About - Staff - Staff | Animal Friends Humane Society

Kayy, Operations Manager

Kayy has over a decade of experience in animal welfare, gained through hands on work with animal rescue organizations, animal shelters, and veterinary clinics throughout the Pacific Northwest. Recently relocating to Ohio, she brings a deep understanding of both the operational and human sides of animal welfare, with a strong belief that sustainable, effective sheltering starts with empowered people.

Known for a human focused leadership style, Kayy prioritizes clear communication, collaboration, and staff support, recognizing that strong teams are essential to serving animals and communities well. Their background spans day to day shelter operations, cross-department coordination, and community engagement, always with an eye toward continuous improvement and compassionate care.

Driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference, Kayy is passionate about building positive relationships and contributing to a culture where both people and animals can thrive.

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.

Myra, Dog Care Supervisor

A lifelong resident of Butler County, she and her family are proud to still call the area home. Myra shares her life with three dogs—all AFHS alumni—as well as rabbits that participate in 4-H shows.

Animals have always been an important part of Myra’s life; she cannot remember a time without a dog or cat by her side. At an early age, she began pet sitting for friends and family, sparking a passion that grew into a career in animal welfare. She now brings nearly a decade of experience to the field.

Myra has been with Animal Friends for approximately eight years. She began her career as a kennel technician and has worked her way into her current leadership role. Her primary goal is to ensure that every animal entering the shelter receives compassionate, high-quality care and the second chance they deserve.

In her role as Dog Care Supervisor, Myra manages a wide range of responsibilities, including scheduling surgeries with partner veterinarians, developing pathway plans for dogs, maintaining care protocols and procedures, contributing to social media, and participating in behavioral assessments.

Myra’s true passion is animal enrichment. She believes enrichment is essential to improving the daily lives of animals in a shelter environment and is dedicated to growing the enrichment program to its full potential in 2026.

Kathy, Foster/Rescue/Outreach Coordinator

Hi, I’m Kathy, 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.

Rachael, 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, 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, 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, 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.