History
Poverty’s Pet was founded in 2006 by Kate Sivolella.
As its name indicates, Poverty’s Pets aims to improve the lives of companion animals in low-income and underserved communities. With a focus on free spay and neuter clinics, and community education, Poverty’s Pets continues to work to bring an end to animal suffering.
In 2008, “The Columbus House” was established, earning its name after Kate’s first rescue dog, Columbus. This safe-house has seen countless dogs pass through as they made their way to forever homes. Today every dog is cared for by Connie and Josh, who live at the house and love each dog as their own as they transition from stray to being adopted. Once castaways, to a beloved family member.
We are a non-profit organization which solely relies on donations. With your help we can continue our efforts and bring change to Phoenix Arizona.
MEET THE BOARD
Kate Sivolella
Kate was born and raised in Montclair, New Jersey but has called Phoenix her home for over 25 years. She graduated from Fordham University and is a licensed 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!
Dana Teel
Raised in Scottsdale/Phoenix, Dana received her Associates Degree at the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science in 1995. While working in Phoenix and Atlanta as a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, she decided to return to school and received her degree as an RN in 2019. Now working in hospice, specializing in dementia care. After many years volunteering in rescue, Dana discovered Poverty’s Pets, who’s vision and goals aligned with her own. She began fostering dogs for Poverty’s Pets and two, Maggie Mae and Willy, found their permanent home with her family, which includes her daughter, Joon, 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 and helping trap cats for TNR.
Sherri Hoffmann
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.
Rachel Southard
Hailing from frigid Minnesota, Rachel is a Project Management professional with a special place in her heart for animals. In 2010, Rachel adopted Poverty’s Pets original “untouchable dog”, Lila (formerly Jojo). With patience and love, Lila built trust and blossomed; showing love and empathy towards all beings; including her guinea pig brother, Baldwin. Following her passing in 2021, Lila left behind a heart-broken mommy and little brother. When another shy/shut-down dog joined the Poverty’s Pets family later that year, there was just “something about her” that caught Rachel’s attention. Following a road trip to Phoenix and successful introduction to Baldwin, Galena (formerly Jenny) became a “California girl” who loved her “big bro” (may he RIP). For over fourteen years now, Rachel continues her volunteer efforts and guidance to Poverty’s Pets from California.
Bill Ross
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.
Daniela
Daniela was raised in Phoenix and is the proud mom to Jordan, a high school senior, and five beloved fur babies. One of those fur babies is Betty, a terrier mix rescued while volunteering with Poverty’s Pets. Her husband, Nick, is also an animal lover and rescued two of their current fur babies. Daniela has found her true passion in the world of dog rescue and brings warmth, dedication, and a deep sense of community to everything she does. By day, Daniela works as a compliance professional, and by heart, she’s all about giving dogs a second chance at life. As a bilingual advocate, Daniela is able to connect with a wider community and help bridge language gaps that often stand in the way of rescue efforts. Whether she’s balancing work, school, or family life, she always makes time for the pups who need love the most and the people who love them, too.