CO-FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
I have been involved in animal rescue for nearly 3 decades working with animals from all kinds of backgrounds. In 2014, I made it official and I founded Royal Canadian Pooch Rescue in Ontario, which focused on networking with other rescues to help needy animals North and South of the Canadian border. Shortly thereafter, I moved to the US and continued my mission to help as many innocent souls as possible. I enrolled in Cesar's Way Dog Training and became certified; not to become a dog trainer but I knew the skills learned here would be put to good use in animal rescue. Then in early 2021, GOFAR was born. The need for resources to rescue, restore and rehome in all of South Florida is never-ending and I’m excited to have formally organized with my co-founders to make an even greater impact going forward. I was honored to be nominated and win the 2022 William J. Von Liebig Foundation Award for my significant accomplishments in animal welfare. You can read my nominee letter here. You can always find a houseful of short-term, long-term and forever-term wonderful, loving mutts living with me!

CO-FOUNDER & CFO
I’ve always had the calling to make a difference in the lives of animals. I truly felt it was one of the reasons for my existence. My career in Corporate Finance spanned three decades in diverse areas with increasing responsibility and ended with my position as Vice-President of Global Finance for a complex global organization with 28 entities worldwide. One of the highlights of my career was being selected from over 1000 employees to receive the Monsanto Global Finance Excellence Award in 1996 for sustained accomplishments and outstanding performance. While working these demanding positions in Corporate Finance and raising kids for the past several decades, I donated to rescues and adopted animals in need, but that was never enough to quell my desire to REALLY make a difference. Upon my retirement, I decided it was time to devote myself to rescue. I’m fortunate to have found like-minded women to embark on this journey with me! I have owned a home in Marco Island, Florida since 1996, have 4 adult children and 3 grandchildren between my husband Jim and I and currently have two rescue pups, Cooper and Lexie.

CO-FOUNDER & VICE PRESIDENT
My love and passion for all animals started as a young child and I credit my father for these traits. Growing up for most of my life on more than 150 acres in upstate NY, I was blessed with having a farm full of animals and rescues; from cows, goats, rabbits, chickens, ducks, and horses; to dogs, cats, ferrets, a bird, and even a pet raccoon, named whiskey (Too bad my dad’s monkey passed away before I was born!) I’ve always tried to be involved in various animal rescue groups in some small way, but to be an integral part of this amazing rescue, with such dedicated co-founders, supporters, foster families and volunteers is truly amazing for me. Some personal tidbits: My husband and I have been in SW Florida for more than 23 years. I currently have 3 spoiled rescued dogs (GOFAR Alums of course!) and a rescued African Grey.

CO-FOUNDER & SECRETARY
I grew up on an acreage in rural Minnesota surrounded by animals of all kinds and have been an advocate ever since. I sat on the Capital Campaign fundraising committee for Capital Area Humane Society in Lansing, Michigan, fostered for Florida Little Dog Rescue in Orlando, FL and am now a foster and board member for GOFAR. In my spare time I enjoy playing beach volleyball and spending time with my foster failure, Winnie.

VOLUNTEER PROJECT MANAGER
I have always loved animals and have adopted dogs most of my life. I first became involved in dog rescue in 2006 in Pennsylvania when I started volunteering with “Meet and Greet” events for a local organization. A couple of years later, a few volunteers of that rescue started our own foster-based dog rescue. We brought dogs to Pennsylvania from high-kill shelters in other states to adopt out in the Philadelphia area where homes were more plentiful. I am proud to say that rescue is still in operation today. Since moving to Florida about 6 years ago, I have volunteered with other wildlife-oriented organizations, but really missed helping dogs. Fortunately, I was able to meet a few of the ladies in GOFAR and I am excited to be involved in this fantastic organization!

VOLUNTEER ADOPTION COORDINATOR
I have always had a love for all animals and there’s never been a time in my life when I didn’t have a pet. My mom is a saint, as is my brother, so we constantly had animals growing up! Since I can’t bring them all home now, I’ve been volunteering with Domestic Animal Services in Naples since 2015 and working with GOFAR has now given me the opportunity to devote myself to getting homeless animals adopted into loving homes. Pictured is my Daisy Mae - who we recently rescued - she is an angel!!! Adopting and fostering save lives. My rescue partners go above and beyond for our animals with love and support. It is an honor to be part of GOFAR.