The team caring for every animal, every day.
Meet the board members and sanctuary staff working together to protect animals in need.
The people behind PAW.
PAW is led by people who believe every animal deserves love, care, safety, and the chance for a better life. From sanctuary leadership to board governance and daily hands-on care, this is the team helping make that mission possible.
Luana Hausser
Luana has been an animal advocate since childhood and once dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. After a 15-year career in the oil and gas industry, her path changed when she met Simone and began helping animals in need.
Today, Luana is able to live that passion every day, helping make a meaningful difference in the lives of rescued animals.
Simone Belser
Simone has worked with and been surrounded by both wild and domestic animals for much of her life. Her work is driven by a personal mission to change the role animals play in the world.
She believes animals are deeply intelligent and sentient beings who deserve compassion, protection, and respect.
Meet the Board of Directors.
PAW’s board helps guide the organization with governance, accountability, long-term stability, and a shared commitment to protecting vulnerable animals.
Jonathan Lurgio
Jonathan Lurgio serves as Chairman of the Board for Protect Animals Worldwide, helping guide strategic direction, strengthen governance, and support PAW’s long-term stability and growth.
After visiting the PAW sanctuary in Brazil, Jonathan was deeply moved by the dedication of the staff and the resilience of the rescued animals.
Humberto Perez
Humberto has always felt a deep connection to animals. As the proud dog dad of Charlie and Teddy, he understands the joy, comfort, and unconditional love animals bring to our lives.
Professionally, Humberto is a partner at a CPA firm and brings care, dedication, and financial expertise to PAW’s mission.
Destry Labo
Destry’s love for animals and nature began early. She has been rescuing animals since childhood, bringing home injured birds, lost baby quail, stray cats, and dogs in need.
She has dedicated her life to helping animals and finds deep meaning in knowing she made a difference for an animal who needed her.
Meet our team at the sanctuary.
Behind every rescue, every recovery, and every happy animal story is a devoted team making it all happen.
Every day, from dawn until dusk — and sometimes through the night — they feed, clean, treat, monitor, medicate, comfort, and love nearly 200 rescued animals at the sanctuary.
