Our Board of Directors

Michela Belluso Greg Hales, Chair Cheryl Naumann, Vice Chair Linda Bruce, Secretary Nichole Minice, Treasurer Andrea Katsenes, Member at Large Scott Goldberg Mark Gove

Nancy Mitchell Julia Nowak Penny Parrella David Smith Steve Strauss Lori Vanoteghem Paula Williams

We are currently seeking energetic and passionate people to become a Friend of Animal Care & Control. If you are interested in joining our Board of Directors, please email us at info@azfaccs.org. A member of our Board Development Committee will contact you.

Our Staff

• Tina Lopez-Eacret, Executive Director
• Cecilia Rios, Administrative Assistant
• Karen Iversen, Bookkeeper
• Susan Allen, Thrift Store Manager

Executive Director Bio

Tina Lopez-Eacret
Executive Director

Hi, my name is “Mabel” one of Tina’s EIGHT rescue Chihuahuas. My mom, Tina was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, and moved to the Valley with her family in 1986.Mabel

From 1999 to 2006, she was a full-time licensed REALTOR in the State of Arizona with her Certified Residential Specialist and ePro certifications. She had her own real estate team/business and won several awards for service and sales volume. She previously worked as Director of Volunteer Services and Special Events for the Arizona Animal Welfare League & SPCA, was employed at the Arizona Humane Society and has volunteered with various animal rescue groups over the years. Tina has been involved in animal welfare since 2003 and is an avid animal advocate.

My mom has served in a variety of volunteer leadership positions with organizations such as the AZ Chihuahua Rescue, Gilbert Leadership and the Phoenix Association of REALTORS. She also served as Board Vice President for Lost Our Home Pet Foundation, a group specializing in foreclosure pets. She has an extensive background in event planning and fundraising. I share my home with EIGHT spoiled Chihuahuas of various sizes and colors, and three pampered cats: Mabel, Gary, Gizzy, Rosie, Dora, Harry, Phoebe, Charley Sue, Noodles, Murray and Garage Kitty!

FACCs Board Bios

Michela Belluso
Davidson & Belluso

My name is Kobo (I'm the white one in the back). My mom bought me 11 years ago from a small "puppy mill." That was the last time she'll ever buy a puppy again, there are way too many homeless doggies filling up the shelters! That's why 3 years ago she adopted Peanut from the AZ Chihuahua Rescue after my dad pressured her to get me a buddy. Mom is very busy as the co-owner and creative director of Davidson & Belluso, Advertising and Design, but she always finds the time to make us feel special. Recently mom and dad gave us a sister, not a chihuahua, a human baby girl! We like her a lot especially when she pets us gently and shares her afternoon snack with us! I think it's great that mom is on the board of Friends – Peanut tells me there are a lot of dogs out there that aren't as lucky as we are!

Greg Hales, President
Greg Hales Cleaning Systems

My dad, Greg Hales, has loved us four-leggers ever since he was a kid growing up here in Phoenix. He adopted me, Gunner (an English Springer Spaniel), and my sister, Lexus (a Papillon), in August of 2005, and he recently adopted one-year-old Chica Marie (a Deer Chihuahua), who desperately needed a home. Greg owns his own cleaning business, which he started in 1982, and he also works on other community charities, like the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS and Child’s Crisis Nursery. But even with his busy schedule doing those things, he still has time to play with us, take us regularly to the dog park, and even pick up our friends to join our playtime.

When Greg joined Friends of Animal Care & Control in 2005, he told us how important this organization is to saving the lives of animals who otherwise might have to be put to sleep. He is very involved in FACCs, serving on the Fundraising/Marketing committee and the Thrift Store committee, and now he is the new president! We are really proud of him, and we also appreciate that he has given us a safe and loving home. We hope that all the animals he works so hard to save will also find the same.

Cheryl Naumann, Vice President
Apollo Group/University of Phoenix

Hi, I’m Mollie, and I must be the luckiest dog in the world, because when I was lost on the streets of south Phoenix, the nicest lady rescued me! Even though I’m deaf, I could tell right away that she loved me and would take really good care of me. And no wonder! - Cheryl Naumann was president and CEO of the Arizona Humane Society, one of the nation’s largest humane organizations, for more than five years. Plus, she’s been on lots of committees that help animals, like Governor Napolitano’s Companion Animal Spay/Neuter Committee, the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators, and American Humane cherylAssociation’s National Animal Protection Advisory Committee. And in 2008, she and her husband Roger opened Second Home Pet Resort, a beautiful hotel for pets that has big rooms, indoor and outdoor play areas, and staff on site around the clock. (That was my idea because some of us get a little nervous and lonely when we’re away from home).

Cheryl is not only really good at taking care of animals, but people too. For more than twenty years she has been a human resources executive, currently serving as the Vice President of Human Resources for the Apollo Group/University of Phoenix, and previously as Vice President of Human Resources for a local Fortune 200 company called Avnet; as the Vice President of Human Resources for the Phoenix Suns/Arizona Diamondbacks; and as a human resources executive with Hyatt Hotels and Resorts.

But her main passion has always been animals. I’m glad Cheryl is on the FACCs board now, because they’re doing lots of good things for animals too. But as busy as she is, she always finds time to hang out with me and my other dog, cat and bird siblings. It’s especially great that she takes time to play with me because the others think I’m too silly and rambunctious!

Nichole Minice, Treasurer
Protiviti, a business consulting and internal audit firm

Hi; I am Porter and from the first minute I saw her, I picked Nichole Minice to be my owner! She must have felt the same way because 10 years later we are still together. While I believe I am her favorite, I have shared her affections with my 'sister' cat Lily who has also been with Nichole for almost 10 years. And the newest members of our family Griz and Beretta were inherited from my late grandmother Colleen Freemon. Colleen worked for an animal shelter in Cottonwood, AZ and on a daily basis she would bring dogs’ home at night to help with their medications or with newborn puppies. My mom must have inherited a lot of these traits because I have seen many animals stay at my house to be cared for until a loving family could be found. In honor of her mom and her own love and concern for animals, my Mom got involved with the wonderful organization of Friends for Animal Care and Control. She is really looking forward to helping the organization with their mission of ending euthanasia of healthy adoptable pets.

Aside from helping the Friends Board of Directors, my mom spends her days helping companies manage risk at Protiviti, a global business consulting and internal audit firm as an Associate Director. She must really enjoy it because she has been there for over 10 years!

Andrea Katsenes, Member at Largeandrea
Cox Communications

Let me introduce my “roommate” Andrea Katsenes who is on the Friends of Animal Care and Control (FACCS) board of directors.

I am her favorite - o.k. only Weimaraner. I found myself homeless at the Maricopa County shelter four years ago, when Andrea came down, picked me, adopted me, and had me spayed. We have been inseparable ever since (now you know why they call my breed the “gray ghost”).

Everyday, Andrea goes to Cox Communications, where she is the Director of Media Relations. She is responsible for media and public relations surrounding Cox products and services in Arizona. I like this job because I get free cable - all the “Animal Planet” a dog could want!

A native of Arizona, Andrea returned to the Valley after working in Chicago for Edelman Public Relations Worldwide.

Back when she was a pup, just out of the University of Southern California, Andrea began her career in Washington, D.C., working for two Arizona Congressmen on Capitol Hill. She returned to Arizona to join Governor Fife Symington’s staff as Special Assistant for Special Projects. Continuing her service to the Governor, she was later appointed Director of Communications for the Arizona Lottery.

The rule in our house is to keep your eyes open and see how you can help others. In addition to being committed to the FACCS board, Andrea also a member of the Arizona Heart Ball Committee, Charter 100 and is a Commissioner on the City of Phoenix’s Planning and Zoning Board. I myself am the nice dog that welcomes the many foster pups that come to our house. O.k. I am not always so wecoming, but I try.

Nancy Mitchell
Public Radio Partners

Dog lovers, you have met your match in my mom Nancy Mitchell. I am the newest member of the Mithell household and boy am I lucky! As a rule, my family only adopts animals from shelters or lost animals who need to find a place to call home as fast as possible. I was running around on 7th Avenue and Camelback, starved for food and love. Some nice people took me in and gave me water and food. Unfortunately, they had two dogs, so after a few days I was on my way to the animal shelter. Thank goodness Andrea Katsenes knew the people who were taking me… so she called my mom and I was rescued that weekend!

My brother Scooter was also a stray, fortunate enough to cross paths with my mom eight years ago. We are so lucky she took us in… she is really busy but always makes time to walk us, take us to the dog park, scratch our bellies and take us to the vet when we aren’t feeling well. We are so lucky bcause I was spayed and Scooter was neutered right away… just to be sure we didn’t get into trouble and bring more dogs into the world.

Nancy is in media sales, she worksfor Public Radio Partners and manages the Corporate Underwriting Sales team for KJZZ and KBAQ in Phoenix. She has lived here for more than 20 years and enjoys volunteering and serving on a variety of local non-profit boards. She is really looking forward to raising funds for animals through the Friends of Animal Care and Control board and making a difference to animals and families in our community.

Penny Parrella
City of Phoenix

Hi, my name is Hannah Parrella - I am the Golden with the haircut in this picture along with my two brothers, Bullet and Sonny. They’re Belgian Malinoises. I was so excited that my mom Penny asked me to write her bio… I know I am smarter than those Malinoises, but it’s nice to know that mom feels the same way.

Board Bio PennyPenny is new to the FACCs Board but not new to animals. For ten years she has volunteered with Canine Companions for Independence, which is a national non-profit organization that provides service dogs to children and adults with disabilities. She was a volunteer puppy raiser - that’s where she met me. After spending 18 months going everywhere together, she took me to something called "Advanced Training" in San Diego. I was not a fan of living in a kennel and having commands barked at me all day, so I flunked out of the program and got to come home and live with mom. Penny also brings home all sorts of dogs that she says need some time to find the right home. I like meeting the new dogs, but am always sad to see them go. In fact, my new brother Sonny came from one of those rescue groups.

When mom kisses me and my brothers goodbye in the morning, she goes to a tall building downtown called City Hall where she works for the City Council. I haven’t met them yet, but mom must really like them because she has been there for 20 years (that’s 140 years to me).

Life as a Parrella dog is pretty good. I know mom is really looking forward to making life better for other dogs and cats, too!

J. David Smith
International Printing Co.

My name is Nikkos and I love you. I love everybody. Dad adopted me from Maricopa County Animal Care & Control in December, 2010. When people say it was good of him to rescue me from the shelter he always says he’s the lucky one. I couldn’t agree more. Now he gets to play ball with me all the time and I also invented a game of tag that he just loves.David

Dad says he’s the General Manager of International Printing Company, but I’m pretty sure when he leaves home each day he’s really out sniffing trees and visiting other dogs.

Born and raised in Phoenix, Dad has lived here most of his life. He spent several years living in the Midwest when he was a consultant in the banking industry, which he left in 2005.

I guess being a native of Phoenix is one of the reasons Dad feels it’s necessary to take an active role in bettering our community. In addition to serving on the board of directors for Friends of Animal Care and Control, he sits on the boards of Cox Charities and the Tovrea Carraro Society. He also just completed a seven year stint on the board of the Southwest Center of HIV/AIDS, and co-chaired their annual Dining Out for Life event in 2011.

Dad is active in a number of other causes and recently co-chaired special events benefitting Southwest Human Development and Actors Theatre.

Steve Strauss
Wag N Wash

My name is Bogie! My Dad, Steve Strauss is a local business owner, musician and impassioned person who clearly sees the connection between companion pets & all the interconnected parts of life. My dad believes that this weaves a positive direction in not just our growth process, but more importantly helps shape us to become the person we will be. My Dad, is a strong proponent of cultural diversity, music education and social responsibility. He was raised & received his formative education in Colorado Springs, Colorado. After High School graduation, he set out on a one-year international tour with the multi-national musical group “Up With People”. After successfully completing this program he moved to Phoenix to begin his college education. My dad came to Arizona to study music at Arizona State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1988. In 1986 he co-founded the Azz Izz Band. The band is comprised of eight-pieces with a focus on World music. The band actively toured for over 20+ years. In 2005, my dad, with the help of his brother, purchased a building on 7th Ave. & nine months later they opened the Wag N’ Wash ~ Healthy Pet Center. He believes it is our duty to recognize, promote and foster the positive impact that pets and their guardians can have on each other. The Wag N’ Wash has been an incredible experience & exceeded our expectations. Now he & his brother Rich are working towards their second location in Scottsdale. He is currently an active board member on the Seventh Avenue Street Merchant Association, and is a strong proponent for the expansion of local, unique, & quality entrepreneurs as they expand into the Melrose Shopping District. “SAMA” is a board of dedicated, local business owners, & he is proud to be involved with such an active organization. In addition he donates, in both time & finically to various pet charities & fosters a future of better understanding, through education, the importance of all animals quality of life.

Paula Williams
Collins, May, Potenza, Baran & Gillespie

My name is Zoey Williams. I’m 14 years old and have been deaf since birth. But I never let that slow me down-neither does Mom. She is always very supportive of me and encourages me to accomplish my goals. With her help I’ve achieved many goals including: dominating every dog that has walked through the front door; sleeping 20 hours a day; shrilly barking just as she’s falling asleep; and finding the garbage no matter where she hides it. I’ve accomplished even more than that but I only have so much room to write. Working hard and striving toward a goal is very important to Mom. That’s why she became an attorney. There’s always a new goal and a new challenge just around the next corner. Working as a litigator in the areas of business disputes, probate, and technology keeps her busy!

Mom comes from a very large Italian family-I have 8 aunts and uncles! I’m so glad she stopped at 3 with us. I have 2 brothers, Louie and Rondo, who Mom took in to foster and then couldn’t bring herself to give topaulas dog new families. Louie was already about 10 years old when Mom’s acquaintance dropped him off so Mom could take care of him. But he wasn’t neutered, if you can believe that! Mom neutered him right away. We 2 girls didn’t need any funny business in the house. Mom found Rondo running around in the street. She tried to find his home but no one ever claimed him. He was young and unneutered. Mom took care of that quick! Kid brothers are such a pain.

Mom has always taken time to help people and animals. She’s volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul, Arizona Women Lawyers Association, homeless shelters, and has taken in many dogs so that she could find forever homes for them. Thank goodness, she kept me!