About Us
HSCI Leadership
Nicole Monson, Executive Director
Nicole is passionate about building a strong future for HSCI and deepening its connection with the community.
As Executive Director, she leads HSCI’s staff, fundraising, community partnerships, and strategic initiatives while working closely with the Board of Directors to advance the organization’s mission. She is focused on strengthening HSCI’s impact, building meaningful relationships with donors and supporters, and ensuring HSCI has the resources it needs to provide exceptional care for animals in need.
Nicole lives in Normal with her husband, four children, and two dogs. Outside of HSCI, she enjoys playing volleyball, learning guitar, board games, and spending time with her family. And while she tries not to bring every HSCI animal home, she makes no promises.
Hello! We're the Humane Society of Central Illinois.
Welcome! We can already tell we'll get along, because if you're here, you probably love animals as much as we do. Let us tell you a little more about who we are.
Vision
For every pet to be properly loved and cared for.
Mission
Find loving, forever homes for abused and unwanted pets.
Who we are
We're a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit animal welfare organization serving Bloomington-Normal and the surrounding communities since 1984. We care for, house, and find forever homes for pets across Central Illinois — and we help more than 1,000 animals a year thanks to the generosity of donors and the countless hours volunteers give to our mission.
We're independently funded, Charity Navigator rated, and a verified Best Friends Animal Society partner.
Our Pet Adoption Center
Our shelter is designed so every group of animals — dogs, cats, and small critters alike — has its own space. That means calmer visits for guests and a healthier, lower-stress environment for the pets in our care. Our dogs even get large, grassy runs out back to stretch their legs and play.
You'll find us right at the intersection of Fort Jesse Road and Towanda Avenue in Normal — easy to find for guests and volunteers alike.
Mandy Hawker, Director of Operations
Mandy oversees HSCI’s day-to-day shelter operations, supporting our animal care and adoption teams and helping ensure every animal receives compassionate, consistent care. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Biology and has been a Certified Dog Trainer since 2006.