CO-FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

After 18 months of hands-on experience helping to run a local non-profit rescue, I am proud to co-found Paw Match Southern California. My work is driven by a deep commitment to animal welfare, with a specific focus on saving dogs in our community and from high-kill shelters across Southern California.

I believe that a successful rescue is built on a foundation of safety, responsibility, integrity, and intentionality. With five rescue pups of my own, I know firsthand the joy a second chance can bring.

I am passionate about finding the 'perfect match,' ensuring that every dog in our care is placed in a home that aligns with their needs, personality, and future. I am honored to advocate for these deserving pups, ensuring they find their own 'happily ever after' with a forever family.

I invite you to join us in our mission to save lives, one match at a time.

CO-FOUNDER & VICE PRESIDENT

I’ve always had a passion for dogs. After college, I did the responsible adult thing and worked in corporate America for many years. During that time I started volunteering at an animal shelter, and that’s when I adopted my dog Arthur… which basically changed the entire trajectory of my life.

I loved Arthur so much that leaving him every day to go to work felt completely unreasonable. So I did what any rational person would do—I left my career and started a pet sitting business so I could spend all day with him.

What started as pet sitting quickly snowballed into the boarding and daycare business I now run with my husband, Don. At this point our lives mostly revolve around dogs, with occasional breaks for human responsibilities.

Our home has also become a safe place for dogs who don’t yet have a foster or adopter—a sort of layover lounge for pups waiting for their forever families.

As the Vice President and Community Awareness Director for Paw Match Southern California, I believe service starts locally. I work hard to bring awareness to my Southern California community—not just about our rescue, but about the dog rescue world in general—because the more people who know, the more dogs we can save.

And honestly, if it were up to me, every house would probably have at least three dogs. 🐾

TREASURER

I’m a San Diego native, born and raised in Aviara, and now living in La Costa with my husband, our daughter, and our two rescue dogs. I earned my degree in Finance from the University of San Diego and currently serve as the Director of Operations for a multi-location restaurant group.

After losing my soul dog, Apache, everything shifted for me. That loss opened my eyes to how many incredible dogs are still at risk, and I couldn’t look away. I started focusing on the dogs in high-kill shelters, and I began helping pull them into safety and place them into loving, forever homes. I knew I had to be part of the solution.

This is more than rescue to me. It’s a commitment to permanent change. I’m focused on ending the euthanasia of shelter dogs by driving real accountability, transparency, and reform within the system. I believe change must start locally, but it cannot stop there. My goal is to help build a model that scales - one that shapes policy and legislation and becomes the standard nationwide.

I want to leave something that lasts. A system that no longer allows healthy, adoptable dogs to be killed. A future my daughter can look at and know her mom didn’t just care - she helped change it.

SECRETARY
My hope is that all humans and dogs experience the peace, comfort, and joy of unconditional love and companionship. That is why, when given the opportunity to join Paw Match and help rescue, rehabilitate, place in foster care, and find forever homes for Southern California dogs, I was in!   

I have had at least one dog, and often three, nearly my entire life. These furry family members never fail to greet me with enthusiasm when I get home (even if I have only been gone for a few minutes), encourage me to get outside and walk, insist I spend a few minutes on the floor playing tug-of-war, snuggle near or next to me as I move through my day, and general ensure that I know that I am the center of their universe. I am so happy to work with Paw Match and serve dogs in our community to bring them home to their center of the universe

DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION

I have had a passion for animals my whole life! Over the years I have had the opportunity to work with both exotic and domestic animals. Working with and protecting animals in my community is a very important part of my life. 

For the past 22 years, I’ve been a stay at home mom. My husband and I have 8 amazing children. We homeschool, which allows our children to be involved in the rescue process. It’s been wonderful to watch them become more compassionate as we save dogs from being euthanized and help them transition to their new lives. 

I love working with the wonderful, dedicated team that makes up Paw Match. Saving lives, helping dogs find their forever families, and bringing awareness to the public is what we are all about!

DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING

Throughout my early career, I worked at a large technology company, initially focused on hiring software engineers before transitioning into a role in compensation. As the company expanded, so did my family, and I found it increasingly challenging to dedicate the time and focus I wanted to both my professional responsibilities and my growing family. Eventually I was incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to step away from my career and fully devote myself to being at home.

In 2009, it felt like the time was right to open our home to a canine family member and we welcomed our first rescue dog, Jasmine, into our lives. She was a gentle giant—a beautiful two-year old yellow (almost white) Labrador with a calm and loving nature. I still remember my husband’s first reaction: “Did you have to fall in love with a dog quite so BIG?” From the very beginning, it was clear she was the perfect addition to our family—a true match made in heaven. 

Now that my youngest child has graduated from high school, I finally have the opportunity to devote my time and energy to a lifelong passion: animals. I have volunteered, fostered, and rescued animals through numerous organizations throughout San Diego County, as well as one rescue group in the California desert. As a family, we currently share our home with five dogs, and while I wish I could save each and every dog, that very feeling is what inspired me to collaborate with an organization like Paw Match. I am thrilled to work with a team of amazing ladies who have the same goals I do - finding that authentic match made in heaven. It's true, sometimes rescuing takes a little extra love and a lot of extra patience however the goal of Paw Match is the for the best start possible. Every dog deserves a warm bed, a full belly, and a heart filled with love.

DIRECTOR OF ANIMAL ADVOCACY

Fostering dogs and cats in need had been a dream of mine for many years. When my own beloved pets passed away, I knew it was time to open my home to animals who needed safety and a second chance.

Every time one of my fosters left for their forever home, I cried my eyes out, but the next day I was ready to welcome another. The best things in life often bring both laughter and tears.

Fostering has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It changes the lives of the animals we save, but it also changes us. I truly encourage anyone who has ever considered fostering to take that step. 

In my role with Paw Match SoCal, my goal is to make sure every foster feels supported and never alone. Our fosters are the heart of rescue, and I am proud to stand beside them as we work together to give animals the future they deserve.

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER

I’m a mom, grandma and great grandma. I was born to spend my retirement helping animals through fostering, volunteering and advocating for those without voices.