About Red Collar Rescue & Recovery

A proud third-generation Arizonan, she possesses a profound affection for the vibrant Southwest. Growing up in Sonoita, AZ, significantly influenced her, as she wholeheartedly embraced the rural lifestyle and the strong community bonds it nurtured. After earning her degree in Pennsylvania, she returned to Arizona with her family, yearning for a more laid-back lifestyle while focusing on raising her children.  An enthusiastic golfer, Mechelle takes great pride in her eldest son’s pursuit of collegiate golf, while her youngest daughter flourishes as a spirited entrepreneur and animal lover.  Mechelle also had the privilege of serving as the inaugural Team Leader for HARTT (Humane Animal Rescue & Trapping Team) in Pima County for a year and a half.  With an impressive insurance career that spans over 26 years and is still ongoing, Mechelle is also a passionate Real Estate Professional.  Alongside her husband, she enjoys the company of their three charming dogs: Tucker, Buddy, and Winnie.

Deb Ferns is a retired meeting planner, who is also an author and founder of the Women’s Outdoor Media Association. She is also the president of the Wild Horse Fire Brigade, a 501c3 charity foundation fighting to save America’s wild horses from extinction! Living near Sahuarita, Arizona, Deb is an avid hiker and always has her two rescue dogs in tow (Mingus/Mastador and Maisie/Plott Hound.) Both dogs and horses have played a huge role in Deb’s life for decades!

Penny has loved all living creatures since she was a child, often hiding pet frogs or lizards under her bed. Unable to have a dog, due to her asthma, she had a pet Spider

Monkey, much to her mother’s dismay.

Since moving to Arizona, Penny has volunteered with the Arizona Animal Welfare League. She has also been involved with Pet Partners, Gabriel’s Angels, and Kiernan”s

Kindness with her beloved Pet Therapy dog, Tinkerbell, helping children with disabilities, working with students to improve their reading skills, and volunteering with the Girl Scouts. She has rescued many dogs over the years, and loves to share stories about some of the very unique rescues she has been a part of. Each animal that has come into Penny’s life leaves and indelible place in her heart.

Sharon A Schaum is a dedicated and accomplished professional with over 30 years’ experience in both the Aerospace and Defense industry and the Financial Banking industry.

Sharon is currently at Raytheon within the Supply Chain Management organization and is currently an International Supplier Development and Performance Manager. 

Sharon also has a proven track record of success with various leadership positions throughout her banking tenure, including Vice President of Retail Banking at Bank of America, NT & SA, and Assistant Branch Manager at Pima Savings & Loan. She has also been an Adjunct Faculty member at Pima Community College and the University of Phoenix facilitating both College Algebra and Leadership courses. Over the years, she has been actively involved with various animal organizations to include People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Voices for Animals, and Supporting and Promoting Ethics in the Animal Kingdom (SPEAK) (Board Member). She is also an appointed Board of Director for Hughes Federal Credit Union.

Sharon is continuing her education towards a PhD in Organizational Leadership (currently ABD). She holds a Master of Business Administration in Organizational Management from Capella University, a Master of Business Administration in Global Management from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix.