: Work is performed in a kennel environment with regular exposure to high noise levels, chemical cleaning agents, animal dander, and wet floors. Exposure to the elements when working outdoors. Exposure to potentially aggressive and dangerous animals and animal bites and scratches. Work requires walking, standing, bending, scrubbing, and reaching up to 10 hours a day, plus moving/walking dogs and lifting up to 40 pounds without assistance. Daily duties require reading and following instructions; using a computer workstation; wearing a portable radio and headset. Driving may be required.
This job description provides a general understanding of the position and nature of work, but is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions related to this position. Lawrence Humane Society is an at-will employer. The employee or employer may terminate employment at any time, without cause.
To apply for this position, please click the button below.