Our Team
At Longhopes, our staff is the true heartbeat of the shelter. Combining years of experience with unwavering love and compassion, our team ensures that every donkey is the top priority. From specialized medical attention to daily enrichment, we provide the utmost care and treatment to ensure every resident feels safe, valued, and loved.
Kathy
Founder
Kathy is the Founder and President of Longhopes Donkey Shelter. She is a retired Administrative Law Judge and attorney of 25 years. Kathy holds an Associate Degree in Risk Management and also holds an Associate Risk Management certification. She now has 26 years experience rescuing, managing and rehabilitating donkeys. Kathy has won the Colorado Channel 7 “Everyday Hero Award” for her volunteer work over the years to help homeless donkeys.
Amy has experience working with large carnivores in a sanctuary setting and brings a background in veterinary medicines to her work in animal care. She is deeply passionate about animal welfare and is dedicated to providing compassionate, thoughtful care to every animal she works with. At home, she has four mini donkeys of her own and loves spending her free time with them!
Amy
Caroline
Animal Caretaker
Caroline recently graduated with a degree in Veterinary Science and has experience working with animals through roles at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and Greenwood Wildlife. She is passionate about animal care, conservation, and animal health and behavior.
Animal Caretaker
Lalia
Animal Caretaker
Lalia’s background in animal care has given her experience working with a variety of species, including shelter animals, reptiles, exotics, and now donkeys. Her experience includes animal husbandry, handling, enrichment, and behavior-based care. At Longhopes, she continues building her knowledge of equine care while getting to know the unique personalities of each donkey.
Hannah
Animal Caretaker
Hannah is excited to be able to learn new skills while working with the Longhopes team and resident donkeys. With a background in small domestic animal behavior and care, getting to work with larger animals has been a fun new experience.
Shanay holds a B.S. in Zoology and has worked with a wide variety of species, most recently caring for monkeys at a sanctuary in Texas. After moving back to her hometown in Colorado, she knew Longhopes was the right place to continue her passion for animal care- a place she first experienced during a high school summer working with the donkeys. Shanay brings knowledge, dedication, and genuine compassion to every task. We’re grateful to have her back on the Longhopes team.
Office Manager
Shanay
Jenny
Facility Manager
Jenny is the facility manager at Longhopes Donkey Shelter. She ensures that the property is in good working order. She is a jack of all trades and enjoys any new task or challenge assigned to her. Jenny is an essential part of our team and we are so happy to have her here.
