Leadership Team

Dylan Zayas, Cat Care Coordinator

Dylan was raised around animals which taught him to love and respect life in all its different shapes and sizes. His family would always keep a happy tribe of dogs, cats, ferrets, and many other wonderful animals in his home; So needless to say, pet care has always been an important part of his journey.

He first started caring for foster cats during High School, where he volunteered with a local adoption organization, Smitten with the Kittens. He took so much pride in making sure the cats were always safe and healthy in our care, and learned so much about how to make sure they’re truly happy in a shelter environment.

Later on, he attended community college and got a degree in Music Technology. He worked in the audio industry for many years, and then eventually got his own cat, Tommy. Setting up stages and recording music was always interesting to him, but raising Tommy from a crazy kitten to the well-mannered gentleman he is now slowly made him realize that his true passion was with animals; Specifically cats!

To Dylan, the most rewarding thing in the world is learning how to connect with a cat that is fearful or anxious, and teach them how to be comfortable and confident in their world again. Each cat has such a unique personality, and although some can take longer to warm up than others. He truly believes that under the right treatment and with enough patience, any cat can blossom into a loving and faithful companion in their own unique way.

Our animals become just as much a part of our families as our brothers and sisters, and he is beyond honored to be able to continue that sacred routine of love and care for all of our furry friends at Safe Place for Pets.

heath Conley, Program Director

Heath has proudly called Colorado Springs home for the past eight years after retiring from an accomplished 20-year career in the United States Air Force. During his military service, Heath spent 10 of those years training and handling Military Working Dogs, managing multiple canine kennels across the world, and mentoring other handlers in proper training and care techniques. His time with these remarkable dogs not only deepened his respect for animals but also inspired his lifelong commitment to their well-being.

After retirement, Heath wanted to continue giving back in a meaningful way, which led him to Safe Place for Pets. There, he combines his organizational skills, leadership experience, and genuine compassion to help find loving homes for surrendered pets and support fellow volunteers. His hands-on experience with both people and animals has made him a trusted and valued member of the team.

When he’s not volunteering, Heath enjoys spending time outdoors, working on home projects, and brainstorming future business ideas with his wife, Casey. Together, they share a dream of opening their own canine boarding kennel and welcoming place where dogs can feel safe, loved, and cared for. At home, they’re kept happily busy by their loyal “guard dog,” an English Lab named Kardi, who reminds them daily why their passion for animal rescue and care matters so much.

BRIAN gateley, CANINE Coordinator

Brian is a native son of Colorado Springs. Animals have always been a big part of his life; riding horses in a 4-H horse club and taking English riding/jumping lessons as a boy and having many cats and dogs throughout the years.

He has fostered dogs from the Humane Society of Pikes Peak and from Safe Place for Pets. SPFP found a new home for his mother’s dog when she passed away and after seeking a volunteer opportunity for some time, he saw the need for a Canine Coordinator there and thought that would be a perfect fit. Brian works from home full-time in I.T. and enjoys reading, hiking, and messing around with his laser engraver and 3D printer in his spare time.

SARAH MCDOWELL, FELINE COORDINATOR

My name is Sarah McDowell and I am so excited to be working with everyone at A Safe Place for Pets! I grew up with cats and have 2 of my own currently and will be getting another one soon. 

I have lived several places but mainly grew up in Canon City, Colorado. When I turned 18, I moved to Missouri and at age 22 I joined the Navy and spent 3 1/2 years serving my country. While I was in the Navy, I had my son and we moved back to Colorado in August of 99 and have been here ever since. My son is now 29 and he is my best friend!