Our Staff
Meet Our Shelter Staff!
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
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.
Dawn Harbaugh - Intake & Adoption Coordinator
Danielle Lopez - Public Relations Coordinator
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
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.