Meet Our Team

Elaine Greene

Executive Director

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Elaine Greene, Executive Director, has been with the Friends since July 1996, when Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter took over the operation of the shelter for the City of Dearborn. She worked for Michigan Humane Society for 22 years before coming to the Dearborn shelter. Elaine is also a licensed veterinary technician, which in layman terms is an animal nurse. As executive director she oversees all shelter operations and activities. Elaine, along with her husband, Michael, four dogs, two cats, and the occasional foster pet, enjoy their home in Dearborn.

Heather Mehi

Shelter Manager

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Heather Mehi, Shelter Manager, started her animal career working as a grooming and veterinary assistant with an area veterinary clinic. After a few months, she realized that animals were her passion and took a job with Huron Valley Humane Society, then Michigan Humane Society. Heather came with Elaine to the Dearborn Animal Shelter in July 1996 and has been integral to the organization’s growth and success. Heather shares her home with her partner, Anna, her dogs, cats, and a parrot.

Kelle Sisung

Development Director

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Kelle Sisung, Development Director, began her career with the shelter as a volunteer in 2001. She became our Director of Volunteers and since 2005, our Development Director. The development director is responsible for overseeing the annual fund, which includes events, grants, and appeals. Kelle has a bachelor’s degree in English and social science and a Master’s in English. She also has a Certificate in Fund-raising Management from Indiana University’s Center on Philanthropy, and is a member of the Association of Fund-raising Professionals. Kelle lives with her husband, Ed, two dogs, and four cats.

Andrea Kuentz

Assistant Development Director

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Andrea has been with FFDAS since September 2010 in the role of Community Outreach Director. Since May, as the Development Assistant, she brings her experience in coordinating special events, working on grants, and fundraising with local charities. Andrea earned a BA in Communications at the University of Michigan. As the Assistant Development Director, her responsibilities include working closely with the Development Director, donors and volunteers on fundraising initiatives, including grant writing and third party events. She shares her home with her two children, husband Michael and cat Oscar.

Linda Thomas

Trainer & Behavior Evaluator

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Linda has an associate’s of science for veterinary technology. She became a certified pet dog trainer through the Association of Pet Dog Trainers in 2003. She has written numerous papers and provided in-depth presentations for feline/canine behavior for the Southeastern Veterinary Medical Association. Linda is a lifetime member of North American Veterinary Technician Association, Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians, and Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Linda has two dogs and one cat.

Tracy Balazy

Volunteer Coordinator

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Tracy is responsible for orientations, recruitment, and retention of volunteers. She earned an associate’s degree in journalism at Ferris State University and spent most of her career in that field, along with a three-year stint as a kennel attendant for the Michigan Humane Society. Tracy volunteered at the Dearborn Animal Shelter for several years before joining the staff. She shares her Dearborn home with her husband, Chris, five cats, two dogs and a rotating cast of foster kittens.