21800 Central Avenue, Matteson, IL 60443


Phone: 708-755-7387

21800 Central Avenue, Matteson, IL 60443


Phone: 708-755-7387

ABOUT US

Creating a better world for pets and the people who love them.

The South Suburban Humane Society (SSHS) incorporated in 1970 as a small group of volunteers who brought homeless pets into their homes and worked to find them permanent homes. From those humble origins, we grew to a 501c3 nonprofit organization operating a 19,000 square foot animal resource campus in Matteson, IL that takes in more than 4,000 pets annually, a Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic, a Low-Cost Veterinary Services Clinic, and a variety of far-reaching community services. The SSHS annually impacts 20,000 pets and the people who love them through these programs.  

Our Team

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Tracy Elliott

Interim CEO

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Megan Rola-Podczaski, CVT

Chief Operating Officer

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Alicia Peterson

Director of Shelter Operations

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Kristina Madere

Business Manager

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Kathleen Pazanin

Director of Volunteer Programs

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Christine Mieszczak

Spay/Neuter Clinic Manager

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Isabelle Pavesich

Low-Cost Vet Clinic Manager

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Amanda Litviak

Director of Animal Placement Services

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Mika Carten

Community Engagement Director

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Alena Santangelo

Intake Director

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Stacey Carnithan

Cat Outcome Coordinator

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Serenity Carrasco

Dog Outcome Coordinator

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Maria Martinez

Foster Coordinator

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Tatiana Gavina

Cat Care Coordinator

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Jeremy Manthey

Social Media Coordinator

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Alondra Sanchez

Pet Resource Coordinator

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Jack Aguilar

Volunteer Coordinator

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Dr. Sabina Amen

Shelter & Spay/Neuter Veterinarian


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Dr. Andrea Reese

Spay/Neuter Veterinarian


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Dr. Ward Phillips

Low-Cost Clinic Medical Director


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Dr. Charles Raser

Low-Cost Clinic Veterinarian


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Dr. Lisa Quinn

Low-Cost Clinic Veterinarian


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Arlene Steinmetz

Resale Shop Manager

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Michelle Butler

Resale Shop Assistant Manager

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* A shelter’s Live Release Rate is the number of live outcomes divided by the number of total outcomes. At SSHS, we exclude Owner Intended Euthanasia from that total as it is a low-cost service we provide by appointment only to community members who could not otherwise afford humane euthanasia for their beloved pet. SSHS gives every pet in our care the time and resources available to ensure a live outcome. However, because we accept every pet brought to us through our animal control and police department contracts and we accept owner surrendered pets by managed admissions in various stages of health from neonatal kittens to seniors, a very small percentage of the pets in our care pass away or are humanely euthanized to end suffering or to ensure the safety of our communities. In 2019: 18 pets were euthanized due to age-related reasons; 42 were euthanized due to severe aggression to other animals and/or people; 4 were feral cats who would not thrive in our Barn Cat Program; 127 were sick with an untreatable disease. A full accounting of each intake and outcome category can be found by clicking here: Shelter Animals Count 2019 Report

Publications & Reports

Below, you will find South Suburban Humane Society's Annual Report, a copy of the 501(c)3 Tax Letter (Proof of Tax-Exempt Status), a copy of our most recent 990 Tax Form as well as our Diversity Equity Belonging and Inclusion Policy.SSHS is committed to transparency and non-profit best practices.SSHS is committed to creating an environment that is diverse, inclusive, equitable and fosters belonging. A place where all staff, volunteers, fosters, community members, donors, clients, and board members are treated with respect and dignity.

FY 2023 Report

501(c)3 Certification

990 Form

Diversity Equity Belonging and Inclusion Policy