Meet the Team
OUR VOLUNTEERS
The Heart of Sammamish Animal Sanctuary
There are over 150 incredible volunteers at Sammamish Animal Sanctuary and we can’t begin to express how vital each individual is to our organization. It simply would not be possible without their tireless efforts and dedication! OK, so they get to pet the animals, too, but that’s just a reward for their hard work! Thank you, team—you’re the best!!!
Diane gockel
Founder/Director — volunteer
Diane has lived in the Seattle area her whole life. She grew up in Bridle Trails with her three brothers and that is where she developed her love of animals. She had a horse, numerous rescued cats, dogs, and critters and spent most of her childhood there. Diane and her husband Don raised four children who are still local to the Seattle area. She and Don also have 3 grandchildren.
Diane graduated from the University of Washington and has a master’s in religious education from Seattle University. Diane taught in the theology program at Eastside Catholic High School for many years.
She is the Founder and Director of the sanctuary and is still actively involved. She is the longest active volunteer as she has never taken a salary or any compensation from SAS. Although the sanctuary depends on generous donors, Diane insists that the sanctuary never charges visitors to visit so that everyone has an opportunity to enjoy our rescues.
Jennifer Nill
Sanctuary Manager
I began volunteering at the Sanctuary two and a half years ago, just before the new May Valley location opened to the public. After driving by the property for months and witnessing its transformation, I knew I had to get involved and meet all of the adorable animals getting a second chance at life. Little did I know how impressed and inspired I would be by the history of the Sanctuary, the Founders, and all the incredible humans selflessly giving their time.
Growing up in a cattle ranching family in Idaho and as a self-proclaimed "Horse Girl," I’ve always had a deep love for animals, big and small. I found the peace I had been seeking at SAS. No matter the chaos of the outside world, the steady rhythm of farm life remains. It truly is a Sanctuary for all Souls.
Now, as the Sanctuary Manager, I feel incredibly blessed to spend every day doing what I love: building community, educating others about the Sanctuary and our impact, and leading a passionate group of volunteers—all at a place that feels like home. My work aligns perfectly with both my lifelong love of animals and my 20+ years of experience in the business world.
When I’m not at the farm, I’m an artist specializing in pyrography, and I love continuing to explore the Pacific Northwest with my wife, our two grown children, and our three sweet dogs.
Amber Gwinn
Barn Manager
Amber brings nearly 30 years of working with a wide variety of animals, including dogs, birds, cats, horses, lemurs, camels, lynx, kangaroos, wallabies, porcupines, kinkajous, llamas, and alpacas—oh my! She’s even worked at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
Amber has lived everywhere from Orlando to Sydney to Seattle and has quickly come to realize that temps over 75 are just too hot. ;)