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 over 20 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.

Maria joined our team in February 2020. During the regular school year, she visits schools to present about the Humane treatment of all living things, and responsible pet ownership. She also helps run our Camps and after school programs, which gives students an opportunity to meet and interact with shelter animals.

When she is not working in Humane Education, she helps with the training of volunteers, and supports our Volunteer Manager. She enjoys pairing Foster families to animals needing a temporary home, and she loves meeting all of our amazing volunteers.

Through her work, she hopes to inspire tomorrows future animal advocates, and meet other animal lovers!

Maria lives with two cats of her own.

In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her family's dogs, camping, and creating jewelry from sea glass.

Maria has a B.S. in Environmental Science and Management from the University of California, Davis.

 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.

Elisa joined our team in 2020 after making a career switch from the wine industry, trading in wine-stained hands for fur-covered clothes and has never looked back! Having adopted her beloved family dog, Bailey, from the SCSPCA in 2010, Elisa is thrilled to begin her nonprofit career at an organization that has impacted her own life. As our Programs and Admin Assistant, she finds herself with "paws" in all areas of our organization from donation management to graphic design. 

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.

 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.