Johanna Humbert
Executive Director
“Life is incomplete without pets.” Johanna joined the Michiana Humane Society staff in December of 2013. Since that time, she has implemented an organizational culture that brought us to a 98% live release rate, increased the donor base and returned the shelter to financial stability after a difficult time.
Previous not-for-profit work included directing development work at Chikaming Open Lands in Lakeside, Michigan; the International Theatre Festival of Chicago; and Court Theatre at the University of Chicago. Management positions included Manager of Business Affairs at Kurtis Productions, and Business Manager at Judith Racht Gallery.
heidi treacy tuthill
Development Director
Heidi joined the Michiana staff as Development Director in 2021. Heidi has a career working at small nonprofit organizations such as Fernwood Botanical Garden and the Acorn Theater. She is a proud Indiana University graduate and AmeriCorps Alumna. Heidi oversees the fundraising operations at MHS and draws inspiration from the many passionate people who pour their hearts into supporting animal rescue. Heidi is a nature lover and lives in Three Oaks, Michigan with her husband Sammy, their two cocker spaniels and two cats.
brianne markos
Rescue and Social Media Coordinator
“You can’t change a shelter pet’s past, but you can help to re-write their future.” Brianne has been with MHS since October 2014. Highlighting and marketing all of the amazing characteristics of each shelter pet is her main goal as the Social Media and Rescue Coordinator. Brianne and her husband have adopted four rescue pitbulls over the years; three of which have been seniors that they adopted from MHS.
SERENA CUEVAS
Volunteer Coordinator
I started with Michiana Humane Society after attending an open volunteer day and officially became a volunteer in July 2024. I’ve always had a love and passion for animals so I’m very excited to start working at MHS. When I’m not at the shelter, I’m surrounded by my own little zoo: five dogs, a cat, and a bearded dragon that all keep my life very interesting!
KATELYNN BERNTH
Foster Coordinator
Katelynn joined the staff in 2023 after adopting both a cat and dog from MHS and becoming a foster mom. She heads the foster program at MHS and is always looking for ways to grow the program. She has a whole zoo at home and is always excited to talk about her foster cats.
Amanda Tobias
Office Manager
‘It’s a small thing to help one animal, but to that one animal it’s a big thing.”-Gene Baur
Amanda has been with MHS since March of 2019. She currently has 2 Chihuahuas – both are MHS alumni. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her children.
CASEY DOMBKOWSKI
Front Desk Coordinator
Casey has been with MHS since January of 2021. She has a degree in Elementary Education, previously working for the school system for 17 years; the latter of those years teaching preschool, but switched gears following the pandemic. She currently has 3 spoiled rotten dogs at home – one of which is an MHS alumnus. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
TIFFANY LARSON
Shelter Clinic Manager
Tiffany has worked in the veterinary field for 25 years and graduated with a vet tech degree from Purdue University in 2015. She currently has five cats and two dogs — all but two are MHS alumni. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and crafting.
Karen Edwards Kilander
Director of Shelter Management
Leanne Illes
Behavior Coordinator
Leanne is a certified dog trainer with over 10 years of training experience. She graduated from Indiana University in 2019 with degrees in Animal Behavior and Psychology. Leanne and her husband live with their three dogs (all rescues!) and enjoy hiking, reading, and watching movies in their free time.
Megan Ballard
Lead Kennel Tech
I started with MHS in May 2021. I currently have three dogs and a one year old daughter at home, all very spoiled! This is my first and only job working with animals but it has turned into a passion. I love caring for the animals while they wait for their forever families. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family.
Izabel Flores
Kennel Tech
Loving and caring for these vulnerable and misunderstood animals that have absolutely no one gives my life so much purpose.
Alexis Harvey
Kennel Tech
I’ve had the privilege of working with MHS since December of 2020. After the pandemic, I realized finding a career doing what you love is one of the most important things in life. My favorite part of the job is spending the holidays with my shelter family and my furry friends. After shelter hours you can find me enjoying nature, hiking, and camping!
Robert Brown
Kennel Tech
Natalia Garcia Cuzarez
Kennel Tech
Diane Rybicki
Kennel Tech
I love taking care of the cats and kittens! It’s bittersweet when they get their forever homes, but I’m happy for them because I love them all so very much!
Chad Kienitz
Maintenance Coordinator
Born in Michigan City and have always lived here. I have three children, one grandchild, and two fur siblings. I have always had a love and passion for animals.