Our Staff
Our work is driven by a passionate belief that the unconditional love of a pet can heal a child.
Suzanne Pearl
Chief Executive Officer
Sue spent more than 25 years in corporate America in a career ranging from public relations and communications, to the Vice President of Human Resources and Administration for a multi-billion dollar public company where she oversaw more than 5,000 employees. Sue holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism/Public Relations from Arizona State University.
Finding herself in the role of single mom to two school-age children, Sue left the corporate world to start an HR and Communications consulting firm where she chose to work solely with nonprofits in Arizona for more than 10 years. It was on this path that she learned the intricacies of managing a nonprofit and she became a sought-after expert for her knowledge and experience.
Sue is the Founder and former President of Families of SMA-Arizona, an organization she created after the death of her 9-month-old son, Jack, from Spinal Muscular Atrophy. She is past Board Chair of the Arizona Humane Society, a former Board member of UMOM, and was on the board of Gabriel’s Angels /Paws for Youth until she was named CEO in July 2026. In 2006, Sue was chosen by the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce as the Athena Businesswoman of the Year.
Sue uses her skills as a communicator, connector, negotiator and strategist to help organizations create and fully support their mission and vision, develop the greatest teams possible, and bring out the best in each employee. She is an expert in compensation analysis and plan design, employee communication and counseling, budgeting and planning, and strategy.
In her spare time, Sue enjoys gardening, cooking, reading, exercising and spending time with family and friends. Sue has a passion for all animals and has fostered and adopted many dogs, including the five “foster fails” who live with her now.
Cara Kiggins, EMPA
Chief Programs Officer
Cara holds an Executive Master of Public Administration from Evans School of Public
Policy & Governance at the University of Washington, a Graduate Diploma of Forced
Migration and Refuge Studies from The American University in Cairo, and a BA in
Anthropology from the Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University.
With over 20 years in nonprofit leadership, Cara has both led and crafted trauma-
informed programming at nonprofits in both the US and Egypt. Her background has
included advocating for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and leading rape
crisis center programming in San Diego, crafting trauma-informed programs in Egypt for
refugees and survivors of war and torture, and running a local business as a birth doula
and childbirth educator here in Arizona.
She was first introduced to the magic of animal therapy while volunteering at a
therapeutic horseback riding program, and the transformations she witnessed there
have remained with her ever since. Although she has lived in many places, Cara grew
up in Chandler, AZ and is happy to be back home and raising her family in beautiful
Arizona. Cara shares her home in Phoenix with her husband, two school-aged kids, two
dogs, and several chatty backyard chickens.
Katy Hansen, MBA, M.Ed.
Director of Development
Prior to starting her nonprofit journey in development, Katy’s extensive career included work in communications, media, business development, event planning, and education. She graduated from Pepperdine University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communication and worked in both news and public relations for stations in Las Angelas, CA and Phoenix, AZ. She received her Master of Business Administration from Argosy University and Master of Education from Northern Arizona University.
She believes in the importance of always challenging yourself to stay “somewhat uncomfortable” so that you continue to grow in your craft and are ready for whatever life’s opportunities present. A native of Phoenix, she strives for a strong work life balance that incorporates her family, friends, pets, and community into her daily routine.
Elizabeth Aspland
Operations Manager
Elizabeth’s multifaceted experience includes operations management, accounting,
human resources, and database administration. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she
was born and raised in Arizona and holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Arizona State
University.
As the Operations Manager for Paws for Youth, Elizabeth serves as a key resource for
staff and supporters, providing essential information and support to help ensure smooth
and effective operations. Known for her proactive approach, she excels at problem-
solving, managing details, and connecting information across teams and systems. Her
work plays an instrumental role in keeping the organization running efficiently and
supporting its mission of connecting youth with the healing power of pets and
compassionate adults.
Outside of the office, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her family, reading, baking,
and doing yoga. She and her husband have two children and three cats, one of whom is
currently in training and hopes to become a registered therapy cat to visit youth and
share the comfort and connection that animals can bring.
Amanda Rios
Marketing & Communications Manager
Amanda is a first-generation graduate who believes in lifelong learning. She holds a degree in Digital Media Art and Design, studied marketing and communications at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University, and has an additional certification from ASU's Poder Program for Entrepreneurship + Innovation.
With a varied background including everything from writing articles for local print publications, to arranging TV appearances, to managing the social media presence of one of the largest open-intake animal shelters in the country, Amanda is experienced in developing and strategizing content for a variety of media channels. She loves the variety in her work at Paws for Youth, prioritizing strengths-based communications and accessible visuals, all while highlighting the incredible impact of the human-animal bond.
Amanda is also a Fear Free Certified handler and enjoys volunteering with shelter animals. Outside of work and volunteering, you can usually find her hiking and exploring new places with her husband, growing plants, and trying to wrangle her deaf heeler.
Annie Roberts
Grants & Community Impact Coordinator
In her role at Paws for Youth, Annie brings a diverse professional background grounded in the pursuit of having a positive impact on the lives of others. She studied Business Administration and English at the University of Arizona, which led her to a variety of positions prioritizing analytical and critical thinking as well as clear and compelling communication. While managing operations at a private physical therapy practice, she found her passion for helping individuals heal injuries and build resilience to trauma, whether that be physical or otherwise.
Understanding firsthand the healing power a pet can have, she felt drawn to Paws for Youth's mission and has served in several roles since joining our pack. Currently working as the Grants & Community Impact Coordinator, she oversees the day-to-day coordination of grant processes, manages donor data systems, and coordinates community engagement events. Her passion for this work even led her to get her own dog registered as a therapy animal and become one of our dedicated volunteers.
When she's not working or volunteering for Paws for Youth, Annie enjoys traveling to new places and exploring locally with her husband, Daniel, and coworker, Arlo. She balances an active lifestyle of CrossFit and yoga with an avid love of food and coffee, always scoping out new local restaurants and searching for that perfect cup of cold brew.
Rosie Ronnow, MPH
Program Coordinator
Rosie holds a Master of Public Health with an emphasis on Maternal and Child Health from the University of Melbourne, which has led her to a career centered around programs that support our community’s youth. A Phoenix native, Rosie also has a Bachelor of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Science from the University of Arizona with a Minor in Spanish.
Rosie’s extensive background includes program evaluation, nonprofit work, and volunteer management in various organizations both locally and abroad. Before joining Paws for Youth, she supported volunteers with the Court Appointed Special Advocate program and Big Brothers Big Sisters, where she witnessed firsthand the profound difference volunteers can make in the lives of children. That experience deepened her belief in the power of community engagement and inspired her continued work in the field. Her work at Paws for Youth combines three of the things she loves the most: children, dogs, and volunteers.
Rosie has lived and worked abroad in Australia, Denmark, and Mexico, bringing a broad perspective to her work. She’s happy to be back in her home state of Arizona to raise a growing family of three children with her husband. Although their three dogs have to stay at home with a sitter, their family still finds time to travel together.
Lisa Paulos, MS
Program Coordinator
She holds a Master of Science in Parks and Recreation Management from Frostburg State University and a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology & Educational Policy Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her career began with developing after-school and summer camp programs for youth with special needs, and from there, she continued to develop extensive experience in youth programming and a career-long commitment to creating safe, inclusive spaces for young people to thrive.
Over the years, Lisa has had the privilege of managing various youth programs through municipal parks & recreation agencies and non-profits, including working as Program Director for Playworks, where she partnered with Title I elementary schools across Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico to promote safe, healthy, and inclusive play. Throughout her career, Lisa has seen the meaningful impact of supportive, caring adults creating safe spaces for youth to grow, and she is excited to continue that work through the mission of Paws for Youth.
Originally from Minnesota (you betcha!), Lisa now lives in the West Valley with her husband and their three dogs. They love to travel, run, foster pups, and explore the Southwest.
Arlo Roberts
Director of PUPlick Relations
Though only the ripe age of 6, Arlo brings a wide range of experience to his role at Paws for Youth. Arlo's career began in agricultural management in the farmlands of Utah. Tiring of spending his days with llamas and chickens, he soon decided to become a chiropractic assistant, where he discovered his passion for health, wellness, and healing humans in need. Though agriculture put food on the table and chiropractic aligned the mind and spine, he yearned to have an impact deeper than what x-rays could show.
Feeling inspired and looking to make PAWSitive change in the world, Arlo relocated to the cactus-covered deserts of Arizona to pursue more paws-on work. Upon arriving in Phoenix, Arlo studied to become a registered therapy dog, ultimately passing at the top of his pack and receiving his certification from the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.
As Director of PUPlick Relations, Arlo provides crucial belly rub training and quality control tests for staff, builds important relationships with supporters, and publicly represents the organization at events. When he isn’t busy working or volunteering at Paws for Youth, Arlo works alongside his dad providing wellness support at adolescent treatment homes, offering doggy dopamine and unconditional optimism to youth navigating challenges. Off the clock, Arlo enjoys going for car rides, treat-tasting, and exploring Arizona with his two best friends and roommates, Annie and Daniel.
Board of Directors
Board Chair
Chris Torres, CFP®
LPL Financial Advisor, Southwest Wealth Advisory Group LLC
Board Governance Chair
Raquel Romero
Outreach Coordinator, First Tee-Phoenix
Vice Chair
David Casanova
Chief Revenue Officer, Arcwood Benefits
Vice Chair
Xavier Gonzalez
Associate Director of Programs, Tempe Community Action Agency
Treasurer
Colleen Shannon
Chief Financial Officer, equipifi
Secretary
Ronda Kelso, BSN, RN, Esq.
Trial Attorney, Accident Law Group
Members
Jane Blacker
Global Real Estate Advisor, Russ Lyon
Annette Bouwer, DVM
Retired Director of Clinical Rotations, Midwestern University of Veterinary Medicine; Paws for Youth Pet Therapy Volunteer
Sandra Eiger
CEO & Founder, Allure Capital Funding
Melissa Fasulo, CPA
Assurance Manager R&A CPAs
Leah Friedenberg, MBA, CUDE
Senior Vice President of Organizational Development, Pima Federal Credit Union
Catherine Harmon, MRED
SVP, Commercial Banking Team Lead, Alerus
Wayne Hubbard
CIC Executive Vice President Brown and Brown Insurance Services
Eniola Idowu
Senior Research Associate Computing Research Association
Britta Kelly
Head of Integrated Marketing, NVA Pet Resorts
John Standring
Faculty Associate, Thunderbird School of Business & Certified SCORE Mentor
Southern Arizona Community Council
This group of leaders within the Southern Arizona community actively raises funds, builds awareness, and advances our programmatic work within southern Arizona.
Bert Berktold – Retired Branch Manager, Pima Federal Credit Union
Melissa Fasulo, CPA – Assurance Manager, R&A CPAs
Bert Berktold – Retired Branch Manager, Pima Federal Credit Union
Leah Friedenberg – SVP, Organizational Development, Pima Federal Credit Union
Shannon VanDeusen – VP of Retail Lending, Pima Federal Credit Union
Leah Friedenberg – SVP, Organizational Development, Pima Federal Credit Union
Shannon VanDeusen – VP of Retail Lending, Pima Federal Credit Union
Diane Alexander – Retired, Paws for Youth Pet Therapy Volunteer
Liz Taylor – Paws for Youth Pet Therapy Volunteer
Melissa Fasulo, CPA – Assurance Manager, R&A CPAs
Steering Committee
Composed of passionate leaders from the corporate and philanthropic sectors, our steering committee provides strategic guidance and helps us broaden our reach within the community.
Wayne Anderson, D.V.M. – Former Owner, AZPetVet
Nan Ater – Retired Financial Services Executive
Lori Coruccini
Norm Dominguez – Vice Chairman Emeritus & Senator, BNI
Jennifer G. Gadow – Partner, Stillman, Smith & Gadow
Samantha Hagan, CPA – Partner, Christophel & Hagan, Ltd.
Ann McCartney – Real Estate Investor and Board Member, Trust Bank
Carl Nablo – Managing Partner, Ascendency Global LLC
Patty Nelson – Retired IT Executive
Jane Spicer – CEO & Founder, Daphne’s Headcovers
Christy Van Quathem – Vice President, Empire Southwest