Board Members & Staff

Nelson Needham

President

Nelson earned a BS degree from Texas A&M University in 1981. He also has a MEd from Texas Wesleyan University. He taught woodshop in South San Antonio ISD and retired in 2016. He
joined the Helotes Humane Society as a foster in 2014 and joined the Board of Directors in 2018. He is currently serving as the president of the Board of Directors.

Mary Washburn

Vice President

Mary is a lifelong animal lover that has been a foster and volunteer with HHS for 4 years.

Currently a Director of Learning Delivery for Arise Virtual Solutions, her focus is on supporting operations for a team of over 450 instructors that certify over 30,000 call center agents annually supporting over 20 US, Canadian and UK companies.

Mary is a Northern Illinois University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. She lives with her Border Collie mix Cooper and Blue Heeler Bindi and their small “herd” of cats and various foster cats, kittens or pups.

Lauryn Smith

Secretary

Lauryn was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1990. She graduated from high school in 2009. In 2010, she earned her certification as a nursing assistant from OSU-OKC, and attended college at Connors State College in Warner, Oklahoma. In the fall of 2018, she became a member of the Helotes Humane Society. Since joining, she has fostered many dogs and cats, and enjoys helping with events hosted by The Helotes Humane Society.

As an animal advocate, Lauryn is passionate about volunteering her time, talent, and resources,
to bring awareness to animal rights within, and around, our community. In her free time, she enjoys art, photography, hiking, playing with her dogs, and spending time with her family

Diane Swanson

Treasurer

Diane’s professional experience includes Senior Technical Writer, Trainer, Curriculum Designer, and Information Technology professional with experience working for the federal government,
contractors, and corporations. She is a Navy veteran, certified fitness professional, and an animal welfare advocate. Her rescue dog, Piper, placed 8th in the AKC’s 2021 National Agility Championship in the most competitive class. Diane has been an HHS supporter for years, financially, as a feline foster, and as an advocate/resource for others.

Cathron Sterling

Board Member

Cathron Sterling
Occupational therapist
Clinical Rehabilitation Specialist
Methodist Healthcare System

Cathron has a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy. She also has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration as well as a certificate in nonprofit leadership and management. She has been a member of the Helotes Humane Society since 2009. In 2014 she joined the board of directors. Since her time with the society, she has served in different capacities from fostering to volunteering along with fundraising, grant writing, and budget planning.

Max Huntsinger

Board Member

Max Huntsinger, currently serves as a Branch Chief, Cyberspace Plans with the Department of the Air Force Civilian. He retired from the U.S. Air Force after 22 years and has over 36 years of total government service with the military. He’s been an active member with Helotes Humane Society (HHS) since 2008 and fostered dozens of dogs over the years with his wife.

Max has assisted with the various relocations and renovations of the HHS over the years, assisted with adoption events, multiple key fund-raising events throughout the years, and installed security cameras for the Helotes Thrift Shop and HHS parking lot area. Max’s passion is computers, anything electronic related, enjoys working on his cars and the outdoors. He is married to Michela and together they have two wonderful daughters.

Monica Rangel

Board Member

Monica is a proud Mother of three young adults and a glorified cat lady to two very demanding cats. Professionally, She has worked in the events industry for over 10 years. Upon recently becoming an empty nest household, she searched for variant efforts to serve our community.

Monica is truly honored to serve on the Helotes Humane Society board for the 2020-2021 year. Within the last few years, she has gained an appreciation for all the work done by animal shelters and welfare organizations. This all started with the adoption of her orange tabby Kiki, from ACS back in 2016. And in 2018, she later rescued her tabby, Wyatt. Taking in these 2 cats made her realize all the work that is needed to safely home needy kittens, cats, puppies, and dogs. She is looking forward to seeing all the future achievements the Helotes Humane Society will bring to the community at large, not only for animals but educational services for future
responsible pet owners.

Lisa Neitzel

Executive Director

As a preacher’s daughter, Lisa has traveled extensively, living in New York, Florida and Tennessee. She got to Texas as quickly as she could and has lived here her entire adult life. Her fur kids include Ellie, a 10 year old terrier mix and Shade a 4 year old Russian Blue rescue cat.

Lisa brings a strong work ethic to the position as well as a passion for our mission. We know she will be a wonderful asset to the community.