Meet Our Team
Shelter Staff
Melissa Gundlach
Executive Director,
Registered Veterinary Technician 2016-present
I love working at HSEC, and love my work family. I hold a bachelors degree in biology from Adrian College in Michigan, and an associates degree in veterinary technology. I have worked in the animal field for my entire life in varying capacities including working with wildlife, domestic and exotic hoofstock, reptiles, cats and dogs. I was a veterinary technician instructor at Stautzenberger College in Maumee, Ohio for three years.
Member: 100 Women Who Care, North Coast Young Professionals, Ohio Veterinary Technician Association, Sandusky Rotary.
Deb Hargrove
Shelter Attendant 2013-present
I have been part of the HSEC team for 9 yrs. I've been married for 37 yrs. to Barry and have 3 children and 2 grandchildren. After retiring I decided I want my next career to be something I loved and not just a job. Animals have always been a part of my life growing up and our own family is no different. Daisy is our 11 yr. old chi weenie and is wearing her summer festive outfit from her 2012 collection!
Marissa Collingsworth
Shelter Manager 2016-present
I have worked at HSEC since 2016, I live in Sandusky with my husband, our four kids and our fur-kids Rocky, Kevin and Twix! Working with the cats each day is the highlight of my job! I love seeing all the families coming in to find their forever pets! It is a labor of love and I wouldn't change a thing!
Schyler Resor
Shelter Manager 2020-present
I'm 23 years old and have worked at HSEC since November of 2020. These are my rescue babies. Achilles (left) is about 10 years old and we rescued him as a stray when he was one. Psyche (right) is about 4 or 5. We adopted her from a pound about 2 years ago. I am going to be working towards a degree in Marine Biology from BGSU. Working with animals has always been my dream, so being part of HSEC has been an amazing adventure!
Cassandra Shuman
Shelter Attendant 2021-present
I started at HSEC in August of 2021. Animals have always been a huge part of my life and this job is hopefully my first stepping stone towards making animal care a full-time career as I'm looking towards going back to school. These are my 2 dogs, Shelby and Dakota they are huge cuddle bugs, and my driving force to what I do here every day.
Kathy Keller
Shelter Attendant/Shift manager 2022-present
Hi. I am a huge an animal lover and advocate I am a proud dog Mom of 3--Jake (lab), Quinn (3 legger) and Pippin (senior).
Board Members
Brian Rizzo
Veterinarian, Bellevue, Sandusky Animal Hospitals, 2016-present
Attending Vet, Stautzenberger College
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University
Pets: Boston Terrier, Brangus, two cats, Beanie and KitKat, bearded dragon, Liz, and turtle, Mr. Paddles
Jennifer Kinney
Veterinarian, Four County Veterinary Services & The Blue Collar Veterinary Rescue Center, 2016-present
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University
B. S. Biology, Ohio Northern University
Pets: Goldendoodle, Coconut, cat, Nemo
Brennan Otto
Treasurer, 2018
Payne Nickles & Co. CPA
B.A, Accounting, Kent State University
North Coast Young Professionals
Pets: German Shepard, lab/cattle dog, Pitbull
Chrissy Wostmann
Secretary 2020
n2y, Chief Executive Officer
Firelands Regional Medical Center, Board member 2018-present
MS Ed, BS Ed, Miami University
Pets: 4 dogs (3 rescued), Fritz, Gabby, Lucy and Oscar
Alex Hanes
Vice President
Implementation Consultant
Global Healthcare Exchange (GHX)
Bachelors in Healthcare Administration
Bowling Green State University
Pets: Luna and Artie (Cats)
Jenine Porter
President
Realtor, ABR, SRS, SRES, ASP
Chairman’s Circle
Russell Real Estate Services; Huron City Board of Zoning Appeals
Pets: Three amazing cats, Chartreuse, a Maine Coon, Franklyn and Phoebe, Bengal tabbies. All three are rescues.
Michelle Renee Leathem
Veterinarian, West Park Animal Hospital, Rocky River
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University
Pets: Two cats, Big and Byron
Jim Spicer
Asst. Vice President of Operations
Firelands Regional Medical Center and Firelands Physicians Group
American College of Healthcare Executives, member
Doctor of Pharmacy, Ohio Northern University
Pets: Rescued German Shorthaired Pointer, Maya
Paul Decker
Graduate of SHS 1956
US Navy 1956-1960
Automotive Mechanic. 1960-1968
Co-owner Engine, Machine Shop. 1963-1973
Chyrsler Corp. 1968-2007. Hired in as Maint. Tech
Retired as VP Sales
Married to Shirley Decker
Lady is our pet
Mark P. Smith
Legal Counsel & Board 2020-Present
Partner at Flynn, Py & Kruse Co., LPA
Juris Doctorate, University of Toledo College of Law
B.A. Criminal Justice, Baldwin-Wallace College
Pets: Dogs Tango & Bentley (2009-2018)
Kristy Roeder
Certified Public Accountant with Maner Costerisan
Master’s Degree in Accounting, Michigan State University
Pets: German Shepherd named TJ