Ashlynn
Founder/Executive Director
Driven to help vulnerable and “unwanted” populations of animals, Ashlynn founded Paws and Claws in 2020. She wakes up every day excited to face the challenges of directing an organization that so perfectly focuses on the one thing in life she cares about most. A wearer of many hats, Ashlynn is often spotted viciously cleaning with her head in a cat carrier or in the driver's seat of a van packed with screaming cats and dogs—constantly doing whatever she can to improve the lives of the animals in our care while they wait to be matched with their forever homes. She believes strongly in community and strives to push Paws and Claws to grow while maintaining the close knit feel of a small supportive organization.
Catherine
President of Rescue Relations
An animal lover at heart, Catherine has always been interested in the healing power of the human animal bond. Too scared to be a veterinarian, but enthralled by her relationship with her canine best friend, Nikki, Catherine knew from a young age that she wanted to help animals and people live their best lives together. Catherine is Executive Director of Evanston Counseling, a clinic that offers counseling and pet therapy. She is delighted to also be the co-founder of Paws and Claws, finally combining her passion for helping both people and animals.
Eric
Director of Development
A relationship facilitator at his core, Eric is driven by a strong belief that when philanthropy is more personal, it becomes more impactful—and animal rescue has been a very personal cause for him since adopting his dog Piper 7 years ago. By helping to drive revenue and develop partnerships, Eric works to ensure that Paws and Claws has the resources required to save even more animals and bring joy to even more families
Lauren
Senior Director
Lauren is thrilled to join the Paws and Claws team. After rescuing her first dog with her family at age 11, she knew the “adopt, don’t shop” mantra would stick with her for life. With more than 13 years of non-profit experience ranging from events, marketing, social, and recruitment to operations, logistics, sales, fundraising, and more, she’s always eager to dive in to help organizational strategy, growth, and optimization. Aside from her passion for non-profit strategy, she loves exploring Chicago, checking off destinations from her food and travel bucket list, writing, and live music!
Sean
Cat Care Manager
As our Cat Care manager, Sean runs the rescue's new physical space in Evanston and manages the invaluable volunteer program. He holds a B.S. in Human Services from Colorado State University, coupled with nearly ten years of veterinary experience. A fascination with nature and animals has been central to Sean's life since he was an inquisitive and often poison ivy-covered kid growing up in Cleveland, Ohio. He could always be found cataloging woodland bugs, feeding stray cats in the neighborhood, or nursing sick animals back to health. This compassion for animals and their welfare has only grown with time, and he could not be more proud and motivated to help develop a rescue as meaningful as Paws and Claws.
Outside of the rescue, Sean is an avid runner and cyclist, completing his first 100-mile ride last summer! He spends his time exploring Chicago and beyond (occasional run-ins with poison ivy still included) with his partner McKinzie, his running buddy Piper the beagle, and three wonderful rescue cats Margot, Rene, and Herriot.
Lidiane
Community Outreach/Marketing Communications
Paws and Claws Chicago Rescue volunteer, student of Marketing/Management at Truman College and Web Developer in training.
When not in front of her computer learning something new, you can find Lidiane trying to get her cat’s attention, or on the couch watching movies. Just like her cat Bobby, English is her second language!
Jane
Animal Care Lead
Cats and dogs have always been a big part of Jane’s family. Having raised her children on a farm with 9 dogs and a few barn cats, saving animals has always been a passion of hers. She is overjoyed to be helping Paws and Claws in a variety of hands-on roles with animals. Jane believes animals are the best therapy out there!
Angelique
Writer
Despite being new at the shelter, Angelique has been surrounded by Paws and Claws her whole life! Her love for animals started when she asked her parents for a sibling, and instead, they gave her a cocker spaniel puppy named Tuffy. After her surrogate "brother" passed on (16 fun-filled years later!), she wanted to give other animals a happy home. She and her partner, (in life and in animal puns) Justin are a blended family of two humans and four fur babies. Her firstborn is Sir Pippin, a kitten and her second is a syrian hamster named Mawu. Completing their family, Justin introduced his two older twin cats, Kirby Sinclair and Ellie Louise. Angelique's other hobbies include couponing for kitty litter and practicing martial arts at her local dojo.
Maddie
Graphic Designer and Brand Strategist
Originally from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Maddie is currently a Chicago-based brand strategist. She grew up in a house full of pets, from cats and guinea pigs to goldfish and hamsters. Today, Maddie lives with her two rescue cats, Stiles and Charlie, and dreams of adopting a pup someday, too (but don’t tell the kitties just yet!). She enjoys spending afternoons in one of Chicago’s many parks, discovering new music, and chasing sunsets.