We love our Staff!
Whether you have one kitty or a bunch, you know taking care of them and cleaning up after them is a never-ending task. You can imagine how much work it takes to do that for all the cats at the Sanctuary.
Our staff does it all! They are in constant motion and a blur of activity as they do everything it takes to keep the Sanctuary running and keep all our residents fed, medicated, and looked after. They are the current stars in a long line of dedicated staff who made the cats’ lives so wonderful over the years.
Many of our sanctuary residents have chronic medical conditions or special needs, and an important part of the staff’s day is medications, treatments, and managing the prescribed care of each cat. Their holistic approach to caring for the physical and emotional well-being of our charges is paramount to helping them live a quality life. Recognizing each cat’s quirks or personality traits – like which ones like to eat where or knowing how each one likes to be petted (or not) – are just a few of the things that make our staff special.
Our staff works hard, really hard. They ensure that each cat is as well cared for and well-loved. We could not manage the number of special needs cats in our care, and all the acute situations that occur each day, without the day-to-day commitment of our staff.
Your support is what makes it possible for the sanctuary cats to have such a wonderful place to live with the quality of care they receive. The cats that make it to Shadow Cats are those that fell through the cracks, the ones that had few options, and those that need us the most. We are their safety net. Our caring staff helps them live their fullest lives.
Sanctuary Manager
Kearstin grew up in Texas on a horse ranch and has always been an avid animal lover. Her love of cats grew over the years, so she is now sharing her home with 6! After years of working in retail followed by an office job in the medical field, she realized her true passion was to work with animals. She joined Shadow Cats in 2021 and started tech training soon after. She became Sanctuary Manager in early 2024. As manager, she helps oversee the running of the sanctuary and our beloved cats’ care. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, art, and video games.
Social Media Coordinator
Dustin and his wife, Jen, once adopted a charismatic orange cat named Pumpkin Head (RIP), and from that special bond, his love for cats truly blossomed. Today, he’s a proud cat dad to three very unique companions: Waylon, a sassy tortoiseshell; Squeadle, a spirited black tripod; and Nugget, a forever-kitten tuxedo who makes frequent appearances in Dustin’s photos—including this one.
Inspired by his own cats and a growing passion for feline welfare, Dustin began volunteering with Shadow Cats in April 2024. His dedication quickly grew into a larger role, and when the opportunity arose to join the team as Social Media Coordinator, he jumped at the chance. Now, he spends his days bringing the stories of the sanctuary to life across Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and TikTok—highlighting the cats, the staff, and the heart behind everything we do.
In addition to his work at the sanctuary, Dustin has become a passionate advocate for community cats in his own neighborhood, where he now practices Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) to help ensure the safety and well-being of outdoor cats.
Cat Care Technician
Caitlin has always adored cats growing up, and is thrilled to work in an environment surrounded by so many! Growing up with many Feline Leukemia positive cats, FeLV+ cats hold a special place in her heart, and she even cares for one of her own at home! She hopes to someday soon take in more FeLV+ cats and give them all the support & love they deserve.
Cat Care Technician
Gaby has lived in Round Rock for 24 years. She has worked in veterinary medicine for 3 years now, but she has always had a passion for animals. She fell in love with cats when she rescued two semi-feral kittens 3 years ago. She is now fulfilling her dream at Shadow Cats, caring for the sweetest cats!
Cat Care Technician
Anna grew up in a small town in Vermont, always feeling a pull towards all things nature – animals especially. After attending college in Buffalo for an animal focused career, she stuck mostly to exotic work. After finding Shadow Cats, she has fallen in love with the world of domestic kitties. When she’s not at work you will find her outside under the sun, getting a lift in at the gym or spending quality time with her family.
Cat Care Assistant
Lyss has always been drawn to caring for smaller creatures. Starting off small as a plant parent, then moving on to aquarium fish, she finally adopted her own cat in 2020 at the height of the pandemic. Since then, cat care became her whole world! Unfortunately, her cat became ill and passed away, but that only pushed her to learn more about cat health and start a career working with animals. She joined Shadow Cats, where she now gets to help so many special needs kitties!
Staff Memories Through the Years