Meet The Team
OUR TEAM
Meet The Expert Team
Heather Allen
President and Chief Executive Officer, CAWA
Heather Allen is the President and CEO of HALO Animal Rescue, a role she has proudly held since co-founding the organization in 2001. From the ground up, Heather has been instrumental in shaping HALO, overseeing every facet of its development, from operations and fundraising to strategic and financial planning.
A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Heather graduated from Shadow Mountain High School in 1991 and earned a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Family Studies from ASU in 1999. Her journey with HALO began in 1994, when she and her mother, Michel Herstam, launched the rescue rom their homes. Prior to HALO’s growth, Heather also gained valuable experience as an office manager at a veterinary hospital.
Heather is a dedicated parent of two and shares her home with a diverse array of pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and various reptiles. She cherishes the opportunity to blend her family life with her passion for animals.
Looking to the future, Heather envisions HALO expanding its reach and impact. She aims to strengthen partnerships with like-minded organizations to enhance their efforts in rescuing homeless animals and providing essential community services. Heather’s commitment to excellence is further evidenced by her CAWA certification, placing her among the distinguished group of Animal Welfare Administrators dedicated to superior management and operation of animal welfare organizations.
Michel Herstam
Co-Founder and Thrift Boutique Manager
Michel Herstam, co-founder of HALO Animal Rescue, has been a driving force behind the organization since its inception. Originally from Michigan, Michel moved to Phoenix at age five and later graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in English. She spent 35 years in Corporate America as a customer service manager for Salt River Project, where she supported her family but felt a deeper calling in her heart.
While working full-time and raising three daughters, Michel devoted her nights and weekends to rescuing and caring for stray dogs and cats. Her journey in animal rescue began in 1992 with Kitty Love, a local cat rescue group. After Kitty Love dissolved, Michel continued her commitment by volunteering at the PetSmart Adoption Center and fostering hundreds of animals annually in her home.
In 1994, Michel’s home became the headquarters for HALO Animal Rescue. Alongside her daughter, she dedicated countless hours to the organization’s early operations. By 2006, HALO had grown to include a small staff working full-time from Michel’s residence. In July 2008, HALO moved to its first physical shelter facility on 35th Avenue and Camelback Road, allowing Michel to reclaim her home.
In 2006, Michel also launched the HALO Thrift Boutique, which she manages full-time as a volunteer. All proceeds from the boutique directly support the shelter’s operations.
Michel is deeply committed to ensuring that every homeless animal finds a loving home. She believes that through respect, honor, sacrifice, and dedication, HALO can be part of the solution to animal homelessness.
Karl Meinhausen
Director of Finance and Administration
Karl Meinhausen serves as the Director of Finance and Administration at HALO Animal Rescue, a role he has embraced since 2008.
Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Karl has called the Phoenix area home since 2000. His background is in Culinary Arts, though his passions extend to designing furniture, hiking, and cycling. A devoted advocate for animals, Karl follows a vegetarian lifestyle and shares his life with his beautiful daughter, and three rescue dogs including his Golden Retriever, Butch.
Karl’s vision for HALO’s future is hopeful and forward-thinking. He dreams of the day when he might walk into the office and hear Heather say, “Sorry, we are no longer needed; there is no one left to rescue.” Until then, Karl remains dedicated to the mission, all while humorously anticipating a guilt-free vacation.
Kim Zikmanis
Director of Operations
Kim Zikmanis is the Director of Operations at HALO Animal Rescue, a position she has held since 2005.
A Phoenix native, Kim graduated from Shadow Mountain High School in 1990. Prior to joining HALO, she gained valuable experience as a manager at PetSmart. Kim is married and has two children—a son and a daughter—and their family includes several dogs, cats, and an array of reptiles. Her passion for animal care began in childhood through her involvement in the 4-H program, where she eagerly learned about dog care and management.
When asked about her favorite aspect of her job, Kim shares, “I love being able to make a life-saving difference every day for animals that might not otherwise have a chance at love.”
Erin Denmark
Development and Outreach Manager
Erin Denmark began her journey with HALO Animal Rescue as a volunteer in 2010, caring for animals in CEO Heather Allen’s foster home. At the time, Erin was working in the corporate sector but sought a career that would merge her organizational, administrative, and communication skills with her passion for animals. She famously said, “I’d rather be happy than rich.”
In 2011, Erin officially joined HALO as an Animal Care Specialist on the cat team. She later transitioned into roles in Customer Service, Public Relations/Fundraising, and eventually became the Development and Outreach Manager.
Erin is married and has a wonderful son, along with three beloved cats—one of whom was a “foster failure” (or success, depending on your perspective). When reflecting on HALO’s future, Erin shares, “I believe HALO plays a crucial role in the community, and I’m proud to be part of such a meaningful organization. My hope is for all rescues to unite in addressing the challenges of animal homelessness and overpopulation.
Jordan Chester
Animal Care Manager
Jordan Chester, originally from Tacoma, Washington, relocated to the Phoenix area in December 2019. He began his journey with HALO Animal Rescue in January 2020 as an Animal Care Specialist. Jordan quickly made an impact, joining the Dog Inventory Team and leading the Dog Evaluation Team before advancing to his current role as Animal Care Manager.
Outside of work, Jordan enjoys spending time with his five dogs—three of which are HALO alumni—reading, and playing video games. He is passionate about HALO’s mission and is dedicated to helping homeless pets find their forever homes.
Stephanie Chavez
Animal Care Manager
Stephanie Chavez, originally from Ohio but raised in the Valley, has always had a deep passion for animals, growing up with a diverse array of family pets, from dogs and cats to snakes. Her proximity to HALO’s first shelter on 35th Avenue and Camelback sparked her early interest in the organization.
Stephanie joined HALO in 2020 as an Animal Care Specialist at the Deer Valley PetSmart location. Her commitment to hands-on animal welfare led her to transition to HALO’s main facility in 2022. Over the years, she has taken on a range of responsibilities, including roles on the intake and medical teams, and is now an Animal Care Manager. She also enjoys fostering animals.
In her free time, Stephanie indulges in her love for reading, binge-watching favorite shows, and exploring the outdoors with her dog, Aten, and cat, Potato—both of whom are HALO alumni. Stephanie remains dedicated to HALO’s mission and looks forward to continuing her efforts to make a meaningful impact on the lives of homeless pets throughout the Valley and Southwest region.
Scott Peterson
Animal Resource Manager
Scott Peterson began his journey with HALO Animal Rescue in the fall of 2018 as an Animal Care Specialist and has since advanced to the role of Animal Resource Manager.Originally from Texas, Scott moved to Arizona in 2004, where he currently lives with his dog, Beo-Woof, and cat, Toki. He holds a degree in Psychology and Animal Science from the University of Redlands. While at university, Scott organized volunteer efforts through his fraternity, Kappa Sigma Sigma, to walk and socialize dogs for a local rescue in San Bernardino.
With a lifelong background in working with dogs, cats, and chickens, Scott is also an avid fan of professional basketball and football. He remains dedicated to supporting HALO’s mission and continues to be committed to making a positive impact on the community and the animals it serves.
Ysa Panzeri
Animal Care Manager
Ysabella, Ysa, grew up in Spokane, Washington then moved to Phoenix in 2022. Ysa joined HALO in June of 2024 as an Animal Care Specialist, before becoming an Animal Care Manager in March of 2025. In her off time, she enjoys hanging out with her cat Phineas and watching movies. She also loves going out to Karaoke and going on hikes with friends. Her hope is to help advocate and find all pets a forever home that they deserve.
Barb Alspaugh
Barb Alspaugh’s journey with HALO Animal Rescue began in 2010, when she adopted her beloved Chihuahua, Minnie. Inspired by HALO’s mission, she began volunteering at adoption events and at the shelter, assisting with tasks such as dog washing, laundry, and adoption contract finalizations. As her household grew to include four dogs and three cats, her family lovingly encouraged her to shift her focus—leading her to begin volunteering at the HALO Thrift Boutique instead.
What began as a once-a-week volunteer commitment quickly expanded to two days a week following her retirement from a 30-year career in education. In July 2024, Barb officially joined the HALO team as the full-time Thrift Assistant Manager.
Barb’s professional background includes three decades as a dedicated educator, during which she also fostered both children and animals. She is the proud mother of three grown children and grandmother to six. Currently, she shares her home with Reba, a loyal Lab/Shepherd mix who enjoys being the sole pet in the household—much to Barb’s regret, as it limits her ability to continue fostering animals.
Barb is deeply committed to HALO’s mission and is passionate about using her role at the Thrift Boutique to raise vital funds for the shelter. She firmly believes that the boutique serves one core purpose: to Help Animals Live On.
Amy Andrews
Amy Andrews, originally from northern California, moved to Phoenix in 1989. Her passion for animals ignited early in life, as she was known for bringing home stray pets from a young age. Amy has since raised two wonderful sons and is now blessed with two beautiful grandchildren. Her home is shared with five cats who graciously accept her care.
Amy’s journey in animal welfare began in 2008 with MCACC, where she developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by pets and their communities. After twelve years with MCACC, she sought a new opportunity and joined HALO Animal Rescue in 2019. At HALO, she continues to pursue her passion for animal welfare and personal growth.
Amy finds immense joy in helping pets find their forever homes, expressing, “There really is nothing better than seeing a pet get its forever home.” Her hope is to keep serving the less fortunate pets in the community until every animal has a loving home.
Hillarie Kimball
Before transitioning to her role at HALO, Hillarie worked as a veterinary technician for six years.
With a deep love for senior and hospice foster dogs, Hillarie is dedicated to providing care for animals in need. She shares her home with two dogs, Niles Franklin and Lena. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active by working out, hiking with her dogs, and reading.