About Us
Staff
The staff of Animal Trustees of Austin is composed of dedicated employees and volunteers who are united by the common interest of promoting the welfare of animals.
Missy McCullough, Executive Director
One of the "founding mothers" of ATA, Missy has watched the program grow from a tiny rescue group to a well-respected member of the animal welfare community. Missy has a BFA and M.Ed. from the University of Texas and taught Special Education for 16 years. After retiring in 1989, she followed her life-long dream of working with animals. She lives in the piney woods with a huge herd of dogs and loves every minute of her life dedicated to animals and the Animal Trustees of Austin. Missy has one dog-loving son, Quinn, and has the privilege of being owned by ATA's guiding spirit, Jessie Rose.
Keni Gallucci, Administrator
Keni started taking care of animals at an early age while working with her dad who trained thoroughbred horses in California. Realizing that animals were her passion, she worked as a veterinary assistant for the next 10 years. A career in hospital management followed in medical facilities throughout southern California for the next 15 years. The yearning for animal care never left her, so after moving to Texas in 1997, Keni worked at the Town Lake Animal Shelter as the Rescue and Foster Coordinator, working with the many rescue groups in Austin. It was there that she became acquainted with ATA and the great work that they do. The highlight of her eight years with ATA has been watching the organization grow to include services for the homeless and education for those clients who truly want to improve the quality of life for their companion animals. Keni has three grandsons and one granddaughter who carry on the animal-loving tradition.
Hyden Johnson, Operations Director
After earning a MA in English Literature and Writing, Hyden spent almost 20 years in the financial publishing industry in management, editorial, and sales positions. Originally from New England, as a kid she lived in a house full of cage-free chameleons, lizards, turtles, and two very tolerant dogs. This experience had a natural segue to wildlife rescue, and Hyden spent the better part of 10 years getting up at night with orphaned squirrels, rabbits, opossums, and woodchucks. In 2005, Hyden had the opportunity to follow her heart and join ATA full-time. She currently lives with a full pack of beloved dogs and cats.
Shir Laves, Development Director
Shir hails from Israel where she managed the Center for Kibbutz Studies in Tel Aviv. After arriving in the United States in 1985, she joined the staff of Austin Lyric Opera and coordinated the company's numerous outreach and educational programs for children and adults. Additionally, she was instrumental in the establishment of the Armstrong Community Music School of Austin Lyric Opera and later served as its Associate Director. Prior to beginning her position with the Animal Trustees of Austin, Shir served as the Director of Women's Philanthropy for the Jewish Community Association of Austin. Shir lives in Austin with her husband, Louis, and their son, Itay.
Stephanie Hunter, Capital Campaign Manager
Stephanie has a background in Business Administration, with an emphasis in finance and accounting. Her professional background includes diverse experience such as, pricing mutual funds to be printed daily in the Wall Street Journal, working for three elected officials and providing search and rescue services to New Orleans pets after Hurricane Katrina. In 2005, she started her own business, Stephanie Hunter Enterprises, assisting clients in fundraising and management. Real Estate Development is a new venture she is also pursuing. Stephanie is an active contributor to the Austin community and she has served on several boards and been a volunteer with many non-profit organizations and a recent Leadership Austin graduate. Prior to her professional careers, Stephanie played competitive tennis all over the world.
Sara Kinsey, Volunteer Coordinator
After graduating from St. Edward's University in 2001, Sara served a year in AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps, working with non-profit organizations around the country. From there, she moved back to Austin and found a job as the Volunteer Coordinator at Meals on Wheels and More. In August 2006, Sara joined ATA as the Volunteer Coordinator and is currently working on her nursing degree at Austin Community College. Sara spends her time competing in triathlons, attending school, and indulging her perfect pets.
