Leadership

It takes diversely talented and committed people to ensure that Paws & Think succeeds in its mission.

Founded by Gayle Hutchens who served as the Executive Director for 10 years, Paws & Think is now led by Executive Director Ashleigh Coster. In addition, the following individuals currently serve in leadership roles within the organization:

Staff

Ashleigh Coster
Executive Director

Whitney Stevens-McBride
Volunteer Services and Resource Development Coordinator

Shannon Gaughan-Kelly
Program Coordinator of Youth Services

Lisa Gupton
Program Coordinator for Paws to Heal

Kimberly Trimpe
Lead Dog Trainer, Animal Behaviorist
Youth-Canine Program Leader

Jodi Van Slyke
Youth-Canine Program Assistant

Kelsey Bishop
Youth-Canine Program Assistant

Tori Pugh
Youth-Canine Program Assistant

Lead Volunteers

Lynsey Smith
New Volunteer Liaison

Rhaya Shilts
Marketing Chair

Alison Frolik
Vaccination Records Coordinator

Cindy Cale
AAI Training Coordinator

Nina Esbin
AAI Manager of Classes and Evaluations

Cessa Andrews-McMullen
Volunteer Badge/ID Coordinator

Wendy Lane, & Marsha Thomas
AAI Class Assistant Trainers

Board of Directors

Dot Hitchins President
Manager, Volunteer Services, Ascension St. Vincent

Whitney Riggs Vice-President 
Public Information Officer, Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council

Kelcie Meier Secretary
Program Manager, IU Health

Melanie Claymon 
Social Media Content Creator, @the3retrievers

Lauren Colbert
Lead Volunteer, Paws & Think

Melissa Everhart 
Director of Education and Engagement, Indiana Alliance of YMCAs

Lisa Jones
Broker/Real Estate Agent, Compass Indiana LLC

Brett Nelson
Partner, Plews Shadley Racher & Braun Attorneys at Law

Aimee Rich
Inclusion + Engagement Supervisor, Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation