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!