The People
Meet the Directors
The directors are in charge of the sanctuary's overall development and succession planning. We are extremely proud of the fact that all of our directors have been a part of the sanctuary since the very first day we opened, on January 1, 2019.
Lolita Perez
Executive Director
Lolita and her ‘ohana (husband Moisés and their two children: Sevastían and Estevan) have volunteered with the sanctuary since Day 1. Lolita started as weekly animal caregivers and immediately stepped up to assist the sanctuary with leading public tours, bookkeeping, and becoming a managing director. Her extensive banking and business management background, coupled with her natural talent for facilitating collaboration, quickly led to her installment as the sanctuary’s Executive Director.
Lolita’s educational background consists of a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management. She is currently a Ph.D. student at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa in their Communication & Information Sciences Inerdicilipnary Ph.D. Program. Her research interests include social media for social good, consumer attitudes towards plant-based proteins, and the recent movement of plant-based products. Her professional experience includes a little over 16 years in the financial sector, where she worked in various roles and served on numerous non-profit boards.
In her spare time, Lolita can be found snuggling one of her many rescued companion animals, reading a good book, spending dedicated time with her family, and cooking and baking plant-based foods with her youngest son Sevastian.
Lolita and her ‘ohana (husband Moisés and their two children: Sevastían and Estevan) have volunteered with the sanctuary since Day 1. Lolita started as weekly animal caregivers and immediately stepped up to assist the sanctuary with leading public tours, bookkeeping, and becoming a managing director. Her extensive banking and business management background, coupled with her natural talent for facilitating collaboration, quickly led to her installment as the sanctuary’s Executive Director.
Lolita’s educational background consists of a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management. She is currently a Ph.D. student at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa in their Communication & Information Sciences Inerdicilipnary Ph.D. Program. Her research interests include social media for social good, consumer attitudes towards plant-based proteins, and the recent movement of plant-based products. Her professional experience includes a little over 16 years in the financial sector, where she worked in various roles and served on numerous non-profit boards.
In her spare time, Lolita can be found snuggling one of her many rescued companion animals, reading a good book, spending dedicated time with her family, and cooking and baking plant-based foods with her youngest son Sevastian.
Jessica Palomino
Co-founder & Director of Public Relations
Jessica has always had a passion for working to improve the lives of the underserved, both human and non-human. By trade she is a pediatric nurse, and spent the last 6 years working in the pediatric ICU at Kapiolani Medical Center. She recently accepted a new nursing position with the non-profit Ho' Ola Na Pua (an organization that is working to bring awareness to the sex trafficking industry in Hawai'i) at their new facility, Pearl Haven.
Jessica has also volunteered as a post-anesthesia care nurse with the non-profit Operation Smile, on multiple international surgical missions. Prior to the sanctuary, she was volunteering at the Sumner Health Clinic for people suffering from houseless-ness in Honolulu, HI. Her clinical capstone during nursing school was at a non-profit health clinic (Hope Clinic) in the state of Utah, a clinic that operated entirely through volunteer physicians, nurses, and other healthcare personnel, to provide free healthcare. Volunteer work has always brought her life meaning and purpose and she has had the privilege to work alongside some very innovative non-profit founders and volunteers.
Then the (possibly) obvious-- Jessica has always loved animals, from a very young age. She started her animal rescue work through kitten and bird fostering... before it escalated into pigs and goats! Her favorite part of being a director is being able to spend time with the animals at the sanctuary.
Jessica has always had a passion for working to improve the lives of the underserved, both human and non-human. By trade she is a pediatric nurse, and spent the last 6 years working in the pediatric ICU at Kapiolani Medical Center. She recently accepted a new nursing position with the non-profit Ho' Ola Na Pua (an organization that is working to bring awareness to the sex trafficking industry in Hawai'i) at their new facility, Pearl Haven.
Jessica has also volunteered as a post-anesthesia care nurse with the non-profit Operation Smile, on multiple international surgical missions. Prior to the sanctuary, she was volunteering at the Sumner Health Clinic for people suffering from houseless-ness in Honolulu, HI. Her clinical capstone during nursing school was at a non-profit health clinic (Hope Clinic) in the state of Utah, a clinic that operated entirely through volunteer physicians, nurses, and other healthcare personnel, to provide free healthcare. Volunteer work has always brought her life meaning and purpose and she has had the privilege to work alongside some very innovative non-profit founders and volunteers.
Then the (possibly) obvious-- Jessica has always loved animals, from a very young age. She started her animal rescue work through kitten and bird fostering... before it escalated into pigs and goats! Her favorite part of being a director is being able to spend time with the animals at the sanctuary.
Hannah Mizuno
Co-founder & Director of Animal Care
Hannah was born and raised on the island of O’ahu. She always had a deep love for animals, and envisioned creating a sanctuary before she even knew about the concept of a farmed animal sanctuary. The idea of a place where animals could spend their days in refuge, free from violence and exploitation, had always been her dream.
After visiting a sanctuary in her teen years, her vision of starting a farmed animal sanctuary was solidified. At just 20 years old, when the opportunity arose to join the team of co-founders at Aloha Animal Sanctuary, she was ecstatic. Hannah is now a co-founder, Director of Development, and overnight caretaker at Aloha Animal Sanctuary, caring for the animals every day and night. This is her life’s work, and she is grateful for the opportunity to create a safe place for animals and people.
She is grateful to use the Sanctuary as an educational platform to raise awareness about animal and environmental issues. Hannah has planned multiple fundraising events for the sanctuary that were entirely zero-waste and emphasized sustainable habits. Her interests and experience in off-grid living have also benefited the sanctuary in the creation of the overnight caretaker office on-site.
Hannah is currently a full-time college student and hopes to find a career that allows her to continue volunteering with Aloha Animal Sanctuary for years to come.
Hannah was born and raised on the island of O’ahu. She always had a deep love for animals, and envisioned creating a sanctuary before she even knew about the concept of a farmed animal sanctuary. The idea of a place where animals could spend their days in refuge, free from violence and exploitation, had always been her dream.
After visiting a sanctuary in her teen years, her vision of starting a farmed animal sanctuary was solidified. At just 20 years old, when the opportunity arose to join the team of co-founders at Aloha Animal Sanctuary, she was ecstatic. Hannah is now a co-founder, Director of Development, and overnight caretaker at Aloha Animal Sanctuary, caring for the animals every day and night. This is her life’s work, and she is grateful for the opportunity to create a safe place for animals and people.
She is grateful to use the Sanctuary as an educational platform to raise awareness about animal and environmental issues. Hannah has planned multiple fundraising events for the sanctuary that were entirely zero-waste and emphasized sustainable habits. Her interests and experience in off-grid living have also benefited the sanctuary in the creation of the overnight caretaker office on-site.
Hannah is currently a full-time college student and hopes to find a career that allows her to continue volunteering with Aloha Animal Sanctuary for years to come.
Korie Mijo
Director of Development
Korie is currently managing our sponsorship program. She is in charge of sending handwritten love notes to all of the animals' sponsors, as well as crafting up keepsake items, like hoofprint artwork! Korie is always willing to volunteer an extra hand at our sanctuary events. She has so many talents, including baking and sewing, both of which she is constantly spoiling all of the other volunteers with! She is also a foster momma to Charlie the rooster and has helped with other animal rescues, including Sophie and Oliver, the piglets.
"Hiyah all, I’m Korie! Aloha Animal Sanctuary is truly my happy place. I feel so lucky to be a part of this place and be around some amazing beings. I work at Kapi’olani on the pediatric unit, and am currently a nursing student. I plan on working as a peds oncology nurse when I graduate. When I’m not hanging out with all the animal residents or studying, I love to cook vegan food, sew, and do anything crafty. There also isn’t a hobby I don’t do or won’t try!"
Korie is currently managing our sponsorship program. She is in charge of sending handwritten love notes to all of the animals' sponsors, as well as crafting up keepsake items, like hoofprint artwork! Korie is always willing to volunteer an extra hand at our sanctuary events. She has so many talents, including baking and sewing, both of which she is constantly spoiling all of the other volunteers with! She is also a foster momma to Charlie the rooster and has helped with other animal rescues, including Sophie and Oliver, the piglets.
"Hiyah all, I’m Korie! Aloha Animal Sanctuary is truly my happy place. I feel so lucky to be a part of this place and be around some amazing beings. I work at Kapi’olani on the pediatric unit, and am currently a nursing student. I plan on working as a peds oncology nurse when I graduate. When I’m not hanging out with all the animal residents or studying, I love to cook vegan food, sew, and do anything crafty. There also isn’t a hobby I don’t do or won’t try!"
Amy Cady
Director of Facilities
Amy began volunteering as an animal caregiver when the sanctuary first opened in January 2019 along with her husband, David, and nearly-grown children, Mackenna and Jonathan. Their family, having been vegan for only a few years, were excited to join the sanctuary community at its start, and begin caring for the sanctuary’s first and only resident, Haku. Through the sanctuary, they also began forming friendships with a diverse group of special humans this type of service attracts.
With a degree in Interior Design, an eye for detail, aesthetics and organization, Amy found herself spending more and more time caring for the sanctuary grounds, in addition to the growing number of animal residents during her shift. After more than a year of serving as animal caregivers, and as Mackenna and Jonathan began their lives as young adults, Amy and David stepped into their new roles as painters of existing buildings and new construction, as well as lead aesthetics advisors for the sanctuary.
Amy’s vision for the sanctuary grounds is one that is welcoming, peaceful, and harmonious, reflective of the natural beauty of Hawai’i and its people. In this way, she hopes to create an experience for sanctuary guests and volunteers that benefits not only our resident animals, but opens more hearts and minds to greater compassion for all beings.
Amy enjoys spending time with the sweet and adorable animals at the sanctuary, giving pets, belly rubs, ear scratches and hugs. At home, she is mama to a senior Golden Retriever named Charlie, a rescued cat named Kitty, and a rescued Mynah bird named Elliot.
Amy began volunteering as an animal caregiver when the sanctuary first opened in January 2019 along with her husband, David, and nearly-grown children, Mackenna and Jonathan. Their family, having been vegan for only a few years, were excited to join the sanctuary community at its start, and begin caring for the sanctuary’s first and only resident, Haku. Through the sanctuary, they also began forming friendships with a diverse group of special humans this type of service attracts.
With a degree in Interior Design, an eye for detail, aesthetics and organization, Amy found herself spending more and more time caring for the sanctuary grounds, in addition to the growing number of animal residents during her shift. After more than a year of serving as animal caregivers, and as Mackenna and Jonathan began their lives as young adults, Amy and David stepped into their new roles as painters of existing buildings and new construction, as well as lead aesthetics advisors for the sanctuary.
Amy’s vision for the sanctuary grounds is one that is welcoming, peaceful, and harmonious, reflective of the natural beauty of Hawai’i and its people. In this way, she hopes to create an experience for sanctuary guests and volunteers that benefits not only our resident animals, but opens more hearts and minds to greater compassion for all beings.
Amy enjoys spending time with the sweet and adorable animals at the sanctuary, giving pets, belly rubs, ear scratches and hugs. At home, she is mama to a senior Golden Retriever named Charlie, a rescued cat named Kitty, and a rescued Mynah bird named Elliot.
Juliana Benson
Board of Directors
Juliana has a background in partnering with a variety of nonprofits including working with the Hawaiian Humane Society as the Manager of Volunteer Services. She is now taking on a similar volunteer management role at the sanctuary.
Her undergraduate degree is in Psychology, and she is currently studying to receive her master's degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
Juliana has a multitude of talents: she is also a certified yoga instructor and has led multiple fundraising yoga classes at the sanctuary. Additionally, she is a talented photographer who has donated hours of her time to photographing the animals, as well as event planning, crafting, etc.
The list of Juliana's talents is extensive and her excellent communication skills, positive attitude, and attention to detail make her an incredible asset to the team.
Juliana has a background in partnering with a variety of nonprofits including working with the Hawaiian Humane Society as the Manager of Volunteer Services. She is now taking on a similar volunteer management role at the sanctuary.
Her undergraduate degree is in Psychology, and she is currently studying to receive her master's degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
Juliana has a multitude of talents: she is also a certified yoga instructor and has led multiple fundraising yoga classes at the sanctuary. Additionally, she is a talented photographer who has donated hours of her time to photographing the animals, as well as event planning, crafting, etc.
The list of Juliana's talents is extensive and her excellent communication skills, positive attitude, and attention to detail make her an incredible asset to the team.
Anchi Howitz
Co-Founder, Board of Directors
Anchi graduated from Cornell University, is a Licensed Massage Therapist, and has a background in managing luxury spa operations.
Anchi has always considered herself to be an avid animal advocate. She has led multiple animal advocacy groups here on O'ahu, and volunteered at the Humane Society in Oregon before moving to the islands.
Prior to 2020, Anchi was balancing being a director at the sanctuary while working as a massage therapist at a resort on O'ahu. During the Covid-19 pandemic, two big life changes happened for Anchi: the resort closed, and Anchi became a new mother to her now nearly 1-year-old baby, Thorin (one of the youngest volunteers at the sanctuary now!).
Anchi's resilience and business background led her to open her own small business at the sanctuary, where visitors can receive massages, and 15% of the proceeds come back to the sanctuary. This endeavor financially benefits the sanctuary, and also allows Anchi to continue to volunteer in a leadership role with the sanctuary while managing her other responsibilities.
Outside of the sanctuary, Anchi's other interests include dancing, traveling (specifically across Europe), and intersectionalism with other social justice movements.
Anchi graduated from Cornell University, is a Licensed Massage Therapist, and has a background in managing luxury spa operations.
Anchi has always considered herself to be an avid animal advocate. She has led multiple animal advocacy groups here on O'ahu, and volunteered at the Humane Society in Oregon before moving to the islands.
Prior to 2020, Anchi was balancing being a director at the sanctuary while working as a massage therapist at a resort on O'ahu. During the Covid-19 pandemic, two big life changes happened for Anchi: the resort closed, and Anchi became a new mother to her now nearly 1-year-old baby, Thorin (one of the youngest volunteers at the sanctuary now!).
Anchi's resilience and business background led her to open her own small business at the sanctuary, where visitors can receive massages, and 15% of the proceeds come back to the sanctuary. This endeavor financially benefits the sanctuary, and also allows Anchi to continue to volunteer in a leadership role with the sanctuary while managing her other responsibilities.
Outside of the sanctuary, Anchi's other interests include dancing, traveling (specifically across Europe), and intersectionalism with other social justice movements.
Holly Holcomb
Bookkeeper
After experiencing a health scare, I stumbled upon veganism and the more I learned, the more I realized that I could never go back! My first visit to the Aloha Animal Sanctuary was to commemorate my two-year “veganniversary.” It was a magical experience to meet the animals, and even though I am allergic to them, I was committed to helping. With my background in accounting and bookkeeping, I am thrilled to have found another way to help the residents.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
After experiencing a health scare, I stumbled upon veganism and the more I learned, the more I realized that I could never go back! My first visit to the Aloha Animal Sanctuary was to commemorate my two-year “veganniversary.” It was a magical experience to meet the animals, and even though I am allergic to them, I was committed to helping. With my background in accounting and bookkeeping, I am thrilled to have found another way to help the residents.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
Sydney Peloton
Volunteer Program Manager
Sydney is an environmental activist from Portland Oregon. She is currently traveling the world to learn and to volunteer in conservation efforts. Aloha Animal Sanctuary was her first stop, and it will always be a special place for her.
Sydney recently graduated from Mt. Hood Community College with an Associates in Art and Science. She has plans to go back to school next fall, 2020, to either study fire fighting or environmental science and geography.
She is passionate about conservation, water safety, swimming, and art.
Sydney is an environmental activist from Portland Oregon. She is currently traveling the world to learn and to volunteer in conservation efforts. Aloha Animal Sanctuary was her first stop, and it will always be a special place for her.
Sydney recently graduated from Mt. Hood Community College with an Associates in Art and Science. She has plans to go back to school next fall, 2020, to either study fire fighting or environmental science and geography.
She is passionate about conservation, water safety, swimming, and art.
Ernie
TLC Volunteer Manager
Ernie has been volunteering with the sanctuary since April 2021. He was one of the first volunteers to be a TLC caretaker at the sanctuary, and he has been giving care to our residents weekly since. Ernie is a Navy Veteran who is attending the University of Hawaii to be a dietician in hopes of opening a plant-based nutrition clinic here in Hawaii. Ernie has a deep respect and love for the residents at Aloha Animal Sanctuary and is committed to their wellbeing and care.
Ernie has been volunteering with the sanctuary since April 2021. He was one of the first volunteers to be a TLC caretaker at the sanctuary, and he has been giving care to our residents weekly since. Ernie is a Navy Veteran who is attending the University of Hawaii to be a dietician in hopes of opening a plant-based nutrition clinic here in Hawaii. Ernie has a deep respect and love for the residents at Aloha Animal Sanctuary and is committed to their wellbeing and care.
Meet the Managers & Coordinators
Managers/Coordinators support the directors in their specific specialty.
Sara Saffery
Creative Leader
Sara has been volunteering with us since the beginning. She in is in charge of the art and design projects occurring at the sanctuary. She is the mastermind behind the sanctuary's logo,
web design, and merchandise. She also has been a weekly caregiver for the past few years as well.
A Hawai'i native, Sara recently returned to the islands after living on the US continent for 17 years. An avid traveller, she devoted 6 months in 2018 volunteering with various environmental and animal conservation organizations in Southeast Asia, New Zealand, and Australia.
Sara has been volunteering with us since the beginning. She in is in charge of the art and design projects occurring at the sanctuary. She is the mastermind behind the sanctuary's logo,
web design, and merchandise. She also has been a weekly caregiver for the past few years as well.
A Hawai'i native, Sara recently returned to the islands after living on the US continent for 17 years. An avid traveller, she devoted 6 months in 2018 volunteering with various environmental and animal conservation organizations in Southeast Asia, New Zealand, and Australia.
Savanna Sahara
Animal Health Manager
Savanna is our lead animal healthcare volunteer. She recently graduated with her BS in Biology and is an aspiring veterinarian. She assists the sanctuary with veterinarian care, doing tasks like goat stool sample collection, assessment, and deworming, along with other tasks like medication administration, talon trimming, etc.
"Aloha! My name is Savanna and I was born and raised in Alaska but moved to Oahu to study at the University of Hawai’i (and get away from all the snow). I graduated class of 2020 with a BS in Biology and BA in German, hoping to become a Animal Rescue Veterinarian. I love going to the beach with my two dogs and coming to the sanctuary to care for all of my amazing animal friends! I believe ALL animals deserve to have a safe and loving home away from harm and suffering, and Aloha Animal Sanctuary is just that place! Being a caretaker for AAS is such an enriching and unforgettable experience, I love my AAS family!"
Savanna is our lead animal healthcare volunteer. She recently graduated with her BS in Biology and is an aspiring veterinarian. She assists the sanctuary with veterinarian care, doing tasks like goat stool sample collection, assessment, and deworming, along with other tasks like medication administration, talon trimming, etc.
"Aloha! My name is Savanna and I was born and raised in Alaska but moved to Oahu to study at the University of Hawai’i (and get away from all the snow). I graduated class of 2020 with a BS in Biology and BA in German, hoping to become a Animal Rescue Veterinarian. I love going to the beach with my two dogs and coming to the sanctuary to care for all of my amazing animal friends! I believe ALL animals deserve to have a safe and loving home away from harm and suffering, and Aloha Animal Sanctuary is just that place! Being a caretaker for AAS is such an enriching and unforgettable experience, I love my AAS family!"
Brian Heithaus
Garden Leader
Brian is a passionate advocate for sustainable living. He has had the good fortune to work alongside and learn from many expert practitioners of 'Permaculture', organic farming, and sustainable living. He is excited to coordinate the gardening, sustainability and food production program at Aloha Animal Sanctuary, to feed the animals and volunteers, and bring together our community to learn together about growing food and Mālama ‘Āina.
After moving to Hawai'i five years ago to work in technology and pursue sustainable living he has found the most fulfillment contributing to and promoting with projects Yogarden, Umeke Market, Aloha Animal Sanctuary, and What it Dough, all working to promote sustainable living and/or vegan plant-based lifestyles.
Brian is a passionate advocate for sustainable living. He has had the good fortune to work alongside and learn from many expert practitioners of 'Permaculture', organic farming, and sustainable living. He is excited to coordinate the gardening, sustainability and food production program at Aloha Animal Sanctuary, to feed the animals and volunteers, and bring together our community to learn together about growing food and Mālama ‘Āina.
After moving to Hawai'i five years ago to work in technology and pursue sustainable living he has found the most fulfillment contributing to and promoting with projects Yogarden, Umeke Market, Aloha Animal Sanctuary, and What it Dough, all working to promote sustainable living and/or vegan plant-based lifestyles.
Alisa May
Architect and Site Planner
Alisa designed Haku's Home and went above and beyond the duties of an architect by building it herself (with the help of volunteers).
She earned a degree in architecture and a graduate degree in environmental studies, and is also an incredibly talented artist.
Alisa designed Haku's Home and went above and beyond the duties of an architect by building it herself (with the help of volunteers).
She earned a degree in architecture and a graduate degree in environmental studies, and is also an incredibly talented artist.
Nick Pecoraro
Co-Founder
Nick Pecoraro is one of the original four co-founders of the sanctuary. His organization of animal rights movements in Hawai'i led to the four co-founders meeting each other!
Nick Pecoraro is one of the original four co-founders of the sanctuary. His organization of animal rights movements in Hawai'i led to the four co-founders meeting each other!
We Kindly Ask For Your Support Today!