The Board of Directors and shelter staff of the Santa Cruz SPCA are an extraordinary team of well-qualified leaders who are commited to excellent animal care and welfare. 

Ali's four-legged family currently includes three cats and one dog, all of whom are--of course--former shelter animals. In her free time, she enjoys photography, road-trips, live music, gardening and spending quality time with her family. Ali is thrilled to join the Santa Cruz SPCA team and looks forward to leading the organization into the future, including the SPCA's new purpose built forever home (expected Spring, 2020)!

Mandi has been a part of the SCSPCA team since 2009. With 17 years of experience working in the animal care industry, she brings an extensive knowledge base related to animal care, medicine, behavior, and training. Along with shelter management, Mandi coordinates many of the organization’s marketing campaigns, social media presence, community engagement, and programming efforts. During her time with the SCSPCA, she has also taken an active role in animal welfare legislation, attending the Humane Society of the United States’ Lobby Day in 2012, and testifying at a Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting to help pass SB 1221, a bill banning the use of hounds for bear and bobcat hunting.

Born and raised in Santa Cruz, Mandi has lived a life that revolves around animals. She took pride in caring for her childhood dogs, cats, horses, goats, chickens, and rabbits, and currently enjoys riding her horse Biggs and walking her dog Sage. Mandi has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism with an emphasis in PR from California State University at Northridge.

Sydney joined the SCSPCA Humane Education team in April 2018. Her important work involves assisting the humane educator with classroom presentations, directing summer and winter camps, and coordinating various youth volunteer programs.

Sydney graduated from California State University, Monterey Bay in 2017 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. As a lifelong lover of animals with a passion for education, she greatly enjoys the chance to teach people of all ages about animals and their needs. In her free time, you can find her vaulting on horses, hanging out at the beach, watching documentaries, or cuddling with her own cat, Wally.

 Lynn has managed the SCSPCA’s accounting needs since 2011. A CPA by profession, she works primarily with local non-profits and enjoys her time at the shelter, where she can pair her accounting skills with her love for animals, on any given day gaining a “lap assistant” or a “keyboard helper.” She enjoys playing soccer, reading, and doing jigsaw puzzles.

Additionally, Liz volunteers at other shelters in the Monterey Bay and interns for HeartsSpeak; a nonprofit organization that provides animal shelters and rescues the training and resources needed to promote and market their adoptable animals. Liz also holds a certificate from the Karen Pryor Dog Training Academy for completing the Shelter Training and Enrichment course. With a passion for animal behavior and Bully-breed dogs, Liz loves making a difference in the lives of homeless animals!

 Sarah arrived at the Santa Cruz SPCA after relocating from New York City in the summer of 2014.  A lifelong animal advocate and confirmed “Cat Person,” Sarah facilitates adoptions and client relations at the shelter.  In addition, she assists with donor communications and PR for the organization, utilizing her love of creative writing and editing.  While not at the SCSPCA, Sarah teaches chair yoga classes as well as sings, plays mandolin, and performs theatre throughout Santa Cruz.

 Shawn officially joined the SCSPCA team in 2012, but she was a valued volunteer even before that. On any given day, you’ll find her at our Capitola Mall Adoption Center and Gift Shop where she serves as supervisor of adoptions, customer service, sales, inventory, and everything else pertaining to that location. Shawn recently graduated from Animal Behavior College for obedience training and is now a certified dog trainer. She assists in our monthly “Ask the Dog Trainer” class and looks forward to developing a more comprehensive SCSPCA training program for the public. When she’s not at work or training dogs, Shawn enjoys hiking and going to the beach with her two border collies.

 Ana has been an important part of the SCSPCA’s animal care team since 2012. She works incredibly hard to ensure the health and well-being of each animal that comes through our doors, and she carefully maintains a high level of care throughout their stay. Ana also assists with volunteer orientation and training as well as the management of in-kind donations. When she’s not working hard for the animals, she enjoys spending time with family, reading, and watching movies.

Joe holds a degree in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles, and is extremely committed to providing the highest quality of care for all animals. When he’s not being paid to cuddle puppies Joe enjoys hiking, playing guitar, and board games.

 Luisa joined the SCSPCA facilities team in 2015. With a natural desire to clean and organize, Luisa dives into her sanitation duties with vigor. She enjoys creating an environment conducive to the health and happiness of all the shelter guests, and she meticulously delivers just that. In her free time, Luisa enjoys socializing with friends, crocheting, and baking.