We believe every animal, regardless of age, condition, or history, deserves a full and joyful life — and that sanctuary models can be built responsibly, sustainably, and with intention.
Our KIND core values shape everything we do. Kindness for all, through universal empathy and compassion. Idealism is grounded in the belief that we achieve more together.
Sedona is recognized worldwide as a destination for human healing and transformation. Whisker Mountain is bringing that same philosophy to animals — creating the first sanctuary of its kind and setting a new standard for holistic animal care.
Origin Story
The Whisker Mountain story began when the Koller family relocated to a neighborhood home to dozens of community cats, cared for by a dedicated network of local caretakers. Their youngest daughter, Ariana, and her older sister, Eleanore rescued five kittens from a brush pile — a moment that sparked the family’s rescue journey.
What followed was a growing alliance of passionate individuals — veterinarians, family, community members, caregivers, and the local animal shelter — who collectively TNVR’d hundreds of cats and fostered hundreds of kittens. When a nearby animal hoarder needed help managing hundreds of cats, the team mobilized and responded, solidifying their shared mission: “We serve animals shelters turn away.” This grassroots effort evolved into the organization known today as Whisker Mountain Animal Rescue.
Whisker Mountain Board Members
Katina Koller, President
Katina Koller is a servant leader, entrepreneur, and lifelong animal welfare advocate. As former Chairwoman, CEO, and owner of an INC 5000 company recognized for two consecutive years as one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in America, she brings deep operational expertise and a track record of building high-performing organizations aligned with culture, values, and vision. A Professional EOS Implementer and Vistage Chair, her board service includes Park County Animal Shelter, Literacy Connects, Youth On Their Own, and StartUp Tucson.
Greg Chambers, Treasurer
Greg Chambers is a former Silicon Valley technology executive with 35 years of senior management experience at companies including Logitech, Fujitsu, and Acer, spanning global marketing, logistics, mergers and acquisitions, and multi-million-dollar budget management. He holds a BS from Cal Poly State University and a Master’s degree from the University of Southern California, and has served on the boards of Cross Creek Ranch, Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley Winegrowers Association, GC Hopkins Wine and Spirits, and S3 logistics technology.
Board Emeritus Members
Shelby Clark Zepeda
Shelby Clark Zepeda is a seasoned human capital leader with more than 25 years of experience driving organizational success through talent strategy, leadership development, and cultural transformation. As Chief People Officer at Aligned Data Centers, she aligns global workforce strategy with business objectives. Her board service includes Hunger Busters and the St. Louis chapter of Swim Across America.
Manuel Zepeda, Board Member
Manuel Zepeda is a seasoned global executive with over three decades of experience in business transformation, operational scaling, and international expansion in technology and telecommunications. As CEO of Spirent Communications China and Division President at Amdocs, he delivered significant revenue growth and led large-scale global teams. He is a HITEC 50 honoree with nonprofit board experience through United Way.
Advisory Board Members
Dr. Amy DeFries, Veterinarian
Dr. Amy DeFries is a veterinarian with more than 30 years of clinical, community, and shelter‑medicine experience in the Cody, Wyoming region. Her work spans private practice, rural veterinary support, and hands-on care for shelter animals with complex medical needs.
As the owner of DeFries Veterinary Services LLC and a provider of in‑home end‑of‑life care through Kind Crossings, she brings medical expertise, ethical clarity, and deep compassion. Her insight into rural veterinary challenges and shelter operations strengthens Whisker Mountain’s strategy to expand individualized care models and build cross‑regional partnerships.
Volunteers
Nancy Chambers, Volunteer
During Nancy’s childhood in Guam, she frequently brought home stray animals, including dogs, cats, turtles, rabbits, and even a rooster with one eye. Her mother accepted this without issue. Nancy’s interest and dedication to animals is the reason for her desire to start and be a part of Whisker Mountain.
Her background took her from Silicon Valley’s high-tech industry, to establishing a winery and learning the process of wine production in Healdsburg with her husband Greg. Having over 30 Spanish goats on the property, along with barn cats and their Border Collie Kiva.
Starting Whisker Mountain sanctuary is Nancy’s lifelong dream to help save animals that have been abandoned and neglected through no fault of their own. A place where they will receive the love, attention, and care to thrive.
Sharon Penchina, Volunteer
A lifelong animal lover, Sharon has cared for a variety of pets and now volunteers at the Humane Society of Sedona, using social media to help homeless dogs find homes.
Before moving to Sedona, she was Director of Sales/Marketing at a multi-office insurance firm and previously owned a successful jewelry store in New York. She’s also the author of an award-winning children’s book series and now spends time pursuing her passions—animal advocacy and pottery.
Her superpower is making connections and thinking outside the box.