Our Team
Laura Uecker
Executive Director
ExecutiveDirector@aohrescue.org
Laura Uecker has served as Executive Director of Angel of Hope Animal Rescue since 2013. With a background in finance management and industrial relations, she brings strong operational leadership and responsible financial stewardship to the organization. Under her leadership, Angel of Hope has expanded lifesaving rescue, veterinary care, and foster-based programs through community partnerships and a commitment to compassionate, sustainable animal welfare.
In her free time Laura enjoys quilting, crocheting and lives with her husband of 36 years, kitties named Chaos, Riot and LeRoy along with her 7 pound Chihuahua, a 150 pound Caucasian Shepherd/Russian Šarplaninac and a 55-pound Shepard/husky mix. She enjoys their country acreage and all the wildlife in the area.
Jenn Scott
Director of Development
Jenn Scott serves as Director of Development at Angel of Hope Animal Rescue, where she leads fundraising, partnerships, and community engagement efforts that directly support lifesaving programs for animals in need.
With a relationship-first approach, Jenn focuses on building meaningful connections between donors, businesses, and the rescue’s mission. She believes fundraising is about people as much as it is about dollars; creating opportunities for supporters to see the real impact of their generosity in the lives of animals and the families who adopt them.
Under her leadership, Angel of Hope has expanded its community partnerships, signature fundraising events, and donor engagement initiatives, helping thousands of animals find safety, care, and loving homes. Jenn is passionate about transparency, storytelling, and building sustainable support so the rescue can continue saving lives for years to come.
Outside of her work, Jenn enjoys spending her free time snowmobiling in the winter and soaking up lazy days at the cabin in the summer
Jessica Anderson
Office Manager
Jessica has worked in animal welfare for the past five years and has been a dedicated member of the AOH team for the past three. Jessica earned her bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of Minnesota.
As Office Manager, she oversees all marketing, social media, and transport coordination, helping ensure the organization’s operations run smoothly while supporting its mission to help animals in need. Her passion for helping animals and supporting rescue efforts drives much of her work each day.
Outside of the shelter, Jessica runs a dog-sitting business and cares for pets for more than 25 clients—something she truly loves and enjoys every minute of. Her work reflects her deep passion for animals and her commitment to their well-being.
This past summer, Jessica experienced the loss of her two beloved pets—Bella, her 11-year-old Boxer, and Dexter, her 19-year-old cat. While she is taking some time before welcoming new pets into her home, her love for animals remains at the center of both her personal and professional life.
Erin Kolles
Kennel Manager and Foster Coordinator
Meet your new Kennel Manager and Foster Coordinator!
A lifelong animal lover and St. Michael native, I bring a deep background in professional animal care to the Angel of Hope team. My journey includes hands-on experience as a zookeeper, working at both a traditional zoo and an indoor safari, as well as time spent in specialized pet store care.
Whether I’m applying my knowledge of exotic husbandry or using my "pro-level" petting skills, my goal is always to provide the highest standard of care. At home in Elk River, my life is just as wild—I share my space with two Great Danes and a fascinating collection of exotics, ranging from colorful chameleons and social sugar gliders to birds, chinchillas, and bearded dragons. My passion for unique species means I’m always diving into the specifics of their care and teaching them a few new things along the way.
Now that I’ve raised my kids, I’ve dedicated my free time to my true passion: fostering and helping puppies grow into confident, lovable companions. I am thrilled to use my expertise to lead our kennel operations and support our incredible network of fosters!
Want to join our life-saving team? We are always looking for passionate people to open their hearts and homes.[Click here] to learn more about our foster program and help us give these animals the second chance they deserve!
Samantha Tomko
Veterinarian Technician
Samantha Tomko is a dedicated veterinary technician with over 12 years of experience in veterinary medicine, specializing in shelter medicine. She graduated from the Veterinary Technology program at St. Petersburg College in 2015 and has spent her career providing compassionate care to animals in need, helping countless shelter pets receive the medical attention and support they deserve while they wait for their forever homes.
Two years ago, Samantha and her family moved to Minnesota to escape the intense Texas heat and begin a new chapter. She now lives there with her husband, their daughter, and their four beloved cats, who serve as daily reminders of why she chose a career devoted to animal care.
Samantha is passionate about advocating for vulnerable animals and supporting the teams that work tirelessly to improve their lives. With years of hands-on experience and a deep commitment to animal welfare, she brings skill, empathy, and dedication to every animal she cares for.
