About Us & Our Purpose

Mission

Pause Animal Wellness Sanctuary (PAWS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit in Colorado, dedicated to rescuing animals while creating mutual healing spaces for animals and the humans who care for them through education, heart-centered practices, and sanctuary experiences.

PAWS exists to rescue animals from otherwise uncertain futures and to help them find homes and environments that truly support their nervous systems, well-being, and long-term stability. Whether they remain with us for the length of their lives or are temporarily housed until we have found them their perfect forever home.

PAWS is more than a sanctuary for animals; it is a space for healing, connection, and learning for humans as well. We believe in heart-centered living and meditation as tools to cultivate compassion, deepen understanding, and strengthen bonds with our animal companions. As we work toward securing land and expanding our capacity to rescue and care for animals, we are laying the foundation for a future where both animals and humans can heal, grow, and thrive together.

Phases of Growth
Ways to Support

Our Story

PAWS was founded in honor of Tobias, a beloved four-legged furry friend, whose love and loyalty inspired a vision for a sanctuary where animals and humans alike can find healing and connection. Tobias’s memory serves as the guiding light for our mission: to save lives, nurture bonds, and create a compassionate future for all creatures.​

The vision for PAWS is to be a sanctuary, a safe space for reconnection between humans, animals, nature, and the heart. Through education, contemplative practices, and shared experiences, we create mutual healing and understanding.

Grounded in compassion and supported by science, we embrace heart coherence and meditation as powerful tools for wellness, creating a ripple effect of healing that extends beyond the sanctuary.

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Meet the Team

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Khadijih Mitchell

Founder & Board of Director Executive Director

Khadijih Mitchell has been an entrepreneur in the wellness space since 2021. In addition to her role with PAWS, she is also a sole proprietor doing business as SoulJourney Wellness. Khadijih is passionate about human and animal welfare and advocates for nonviolent, compassionate ways of interacting with and rehabilitating animals. She integrates science, spirituality, and animal psychology to help create a space where animals and people can heal, connect, and thrive.

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Hannah Rich

Co Founder & Board of Director Vice President

Hannah has a background in physics, astronomy, and holistic care, receiving both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in Physics. She is a creative and authentic leader with a deep passion for animal welfare, animal psychology, and holistic wellness. With a wide range of knowledge across multiple disciplines, Hannah combines her scientific expertise with a heart-centered approach to support the well-being of animals through compassionate care and ethical practices.

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Natalie Gould

Co Founder & Board of Directors Secretary

Natalie is a dedicated animal lover and advocate for creating supportive, compassionate communities. With a background in special education and human connection, she is committed to fostering inclusive environments where all individuals, human and animal, can thrive. A proud mother and avid baker, Natalie values nurturing body and spirit. Growing up with pets, including fosters, she now shares her home with two golden retrievers, fueling her dedication to promoting wellness through mindfulness and heart-cohesion for animals and people.

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Ruby Barresi

Ruby brings a proven track record in digital marketing and e-commerce, having led growth for brands like Magnetic Me and Riva Precision Jewelry. She uses her skills to help PAWS connect with more hearts (and paws) through thoughtful online engagement. At home, Ruby shares life with Spark, a spirited five-year-old Boston Terrier–Chihuahua mix, who reminds her daily why this work matters.

Professional Marketing Consultant

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Jolene Seville

Strategic Outreach Coordinator Volunteer

Jolene is a dedicated animal advocate and storyteller with a passion for building connections between people and animals. With over a decade of experience in the pet industry spanning nutrition, enrichment, behavior, and brand development, she brings deep knowledge and heart to everything she does. Combining her background in canine wellness with her skills in digital marketing, she fosters partnerships and community support that create meaningful change. A lifelong dog mom and lover of the outdoors, Jolene is committed to creating spaces where healing, education, and connection can thrive for both animals and people.

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Victor Gonzalez

Victor is a marketing professional with a passion for creating engaging campaigns and telling stories that connect with people. He loves blending strategy and creativity to bring ideas to life, turning concepts into content that resonates and inspires. Outside of marketing, Victor enjoys photography, hiking, and exploring new places, always looking for fresh perspectives and creative sparks. He’s inspired by the stories people carry and believes every interaction is an opportunity to learn something new.

Marketing & Social Media Volunteer

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Tiffany Shimizu

Tiffany has a masters degree in marketing with a specialization in marketing intelligence and strategy. She possesses a profound passion for creative storytelling and event marketing, complemented by a strong background in animal care and welfare. Tiffany is a Colorado native who loves to travel, hike and spend time with her husband, three kids and two fur babies. She is enthusiastic about contributing to this mission of a secure environment where animals and humans can engage in meaningful interactions, fostering healing and mutual learning.

Engagement & Marketing Volunteer

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Nellie Lozoya

Nellie is a visionary creative with a passion for global change. She is planning to pursue a degree in Fine Arts and Entrepreneurial Business, blending her artistic talents with strategic thinking to make a meaningful impact. A lifelong animal lover, Nellie is dedicated to supporting ethical and sustainable initiatives that promote the well-being of animals and the planet.

Creative Brand Strategist

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Orion Lozoya

Orion is a creative artist who enjoys spending time with his furry companions and has a passion for making music, upcycling clothing, and skateboarding. Orion contributes to PAWS by helping care for the animals and supporting the early stages of the sanctuary’s development.

Daily Operations Volunteer

Partner With Us

 Heartfelt Answers

  • PAWS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals while creating spaces for mutual healing between humans and animals through education, compassion, and heart-centered practices.

  • We are currently searching for a permanent property and working toward becoming fully operational. While we are in the early stages of development, we are laying the foundation through planning, partnerships, education, and community-building. You can find out more on our Phases of Growth page.

  • PAWS is a sanctuary where animals may be housed indefinitely and also adopted out. Over time, we will also include additional rescue aspects, such as foster homes. Alongside animal care, we emphasize heart-centered living, mindfulness, and education to foster deeper, more compassionate connections between humans and animals.

  • You can support PAWS by donating, sharing our mission, joining our mailing list, or reaching out to explore partnerships and future involvement opportunities. You can find out more on our Ways to Support Page.

  • We are not currently taking on new team members. However, as we expand, we will be looking for additional volunteers and general staff. The best way to stay up to date on open positions is to subscribe to our mailing list. You can also email info@pausesanctuary.org if you have any questions.

Ways to Support

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