TARA MITCHELL, Director of Operations, has been with PAWS Atlanta since 2003.  "My favorite thing about working here," says Tara, "is adopting deserving dogs and cats into loving homes!"  Tara takes pride in making sure that the PAWS Atlanta dogs and cats have the best experience possible while they are at the shelter.  Tara has a PAWS Atlanta rescue at home, a husky and chow mix named Bean.  Here, Tara is pictured with Tenchi, a super playful, cuddly, 3 and a half year old lab mix who has been at the shelter for a long time.  Tara hopes that Tenchi finds her forever home soon.  You can see more about Tenchi on our I Need A Hero page.

SUSAN THORBURN, Business Manager, has been with PAWS Atlanta since 2001, when it was still called Dekalb Humane Society.  Susan is responsible for the financial and business operations of the shelter.  Susan is dedicated and deeply passionate about the shelter and its mission to provide for homeless cats and dogs.  Susan has a rescued cat at home and takes care of the shelter cats who need a break from the Cat Cottage or who need some extra special attention and TLC.  These cats spend time with Susan in the business office, cuddling with her, sleeping on her printer and keyboard and inviting themselves to her meetings.  Luther, pictured here, is a long-term resident of the shelter and is Susan's current "cat-in-care".  To learn more about Luther, please visit our I Need A Hero page.

JD PATTERSON, Senior Trainer, has been with PAWS Atlanta since 2004.  JD concentrates on working with dogs and is mentored by Victoria Stilwell. The more well-socialized and trained dogs tend to be adopted more quickly.  JD also helps in the kennels and with the vet clinics.  She likes that every day is a different challenge and triumph at the shelter.  JD has 3 turtles at home as well as 3 dogs - a pit bull, an american bulldog and a hound mix;  the last two came from PAWS Atlanta.  JD is pictured with Granger, a sweet, 5 year old pit bull who loves people and is enthusiastic with her kisses.  JD hopes that Granger, who is a long-term resident of PAWS Atlanta, will be adopted into her forever home, soon.  Visit our I Need A Hero page to read more about Granger.

JASMIN BUTLER, Animal Care Specialist, has worked at PAWS Atlanta since 2007.  She cleans, feeds, exercises and loves each of the animals in her care, daily.  Jasmin, originally from Providence, RI, now lives on a horse farm with her 4 cats and a pit bull mix named Brady, who was originally from PAWS Atlanta.  Jasmin loves to work with the animals and appreciates the hard working volunteers who help the shelter function smoothly.  Jasmin is pictured here with Grayson.  "Grayson is beautiful,"  she says.  "I chose him because he is one cuddly cat!"  Jasmin is happy that Grayson found his forever home where he is loved and takes plenty of cat naps.

RHONDA ERLINE, Animal Care Specialist, has worked at PAWS Atlanta since 2008.  She works with the sick and injured animals in the Animal Treatment Center.  Her goal is to provide a peaceful and healing environment.  Each animal's health, diet and medications are monitored to ensure a quick recovery and so that each may be moved to the adoption area to find a forever home.  "Everyone here has a love and a passion for the animals in our care, " she says.  Rhonda has two rescued dogs at home, a Jack Russell named Lulu and a Papillion named Pepe.  She chose Pierre for her picture because she formed a bond with him while he was in her care.  Rhonda is happy to report that Pierre has been adopted into his forever home.  Rhonda's favorite quote from Anatole France provides the introduction to this page.

LAWRENCE MITCHELL, Animal Care Specialist, has worked at PAWS Atlanta since 2004.  Lawrence works with the small and medium sized dogs, feeding, walking, socializing and nurturing them.  He has an intuitive sense about the animals in his care and can tell when one is not feeling well or needs extra attention.  At home, he has an older German Shepherd.  Here, Lawrence is pictured with Blitz, a beagle/hound mix who is energetic and playful.  Happily, Blitz was adopted into his forever home shortly after this picture was taken!