Humane Society of Wickenburg

From a humble beginning in 2004, of volunteers taking care of lost and abandoned animals in a few barn stalls in downtown Wickenburg, a dream was born to have a local shelter facility house the animals to provide exceptional care for them. Construction began and the shelter opened in February of 2009. The Humane Society of Wickenburg’s 6,707 square foot facility anticipated that the multi-room plus kennel facility would meet the needs of the community, and that the community would continue to donate generously to the facility’s day-to-day operation. That dream became a reality of those volunteers and is still going strong! The Humane Society of Wickenburg is proud to serve the animals of the community and surrounding rural areas both with shelter space and community services.

Meet the Team

Tammy Hankins, President/CEO

Ginny Kirchner, Customer Relations & Adoptions

Tammy grew up in Wickenburg and comes to us with an extensive background in animal care, business and non-profit expertise. Tammy holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management, an Associate in Applied Science in Equine Science, and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in Nonprofit Management. "Growing up in Wickenburg, I have always had a passion for helping animals. My entire career has been dedicated to animals and I am so honored to be in this position to have an impact on animal welfare in Wickenburg and our surrounding rural, remote communities. I love Wickenburg, I love animals, and I am just so grateful to be here to make a difference in the community that is so near and dear to my heart." says Tammy.

Show Less

Ginny Kirchner, Customer Relations & Adoptions

Ginny has been with HSW since 2016. She grew up in California with a family of extreme love for all types of animals. Inheriting that love from her Dad, she remembers he taught her so much about nature and animals. "I moved to Wickenburg to be with my Mom in her later years, hence, ending up at HSW where I am perusing my love for animals. I have a big yellow lab and adopted a puppy from HSW. Animals are my heart and soul and to work with them everyday is the best therapy for myself and them . I am a lucky girl" says Ginny.

Show Less

Marcie Duthie, Development Coordinator

Marcie brings with her an extensive background managing programs and fundraising for American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, Montana State University Extension and most recently, Wickenburg Freedom Express. Her roles in development and creative event planning have led to expansion of services in the areas she served. She has a ba

Marcie grew up with a cattle ranch in Eastern Oregon and showed AQHA throughout her youth to college rodeo. A life-long love for animals, she has been rescuing dogs and cats as long as she remembers, even raising a litter (kindle) of kittens she found without her parents ever knowing! Combining her passion and experience to help fund HSW's new homeless pet adoption center is an exciting challenge for her!

Show Less

Renee, Adoption Events Coordinator

Marcie Duthie, Development Coordinator

Originally from Redlands CA, Renee moved to AZ in 1984 and has called it her home state ever since. She has lived in Scottsdale, Cave Creek, and Skull Valley before settling into Wickenburg. She is an avid and competitive horsewoman, showing in both reining and team roping When not riding you will most certainly find her on the golf course or the driving range. Renee is married to NRHA, AQHA, and NRCHA horse professional and trainer Ben Balow. They have two wonderful sons, Jacob, who proudly serves in the US army at Ft. Bragg, and Benjamin, who is attending Central AZ College on a rodeo scholarship, while studying Business Law.

Show Less

Cheryl Hoyer, Executive Assistant

Jude Acedo, Animal Care Specialist

Cheryl was a volunteer for HSW before joining the staff in 2020. Her role is to assist the Executive Director with a variety of activities as well as serving as the Volunteer Coordinator, aligning volunteer interests with shelter needs.

Cheryl and her husband are 4 year residents of Wickenburg, hailing from the Hoosier state, where she v

Cheryl and her husband are 4 year residents of Wickenburg, hailing from the Hoosier state, where she volunteered for rescue organizations for many years. "It is a joy to serve others, and helping animals in need of love and companionship" says Cheryl.

Show Less

Jude Acedo, Animal Care Specialist

Jude has been with HSW since early 2017 and spent a large portion of her career as a groomer. "I'm doing something I ultimately love. Helping animals in need of love, aid, care and support. Everyday can be a struggle to find that perfect home for them but I am reminded everyday of the beautiful work that people and volunteers can do when we come together, it makes my heart sing!" says Jude.

Nicki DeLoria, Animal Care Associate

Nicki began with HSW as a volunteer in 2009 and joined as a team member in 2016. Nicki says "I love animals and I love being there for other people. I'm here working at the Humane Society because I love to work with animals and help them out, they also bring joy into my life. Together as a team, we can help and save animals lives."

Jenna Welch, Animal Care Associate

Nicki DeLoria, Animal Care Associate

Jenna Welch joined us in August of 2021. After moving to Wickenburg for her high school years, Jenna found herself slowly and steadily growing her family of animals at home. Until recently Jenna had only worked in food service but she decided to switch roles entirely and do what she loves instead, taking care of animals. “I remember walking into the Humane Society to ask about a job and being shown around the place. I think I fell in love with my job right then and there. All of these precious fluffy friends were so welcoming and I found myself spending an extra few minutes in each area just petting the animals. They’re all so sweet and I can’t wait to see them go to new homes.” , Jenna says.

Show Less

Board of Directors

Amy Sloane, Chair

Jeana Johnson, Vice Chair

Amy was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. Her fondest childhood memories involve family adventures, camping and fishing and, of course, animals. After obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from the University of Arizona, Amy followed in her father’s footsteps and has been in law enforcement since 1999. She moved her family (three dogs, two cats, a horse, a turtle and goldfish) to Wickenburg in 2014 to advance her career. Both her professional life and personal life are grounded in the basic principles of service and community. Amy wanted to be an active member of the community that she served so joining the Humane Society of Wickenburg in 2016 was a natural fit. She continues to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with family and friends.

Jeana Johnson, Vice Chair

Jeana joined the HSW Board in 2018.

Breanne Lorefice, Secretary

Carolina Baertsch, Treasurer

Breanne joined the HSW Board in 2019.

Carolina Baertsch, Treasurer

Carolina joined the HSW Board in 2013.