Mew Cat

Jennifer Pokrandt

Founder and Executive Director

Jennifer founded Mew in 2019 when she had been working alongside other rescues but saw the vast need in NWA for help. Even though NWA is a growing and vibrant community, resources for animals and especially cats were almost non existent, with no Bentonville animal shelter and animal control that would pick up dogs but not cats. Jennifer has worked for the Walmart Home office for 25 years and devotes the remainder of her time to Mew. We are proud to be woman led and operated, 100% volunteer and  the fastest growing rescue in NWA.

Annie Gonazales

Board Member – Fosters and Operations

Annie first volunteered with Mew in 2020 as a foster when she rescued and fostered 9 kittens from her neighborhood.  Annie later accepted the role of Foster Coordinator, a role she still holds today.    She joined the Mew Board of Directors in 2021.  Annie has lived in several places throughout North America and has volunteered for animal rescues wherever she has lived. Annie’s experience includes multiple roles on the Board of Directors for an an animal shelter in Washington state. Annie is a lifelong animal lover and has always had cats in her life.  Volunteering at Mew helps fulfill her passion for helping cats in need. 

Courtney Shafer

Board Member – Fundraising

Courtney has been a cat lover her whole life and has shared her home with many. She got involved with rescue 5 years ago when she moved to Bentonville and has fostered around 200 cats and kittens since then. She fosters because there are so many stray kittens and cats suffering on the streets in our area.  It’s rewarding to know that with the support of Mew Cat Rescue, she can nurture them back to health and find them a forever home instead of them suffering in the streets.

Lenette Sparacino

Board Member – Social Media

Lenette Sparacino, a dedicated board member at Mew, has been an integral part of the organization since day one. With a background spanning over 15 years in social media, photography, and graphic design, she brings a wealth of expertise to the table. As a Xennial, belonging to the unique microgeneration between Gen X and Millennials, Lenette‘s upbringing was rooted in the analog era while witnessing the rapid emergence of computers, technology, and social media. This unique blend of experiences enables her to effortlessly connect with individuals of all ages and swiftly embrace evolving technologies. Lenette has been passionate about cats her entire life and being a part of the rescue community, while utilizing social media, brings that passion to life. Lenette is our resident tabby lover and has four rescue tabbies of her own!

Leah Nelson

Board Member – Marketing

Leah Stephen started with Mew at the beginning of 2020 as a Social Media Volunteer, following a calling from her heart for animals. After serving the rescue with social media, marketing and fundraising, she joined the board of directors in 2022. Her favorite thing about volunteering with the rescue is that she gets to help save the lives of cats and kittens in Northwest Arkansas by using her professional skills and coming up with new ideas for the rescue to try. Leah works in Marketing at The Mars Agency, a connected commerce agency. In her spare time she likes to read, binge watch the latest tv shows, listen to Taylor Swift and watch Razorback sports.

Kelly Austin

Board Member –  Treasurer

Kelly has been working with Mew since 2020 as Treasurer and Bookkeeper. He has volunteered with several animal rescues and has been a lifelong cat and dog owner. Prior to running his Bookkeeping business he was a Veterinary Clinic owner and Practice Manager for 18 years.

Cristy Clement 

Board Member – Adoption Director

Cristy started with Mew in June 2019. First as a Foster, then as our Adoption Coordinator. Cristy grew up with cats, and feels a home isnt a home unless you one (or two, or three). She has a passion for animal rescue and LOVES matching our applicants with their fur babies.