Meet the Shelter Team

Megan Benton, CEO

From 2014 to 2018, Megan proudly served as President of the Australian Animal Protection Society in a volunteer capacity, during a pivotal time in the organisation’s growth. The role focused on providing strategic direction while also ensuring compliance, governance, and forward planning were all firmly in place. Megan chaired monthly meetings, and represented AAPS at corporate and charity events, building vital relationships with council and government bodies.

A key highlight of Megan’s tenure was successfully negotiating the $11 million sale of our Keysborough property to the Department of Education, followed by the strategic purchase and partial sale of new land to fund the development of our state-of-the-art shelter. Megan worked closely with architects and government agencies to bring the new facility to life, designed specifically to meet the evolving needs of animal welfare. With a strong business background in managing a successful private business for over 25 years Megan formally transitioned from her volunteer position as President to our Chief Executive Officer in 2019.

Under Megan’s leadership, AAPS has become a gold standard animal shelter that embraces all aspects of animal welfare and provides a positive work place environment for its staff and volunteers.

Mandy, Animal Welfare Manager

Mandy, our Animal Welfare Manager, has over thirty-five years’ experience working in the Animal Welfare Industry. Mandy started volunteering with AAPS when she was thirteen and has worked with our organisation on and off since.

Mandy is our unofficial “Shelter Mum”, organising all our animals’ movements. She lives with her husband and children on her rural property, along with seven horses, one donkey, six dogs, and one cat. Mandy says AAPS is special to her because of what we stand for as an organisation in regards to animal welfare and that, unlike other organisations, we will do anything in our power to help an animal in need.

Charlie, Admin & Facilities Officer

Charlie has a degree in Journalism and International Relations. Charlie started out at AAPS in the fundraising and social media departments, and after two bouts of maternity leave, came back as Admin and Facilities Officer.

Charlie is an “all rounder”, providing support to staff across many different departments while ensuring the building is still standing at the end of the day. Charlie has fostered and housed over fifty cats and dogs during her time with our shelter. Charlie’s cat Moët is an AAPS “foster fail”.

Amber, Dog Coordinator

Amber has had over ten years in the animal industry working a range of different roles, including Operations Manager of a Municipal pound. Amber joined AAPS in 2021, starting as a Customer Service Officer and an Animal attendant for cats and dogs. After a short period with AAPS, Amber’s love and dedication to animals in her role shined through, and she was promoted to Dog Coordinator. Amber holds her Certificate III in Companion Animal Studies, Cert IV in Justice, and Diploma of Legal Services. Amber is passionate about animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, animal education and rescue. Amber loves being a part of AAPS due to the shelter’s values and dedication to animal welfare. Outside of work, Amber loves spending time with her fur babies Bowie (dog), Freddie (dog), and Max Gawn (cat) or in the garden. She is also a foster carer for behaviour cats that need rehabilitation

Jess, Cat, Rabbit & Guinea Pig Coordinator

Having worked in multiple industries including hospitality, visual merchandising and office work Jessica found working with animals to be the most rewarding. She started as a volunteer on the weekends whilst working another job and was offered a position at AAPS as an animal attendant. During her 7 years at the shelter, she has worked many roles and is currently the coordinator for the cats, Rabbits and Guinea pigs. 

She has several pets of her own including a dog, cats and guinea pigs. The majority of them have been adopted from AAPS over the years. In her spare time, she likes crafting and board games.

Georgie, Finance

Georgie has over thirty years’ experience as a bookkeeper and holds a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping.

Georgie adores animals and this is demonstrated by the number of animals residing in her house, the majority of which were adopted from AAPS. Georgie cares for two dogs, a Border Collie X Kelpie named Oscar and Scarlet a Kelpie, two cats Blossom and Ernie, two parrots, Midori & Sunny, and a tribe of Silkie Chickens.

Georgie says she enjoys working at AAPS because she can provide love to animals in need while she’s bookkeeping.

Sharon, Receptionist

Sharon has been associated with AAPS for many years, as she and her Mum always adopted their cats through our shelter. Sharon started volunteering in the office over five years ago and was later offered a part-time position as a Receptionist. Sharon adopted two of our older dogs, believing she can give them love and attention in their twilight years.

Sharon loves working and supporting the CSOs and knowing she is making a difference for the Shelter and animals. Seeing our animals go to their forever homes is what she enjoys most about her time with AAPS. Sharon continues to volunteer twice a week.

Anne, Receptionist

Anne volunteered with AAPS before becoming part of our dedicated customer service team.
Having been an avid animal lover her whole life, Anne’s idea of the perfect workplace is working at AAPS.

Anne has attained a Bachelor of Education, was a primary school teacher for many years, has five adult children, and is a grandma of six beautiful grandchildren.

Anne believes the adoption of rescue animals is vitally important. She has two pugs and a cat, all adopted from AAPS.