Our Board

I dove into the GSRA adventure in 2008—after spending 2007 geeking out over the GSRA website from Kansas. I originally had a plan: adopt a German Shepherd in honor of my beloved GSD Ariel (whom I rescued from Germany before settling back in NC). But fate had a delightful curveball in store! Instead of sticking to my original plan, I rescued a spirited pup named Desdemona from an accidental litter just before she was headed to the pound, and that’s when I discovered my passion for fostering.

Since then, I've welcomed countless dogs into my life and ended up permanently adopting eight of my foster buddies. My love for tech got me busy updating our website and streamlining our database, which quickly led me to a whirlwind journey from Secretary to Vice President—and now, I proudly serve as President.

When I'm not busy working with the rescue, I'm a community college instructor who loves building and painting. Today, my home buzzes with the energy of six amazing GSDs—all GSRA alums: Cooper (2014), Bertie (2019), Piper (2019), Annie Oakley (2020), Gunner (2020), and Maverick (2025).

After years of begging for a dog (after our first one passed), I decided the best way for my daughter to get her dog fix was to volunteer. I have always loved German Shepherds as my grandmother and uncles had them when I was growing up. That lead me to GSRA in 2011. My daughter and I started volunteering at meet and greet events as 'dog holders' and then I added applicant screener to my volunteer resume. From there I moved to the email support team, responding to intake and adoption inquiries. I also always volunteer at the annual picnic, my favorite event.

About 6 months after volunteering, my sweet Holly came into our lives. I wasn't looking for another dog but she was the one that was going to change my mind. My girl passed this year but her presence will always be with me. She had a rough start in life but GSRA stepped in and changed that for her like they do for so many dogs. That is why I love this organization. Our volunteers come together for the sole purpose of giving a voice to these dogs that have none. We all have a common goal and passion of helping this amazing breed.

Outside of GSRA, I work full-time for a financial services firm and am the mom to two college age kids and 3 crazy rescue kitties.

My relationship with GSRA first began as an adopter in 2004. I was so impressed with the organization that it wasn't before long I found myself volunteering as an applicant screener and conducting home visits.  Next I worked as. a co-chair with other fantastic volunteers to plan the annual reunion picnic.  After several years of picnic planning fun, I became an admin of GSRA's facebook page until stepping into the role of Treasurer in the fall of 2019.  I am proud to be a part of such an amazing organization and diverse community united by our common love of dogs, and especially GSDs.

In 2011 I adopted my first GSRA dog, Wolfie, and started to volunteer as a screener the following year. The wonderful folks at GSRA were a great resource for me when Wolfie had a somewhat rocky adjustment period and I wanted to give something back in return. Since 2011 we have adopted three more GSRA dogs; Izzy in 2013 (a 10 year old senior who lived 3 more years); Lili in 2016 and Cedar in 2020. Wolfie became a certified therapy dog and, before we lost him in 2022, he completed almost 500 visits to nursing homes, hospice patients, and adult resource centers. He was my ‘heart dog,’ and always will be. Several years ago I became Screener Coordinator. This means I read all of the new applications which come into the rescue and do a preliminary triage to make sure that any homes we pass on to regular screening meet our basic criteria. In my ‘real life’ I am a professional musician (oboist), university professor, and author.

I started by adopting from GSRA in 2011. I was miserable when I lost my wonderful dog Mack in 2011. GSRA's Zappalig came into my life and helped heal my heart. I began fostering as a way to honor Mack and all the wonderful animals I have had. And as an added bonus, by fostering, I can have more dogs in my life than I normally would have the opportunity for.  

I am proud to foster and grateful to have been a soft place to land for the 30+ fosters who have come through my home. I continue to keep in touch with some of the adopters and treasure getting updates. There is a great relief that comes with knowing my dog is loved and has an amazing life with their new families.  

To those who don't think they can foster because they think they'll get too attached, let me tell you, get over your own feelings so a dog can live! Willing fosters are our only limitation within GSRA! I will continually take the emotional hit for my dog so they can go on to have the wonderful life they so deserve. My foster dog gets an additional home with more people to love them, and I can always remain close, that is a win for everyone! For each dog I let go, there is joy they are bringing to another family and there is another dog just waiting in the shelter for someone who give them the correct circumstances to thrive. I am that person, I treasure being their mom.

My journey with GSRA started back in 2008, all because I wanted to honor my amazing German Shepherd Dog (GSD). He was my adventure buddy and co-pilot in everything we did, and his loyalty and smarts were off the charts. I couldn't help but fall in love with the breed and felt inspired to help other GSDs in need.

I began with home visits and assessments at shelters, and like many in our rescue family, I fostered my first dog and—well, you know how it goes—ended up adopting her. Who can resist those soulful eyes? Now, I voluteer behind the scenes with social media, making sure that all of our GSDs get the spotlight they deserve.

For me, my love for GSDs is more than a passion—it’s both a heartfelt commitment and a way to honor the memory of my late GSDs. 

I'm proud to be part of a community that shares this dedication and to contribute to the rescue in any way I can.

After adopting my first GSD I decided that I’d like to volunteer with a breed specific rescue group. I started small with GSRA doing the occasional transport through the upstate SC area. I did a hospice foster for a sweet girl with DM. I then started screening, which I still do and love. Helping these great dogs find their own family is so rewarding. About 5 years ago as a screener I realized how many family’s we couldn’t help because of our limited number of dogs as a result of not enough fosters. I decided to give it a try. Xena, my foster fail of 4 years ago helps teach the dogs things that I can’t. We are a team and foster mentoring is her job. I’m one of the newest board members and enjoy being part of the decision making team.