Our Dedicated Staff
We may pay them, but that's not why they're here. They're here to fulfill the need to care for the animals that have been left behind, the sweet souls that deserve hope and love but haven't found the right humans yet. It's not always easy, it's not always pretty, but our staff makes sure every animal gets a chance and the help they need on their way to a furever home.
Katelyn Gibbons
Executive Director
Born in Chicago, IL, Katelyn brings a wealth of diverse experience to her role as Executive Director of AuSable Valley Animal Shelter. She began her career in luxury hospitality management, where she traveled nationwide, living in cities such as Phoenix, Nashville, and Chattanooga, before ultimately settling in the Northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan.
Katelyn transitioned into the veterinary medicine field, where she served as a hospital manager, honing her skills in animal care and operations. This experience deepened her passion for animal welfare and paved the way for her transition into the non-profit sector. Prior to joining AuSable Valley Animal Shelter, Katelyn managed a for-profit division within a non-profit animal welfare organization, giving her valuable insight into the business side of animal advocacy.
A driving force in Katelyn’s career is her commitment to making veterinary care more accessible and affordable to the community. She believes that the companionship of a pet should not be reserved for the wealthy, as the unconditional love and support animals offer can bring people through life's toughest moments.
With a deep commitment to improving the lives of animals, Katelyn is proud to lead AuSable Valley Animal Shelter in its mission to make a positive impact for those pets still waiting to find their furever homes, as well as the pets in the community we serve.
Katelyn enjoys spending her off time travelling, rock hunting, and exploring all that nature has to offer with her canine companions!
Jacob
Jacob has been with AVAS since March of 2023, he is our Canine Kennel Manager.
Jacob makes sure all of our kennel operations are handled efficiently and makes sure every single dog gets to enjoy feeding, treat & toy time, enrichment, behavior modification, socialization, grooming, and all the love he can give them. Jacob makes it his mission to give all of the animals the best life while they wait for their furever!
When Jacob isn’t at AVAS he spends time at home with his wife, daughter, and their 4 dogs.
Helena
Helena is part of our Canine Kennel Care Team, and joined the AVAS Team in August of 2023. Helena makes sure our shelter dogs have a clean and safe living environment, and provides each dog with love & structure until they find their furever home.
Outside of AVAS Helena enjoys spending time with her daughter, and their 3 dogs all of which she adopted from AVAS.
Allie
Allie has been with AVAS since June 2023, and is part of our Canine Kennel Care Team in addition to our Adoptions Desk Team. Allie works to ensure all of our shelter dogs have a clean and safe living environment, and provides each dog with love & structure until they find their furever home. Allie also works at our Adoption Desk ensuring each visitor has a positive experience no matter the circumstances.
Outside of AVAS, Allie enjoys spending time with her family and boyfriend, as well as their 3 dogs, 3 horses, and their cat.
Katie
Katie has been with AVAS since June 2023 and she is our Cat Care & Adoptions Desk Manager. Katie makes sure that all cat care operations are handled efficiently and makes sure every single cat gets to enjoy feeding, treats, enrichment, & grooming, and all the love she can give them. Katie also handles day to day operations at our Adoption Desk ensuring each visitor has a positive experience no matter the circumstances.
Outside of AVAS, Katie enjoys spending time at home with her soon to be husband, and their 5 cats!
Allison
Allison has been with AVAS since December 2023, and is part of our Canine Kennel Care Team, and Cat Care Team. Allison works to ensure all of our shelter pets have a clean and safe living environment, and provides each animal with love & structure until they find their furever home.
Outside of AVAS, Allison enjoys spending all the time she has with her 2 dogs.
Kristan
Kris has been with AVAS since February 2025, and is part of our Cat Care Team. Kris works to ensure all of our shelter cats have a clean and safe living environment, and provides each cat with love & structure until they find their furever home.
Outside of AVAS, Kris enjoys spending time with her dog, and 2 cats, as well as her daughter, and two sons.
Angela
Angela has been with AVAS since June 2023 and is a part of our Cat Care Team and Adoption Desk Team and she assists with our onsite volunteers! Angela works to ensure all of our shelter cats have a clean and safe living environment, and provides each cat with love & structure until they find their furever home. Angela also works at our Adoption Desk ensuring each visitor has a positive experience no matter the circumstances.
Outside of AVAS, Angela enjoys spending time at home with her 3 cats, and her son.