Pet Haven Team

Arron found his way to Pet Haven through his love of dogs, especially big ones! He is the proud companion to a Mastiff who thinks he is a lap dog! Aaron is very active in the business and charitable world and sits on Boards and Committees of several for profit and nonprofit Organizations, including the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, Legal Advisory Committee for Springboard for the Arts in St. Paul, MN, is a board member of the Coalition of Recovery Investment (“CORI”) in St. Paul, MN, and is a present board member and past President of Film North in St. Paul, MN. Aaron C. Young, JD, LLM is the principle and founder of Young Entertainment Law, PLLC with clients that include the Twin Cities Film Fest, award winning Filmmakers, Producers, Authors, Painters, Sculptors, Song Writers, Recording Artists, Professional Sports Executives, Professional Athletes, and Professional Coaches.   Aaron received his Juris Doctor (JD) from Marquette University Law School (Milwaukee, WI), in 2001, and his Master of Laws (LLM) from Southwestern Law School (Los Angeles, CA), in 2003, specializing in Entertainment & Media Law.     Aaron is an Adjunct Professor at Mitchell Hamline School of Law teaching The Business of IP: Independent Film Production, and a former Adjunct Professor of Law at Hamline University School of Law teaching Sports Law, Adjunct Professor of Law at William Mitchell College of Law teaching Client Representation, and Adjunct Professor at McNally Smith College of Music teaching Legal Aspects of Music & Entertainment, Business Law, and Contract Law.

Karl Breitbarth has a full plate managing our financial and administrative affairs for a major Law Firm but also has time to foster for Pet Haven. He has two Pet Haven Alumni, Coco a sweet senior pup and Kitty a big beautiful feline. Both pets were foster that found home with Karl. Thankfully, given his professional expertise, innate ability to gracefully multi-task, and congenial demeanor, Karl keeps things running smoothly in our financial department. Karl holds an Accounting degree from Mankato, a Business degree from Bethel University, and brings previous experience with law firms, CPA firms, work in technology, retail, and marketing. Originally from Southern Minnesota, Karl has lived in the Twin Cities for more than 25 years. Karl is a member of the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants. More than your average “bean counter,” his depth of knowledge and astute insight are highly valued by all of us at Pet Haven.

We are so excited to have Janet Watson on our Board of Directors. She and her husband John are part of the Pet Haven Family having adopted their perfect pooch Shadow from us! Janet has her degree in Elementary Education from DePauw University. She has a long history in philanthropy and support of the Animal Rescue and Welfare community. She is a former board member of Cross Roads Shelter and brings with her passion and excitement to support Pet Haven's mission. We are incredibly grateful for the knowledge and expertise she brings to our board.

John came to the animal rescue world through Springer Spaniel Rescue, where he and his wife were fosters. They found Pet Haven by adopting not just a dog from Pet Haven but their "wonder dog," Shadow, and were enormously impressed with the organization. He joined the Board in 2024 to help Pet Haven achieve growth and a wider reach, bringing with him extensive experience in marketing and development and service to the non-profit sector. He is currently involved with the following organizations: Social Venture Partners, an organization that supports underserved teens through grants and consulting. John has served as a consultant and performed due diligence on applicants. John is also a mentor at Redemption Inc., which provides education and job support and has a great record of reducing recidivism. John mentors felons and supports them in beginning a new life. John is also involved in the Strong Minds Strong Bodies Foundation, which engages Middle School students at the Ella Baker School in community-building programs. They are currently creating a neighborhood newspaper. He is also a pro bono consultant for the Hennepin History Museum, where he was a former board member and has served on several non-profit boards over the years. Beacon Interfaith Outreach provides affordable housing. PRISM social service agency: provides food, housing, and counseling to residents of Plymouth and Golden Valley​. Accord: supports people with intellectual and physical disabilities. Hennepin History Museum. Child's Play International: which provides play experiences to children in 3rd world countries. ​John is deeply rooted in giving back and finds great satisfaction in making a difference. He accomplishes that by working collaboratively with others. He is very excited to be a part of Pet Haven's growth and community support!

Marah comes to Pet Haven with a business accounting and human resource professional background. She has a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from University of Minnesota - Carlson School of Management and excels at identifying creative ways to reduce costs and increase revenues. She is currently managing the operations and finances of Restoration Professionals and is invested in Pet Haven's growth and sucsess. In Marah's spare time she raises 3 children, two dogs and is actively involved on the board of Dress for Sucsess and a member of MN Council for Non Profits and the St Paul Business Association. We are thrilled to have Marah on the Pet Haven Team!

Dr. Veronica Bartsch graduated from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. She went on to practice companion animal medicine in the Twin Cities for the next 18 years, working in both private practices and animal shelters. In 2020, Dr. Bartsch earned her Master of Public Health degree from the University of Minnesota. She joined the Minnesota Board of Animal Health in 2022 as a senior veterinarian in the companion animal sector. Outside of her work at the board, Dr. Bartsch is Pet Haven’s primary surgeon completing both high volume spay/neuter as well as more nuanced soft tissue procedures including amputation, various eye surgeries, and mass removal. Dr Bartsch leads our Animal Care Committee.

Deeply concerned about the increasing number of feral cats, Heidi explored the idea of creating an animal shelter, but soon landed upon Pet Haven as the gold star pet rescue organization in the Twin Cities community. Heidi is a retired international transaction attorney with extensive board experience. She holds a J.D. and an M.B.A. in marketing and is committed to furthering the mission of Pet Haven. She has been a devoted parent over the years to a number of dogs, reptiles, guinea pigs, rabbits, and gerbils. She is currently blessed with Atticus, her ten-year old golden retriever, and is a grandma to four adorable cats.

Natalie is an animal enthusiast and has a heart for ensuring pets are well-homed and well-loved. She and her fiancé live in South Minneapolis and are parents to their two adopted Tabbies, Auggie and Tibby. Natalie graduated with a major in accounting and minor in computer science, earned her CPA, and has years of experience in public audit and finance. She joined Pet Haven to share her expertise as growth continues and to work to expand the reach of the board to a larger demographic. In her spare time, she does ceramics and loves to incorporate cats themes!