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.
Becca
Equine Manager
Becca started with us as a Lead Caretaker and quickly moved to Equine Manager. She has stepped into her new role very naturally and is great with both donkeys and staff. She is an awesome leader and is very talented at caring for the equines at Longhopes. We are lucky to have such an experienced leader on our team!
Payton is the Lead Animal Caretaker at Longhopes. Payton leads the caretaking staff and also manages our EARS sponsorship program. She has several years of experience working with large animals and is dedicated to providing quality care for the donkeys. She is also part of the development staff, bringing that same love for the donkeys into her work with the people who help support them.
Lead Animal Caretaker/Program Manager
Payton
Dulcinea
Animal Caretaker
From earning her B.S. in Zoology to teaching at the Denver Zoo, Dulcinea wanted to take the next step into true hands-on animal care- and we’re so glad she chose Longhopes. She learns donkey behavior with lightning speed and brings so much positivity to our herd and our team.
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.
Program Assistant
Shanay
Jenny
Facility Operator
Jenny is the facility operator 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.