The People Behind the Light
Nuestro equipo
Meet the Crew
Big Hearts, Muddy Paws
Behind every wagging tail at El Faro is a small, mighty team that shows up rain or shine (and yes, through hurricanes). They feed, medicate, bathe, cuddle and cheerlead every animal on the road from rescue to forever home.
Between them, they’ve spent decades learning every animal’s quirks, favorite snacks and secret belly-rub spots. Meet the humans who keep the light on.
17+
Years with El Faro · Executive Director
Liza Arias
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Liza started volunteering with El Faro in 2009 while working in medical administration in San Juan. Volunteering quickly became a much bigger part of her life, and in 2014 she traded her old career for El Faro full-time.
Today she oversees daily operations, rescues, shelter medicine, rehabilitation, adoptions, transport partnerships and community programs, and she has had a hand in nearly every job at the shelter. Her dream is simple: fewer animals abandoned, stronger communities, and a Puerto Rico where El Faro is needed less, not more.
Rescue Together
Care Every Day
25
Years with El Faro · Animal Care Specialist
Evelyn Rivera
Evelyn joined El Faro as a volunteer in 2001 and went full-time in 2004. Born in New Jersey and raised in Naguabo among the palm trees and crystal-clear waters, she’s a vet tech who handles health monitoring, admin, adoptions and the daily census, plus whatever else needs doing.
Her daughter shares her love for animals and often helps medicate, bathe and care for our dogs. Evelyn’s big dream? A low-cost veterinary clinic where the whole community’s pets can get the care they deserve.
Healing Hands
Dr. Mariela Jessie Pazos, Veterinarian
Born in Uruguay and raised in the U.S. from age eleven, Dr. Pazos studied at Kean University and earned her veterinary degree at the University of Florida. After years in emergency and critical care, she found her calling in shelter medicine: volunteering with El Faro and founding LEASH to help underserved communities and their pets.
Our Board of Directors
Monica Yoma, President · Elena Marisol Morales, Vice President · Yolanda Munoz, Treasurer
Members at Large
David Brownstein and Tania Isenstein
Join the Crew
You don’t need a lab coat or a leash-wrangling license to be part of Team El Faro. Pick a way to pitch in and we’ll take it from there (treats for the dogs, endless gratitude for you).
