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Meet Our Team

Staff Directory

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Christine Natarelli

Executive Director

(630) 420-8989 x1011
cnatarelli@naperhumane.org

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Jennifer Pagonis

Director of Shelter Operations

(630) 420-8989
jpagonis@naperhumane.org

Foster Coordinating

(630) 420-8989 x 1008

foster@naperhumane.org

Intake/Transfer

intake@naperhumane.org

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Leena Kinnunen

Administrative Manager

(630) 420-8989 x1003
lkinnunen@naperhumane.org

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Kaitlyn Gunderson

Animal Care & Enrichment Manager

(630) 420-8989 x1005
kgunderson@naperhumane.org

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Hali Kozak

Volunteer Coordinator 

(630) 420-8989 x 1004

hkozak@naperhumane.org

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Ashley Olson

Animal Trainer, KPA, CTP

(630) 420-8989 x1009
aolson@naperhumane.org

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Risely Loera

Animal Trainer, CCDT

(630) 420-8989 x1006
rloera@naperhumane.org

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Julie Balsamo

Pet Therapy Program Coordinator

(630) 420-8989 x1010
jbalsamo@naperhumane.org

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Abby Smith

Adoption Counselor 

(630) 420-8989

adopt@naperhumane.org

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Briana De Los Santos

Animal Care & Enrichment 

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Eileen Vallandingham

Animal Care & Enrichment 

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Sydney Kulkarni

Animal Care & Enrichment

Board of Directors

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Board President, Charter Steel Trading

Jim Koller

jkoller@naperhumane.org

“As part of the NAHS Board, I look to provide an additional financial lens in order expand our outreach and support for animals in need. Having had the love of my senior poodle, Desiree, I now appreciate the benefit a pet gives and how I can give back to them.”

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Board Vice President, Sikich

Anthony Cervini

“As someone who grew up in Naperville and now works there, I’m grateful to be part of NAHS and play a part in supporting the incredibly important role we play in the community and furthering our mission. As a family that has included several rescues over the years, I know firsthand the love and companionship they bring into a home and I’m excited to have the opportunity for others to experience that same joy.”

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Board Treasurer, Partner at Logan Consulting

Kelly Dua

“I started volunteering with NAHS in 2021 when my children wanted to volunteer together.  Dogs and cats have always been a big part of my life.  No matter how bad of a day you have, your pets are always there to cheer you up, so giving back to those animals that have fallen on tough times, is a passion of mine.  I joined the Advisory Board in 2024 and have become a full Board member this year.  I'm looking forward to all the good work we can do to make these animals' lives better and help them find their Furever Home.”

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Board Secretary, Senior Managing Director, Deputy Chief Auditor at Nuveen, a TIAA company.

Jessica Mazza

“I was first introduced to NAHS in 2001 and our family has adopted several animals over the years. As a lifelong animal lover and Naperville resident for close to 30 years, I am honored to serve on the NAHS Board. Helping to advance the mission of this terrific organization will make a lasting impact on the community and help others have as rewarding of an experience with pet adoption as my family has.”

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Board Member, Partner at Baker McKenzie

Helen Mantel

hmantel@naperhumane.org

“As a long-time Naperville resident, I am proud of the tireless dedication at NAHS towards improving animal welfare and the education of the community. It is my honor as a board member to help NAHS continue its mission.”

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Board Member

Sonya Stowers

“Having developed a love for animals very early in life and having been a part of volunteering at NAHS in multiple ways for many years, it is an honor to serve this organization in an additional way. As an adopter of 3 cats, as an in shelter volunteer, as part of their Pawsitive Therapy program with my cat Sputnik, and as a foster for NAHS, I have been able to see the effort and care the staff and volunteers put info fulfilling their mission. Serving on the Board will allow me to use my passion for animals and expertise to help NAHS further its goals in our community. Knowing the love of a companion animal is truly a special experience, one that I get to have each day because of NAHS.”

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Board Member, Director at Sikich.

Mike Novitski

"The love and support the NAHS staff and volunteers provide to our animals is inspiring. Being a part of a group of people who strive to create a more humane world is one of the great joys of my life. I am proud to support NAHS and the lifesaving work this organization accomplishes.”

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LOCATION

1620 W Diehl Rd
Naperville, IL 60563

HOURS*

Appointments are highly recommended for all animal visits.
 
Monday – Friday
By appointment only for both cats and dogs.
We are happy to accommodate walk-in visitors when staffing permits; however, appointments are strongly encouraged to ensure the best experience for both visitors and animals.
 
Saturday & Sunday
🐱 Cat walk-ins welcome from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
🐶 Dog walk-ins may be accommodated when staffing permits. Appointments are recommended.
Please note:
  • Hours are subject to change.
  • Animal interactions conclude 15 minutes prior to closing.
  • Scheduling an appointment helps ensure staff availability and allows us to provide the best possible match-making experience.

We are closed to the public on New Year’s Day, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Father's Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.

CONTACT

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The Naperville Area Humane Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit limited admission animal shelter for dog and cat adoption, foster care, and owner surrenders serving the western suburbs of Chicago, Illinois and beyond.

© 2026 Naperville Area Humane Society. All rights reserved.

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