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The People
Meet the Managing 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 Ayala
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.
Korie Mijo
Director of Development
Korie has been volunteering with the sanctuary since the very start. Outside of volunteering Korie works as a neonatal ICU nurse and credits the sanctuary to surviving nursing school. When not working or volunteering she loves to make vegan food, hike, and craft. There isn't a hobby out there she doesn't have or try at least once.
Korie has been volunteering with the sanctuary since the very start. Outside of volunteering Korie works as a neonatal ICU nurse and credits the sanctuary to surviving nursing school. When not working or volunteering she loves to make vegan food, hike, and craft. There isn't a hobby out there she doesn't have or try at least once.
Jessica Palomino
Co-founder | Director of Animal Care & 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 8 years working in the pediatric ICU at Kapi'olani Medical Center. She is currently employed with Doctors Without Borders.
Jessica has also volunteered as a post-anesthesia care nurse with the non-profit Operation Smile, on multiple international surgical missions. Community-centered 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 8 years working in the pediatric ICU at Kapi'olani Medical Center. She is currently employed with Doctors Without Borders.
Jessica has also volunteered as a post-anesthesia care nurse with the non-profit Operation Smile, on multiple international surgical missions. Community-centered 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.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors works collaboratively with the Managing Directors to carry out the sanctuary's mission.
Meet the Managers & Coordinators
Anchi Howitz
Co-Founder | Board of Directors (Chair)
Anchi's happy place is where and when she is surrounded by content animals living out their lives in the wild or places they can thrive. Anchi believes that fostering connection and reciprocity with nature and our non-human brethren on the planet, is essential for our individual and collective planetary health.
Co-founding Aloha Animal Sanctuary was a dream come true. Anchi is still in awe of the power of community, and what we can do when we come together with a shared vision. After three years acting as a Managing Director at the Sanctuary, Anchi has now transitioned solely into her role as the current Chair of the Board of Directors.
A graduate of Cornell University, Anchi has a background in luxury spa operation management and is a Licensed Massage therapist. Anchi has an entrepreneurial spirit and has started several boutique Massage businesses, including Sanctuary Spa; a boutique glamping spa experience located on the Sanctuary property (15% of proceeds go back to the animals). Leading up to co-founding the Sanctuary, Anchi was very involved volunteering with other animal rescue organizations as well as leadership in grassroots community organizations doing animal rights activism.
Anchi is currently a graduate student in the Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy program at Lewis and Clark College. Anchi loves going on adventures with her son, taking dance classes, and dreaming of future travels.
Anchi's happy place is where and when she is surrounded by content animals living out their lives in the wild or places they can thrive. Anchi believes that fostering connection and reciprocity with nature and our non-human brethren on the planet, is essential for our individual and collective planetary health.
Co-founding Aloha Animal Sanctuary was a dream come true. Anchi is still in awe of the power of community, and what we can do when we come together with a shared vision. After three years acting as a Managing Director at the Sanctuary, Anchi has now transitioned solely into her role as the current Chair of the Board of Directors.
A graduate of Cornell University, Anchi has a background in luxury spa operation management and is a Licensed Massage therapist. Anchi has an entrepreneurial spirit and has started several boutique Massage businesses, including Sanctuary Spa; a boutique glamping spa experience located on the Sanctuary property (15% of proceeds go back to the animals). Leading up to co-founding the Sanctuary, Anchi was very involved volunteering with other animal rescue organizations as well as leadership in grassroots community organizations doing animal rights activism.
Anchi is currently a graduate student in the Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy program at Lewis and Clark College. Anchi loves going on adventures with her son, taking dance classes, and dreaming of future travels.
Hannah Mizuno
Co-founder | Board of Directors (Secretary) | Animal Care Manager
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.
Melissa Burns
Board of Directors (Treasurer)
Sydney Yelton
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.
Brian Heithaus
Overnight Caretaker
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.
Skatelyn Bateman
Volunteer Day Manager
Niccole Griffin
Visitor Day Manager
Niccole was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. She attended college at the University of Washington in Seattle and majored in Art History. She went on to live in Washington for ten years altogether and briefly in Pittsburgh.
Niccole has always loved to learn and experience new things. Always turning in the extra credit work, perfecting her detailed notes and enjoying the assigned homework. Career wise she’s tried it all. From working at Home Depot, glass blowing, photography, selling shoes, hosting at a fancy restaurant, working as an exhibition host, planning parties, making drinks as a barista, creating chocolates and caramel apples as a chocolatier, dog wrangling, creating jewelry, working in an upscale salon and finally finding her true calling in the veterinarian field where’s she’s worked with animals for the past six years.
Niccole is very passionate about volunteer work. Whether it’s her previous work as a Girl Scout, helping out at the Ronald McDonald House, volunteering with Special Olympics or Hanauma Bay. She has a deep love and appreciation for art, photography, animal rescue work, animal and women’s rights, sustainable living, and tiny homes.
A fur mother to two young rescue kitties and two senior pups. Some day in the future she’s hoping to go back to school to become a veterinarian and have a mini animal rescue of her own.
Niccole was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. She attended college at the University of Washington in Seattle and majored in Art History. She went on to live in Washington for ten years altogether and briefly in Pittsburgh.
Niccole has always loved to learn and experience new things. Always turning in the extra credit work, perfecting her detailed notes and enjoying the assigned homework. Career wise she’s tried it all. From working at Home Depot, glass blowing, photography, selling shoes, hosting at a fancy restaurant, working as an exhibition host, planning parties, making drinks as a barista, creating chocolates and caramel apples as a chocolatier, dog wrangling, creating jewelry, working in an upscale salon and finally finding her true calling in the veterinarian field where’s she’s worked with animals for the past six years.
Niccole is very passionate about volunteer work. Whether it’s her previous work as a Girl Scout, helping out at the Ronald McDonald House, volunteering with Special Olympics or Hanauma Bay. She has a deep love and appreciation for art, photography, animal rescue work, animal and women’s rights, sustainable living, and tiny homes.
A fur mother to two young rescue kitties and two senior pups. Some day in the future she’s hoping to go back to school to become a veterinarian and have a mini animal rescue of her own.
Hannah Miller
Social Media Manager
Hannah has been passionate about animal welfare since she was a small child. Working as a volunteer with a multitude of organizations across the country has equipped her with a diverse set of skills.
Hannah obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Communications
with a minor in English from Tulane University in New Orleans. During her studies, she focused on a variety of subjects, including the meat industry’s impact on the nation's waterways.
She currently works as the Social Media Manager at a local Marketing Agency.
In her free time, she enjoys dancing, performing, reading, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her cat Scampi.
Hannah has been passionate about animal welfare since she was a small child. Working as a volunteer with a multitude of organizations across the country has equipped her with a diverse set of skills.
Hannah obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Communications
with a minor in English from Tulane University in New Orleans. During her studies, she focused on a variety of subjects, including the meat industry’s impact on the nation's waterways.
She currently works as the Social Media Manager at a local Marketing Agency.
In her free time, she enjoys dancing, performing, reading, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her cat Scampi.
Kristie LaRose
Human Resources Manager
Kristie LaRose is our Human Resources Manager and loves connecting volunteers with the best fit for them and our residents. She has over 15 years of experience managing human resources, leadership, and training and has volunteered at various non-profits before joining Aloha Animal Sanctuary. She resides in Kaneohe and is grateful to be so close to the Sanctuary for impromptu visits to see the residents. While she has always been an animal lover, she didn’t have any experience with farm animals until she joined us. She now proudly has the skill of washing 600-pound pigs as well as chickens and roosters. She is a proud mama of her 10-year-old rescue dog named Brady.
Kristie LaRose is our Human Resources Manager and loves connecting volunteers with the best fit for them and our residents. She has over 15 years of experience managing human resources, leadership, and training and has volunteered at various non-profits before joining Aloha Animal Sanctuary. She resides in Kaneohe and is grateful to be so close to the Sanctuary for impromptu visits to see the residents. While she has always been an animal lover, she didn’t have any experience with farm animals until she joined us. She now proudly has the skill of washing 600-pound pigs as well as chickens and roosters. She is a proud mama of her 10-year-old rescue dog named Brady.
Teryn Hedlund
Human Resources Generalist
Teryn has always had a big heart for animals of all kinds & a big heart for people as well. Teryn has been working in the nursing field since 2017, she started at a non-profit pediatric homecare & from there she went to Seattle Children’s Hospital in the cancer care unit.
Teryn is our remote HR Generalist from the Seattle area. Teryn has loved animals from a very small age, she grew up with dogs and cats. Her biggest dream is to have a small farm with her two kids & a few farm animals and 3 dogs and a few kittens
Teryn is also a mother of two (a boy and a girl) a son named Antony and a daughter named Aura. Teryn tries her best to have a vegetarian household. Her favorite part about working with Aloha Animal Sanctuary is just being part of something beautiful that helps cute sweet animals in any way.
Teryn has always had a big heart for animals of all kinds & a big heart for people as well. Teryn has been working in the nursing field since 2017, she started at a non-profit pediatric homecare & from there she went to Seattle Children’s Hospital in the cancer care unit.
Teryn is our remote HR Generalist from the Seattle area. Teryn has loved animals from a very small age, she grew up with dogs and cats. Her biggest dream is to have a small farm with her two kids & a few farm animals and 3 dogs and a few kittens
Teryn is also a mother of two (a boy and a girl) a son named Antony and a daughter named Aura. Teryn tries her best to have a vegetarian household. Her favorite part about working with Aloha Animal Sanctuary is just being part of something beautiful that helps cute sweet animals in any way.
Sara Saffery
Creative Lead | Website Manager
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.
Sara Swenson
Sponsorship Coordinator
Sara is in charge of sending handwritten love notes to all of the animals' sponsors, as well as crafting up keepsake items, like hoofprint artwork! She was born and raised on O'ahu, and has been rescuing animals for as long as she can remember. She has volunteered with several animal rescue groups and nonprofits on the island. In her free time she enjoys spending time outdoors with her two dogs, gardening, ceramics, and baking.
Sara is in charge of sending handwritten love notes to all of the animals' sponsors, as well as crafting up keepsake items, like hoofprint artwork! She was born and raised on O'ahu, and has been rescuing animals for as long as she can remember. She has volunteered with several animal rescue groups and nonprofits on the island. In her free time she enjoys spending time outdoors with her two dogs, gardening, ceramics, and baking.
We Kindly Ask For Your Support Today!
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