Meet Our Team

Dedicated Volunteers

At Pathway Animal Welfare Society, we pride ourselves on having a close-knit, dedicated team that’s been with us since the very beginning. We work alongside a small, trusted circle of fosters, ensuring that every animal receives the personal care and attention they deserve. Our team’s commitment to our mission and each other means we have very little turnover, allowing us to build lasting relationships and create a supportive, cohesive environment for the animals in our care. Each member brings unique skills and a shared passion for animal welfare, and together, we make a real difference in the lives of those we rescue.

Sara Tijerina

Founder & President

With a degree in Sociology and Psychology, Sara combines her academic expertise with a lifelong passion for animal welfare. As the founder and president of PAWS, she leads the rescue with unwavering dedication, all while balancing her full-time teaching career, family life, and a home filled with children and animals. Sara loves getting hands-on in rescue work and is frequently on the scene when animals are in need, including those who are injured or in distress. Her commitment to animal advocacy began at a young age and continues to be the driving force behind everything she does, ensuring that every animal receives the second chance they deserve.

Carmen Chloupek

Vet Tech & Rescue Partner

Carmen is a skilled vet tech and partner at PAWS. Inspired by her work with Sara, she started her own rescue, working side by side with our team. Carmen’s hands-on care and dedication to animal welfare are at the heart of everything she does, and her passion continues to inspire those around her.

Terri Chapin

Local Transporter

Terri is a dedicated transport coordinator for PAWS, ensuring our animals get to vet appointments and shelters when needed. In addition to her vital role with us, she serves on the board of another rescue specializing in Great Pyrenees dogs. Terri selflessly dedicates her time to transporting animals, picking them up from shelters, and providing the logistical support that keeps our rescue running smoothly.

Tegan Pentek

Records / Adoption/Foster Coordinator

Tegan is a dedicated advocate for PAWS, managing adoptions, transports, and fostering while also working full-time as an accountant. Despite her busy schedule, she travels the world and still finds time to support our mission. As the voice of the rescue, Tegan’s commitment and hard work are the driving force behind everything we do, ensuring our animals get the care and attention they deserve.

Mandy Morgan

Community Outreach Coordinator

Mandy is the heart behind our social media presence, keeping our Instagram up to date and helping with outreach for events. Her passion for animals shines through in everything she does, and she’s been an integral part of our rescue team. Mandy adopted Cosmo, a cat she rescued from our organization, and her commitment to spreading awareness and engaging with our community continues to make a difference for animals in need.

Emily Anderson

Adoption Coordinator / Systems Analyst

Emily is our part-time records and adoption coordinator, as well as our systems analyst. While working full-time, she helps streamline our processes, keeping our records organized and ensuring smooth adoption procedures. Emily's dedication and expertise play a key role in the success of our mission, helping us efficiently connect animals with their forever homes.

Rory Clark

Foster Coordinator

Rory is our compassionate foster coordinator, dedicated to finding loving homes for our most vulnerable animals, including hospice cases and bottle babies. With a deep passion for animal welfare, he goes above and beyond to ensure these animals receive the care they need. Rory’s unwavering commitment and hands-on approach are key to giving our most fragile rescues a chance at a better life.