Our Staff

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Meet Our Shelter Staff!

In addition to the full time management team below, we are extremely grateful for the dedication of our part-time animal handlers who work hard every day improving the quality of lives for the homeless four legged friends in our care, and for our very committed volunteers who give of their time to help us achieve our mission.
Photo of staff member with kitten

Darrin Biggs - Shelter Director

Darrin evaluates and improves services provided by the Animal Shelter and Animal Control. He is responsible for developing, implementing and assessing long range/strategic planning and policies and staying abreast of current animal welfare issues and sheltering standards. What he likes most about his job is helping to ensure that homeless animals have a safe place to stay until their forever home can be found. Darrin has been at the Shelter for over 10 years. 


Jen Schaafsma- Assistant Director 1Jen Schaafsma - Assistant Director

Jen Schaafsma began her career with the Animal Control Department in October of 2019. She holds a degree in Criminal Justice, and has compassion for animals and people alike. She prides herself in using her positive high energy level in conjunction with her calm demeanor to navigate difficult situations. In July of 2022, She was made the Assistant Shelter Director and assists in overseeing the general operations of the shelter.

Photo of staff member with dog

Dawn Harbaugh - Intake & Adoption Coordinator

Dawn manages all intakes and adoptions at the Shelter, which includes answering all adoption and intake phone and email inquiries, maintaining the pet inventory data base, arranging spay/neuter and veterinary appointments, assisting potential adopters with the adoption process plus various administrative duties. She has been at the Shelter for over 10 years, including 2 years as a volunteer and 8 years as a staff member. Dawn's favorite part of her job is hearing from adopters about how well their new furry family member is doing in their new home, especially when the animal was a long term resident of the shelter and/or came to us in poor shape.
Photo of staff member with dog

Danielle Lopez - Public Relations Coordinator

Danielle is often the first face you will see or voice you will hear when you visit or call the Shelter. In many ways, she is the liaison between our two legged visitors and our four legged guests. Danielle takes in the lost and stray animals, helps reunite them with there families, and works with the public to find forever homes for those who are not reunited. Danielle has been with the Shelter for over 5 years, and is overwhelmingly gratified by helping to positively change the lives of our animals and their families.

Jazmine Lopez- Medical Coordinator 2

Jazmine Lopez - Medical Coordinator

Hello! My name is Jazmine and I have a tremendous passion for animals! I have had numerous different types of animals growing up. The most unique family member I have had has to be my hermit crabs. I have had dogs and cats also. But definitely a future cat lady. I enjoy watching college football. Go Blue! I enjoy gaming and spending time with family and friends. I am so excited and grateful to have the privilege to help animals and find them loving families.  I am very proud to be a part of the Porter County Animal Shelter and look forward to many years of service.

Maxine Spencer- Medical Coordinator 1

Maxine Spencer - Medical Coordinator

Max has loved animals all her life and has found her place at the shelter. As one of the medical and health coordinators, she examines and vaccinates all animals upon intake and takes on any further health concerns that occur with the animals. She is gentle and takes great care to follow Fear Free protocols and helping the animals get back in good health. She takes care of every animal in the shelter as if they were her own, helping them heal and become the best that they can be.