About APHE - Board of Directors Bio

Name
Anna Payton

Number of Years I've Worked in Animal Welfare
5 years

Education
B.S. in Animal Sciences from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, M.A. in Teaching with emphasis in Humane Education from Webster University.

Hobbies/Special Area(s) of Interest
I am a huge Chicago Cubs fan and sports nut. I love to watch baseball, football, and NCAA basketball as well as play soccer in an area co-ed league. Whenever I have the time I love to travel and go on road trips. I also enjoy spending time with my friends, family, and animals (of course)!

I Share My Home With:
A black Lab (Mira), a Rottweiler/Pit Bull mix (Roxy), an English Mastiff (Hugo), three munchkin cats (Callan, Hobbes, and Tori), and my husband Dave.

I Chose to Work in Humane Education Because:
I always felt that I had a special bond with animals so I knew early on that I wanted a career where I could help them. Of course like many people I thought my only option was to become a veterinarian. Early on in college I learned about some of more difficult issues companion animals were facing and the one that had the biggest impact on me was dog fighting. I had always enjoyed working with children so applied for a summer internship at DuPage County Animal Care & Control to work in the shelter but also help run their summer camp program. I knew I had found my calling. I told the humane educator at the time that I wanted her job. After I graduated DCACC called me and I was hired! (The previous humane educator had been promoted.) I hit the ground running and haven’t looked back since. I feel very blessed that I knew so quickly what my life’s passion and work would be. I honestly believe in the ripple effect and that one person can make a difference—even if I only reach one person per program, event, or even day then I have succeeded. Now that I am working for the University of Illinois I hope to inspire more people to become humane educators, even if that is not their job title after they graduate.