About Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter
Arizona's first no-kill animal shelter, The Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter and Sanctuary has been a refuge for at-risk cats and kittens since 1965. Since 2015, over 700 cats and kittens were transferred to us from municipal shelters where they may have been unnecessarily euthanized. We are both an adoption facility and a long-term sanctuary. We will work for animal welfare and protection, advocating a no-kill philosophy, until it is the standard across the nation.
To advocate for the welfare of cats by being a model cage-free sanctuary and no-kill shelter.
Our history ...
Founded as the Arizona Animal Anti-Cruelty League by Sister Theresa Seraphim, a Russian Orthodox nun from England. Sister Seraphim moved to Tucson in 1969 and lived at this location until she passed away in 1990. During her tenure at The Hermitage, Sister Seraphim rescued not only cats, but chickens, guinea hens, peacocks, a handful of dogs, and a donkey.
In 2013, through the American Sanctuary Association, our cage-free shelter became an accredited sanctuary. We remain the only accredited cat sanctuary in Arizona.
In October of 2017, we moved into our expanded 9000 sq-ft, cage-free shelter. Here we house 200+ cats at any given time and rescue about 700 cats annually. With the addition of our medical suite, The Hermitage can provide state-of-the-art care for our cats including spay/neuter surgeries; dental procedures; laser treatments to assist in recovery; and more. Every cat is given a full exam every six months, allowing us to take a preventative approach to their care. Our in-house X-ray equipment allows us to diagnose many conditions without costly visits to outside veterinarians. This care is especially essential for our cats with special needs, such as FIV, FeLV, diabetes, or other chronic issues. Our ability to provide this comprehensive care in-house greatly reduces the stress on the cats, reduces our costs, and improves the cats overall well-being.
No-Kill Philosophy...
At the Hermitage, we adhere to the principle of No-Kill in that no cat in our care will ever be euthanized to make room for another, nor will any cat in our care ever be destroyed except in cases of terminal and painful illness or when compassion demands it because there is no reasonable alternative.
Who We Are
Our Team
Volunteer Coordinator
Tom was born and raised in Tucson. He shared his crib with cats and they have been part of his family ever since. He graduated from and worked as a biologist at the U of A, retired from Pima County, and worked on the Safety Team at TMC. He started volunteering at The Hermitage in early 2021, until he was lucky enough to become an employee in Oct. 2022. He is the proud father of two Hermitage cats, one Humane Society cat, and a stray terrier.
Emma Crawford
Donor Relations & Program Coordinator
Emma moved to Arizona after a life-long gallivant across the country and throughout Europe; she was a writer and political scientist in her "previous life". She started volunteering as a foster parent for The Hermitage in early 2013. Employment followed shortly thereafter, and she's been here ever since. She's had everything from a dairy cow and a large sow, to goats, to dogs, fish, rabbits, and of course cats as pets in her life, but is currently only owned by cats.
Cat and Facility Sanitation Specialist
Emma has worked at the Hermitage for a little over two years. She has spent a majority of her working life around animals because she finds peace and happiness with them.
Veterinary Assistant
Candace started at the Hermitage as a volunteer hoping to get some cat handling experience for school. She found more than experience; she found a purpose. Advocating for the animals who don't have owners. Seeing a cat come in scared and watching them blossom, teaching them that people can be good, every day is a blessing.
Erica Giles
Shelter Veterinarian
Dr. Giles is an Ohio native but has called Tucson home for 4 years. She’s been active in the shelter world since she was in high school. Her passions are low stress feline care and exotic pet medicine. Her love for cats and shelter medicine led her to Hermitage, where she gets to cuddle and cure the many cats that call Hermitage home. During her time out of the clinic, she spends time with her mini zoo (cats, dogs, ferrets, a hedgehog, birds, and reptiles) and exploring the outdoors.
Veterinary Assistant
Angie grew up in Las Cruces, NM and has always had a love for animals, dreaming about being in the vet field since she was a little girl. She moved to Tucson in 2019 for better opportunities and started school at Pima Medical Institute (PMI) in 2020. For her externship she was placed at The Hermitage. She felt blessed when she was offered a position to actually work here. Every day she learns something new and every day, she believes we make a difference in the world of cats. When not working, Angie likes to spend time with her amazing one-year old daughter (and her 5 cats, 2 dogs and 2 reptiles)!
Adoptions and Foster Assistant
Annette moved to Arizona in July of 2020 to be near her daughter and family. She joined the Hermitage team as a volunteer in the Fall of that same year. Before moving to Arizona, Annette founded and co-owned River Kitty Cat Cafe in Evansville, Indiana which today has placed over 1,000 cat adoptions. Her love and care of cats has been a passion since childhood. Annette is honored to be part of the Hermitage family as both staff and volunteer. She lives with her husband and three felines and is a very proud grandmother.
Nancie Hubbard
Certified Vet Technician AND Accounts
Nancie grew up in Tucson. She has always loved animals, and originally wanted to be a veterinarian. In 2004, she graduated from Pima Community College AAS Veterinary Technician program, and passed national and state boards that same year. Nancie worked in a small animal general practice for eight years and then at Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson in Internal Medicine for seven years before joining the Hermitage team. When she is not working, her hobbies include cooking, reading, spending time with her two kids, and adopting cats (Nancie has adopted a few of her cats from The Hermitage!).
Veterinary Assistant
Jerrett was born and raised in Tucson. He came to the Hermitage as an extern from Pima Medical Institute (PMI). Going to PMI was not easy and probably one of the most difficult things he's done after high school. Jerrett doesn't feel like he's the greatest with books but if he can get his hands on what he needs to do he will overcome. He's come to realize one of the hardest things being in the vet field is always pushing himself to become the vet assistant he dreams of being. He is always seeking out new challenges and working on improving his skills. He credits both his family and CVT's for their help. His family supported him in so many ways and his CVT’s showed him the ropes and are always working with him to improve his skills. He has fostered for the Hermitage many times and 3 of those fosters stayed with him as my companions. During his free time, he likes to watch anime with his cats or play games with family or friends.
Foster and Intake Coordinator
Michelle was born and raised in east Tucson. She graduated with her Vet Assistant Cert. from PMI in 2008. She has spent time at several different clinics and rescues. Kittens have always found her; she has lost count of the amount of bottle babies she has raised over the years. She decided to return to fostering at The Hermitage when she moved back to this side of town a few years ago. This is when she claimed by two red tabbies, Talkeetna and Yogi Bear. When the position for
Foster and Intake Coordinator opened up, it was a no brainer for her; this was her calling. Michelle is also kept by a 10 year old rescue Australian shepherd and ten chickens.
Victoria Martel
Social Media Specialist
Check back soon!
Tiffany Naylor
Medical Supervisor, Certified Vet Technician
Tiffany moved to Tucson in September of 2001. She then retired after 20 years in the Air Force in January 2015. In 2017, Tiffany graduated from Pima Medical Institute as a Certified Veterinary Technician. She worked at Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson in Internal Medicine from 2017-2018, and taught the Veterinary Assistant Program at Pima Medical Institute from 2018-2021. Tiffany has adopted 6 cats from the Hermitage (soon to be 7!). In total she has 10 (soon to be 11) cats, 6 dogs, 5 goats, 8 tortoises and 16 chickens. "Even as a child, I was finding stray animals and bringing them home to care for," Tiffany says. In her free time, Tiffany enjoys pet sitting, geocaching, off-roading.
Amber Nix
Shelter Manager
Amber joined the Hermitage staff in August of 2017. She was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona and began working full time at the age of 18. Amber lived in Arizona until the age of 25 when she moved to Ketchikan, Alaska and started her family. Amber has worked for non-profits in education and medical and is excited to now be working in the animal welfare sector. Amber states, “I am thankful to wake up and go to a job I can feel good about doing every day. I know my effort at the shelter impacts and improves the lives of the kitties and it is an awesome way to earn a living!”
Cat and Facility Sanitation
Dave is a former welder fabricator who relocated to Tucson in 2020. Growing up, Dave always cared for the family cats. Dubbed 'cat whisperer' by friends and family Dave finds caring for the Hermitage cats therapeutic. Dave and his wife recently lost their 21- year-old cat Sebastian and hope to adopt soon. Dave is very grateful to work with such amazing group of cats and cat people.
Veterinary Assistant
Andrea grew up in Rio Rico, AZ. She has a passion for both art and animals and couldn’t decide which one to pursue after high school. Initially moving to Tucson to pursue a career in graphic design, she quickly realized she wanted to work with animals. While attending Pima Medical Institute (PMI), she interned at The Hermitage and became determined to work here. She is happy and grateful to be here making a difference in the lives of cats. (From a shelter perspective, we are glad she’s here too!)
Diane Siefkes
Development and Communications Coordinator
Diane is a recent Tucson transplant – she came for the weather and fell in love with the whole vibe! She has decades of experience in communications and working with businesses. After working for profit businesses for many years, she wanted to work somewhere with a larger purpose. She found it at the Hermitage! If you’d like to talk about how you can help extend the mission at the shelter & sanctuary, or if you have any suggestions for must-see things to do in Tucson, please give her a call.
Holly Simon
Adoptions Coordinator
Holly joined The Hermitage staff in January 2019 as a Cat & Facility Sanitation worker before moving into her current position as Adoptions Coordinator. She has volunteered and worked for numerous animal welfare agencies in a variety of positions. Holly is a Veteran who worked as a correctional officer and sergeant for over 10 years. She was just one of a small number of females selected to be a Class Sergeant, leading cadets from their first day at the academy to graduation day, seven weeks later. Holly currently has four cats and two dogs…all are rescue pets.
Kennel Tech. and Administrative Assistant
Cara is from southeast Idaho and has been living in Tucson since 2006. She's worked in landscaping, retail, and as a pastry chef at Beyond Bread. Although those jobs were great, Cara found nothing more rewarding than working with cats. It gives her the chance to love the unwanted and save lives, while helping to control the cat overpopulation. She has 2 sons living and one who passed, as well as 4 cats and a dog at home. At work, she enjoys making sure the cats have a clean place to live while waiting for their forever home. During her "off" time, she enjoys movies, tv and music.
Board of Directors
Captain Felix
Honorary Feline Director - Feline Relations
Captain Felix lost his battle with several illnesses and crossed the rainbow bridge in December 2022. The Board held a special moment of silence in his honor at the January meeting. We'll keep him listed as an honorary board member until another feline applies for the role. Thank you Captain for being the master of the front desk, keeping all of us in line and focused on our work duties. He enjoyed helping our Adoption Coordinator “work” by sitting on her paperwork, typing up funny emails (lots of ossssspojskjlhf;aelkhrfas because he wasn’t the best at typing), begging for treats, and taking her chair. He was a very chatty boy so he gladly told you all about his day. He wasn’t the strictest of bosses, but miss one feeding time, and we never heard the end of it! You will be missed.
Kate Durfee
Director - Governance (New!)
Kate Durfee has been volunteering with The Hermitage since November 2021 and is excited to give back to The Hermitage by serving on the Board of Directors. A graduate from Arizona State University, Kate works as a legal assistant at a law firm which specializes in estate planning, incorporation and LLC formation. Kate has nearly two years’ experience as a volunteer grant writer for animal care organizations. After moving back to Tucson several years ago, Kate adopted a rescued cat who is a beloved rascal and is so appreciative of The Hermitage for providing a loving forever home for cats who haven't found one through adoption.
Katie Filous
Director - Governance (New!)
Katie Filous Malka became a partner at criminal defense firm Ferguson Hill Filous, PLLC, in Tucson, Arizona in January of 2022. Prior to founding her own firm, Katie was a felony trial attorney and supervisor at the Pima County Public Defender’s Office for four years, where she honed her skills in all types of felony cases. Katie’s reputation for skillful litigation, honesty, and the utmost care in serving her clients brings excellence to her criminal defense practice. She is passionate about advocating for the fair treatment of all people, challenging injustice in all its forms. Katie sees her board service as an extension of that belief. In her spare time, Katie loves spending time with her family, including her son and her 4 dogs, getting outside, cooking, and enjoying all Tucson has to offer.
Katie Foust
Director - Medical Committee
Katie is a Certified Veterinary Technician with a BS in Veterinary Science from the University of Arizona and an AAS in Veterinary Technology from Penn Foster Academy. She was born and raised in Tucson and has worked locally in the veterinary field since 2001. In 2011, she joined Pima Medical Institute and began a career path as a veterinary technician educator. Katie is dedicated to serving animals and spends most of her time volunteering or working with local animal welfare organizations. She is grateful to be a member of The Hermitage’s board of directors and join in their mission to provide sanctuary for at-risk cats.
Sandi Fox
Director - Volunteer Committee and Morale Officer
Sandi was born in Pennsylvania, a 40+ year resident of Tucson, Sandi is a semi-retired Registered Nurse (RN), former Air Force nurse, and teaches Yoga. She adopted a mother cat and her kitten and lives happily with her two cats. Love and concern for animals led her to join the Board of the Hermitage. She now has time to volunteer and work to ensure the safety, sheltering and sanctuary for cats.
Andy Kiel
Treasurer
Andy is currently the President of Optimize Investments Inc, a Tucson based private equity company. Currently treasurer for the Board, Andy became involved with the Hermitage when he adopted Dellyla in 2020. Since then, a few other Hermitage cats have found their way to his home. Obviously, Andy is a cat lover and found the Hermitage mission compelling and he looks forward to helping build their legacy to save even more cats.
Natalie Meier
Vice President
Born and raised in rural Indiana, Natalie came to love and appreciate all of the animals that showed up on her family’s doorstep. Before moving to Tucson in 2015, she worked as a Registered Veterinary Technician in Oncology and Internal Medicine at a specialty center in Indianapolis. Natalie served as Technician Supervisor at the Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson before joining the faculty at Pima Medical Institute in their veterinary programs in 2017 where she now works as Clinical Director. She lives with her husband, their 2 dogs, 5 chickens, and their 5 beloved Hermitage cats: Walter, Peach-Pear, Raimi, Mort, and Newt. She is excited to continue her dedication to advocating for animals that have no voice.
Dr. Kimberly Olson
Director - Medical Committee
Kim was born on Long Island, New York though moved with her family as a child to Jacksonville, Florida. She attained her undergraduate degree, Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine with a certificate in shelter medicine at the University of Florida. Prior to obtaining her degrees, Kim worked for over ten years as a small animal emergency technician and still enjoys emergency and critical care medicine today. During veterinary school, Kim became involved in wildlife rehabilitation, zoo and exotic animal medicine, which remains a passion. Kim also studied and participated in shelter medicine including high quality high volume spay and neuter services, TNR, shelter animal behavior and welfare, and animal cruelty and forensics investigation. Kim is excited to be an advocate for the Tucson feline community. Her four spoiled rescue cats at home cheer her on in the Hermitage mission!
Jean Parker
Board Member
Jean Parker, Ph.D., is on the faculty of Regis University where she teaches in the Global Nonprofit Leadership Program in the School of Business and Economics. She also facilitates courses on economics for the Wilmette Institute in Chicago. She lived and worked as a radio journalist in India for ten years where she became interested in animal welfare. She is a lifelong crazy cat lady.
Cathy Peterson
Interim Secretary
Born and raised on a small dairy farm in Wisconsin, Cathy developed an appreciation and love of animals at a young age. She moved to Arizona in 1999 to pursue her career in healthcare and recently retired as the Chief Financial Officer from the Children’s Clinics. She is the doting mother of two cats and one dog. Retirement has allowed her to expand her love of animals and join the Board of the Hermitage to pursue their mission of advocating for animal rights and ending needless euthanasia of at-risk felines through protection, adoption, and sanctuary.
Kevin Sanders
Director - Volunteer Committee
Kevin has lived in Tucson for the past 2 & a half years. Originally from Long Island, New York, Kevin started volunteering at The Hermitage in the beginning of 2020. He has never been to a shelter like The Hermitage before, and is glad to be a part of their mission. He recently adopted two cats from The Hermitage in March, Churro and Flan.
Linda Updike
Director - Fundraising Committee
Linda (Lazzeroni) Updike is originally from Titusville, PA. She has fostered kittens in Tucson for over 20 years and has wanted to serve on the Hermitage board for much of that time. After living in AZ for over 30 years, Linda moved back to PA in 2016 where she began a new career as an in-house music specialist and hospice chaplain for a large assisted living facility. She and her husband, Alan, married in March of 2020 and moved to the east side of Tucson in May of 2021. Alan is retired from a lengthy career in real estate and auctioneering. Linda is employed at Fairmount Assisted Living as their music specialist/pianist and chaplain. They have 2 rescued cats, Tuxedo and Maggie MAE.
Kristen Vann
Board President
Kristen has lived off and on in Tucson for the last 46 years. She graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree and obtained her master’s through Northern Arizona University. Kristen has volunteered at The Hermitage for almost five years and helps with cleaning tasks and training. Kristen has two grown children and four feline children: Star, Stormy, Charlie, and Wilford. She believes in The Hermitage and is so grateful that such a cat haven exists with such dedicated staff and volunteers.
The Hermitage Board of Directors meets monthly, usually on the fourth Thursday of each month.
Public attendance is welcome.
If you are interested in becoming a Board Member, please fill out our application and give it to one of the current board members, drop it off at The Hermitage, or email it to [email protected]
*Applicants are subject to Board approval.