About Red Collar Rescue & Recovery
Mechelle Colby RCRR President/Founder
A proud third-generation Arizonian with deep roots in the Southwest, Mechelle’s lifelong love for animals and unwavering commitment to community have guided her personal and professional journey. Raised in the heart of Southern Arizona, she grew up surrounded by the values of compassion and service—principles that now fuel her mission as the dynamic Founder and President of RCRR.
After earning her degree in Pennsylvania, Mechelle returned to her desert home with her family, embracing a slower pace of life to focus on what mattered most: raising her children and reconnecting with her roots. Her heart for animal welfare led her to serve as the inaugural Team Leader for the Tucson division of HARTT (Humane Animal Rescue & Trapping Team), where she played a pivotal role in Pima County for over a year and a half.
Beyond her advocacy, Mechelle brings more than 26 years of excellence to the insurance industry—experience she continues to build on—while also thriving as a dedicated Real Estate Professional. Life at home is rich and rewarding, filled with purpose and personality. Her son is a driven collegiate golfer, and her daughter is a creative young entrepreneur and devoted animal lover following in her mother’s compassionate footsteps.
Together with her husband and their three beloved dogs—Tucker the gentle English Mastiff, Buddy the spirited Lab/Husky mix, and Winnie the feisty little Corgi—Mechelle’s days are filled with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of tail wags.
Deb Ferns- RCRR Board Vice President
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 Howard-Brookins. RCRR Board Secretary
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 Schaum - RCRR Board Treasurer
Sharon 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.
Manny Tellez - RCRR Trapping Director
Manny is a proud veteran with six years of service in the United States Marine Corps, including two combat tours in Iraq-participating in the initial push in 2003 and second battle of Fallujah in 2004. After military service, Manny transitioned into community leadership through coaching high school wrestling, little league baseball, flag football and semi-pro football, mentoring young athletes and fostering teamwork and discipline.
Now enjoying the rewards of retirement, Manny remains actively engaged in the community as a dedicated volunteer with the Vail Unified School District. Red Collar is proud to have Manny also serve as our Trapping Director, continuing a lifelong commitment to service, leadership and his love for animals.