Dr. Jennifer McLaughlin has been an integral part of our team since January, having previously volunteered with us. Dr. McLaughlin brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for animal care that has already made a significant impact on our sanctuary.

Originally from Oxford, Ohio, Dr. McLaughlin took an unconventional route to her veterinary career. She first earned a BA in economics from Vanderbilt University and then an MBA from the University of Cincinnati. However, her love for animals led her to pivot in her mid-30s, returning to school to pursue veterinary medicine at Ohio State University. Following her graduation, she spent 30 years practicing small animal medicine at Avery Animal Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

Beyond her professional commitments, Dr. McLaughlin is an enthusiastic hiker and backpacker. Her adventurous spirit has led her on remarkable journeys, including a three-week trek to Everest Base Camp and climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro! Dr. McLaughlin shares her life with her husband, Bob, and their son, Ryan. She is also a proud grandmother to Lenna, with another granddaughter on the way in November. At home,
she cares for two cats, Chihuly and Howard, along with three dogs, Snoop Dogg, Izzy, and Charlie Brown—whom she is fostering from Hallie Hill.

Her strong connection to the sanctuary is evident, and we are grateful for the expertise and compassion she brings to our animals and the Hallie Hill community. Thank you, Dr. McLaughlin, for being a vital part of our team!

Mike Gibbons is the Director of Development at Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary. Mike has spent more than a decade in nonprofit fundraising, having worked in the arts and human services. However, his lifetime love of animals made for the perfect match with Hallie Hill. Prior to his time in nonprofits, Mike spent 15 years in journalism as a newspaper editor, reporter and photographer.

Mike lives in Mount Pleasant with his wife, Jen. They have two grown children – Parker, a naturalist and herpetologist, and Allie, a school psychologist. Originally from Aiken, Mike moved to the Lowcountry in 2014. He and his wife met when they were students at the University of Alabama way back in the 1990s.

Erin Russo was born in Denver, Colorado, but grew up on James Island/Folly Beach. She has since lived all over the greater Charleston area, currently residing in Hollywood. She loves the beach, hiking, biking, kayaking, paddle boarding or anything outside. She has two boys of her own, ages 19 and 24, and two bonus kids, ages 24 and 25. She currently has one dog and two cats. She works to travel the world. Besides the animals at Hallie Hill, nothing gets her heart pumping es a good trip away experiencing a piece of the world and culture that’s new!