Mitch has been an animal lover his entire life. His background includes a wide array of people positions ranging from that of a Recreational Therapist to a Consultant for senior programming to a Licensed Administrator for Assisted Living Senior Communities. Mitch is hopeful that with his background in the Healthcare field, the Foundation can spread the word to educate fellow healthcare professionals about the therapeutic value of canine companionship both in the home and healthcare settings. Mitch lives with his wife Denise and on any given day can be found outdoors sunning himself with their recently adopted dog “Shayna Punim”.

With a profound drive to make a difference for animals since childhood, Rachel applied a background in advertising and entertainment towards the coordination of fundraising events and has developed marketing strategies for groups such as Last Chance For Animals and 1-800-Save-A-Pet.Com.  She is on the Pet Assistance Foundation Board of Directors and a member of various organizations such as The Sierra Club and PETA.  As the Program Manager for SNAP, she ran the first LA city “Spaymobile” in diverse communities.  Rachel is optimistic that the combination of free services with broad-based educational programs will provide a template for other cities across the country. Spare time activities include teaching kickboxing and attending cultural events. She and her husband share their home with two male cats Tioga and Tenaya, and one female Sheperd/collie mix Ranchi, named after “Rancho Market” in South LA, where she was found.

Jannelle has a B.A. in Political Science and Spanish and has studied in Spain, Mexico and Peru.  Her compassion for dogs began in Peru where hundreds of homeless dogs roam the streets and where spay/neuter is only for the wealthy.  She believes in spay/neuter to control pet overpopulation and enjoys being part of a foundation that shares her ideas.  She lives in Santa Monica with her two dogs Columbo and Pepe.

Lori has been living with dogs and cats all of her life.  Her house is not a home without a few furry friends around.  She currently shares her home with three dogs, Hazel, Jade and Dillon O’Donnell.  She has been working as a Certified Hearing Dog Instructor for over 15 years, and is certified with Assistance Dogs International.  Lori is a volunteer with United Animal Nations “Emergency Animal Rescue Service”.  An organization that goes to areas hit by natural disasters and assists with the care of displaced animals.  She also assists with the training of dogs in the sport of Fly-ball.  Lori considers herself to be a West Coast native.  She was born in Oregon and raised in California.  She moved back to Oregon 15 years ago, but is looking forward to being back in California now.  When she isn’t working, she enjoys the sun and the sea.  She spent 5 years in the United States Coast Guard, stationed in Long Beach, CA.  The ocean is a place where she finds peace of mind and spirit.  Working and living in Malibu is perfect for her.

A life long animal lover and dog owner, Michigan-born Tyler moved to California five years ago.  He has been working as a volunteer with various shelters and rescue groups for the past 15 years as well as working for a Los Angeles based dog-daycare.  During the time he spent working through the aggression issues of his two dogs, Bullitt and Bear, he became more and more interested in the idea of working with animals professionally.  Eventually this interest became a necessity leading to Tyler leaving his career as a chemist to pursue his passion for animals.  While not working with dogs, he can often be found camping or hiking with his dogs and wife, Rachel.

Hannah has been working at veterinary hospitals since age 13.  A dedicated vegetarian and animal rights’ advocate, she is completely devoted to her dog, Winnie.  After attending both UC Berkeley and UCLA, she chose to use her love of animals to pursue a career in education.  Her first foray into education was as a high-school teacher.  While she loved teaching and influencing kids to become more compassionate and responsible citizens, she missed working with animals.  As Outreach Coordinator, Hannah continues to teach through The Sam Simon Foundation.  She will also be starting a Science Institute through UCLA Extension next year, with the intention of teaching animal welfare and conservation biology.  

Dr. Amsel was born into and raised in a medical family on the East Coast of the United States. During his undergraduate college years, he pursued an interest in both biology and communications with a special interest in animal presentations. Prior to attending veterinary school he developed and nurtured a passion for exotic animals while working at the Miami Seaquarium, the San Diego Wild Animal Park and Marine World, Africa USA. Subsequently, while attending veterinary school at the University of California at Davis, he specialized in the study of zoo and wildlife medicine.

Since receiving his veterinary degree in 1984, Scott has studied epidemiology and preventive medicine and pursued a wide variety of veterinary projects. In addition to publishing in various veterinary journals, in 2002 he was featured in a national television commercial for Hill’s Science Diet. 

In spite of the exciting and varied career accomplishments attained by Dr. Amsel, he readily admits that his greatest satisfaction has come from contributing to the ongoing struggle to reduce the problem of pet overpopulation. When not in surgery or examining some unusual animal, Dr. Amsel spends his spare time hiking with his four dog “children” or cruising the open road on his motorcycle.

Dr. Rick Mori  Graduated from Colorado State University in 1985, Completed a rotating small animal medicine/surgery internship at West Los Angeles  Animal Hospital in 1987, relief work at general practices and emergency clinics 1988-1991, owned and operated Bear Valley Pet Hospital 1991-2005. 

Kelli Land was raised on a small family farm in Phoenix Arizona.  She graduated from Pierce Colleges Animal Health Technology Program in 1982 and sat for her Registered Veterinary Technician boards.  Kelli has worked in several practices over the years. She had many opportunities to help work on not only cats and dogs but a variety of wildlife, exotic and farm animals that the community would bring to the practice.  

Kelli came across the spay mobile program several years ago and was interested in the concept of curbing pet over population and educating clients. She enjoys educating clients on the benefits of spay/ neuter and other animal health issues.  

When Kelli is not working on the Mobile Clinic, you will find her riding her fabulous Paint Quarter horse  “GT” on the variety of trails offered in the Los Angeles area or spinning wool from llama and sheep.  She lives in the northeast part of the valley on her ranchette  with her family, 2 horses, 3 dogs, 3 cats , and an assortment of chickens, ducks, tortoises and parrots.