Lauren joined the DCHS team in 2025 with nearly a decade of experience in supporting community non-profit operations and fundraising. She holds a Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology from the University California, and her first foray into animal welfare—beyond working on farms as a youth—came during her graduate studies, when she worked as a volunteer at the Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary in San Luis Obispo. Lauren and her partner Benjamin moved back to Wisconsin in 2025, and they now live in Madison with their two rescue cats, Pippin and Bella. 

Lauren manages the grant writing program and foundation connections for the shelter. She coordinates stewardship program activities designed to foster stronger donor connections to DCHS and oversees the monthly giving program (Constant Companions) and membership program. She is also the keeper of all our shelter stories. 

(608) 838-0413 ext. 118