About

Kate was born and raised in Montclair, New Jersey but has called Phoenix her home for over 20 years. She graduated from Fordham University and is a licensed Realtor and Property Manager, in addition to founding Poverty’s Pets.

Her work prior to starting Poverty’s Pets often brought her to underserved communities in downtown Phoenix where she began noticing that many of the dogs in this area were neglected, abused, and greatly in need of care and services. Moved by the suffering, Kate was inspired to help and did so in starting Poverty’s Pets. Besides Kate’s love of rescuing pets, Kate loves Ice hockey, she’s an avid NY Giants fan, and enjoys listening to music. She also loves spending time with her family, which uniquely consists of two sets of twins!

Raised in Scottsdale/Phoenix since age six, Dana received her Associates Degree in Mortuary Science from the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science in 1995. She has since worked in Phoenix and Atlanta as a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer with a focus on Restorative Arts. She currently attending college part time in pursuit of a degree within the healthcare industry. Dana has spent many years volunteering with animal rescues and shelters and eventually discovered Poverty’s Pets, who’s vision, passion and goals aligned with her own. She has been fostering dogs for Poverty’s Pets for four years. Two of her fosters, Maggie Mae and Willy, have found a permanent home with her family which includes her daughter, Riley and her son, Jake, three cats and her husband, John, who has been a wonderful help and support caring for the many rescues that have passed through their home.

Sherri grew up in South Lake Tahoe where her love for rescuing animals started. She is a graduate of Northern Arizona University and has been a special education teacher for over 30 years. She retired this year and now has more time on her hands to take a more active role in Poverty’s Pets. Sherri has been a part of Poverty’s Pets for many years as a volunteer, helping organize fundraisers and is proud to now serve on the board. She is married to Mark and they have two young adult sons, Blake and Connor. She currently has 5 furbabies – 3 dogs and 2 cats – and usually a fur foster.

Born and raised in small-town Minnesota, Rachel is a project management professional with a special place in her heart for health and fitness, but more importantly, for Poverty’s Pets and its rescue and advocacy efforts. In 2010, Rachel adopted the “untouchable dog” from Poverty’s Pets. With patience and love, Lila (formerly Jojo) was able to build trust and has blossomed, showing love and empathy towards all beings, including her guinea pig brother, Baldwin. Because of Rachel’s advocacy and networking, she has facilitated the adoption and transportation for countless rescue animals over the years and continues to volunteer and offer guidance to Poverty’s Pets from California.

Bill was born and raised in and around Minneapolis, MN but has called Arizona home for the last 30+ years. He graduated with a BS in Computer Science in 1989 from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from Arizona State in 2002.
Bill has served and supported local non-profits over the last 25 years including serving as Board Chair for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Arizona. He retired from his position as a senior executive with a Fortune 100 company in 2021 after a 31 year career. Since retiring, he enjoys traveling with friends and family when he is not supporting Poverty’s Pets animal rescue or fundraising activities. Bill and his wife Jane are blessed with two adult daughters, Allie and Kristen, and their 14 year old dog Riley. As a Board Member, Bill’s focus is working with local government officials and agencies to help drive change in local policies and ordinances to address long term challenges within our community related to animal welfare and over-population.

Lani is the Owner/Operator of a Property Maintenance & Remodeling Company in Phoenix. She moved to Arizona in 2000 and attained an Associate of Arts in Visual Communication. After some time in the design & print field she pivoted into the pet industry for almost a decade. In that time she worked as a Regional Sales Rep for a natural pet food company and managed a dog boarding & training facility that also served as a shelter for rescued dogs. Lani shares her life with wife, Christy and their pack of rescue dogs.