CC Crosthwaite has been a work camper twice at DHAR and a part  time employee after work camping.  CC has worked 25 years in Healthcare.  She holds an AAS in Respiratory Therapy, a BA of Science, and a MBA in Healthcare Administration.  She has been an educator and has managed multiple departments throughout her career.  She currently works for Sierra Vista Hospital in Truth or Consequence and has taken on the role of Director of Operations for DHAR

Susan Hafer brings to the board an ability to work with anyone and everyone, a strong sense of fiduciary responsibility, and an utter love of sweet and sassy puppies.

She’s a foster mom who specializes in tiny tots of the canine variety. The amount of dogs that are thriving in their adoptive families because of Susan Hafer’s heartwork taking them in as unwanted puppies is astounding. We are proud and grateful to call her a member of our Board!

Among many of Susan’s generous offerings to the board are her practicality and straightforwardness. We thank Susan for her leadership!

With 35 years of instructional experience, Connie is a semi-retired educator and author.  She holds a BA from the University of Colorado and a Master’s degree in Instructional Design.  She has been a volunteer dog walker since she and her husband moved to Elephant Butte in 2022. She is honored to serve as board secretary and to be a part of such an important community organization.

Adoption Coordinator
Administrative Assistant & Animal Care Supervisor & Veterinary Clinic Liaison

Bob Brandis is a retired Engineer and has been a volunteer “kitty cuddler” at DHAR since 8/2021. Worked in the family hardware store through College, then began a career in data storage and backup engineering. Moved to T or C in 2005. Worked at Sun valley Hardware and Foxworth Galbraith  Lumber In T or C.

Web Master

Founder & President since 1989- 2023 – SCHS
Desert Haven Manager & Work Camping Program Coordinator

With profound gratitude and deep respect, we gather to celebrate the extraordinary life of Eliana Aubin—a compassionate soul whose unwavering dedication illuminated the path to a better life for countless animals. Eliana’s indomitable spirit and the founding of the Sierra County Humane Society (SCHS) stand as testaments to her enduring love for all creatures.

In the hallowed halls of the T or C Public Library in 1989, Eliana, along with a group of like-minded advocates, embarked on a journey to transform the fate of companion animals in Sierra County. Their dream materialized as the Sierra County Humane Society (SCHS) which still thrives to this day.

Eliana’s vision surpassed the confines of a mere organization. In 1999, her tenacity led to the acquisition of the land that would become Desert Haven Animal Refuge (DHAR) which continues to be open for business. The Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe, which was sadly closed permanently in 2021, played a pivotal role in fundraising for the refuge’s creation.

The pages of time turned, revealing SCHS’s resourcefulness and the community’s unwavering support. Annual Have-a-Heart Dinners blossomed into vibrant dinner-dances, uniting fellow animal enthusiasts and generating crucial resources. Collecting aluminum cans, redeeming Bullocks receipts, and relying on the boundless generosity of supporters became the lifeblood of programs such as Fix Your Pet and Spay-a-Stray.

Now, under new management and operated by devoted board members, volunteers, and work-campers, DHAR thrives as a rescue where unwanted animals experience quality care and adoption.

Advisory Board Member – DHAR