Our Staff

Hi, I’m Kim, the volunteer coordinator. I was first introduced to AAO when a lady called me to help her with her German Shepherd, Forest.

I found Matt, the Director of AAO on Facebook. He found a trainer for Forest and the lady was able to keep him, keeping her from having to surrender him. He most definitely would have been euthanized.

After that I found out that Matt was having the first orientation at the Darien Center location. That was in 2020. I've been here since then. I was rescuing one dog at a time because of a dog that was euthanized at another facility that was a "NO Kill" shelter. She didn't do anything to deserve that. I promised myself that her death would not be in vain and I would do everything I could to make sure that didn't happen again.

People failed her and she had no voice. I am at AAO because I want to be that voice.

Hi! Im Haley. I'm newer here at AAO, but felt right at home since day one.

I’m currently enrolled in Animal Behavior Institute to become a Certified Canine Trainer. I mostly work with the sanctuary dogs, teaching them new tricks and working on different behaviors.

I have 4 dogs of my own that have all been rescued and come with their own unique stories. I have trained extra hard to transform my once a stray dog from a crazy hyper jumpy one into a more respectful dog with manners. I realized then I had a new love and interest for training and behavior. I deeply enjoy the human - canine bond and love watching dogs blossom to their full potential.

Everyday I am presented with new opportunities and knowledge here at AAO. I feel like I’m living a dream being able to be apart of the team and helping out. The dogs need us now more than ever.  

“Your dog is not being a problem, your dog is having a problem“ - Chad Mackin  

My name is Shannon and I've been here and part of the AAO family since the spring of 2024.

After moving down the road from the sanctuary and literally walking around aimlessly most days, I decided to start volunteering here and walk with a purpose. Working with these dogs has been such a tremendous blessing, they have helped in healing my own personal struggles and I'd like to think in some way, I have had a healing influence in their lives as well.

I feel both honored and blessed to have a relationship and work with these beautiful souls, giving them the best life they can possibly have, meeting everything from their physical needs to their emotional needs daily that they are so deserving of.

AAO has opened many doors for me and as time goes on, I'm excited to see the possibilities that present themselves as I grow as a person, acquire more skills, and how I can help this wonderful organization grow to be everything it can possibly be.  

Outside of the sanctuary I am a mom to an amazing daughter who likes to come play with the sanctuary cats, I play and care for our Pug and two rabbits, and read "psychological thrillers" as well as various detective series by British authors. I also have a huge passion for nature and minimal tech/media living.  

"Sit with animals quietly
And they will show you their hearts

Sit with them kindly
And they will help you locate yours"