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 14 years ago, and is 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, Executive Director

Tammy grew up in Wickenburg and comes to us with an extensive background in animal care, business and non-profit expertise. "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 surrounding rural, remote communities. I love Wickenburg and I love animals and I am just so grateful to be here in this position" says Tammy.

Ginny Kirchner, Animal Care Lead

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.

Alesha Hosfelt, Animal Care Specialist

Alesha's involvment with HSW goes back to 2013. She plays an important role in making sure all of the animals are well taken care of while they are here at the shelter. Alesha says "The best part of my job is getting to see the animals find their furever home."

Jude Acedo, Animal Care Associate

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."

Patience Langley, Customer Service

Patience is most likely the lovely person that will answer the phone when you call HSW. She grew up on 45 acres in Congress with an array of animals such as emus, goats, pigs, chickens, dogs, cats, and guinea fowl. "I enjoy making a difference in animals lives and being a voice for them. It makes me happy to see how the animals light up when they meet their "person" that takes them to their furever home!" says Patience.

Board of Directors

Bruce Brown, President

Bruce and his wife, MeiMei (the “feral cat lady”), have spent the last 9 winters in Wickenburg as snow birds, with summers in Vermont, where he was born. He attended Phoenix schools and college at NAU in Flagstaff with a BS degree in Parks and Recreation and a thirty year career with Vermont State Parks as a Park Ranger. Bruce has been involved directly or indirectly with HSW from shortly after it opened in 2008 as a volunteer, thrift shop manager, board member and currently, President. Bruce has always had dogs and cats throughout his life and presently travels across country twice a year with as many as 6 cats. With many years in Parks and his love of nature, Bruce also volunteers at the Hassayampa River Preserve, leading hikes and nature programs. Bruce has a goal of visiting all the National Parks.

Carol Simon, Secretary

Retired now since 2012, Carol's career was varied including positions as a librarian, systems engineer, sales manager, project manager, office manager and game researcher. Carol came to live in Wickenburg in the summer of 2014 by way of Washington State, California, and her home state, Michigan and started volunteering at HSW that fall, socializing cats. Carol has volunteered at several other shelters in both CA and WA. Over the years Carol has served on several non-profit boards as recording secretary and felt she could be of service to HSW using her past experiences. And of course, she loves animals, especially cats. Carol joined the HSW board in October 2016.

Carolina Baertsch, Treasurer

Carolina joined the HSW Board in 2013.

Melody Lamon, Member at Large

Melody joined the HSW Board in 2016.

Jeana Johnson, Member at Large

Jeana joined the HSW Board in 2018.

Amy Sloane, Member at Large

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.

David Stander, Member at Large

David Stander is a U.S. Army Veteran and Wickenburg Financial Advisor. He worked as an Explosive Detection Dog Handler in the military as well as in the private sector for 10 years. In 2013, he became a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones. David and his wife, Alyssa moved to Wickenburg in 2015 with their 3 children. His children insist on a regular basis that they need to go down and play with the cats/kittens at the Humane Society. Currently, he also serves on the Board of Directors for the Historic Wickenburg Downtown Merchants Association & the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce. David joined the HSW Board in 2016.

Gayle Peffers, Member at Large

Gayle joined the HSW Board in 2018.