REACT AZ was formed in 2018 to support the residents of Maricopa County, Arizona and their pets. Our mission is to provide resources, pet education, veterinary medical care and low-cost sterilization to our community. Focusing on the highest intake zip codes in Phoenix, by providing low-cost spay and neuter, makes the largest impact. In addition, we offer owner support, resources, and education while building relationships in our community. As we grow, our goal is to expand our surgery services to further support owners and keep pets with their families.
Founders
Heather and Christina met in late 2014, both serving as volunteers for a local animal welfare organization. As their friendship grew, they quickly realized they shared a passion for helping not only animals, but the people and families within their community. They continued to volunteer with many different organizations, and as they gained experience, one thing was clear, there was still a growing need that exceeded current resources.
Maricopa County shelters are some of the highest open intake community shelters in the U.S. With this knowledge, they realized that you must start at the forefront of the problem, before the animals reach the shelters.
REACT AZ was founded on the idea that if you can assist families in need with low-cost sterilization, assistance for unforeseen veterinary expenses and education, that you will decrease pet overpopulation and owner surrenders to our community shelters.
Board of Directors
Dr. Christina Grant is a native of California. She graduated from Alabama A & M University in 2004 with a B.S. in Animal Science and minor in Chemistry. She graduated Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. Christina completed a rotating internship at the Veterinary Specialty Center in Tucson from 2009-2010 and went on to complete a surgical internship at the Phoenix Referral and Specialty Center from 2010-2011. She currently works at VETMED Specialty Referral and 24 Hour Emergency Care Veterinary Hospital, here in Phoenix as an associate emergency veterinarian.
She lives with her three dogs, Pilot, Posey and Leila. When not working, Christina enjoys the outdoors, sporting and music events, and spending time with family and friends. She has volunteered with Gabriel's Angels in the past with several of her dogs as pet assistance therapy teams. She also volunteers with the community shelters in Phoenix. Her professional and personal background have led her to cofound REACT AZ.
Heather Brendle lives in Phoenix with her husband and two dogs. She has been active in animal welfare since moving to Arizona in 2009, and has volunteered with several organizations during that time. Education and doing therapy work is a huge part of her personal mission. She has been lucky enough to work with several organizations that have allowed her to do that work over the years. Daisy, now at the Rainbow Bridge, worked by her side with children assisting behavioral and emotional issues until she retired in 2017.
Heather is deeply committed to assisting the community with their animals and keeping families together. Working as a volunteer in the community shelters has shown her that there is a large need for shelter intervention. Thankfully, she has the unique opportunity to provide some of that assistance through REACT AZ.
In her personal time, Heather enjoys attending dog sport competitions with her Rottweiler, Thiago. She and her husband also have an English Bulldog, Tater. She loves spending time with her husband and friends.
Kelley Bohlen has been involved with some of the best animal shelters, sanctuaries, foster, rescue and adoption groups. When the opportunity to make a huge impact for our community came along through REACT AZ, she knew this had to be her mission. She is super excited to make a difference through this organization. The best word-she is honored!
She has always had a great love for animals, dogs, cats, birds, horses, crawly creatures to name a few. Then there was Mack, a Maricopa County shelter dog, he stole her heart and introduced her to a great group of people. Without Mack coming into her life many things would have been so different. He introduced Kelley to the best people, people who have become great friends. This gave her more opportunities to serve animals for the greater good. She now looks at Mack as her angel.
When Kelley is not working with animals, she can be found outdoors hiking, playing in her garden, exploring and appreciating the beauty that surrounds us everyday. Kelley’s husband Bart and her precious pups, Jackson and Warren are generally by her side exploring the amazing Sonoran Desert they are blessed to live in. Other interests include cooking, continued learning, friends and down time with her family.
