About Us - Pennington County Humane Society

Pennington County Humane Society was born in 1997 from a deep love for animals and a desire to give back to our community. Founded by a group of passionate individuals who recognized the urgent need for a safe space for homeless, abused, and unwanted animals, our shelter has become a beacon of hope in Thief River Falls, MN. We understand that every animal has a story, and we are dedicated to providing them with the care, love, and support they need to find their forever homes. Our experienced team works tirelessly to ensure the well-being of each pet that comes through our doors, offering adoption services, volunteer opportunities, and community outreach programs. It’s our belief that through education and compassion, we can create a brighter future for animals in need, and we invite you to join us in this mission.

Meet our team

Behind every service we provide is a dedicated team of animal‑welfare professionals who bring compassion, skill, and heart to our mission. Each member of our team contributes unique expertise; from daily animal care and medical support to community outreach, education, and shelter operations.

We believe that transparency, trust, and collaboration build long‑lasting partnerships, and those values guide how we work with animals, adopters, volunteers, and our community. Our team shows up every day with a shared purpose: to help animals, support families, and strengthen humane care across our region.

As a small rural shelter, every role matters. Whether it’s cleaning kennels, administering vaccines, greeting adopters, coordinating transports, or comforting an animal in crisis, our team works together to ensure every animal receives the respect, safety, and love they deserve.

We are proud of the people who make Pennington County Humane Society what it is — a place of hope, healing, and second chances.

Pam Stengrim

Director of Operations 

Ryan Stengrim

Kennel Tech / transport

Chloe Solheim

Vet Tech

Jess Myhre 

Assistant Manager 

Darla Hemmestvedt

Kennel Tech

Chloe Myhre

Sub

Abilene Mosher

Kennel Tech

Nikolai Ireland 

Med Intake, Floater Lead

McKenna Johnson

Adoption Counselor 

Michael Teubner

Kennel Tech and Software Engineer 

Amber Frame

Sub

Yami Acosta

Kennel Tech

Board of Directors

Our shelter is licensed by the MN Board of Animal Health (MN 139638). We are inspected annually.​The concerns, direction, and management of the affairs of Pennington County Humane Society are overseen by the board of directors.
Only members of Pennington County Humane Society are eligible for election as directors. Any member elected as a director who is under the age of 18 will not have voting privileges. No person who derives his or her livelihood or any significant income from the purchase, sale, use, care, or commercial exploitation of animals; and no person convicted of cruelty to animals or who engages or has engaged in blood sports involving animals may be a director.
The members of the board of directors are elected at annual meetings by the members of Pennington County Humane Society and serve for terms of three years each. The board of directors is composed of not fewer than five nor more than nine members. The board of directors has the power to add to their number such additional members as necessary to increase their number to 9. At any time when the number of directors in the office is fewer than five, the directors remaining in office will add to their number until there are no fewer than five directors in office, but no act of Pennington County Humane Society will be void at any time merely because there are fewer than five directors in office.​In case any director ceases to be a director during his or her term, his or her successor will be chosen by the board to serve until the next annual meeting of the members. At such a meeting, the members will elect a director to fill the unexpired term.

Meet our team

Sheila Johnson

President

Nathan Haase

Vice President

Jan Roisland

Treasurer 

Emily Tangen 

Director 

Beth Nelson

Director

Mari Kennedy 

Director

Meet our team

Trapper H Van Engelenburg

Director

Director

Pam Stengrim

 Director/Operations

Get Involved Today!

Whether you're looking to adopt, volunteer, or simply want to learn more about our programs, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us today!