Stephanie Rodrigo began her career in the animal welfare field after a brief experience in the culinary industry led her to apply for a position at her local shelter. Over the course of two years, she cared for hundreds of dogs, cats, and exotic animals, before advancing into a supervisor role. During her six years supervising shelter operations, she developed a deep understanding of the critical role that cleanliness, communication, and enrichment play in supporting the mental and physical well-being of animals in care.
After the birth of her son, Stephanie took time away to focus on her family before returning to her true calling in animal welfare. She joined Hearts Alive Village in a part-time role, which quickly grew into full-time, then into leadership, and eventually into her current position as Welfare Supervisor. Over the past four years at HAV, she has worked closely with fosters and adopters to place countless dogs in loving temporary and permanent homes. Today, she leads a dedicated team at The ReTreat, ensuring dogs receive daily enrichment, training, medication, and playgroups while they await their forever families.
