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.
kathi flynn
Barn Manager
I have had a passion for animals my entire life! Maybe because animals are the ones that have this thing called life figured out. They’ve just got it right! They love in the purest form. They appreciate the simplest things – a beautiful sunny day, a warm safe place to snuggle, a full tummy and a friend to hang with.
I wanted to be a part of this wonderful organization that provides a forever home to those animals who were neglected, homeless or abused. I want to give to them a bit of joy that they have given to me, let them know there are humans who care and have compassion. I have been in preschool education administration for the past 13 years and feel I can incorporate my experience to help facilitate the needs of SAS. I have 2 older horses that I used to compete with on an equestrian drill team and I also competed in reining. My husband and I have 2 older dogs and a cat that adopted us.
paige miller
Summer Camp Coordinator — volunteer
My name is Paige Miller and I am ecstatic to be running camps this year!
I’ve been volunteering at Sammamish Animal Sanctuary since 2018 and camps have always been the highlight of my year. In 2021 I helped recreate the camp format and schedule alongside the former camp coordinator, Shane, and I have loved watching the program grow. My favorite part about camp is watching kids feel the magic of animals and fall in love with caring for them. I first found my passion for animals at a farm camp in preschool and it means the world to be to help a new generation of kids experience the magic animals can bring into our lives, especially our rescues.
My favorite thing about working at SAS can be summed up by one phrase, “who rescued who?” While all the animals here are rescues, the lessons they teach everyone who crosses their paths are just as valuable to us as we are to them. The animals here have filled my life with love, light, and joy. Be warned parents, if your kids are anything like me they could wind up catching the horse gene from camps, which led me to get my very own horse, lovingly named Kevin. When I’m not dancing around the farm swarmed by campers you can often find me in the arena!