Leadership

Meet the staff and board members of our limited-admission, free-roaming Lakewood shelter. 

The People Behind Cat Care Society

Meet some of Cat Care Society’s key staff members. They are responsible for caring for cats at the shelter, working with donors, volunteers and vendors, and handling the behind-the-scenes activities that make the organization successful.

Shelter Leadership

EC Michaels

Executive Director

Ashleigh Leader

Director of Philanthropy

Dr. Cecily Palamara, DVM

Lead Veterinarian

Shannon Patterson, PHR, SHRM-CP

Director of Human Resources: People & Culture
Lauren Boykin

Lauren Boykin

Director of Communications and Engagement

Crystal Hoelter, RVT

Veterinary Services Manager
Stephanie Hunt

Stephanie Hunt

Shelter Operations Manager
Ariana Jenks

Ariana Jenks

Marketing Program Manager

Board of Directors

We are governed by a board of directors who volunteer their time to guide the organization.

Mark Colsman

Beth Dokolasa

Board - Jaime Esswein

Jaime Esswein

Stephanie Gilmore

Gretchen Jahn headshot

Gretchen Jahn

Kathy McChesney

Maggie Petray

Michaela Sullivan

Lisa VanRaemdonck

Have a question or comment but not sure who to reach out to? Visit our Contact Us page.

Want to join our team? See what open positions are available on our Careers page.

Open Hours

Thurs-Mon: 12pm–6pm
Tues–Weds: Closed
Note: Email is the quickest way to reach us. We experience high call volumes, so please leave a message and we’ll get back to you.

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Shop Our Wishlists

Please include your full name on a gift note when sending donations through Amazon or Chewy, so we can properly acknowledge your generous contribution! Without it, we won’t be able to identify that the items are from you. Also, please keep your shopping receipt, as it serves as your official donation receipt.

Clear the Shelters: Kitty Retirement Party

Saturday, August 29, 12-6 PM

Help us clear the shelter and find loving homes for all of our amazing animals!

  • Waived adoption fees for all adult cats (age 1+)
  • Foster cats onsite to visit! 
  • “Never Too Old to Be Loved” merch
  • Waived adoption fees for all adult cats (age 1+)
  • Foster cats onsite to visit!

Today is National Nonprofit Day!

Cat Care Society is celebrating 45 years of compassionate care for shelter cats. Help us continue that work by donating today!

Together, we can continue caring for cats and supporting families in need.

Kitten Season is Here

And it’s not as cute as you think! Kittens require intensive care and are highly vulnerable to illness, placing major strain on shelter resources.

This summer we will provide lifesaving care for 350+ kittens. Kitten season doesn’t slow down. With your help, neither will we.

For 45 years, Cat Care Society has said yes to the cats who need us most.

This is a story about loyalty: a senior cat who chose his person, and a person who stood by him through the hardest chapter of his life.

The 2025 Tails of the Painted Cats Auction is Open!

Place your bids in our silent auction featuring cat-themed sculptures, paintings, pottery, and more!

Bidding will close Saturday, October 18, at approximately 7:30 PM.

Shelter Hours Thursday 3-6 PM

The shelter will have a delayed opening Thursday due to shelter maintenance. Thank you for your understanding.

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