Who We Are
OUR VALUES
Everything we do—from adoption and retention programs to clinic services, community outreach and education—stems from our core value, love. We believe when pets have safe and loving homes, they thrive. And with their loving companionship, so do we.
We’re for people. We’re for pets. We’re for Love, Unleashed.
OUR MISSION
From adoption and pet retention programs, to spay/neuter and wellness services, to community outreach and education, we work tirelessly to prevent the incidence of euthanasia and to promote the happiness, safety, and well-being of pets and the people who love them.
OUR PHILOSOPHIES
Our organization pushes the boundaries. We never say “good enough, is good enough” and we believe in continual education. We look for the best training so we can care for the animals of northeastern Indiana in the very best ways possible. Below are some of our core philosophies.
Fear Free Shelter
Our staff is trained in and follows the Fear Free way of caring for every animal who is entrusted to us. We understand the importance of treating both a pet’s physical and mental well-being and are equipped with the knowledge and skills to do so.
Dogs Playing for Life
Fully trained in Dogs Playing for Life, our shelter utilizes proven playtime techniques to strengthen the quality of life of our shelter’s dogs. Many shelters do not have the ability to meet a dog’s physical and emotional needs, especially those dogs viewed as aggressive. At Humane Fort Wayne, we implement a hands-on approach that allows dogs time to play in groups every day! Thus, improving their interaction and communication with both other dogs and humans.
Cat Pawsitive
We’re an approved Jackson Galaxy Cat Pawsitive Pro (CPP) shelter and we are raising pawsitively happier cats! That means we use a training approach that helps shy, scared and overly exuberant cats in shelters become their most lovable selves in order to find forever homes. Our staff is trained in this signature program that uses positive reinforcement, so our cats are happy, loveable and adoptable.
Shelter Receiving
Humane Fort Wayne is working to match pets and owners all across Allen County. In partnership with the ASPCA, we are a receiving shelter for the transport of dogs to Fort Wayne from overpopulated shelters around the country. Because of this program, dogs from all over the United States find their forever homes with our community.
MEET OUR TEAM
Leadership & Coordinators
Jessica Henry
Executive Director
260 744-0454 x201
jhenry@humanefw.org
Stephanie Tippmann
Shelter Manager
260 744-0454 x210
stippmann@humanefw.org
Tanya Gallo
Clinic Operations Manager
260 440-8700
tgallo@humanefw.org
Dawn LaPorte
Business Manager
260 420-7729 x105
dlaporte@humanefw.org
Melissa Gibson
Community Relations Manager
260 744-0454 x209
mgibson@humanefw.org
Kimi Eckman
Executive Assistant
260 744-0454 x201
keckman@humanefw.org
Ashley Price
Marketing Coordinator
260 744-0454 x211
aprice@humanefw.org
Melissa Osborn
Pet Promises & Community Outreach Coordinator
260 744-0454 x205
mosborn@humanefw.org
Beth Squires
Development Manager
260 744-0454 x217
bsquires@humanefw.org
Dani Wagner
Volunteer Coordinator
260 744-0454 x204
dwagner@humanefw.org
Kris Brandt
Foster Coordinator
260 744-0454 x213
kbrandt@humanefw.org
Emily Gage
Community Cat Coordinator
260 440-8893
egage@humanefw.org
Jeff Brachmann
Canine Behavior Manager
260 744-0454
jbrachmann@humanefw.org
Christien Pozorski
Administrative Assistant
260 744-0454 x207
cpozorski@humanefw.org
Dr. Ericka Bates
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
260 420-7729
Dr. Carol Fretz
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
260 420-7729
Dr. Kendra Oglesby
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
260 420-7729
Dr. Sam Gamble
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
260 420-7729
Board of Directors
Kathryn Roudebush
Chair
Terah Brogan
Patrick Davis
Patt Kite
Melissa McKown
Vice Chair
Patrick Buesching
Kathleen Smith
Mike McCartin
Lona Pritchard
Secretary
Ryan Cassedy
Erika Halliwill
Karen Potter
Reneta Thurairatnam
Treasurer
Julie Chao, MD
Michelle Hipskind
