Wayne D Holt


Director; Website and Publications

After many years as a municipal publications manager, Wayne retired in 2016 and works with LWHA long-distance from Galveston, Texas. He has been a board member for 12 years and helped LWHA through website work, LWHA calendar design, financial and administrative assistance.

Martha Snodgrass Hutchinson


Sponsor Outreach & Board Member

Reaching out to sponsors and supporters has become more important than ever in making the public aware of the mission of service organizations, as well as fostering a sense of shared concern. Martha has taken to that role with energy and dedication for LWHA's mission.

Barry Williams


Board Member

Barry is our newest Board member, bringing expertise in both animal care as well as business experience to LWHA. He and his wife, Dr. Beth Williams (pictured here), own the official veterinary clinic for LWHA, the 11th St. Veterinary Hospital in Huntsville.

Mike Tichi


Facilities & Construction, Animal Guest Care

As LWHA expanded, its accommodations for the animal guests had to keep up. LWHA needed someone with the know-how to help Carlos get the physical site of LWHA organized, and in 2003 Mike arrived, becoming an integral part of LWHA's success.

Shelia Shafer


Cat Studio Manager, Animal Guest Care

A few rare folks have a certain magic with animals, and Shelia happens to be one of those people. Her warmth and compassion for all animals has given her the ability to calm and comfort some of the most anxious animal guests LWHA has cared for. She is especially fond of, and bonds with, cats of all types. As manager of our Cat Studio, she is responsible for keeping our felines healthy and happy. Anyone who knows cats know that is a tall order, but Shelia manages to do it with ease.

Peter Rice and Tina Brown


Members, LWHA Board of Directors

Our thanks to Peter Rice and Tina Brown for their assistance in their capacity as our Treasurer (Peter Rice) and Board of Directors members.

In Memory of Carlos Arreola, Founder


(12/27/1941 ~ 11/19/2019)

The late Dr. Carlos Arreola established the sanctuary in 1999 as a home for burros targeted for eradication from their Grand Canyon home. Soon after the sanctuary opened its doors, an expanded mission of helping animals in distressed situations was undertaken.

In Memory of Diane Holmes


Animal Guest Care (2007-2022)

It takes a very special person to give dozens of cats (and a few of their canine friends) the attention they want one minute, then roll up your sleeves and clean up after them all the next. Diane handled both these essential duties with patience, enthusiasm and lots of love.