top of page
The People
Meet the Directors
The directors are in charge of the sanctuary's overall development and succession planning.
Rocio Tapia
Executive Director
My name is Rocio Tapia but I go by its nickname, Chio. I’m an Afro-Latina with Indigenous roots. I’m first generation in my family to be born in America; San Diego, California. Born and raised there until I joined the military/Air Force after high school and was stationed in Germany as a Dental Assistant. Since then I have moved around the states and worked as a live in nanny, CNA/ nursing assistant, a veterinary technician and as a personal and professional cook/chef.
I love my family, animals, getting tattoos, reading, hiking, being active, or being in nature, writing, going to the beach, volunteering, activism and participating in or supporting community or local activities, events and artists. I love and have a passion to support and empower all women identifying folk to heal and be their highest selves. I try to live aligned to the earth, and believe we are here to protect her and all her children and creations.
Since moving to the island in 2018 and going plant-based, I developed a passion for holistic health and cooking. I love creating healthy dishes and recipes with delicious, nutritious plant based ingredients. I enjoy bringing people together through connection and healing food, and nourishing their bodies and souls with gifts from the earth. I love healing, sustaining and nourishing myself and life with natural gifts and materials from the earth.
I’ve received a diploma in the Holistic Health and Wellness Practitioner Program from ACHS and hope to one day continue my education and get certifications to be a Holistic Health and Wellness Coach, guiding others to total wellness and alignment through mental, physical and spiritual health.
Some Current Thoughts:
I would love to take the time to say I appreciate the opportunity to be a bigger part of the sanctuary family. I joined the sanctuary as Work-Trade volunteer in the late summer of 2022 and have since been interested in and done several roles, including hoofcare, animal wellness, TLC manager and fecal analyst. During my time I developed a respect and love for the work it takes to run this haven; a respect and love for its story and purpose, residents and fellow volunteers. Seeing so many beings coming together to offer their time, resources and energy to help these animals and create a peaceful life anyway they could moved me. The dedication, compassion and love from fellow volunteers, managers and directors is something to be awed and applauded. I hope to continue to be a positive contribution to this wonderful team, and hope to serve my fellow sanctuary family members as well as the residents to the best of my ability. I’m thankful and honored to be extended the role of being Executive Director, and I’m excited to further expand on my participation within the Sanctuary and its residents, missions and goals. I’m thrilled to see where this new journey will take me.
My name is Rocio Tapia but I go by its nickname, Chio. I’m an Afro-Latina with Indigenous roots. I’m first generation in my family to be born in America; San Diego, California. Born and raised there until I joined the military/Air Force after high school and was stationed in Germany as a Dental Assistant. Since then I have moved around the states and worked as a live in nanny, CNA/ nursing assistant, a veterinary technician and as a personal and professional cook/chef.
I love my family, animals, getting tattoos, reading, hiking, being active, or being in nature, writing, going to the beach, volunteering, activism and participating in or supporting community or local activities, events and artists. I love and have a passion to support and empower all women identifying folk to heal and be their highest selves. I try to live aligned to the earth, and believe we are here to protect her and all her children and creations.
Since moving to the island in 2018 and going plant-based, I developed a passion for holistic health and cooking. I love creating healthy dishes and recipes with delicious, nutritious plant based ingredients. I enjoy bringing people together through connection and healing food, and nourishing their bodies and souls with gifts from the earth. I love healing, sustaining and nourishing myself and life with natural gifts and materials from the earth.
I’ve received a diploma in the Holistic Health and Wellness Practitioner Program from ACHS and hope to one day continue my education and get certifications to be a Holistic Health and Wellness Coach, guiding others to total wellness and alignment through mental, physical and spiritual health.
Some Current Thoughts:
I would love to take the time to say I appreciate the opportunity to be a bigger part of the sanctuary family. I joined the sanctuary as Work-Trade volunteer in the late summer of 2022 and have since been interested in and done several roles, including hoofcare, animal wellness, TLC manager and fecal analyst. During my time I developed a respect and love for the work it takes to run this haven; a respect and love for its story and purpose, residents and fellow volunteers. Seeing so many beings coming together to offer their time, resources and energy to help these animals and create a peaceful life anyway they could moved me. The dedication, compassion and love from fellow volunteers, managers and directors is something to be awed and applauded. I hope to continue to be a positive contribution to this wonderful team, and hope to serve my fellow sanctuary family members as well as the residents to the best of my ability. I’m thankful and honored to be extended the role of being Executive Director, and I’m excited to further expand on my participation within the Sanctuary and its residents, missions and goals. I’m thrilled to see where this new journey will take me.
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.
Niccole Griffin
Director of PR | Visitor Day Manager | Visitor Day Guide | Resident Enrichment Coordinator | Firework Team Committee Leader
Niccole is a dedicated professional with a deep passion for learning and exploration. With a diverse background that includes eight years in the veterinary field, Niccole has cultivated a strong foundation in animal care and welfare. Her commitment to service extends beyond her professional life, demonstrated by her extensive volunteer work with organizations like the Girl Scouts, Ronald McDonald House, Special Olympics, and Hanauma Bay.
Niccole's love for art, travel, animal rescue, and advocacy for women's rights drives her daily pursuits. A strong advocate for sustainable living and tiny homes, Niccole also dreams of establishing her own animal rescue in the future. Niccole balances her time between four roles: working in insurance benefits, managing her own photography business, her director role here at Aloha Animal and as a fur mother to two rescue kitties and two senior pups.
Niccole is a dedicated professional with a deep passion for learning and exploration. With a diverse background that includes eight years in the veterinary field, Niccole has cultivated a strong foundation in animal care and welfare. Her commitment to service extends beyond her professional life, demonstrated by her extensive volunteer work with organizations like the Girl Scouts, Ronald McDonald House, Special Olympics, and Hanauma Bay.
Niccole's love for art, travel, animal rescue, and advocacy for women's rights drives her daily pursuits. A strong advocate for sustainable living and tiny homes, Niccole also dreams of establishing her own animal rescue in the future. Niccole balances her time between four roles: working in insurance benefits, managing her own photography business, her director role here at Aloha Animal and as a fur mother to two rescue kitties and two senior pups.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors works collaboratively with the Managing Directors to carry out the sanctuary's mission.
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.
Anchi Howitz
Co-Founder | Board of Directors
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.
Melissa Burns
Board of Directors, Treasurer | TLC Saturday
Melissa has rescued and rehabilitated animals for more than 20 years. She has opened her home to ducks, chickens, pigeons, doves, owls, opossums, pine squirrels, cats, dogs and a turkey. A chance meeting with Anchi Howitz allowed Melissa to team her Hoof, Talon & Paw Foundation with the extraordinary volunteers of the Aloha Animal Sanctuary. HerFoundation also operates Serenity Farm on O’ahu’s north shore where senior horses and abandoned tortoises, mini pigs, miniature horses, and meat goats find refuge. Melissa is also a member of the TLC team. Although a graduate of the UCLA Law School and Smith College, Melissa is now fulfilling her true life’s dream of providing care and comfort for animals in need.
Melissa has rescued and rehabilitated animals for more than 20 years. She has opened her home to ducks, chickens, pigeons, doves, owls, opossums, pine squirrels, cats, dogs and a turkey. A chance meeting with Anchi Howitz allowed Melissa to team her Hoof, Talon & Paw Foundation with the extraordinary volunteers of the Aloha Animal Sanctuary. HerFoundation also operates Serenity Farm on O’ahu’s north shore where senior horses and abandoned tortoises, mini pigs, miniature horses, and meat goats find refuge. Melissa is also a member of the TLC team. Although a graduate of the UCLA Law School and Smith College, Melissa is now fulfilling her true life’s dream of providing care and comfort for animals in need.
Additional Leadership
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.
Julia Perry
Assistant Director of PR
Julia combines her passion for animals with a strong background in communications as the Assistant Director of Public Relations at the Aloha Animal Sanctuary. She leverages her experience in communications, marketing, web design, and social media, alongside running her own successful business, to help others share their stories and connect with their audiences.
Her love for animals started in childhood and continues to grow, especially with the support of her husband and the companionship of her dog, Millie. Dedicated to non-profit work, Julia actively works to make a positive impact on the islands she calls home. She is committed to using her expertise to expand the reach of the sanctuary, aiming to further resources for its residents and volunteers to continue fulfilling and furthering the Sanctuary's important mission.
Julia combines her passion for animals with a strong background in communications as the Assistant Director of Public Relations at the Aloha Animal Sanctuary. She leverages her experience in communications, marketing, web design, and social media, alongside running her own successful business, to help others share their stories and connect with their audiences.
Her love for animals started in childhood and continues to grow, especially with the support of her husband and the companionship of her dog, Millie. Dedicated to non-profit work, Julia actively works to make a positive impact on the islands she calls home. She is committed to using her expertise to expand the reach of the sanctuary, aiming to further resources for its residents and volunteers to continue fulfilling and furthering the Sanctuary's important mission.
Teryn Fascia
HR Generalist
While Teryn resides in Washington State, she makes a point to visit the sanctuary annually, ensuring she remains closely connected to the team and its mission. With a lifelong passion for animals, Teryn plays a pivotal role in the volunteer experience, often being the first point of contact for potential volunteers and facilitating interview scheduling.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Teryn is a proud single mother to two young children—her son and daughter—who are the center of her world. She treasures every moment spent with them and embraces the challenges of motherhood with an open heart. Her days are often busy, but Teryn wouldn’t want it any other way. She is also highly knowledgeable in the medical field, specializing in neuroscience, and is deeply passionate about understanding the brain and nervous system. Teryn actively uses this knowledge to educate and empower others in her field, always striving to make a positive impact.
Coming from a large Italian family, Teryn has grown up surrounded by the warmth of home-cooked meals. While she tries to avoid the meat her grandmother prepares with love, there’s always room for pasta in her heart! On her days off, Teryn enjoys spending quality time outdoors with her children, going on adventures, and traveling. As an early riser, she begins her day at 4:30 a.m., dedicating time to her workout routine before her kids wake up, ensuring she stays healthy and energized.
Teryn is incredibly grateful for the volunteers who support the mission of Aloha Animal Sanctuary. She understands that the sanctuary’s success is made possible by their unwavering dedication and commitment to the cause.
While Teryn resides in Washington State, she makes a point to visit the sanctuary annually, ensuring she remains closely connected to the team and its mission. With a lifelong passion for animals, Teryn plays a pivotal role in the volunteer experience, often being the first point of contact for potential volunteers and facilitating interview scheduling.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Teryn is a proud single mother to two young children—her son and daughter—who are the center of her world. She treasures every moment spent with them and embraces the challenges of motherhood with an open heart. Her days are often busy, but Teryn wouldn’t want it any other way. She is also highly knowledgeable in the medical field, specializing in neuroscience, and is deeply passionate about understanding the brain and nervous system. Teryn actively uses this knowledge to educate and empower others in her field, always striving to make a positive impact.
Coming from a large Italian family, Teryn has grown up surrounded by the warmth of home-cooked meals. While she tries to avoid the meat her grandmother prepares with love, there’s always room for pasta in her heart! On her days off, Teryn enjoys spending quality time outdoors with her children, going on adventures, and traveling. As an early riser, she begins her day at 4:30 a.m., dedicating time to her workout routine before her kids wake up, ensuring she stays healthy and energized.
Teryn is incredibly grateful for the volunteers who support the mission of Aloha Animal Sanctuary. She understands that the sanctuary’s success is made possible by their unwavering dedication and commitment to the cause.
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.
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!
Jessica Palomino
Co-Founder
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.
We Kindly Ask For Your Support Today!
bottom of page