MEET OUR TEAM

After a fulfilling career at Comerica Bank, I retired in 2018 to pursue my lifelong passion: rescuing homeless animals. My days are now filled with the joy of helping dogs find their forever homes. When I'm not immersed in animal welfare, I enjoy golfing, swimming, traveling, and spending quality time with my furry companion. My ultimate goal is to improve the lives of both dogs and the families they enrich.

It is an honor and privilege to be part of an amazing team dedicated to saving the lives of homeless animals suffering from neglect, abuse and other unfortunate hardships.
Heavenly Paws celebrates 15 years of saving lives, making a large impact on homeless animal overpopulation, and doing our part to end animal suffering.

I could not be more proud to be part of an organization that has accomplished so much, yet has the determination and compassion to continue to reach new heights each and every day for the love of animals.

Retired since 2018, I love having more time to spend with my family and dearest friends. I enjoy art shows and expanding my art collection. My love of birds, bees and butterflies has led me to the joys of perennial gardening.

In time, I hope to resume my travels to far away places.

I am so thrilled to be in my third "career" with Heavenly Paws. I was with GM for an amazing 30 years and then 7 years with Comerica IT, where I met our incredible co-founders, Denise and Lori. My parents were passionate about animals and I believe they are proud of what I am doing now with the rescue. I am blessed to have my partner, Al, to share my journeys and selflessly help with the rescue.

I love my solo time walking and reading, and my time with friends at museums, fairs, zoos, concerts, and other events. I am an avid world traveler, and have learned after all the amazing things I have done and seen that it is the incredible people I have met along the way who make the journey worth it.

I am here for anyone who needs help with a rescue, transport, donation, or support. In the immortal words of Red Green, "We are all in this together. Keep your stick on the ice." Bless everyone for your support.

Rescuing animals is in my DNA. I recall so many animals I and my seven siblings brought home as strays that I can’t even count (thank goodness for our patient parents!). The puppy that ‘followed us home’, the cat that ‘just showed up on the porch for food’, the rabbits, guinea pigs, turtles and fish that we loved and cared for made me wonder why our last name wasn’t Dolittle – they all became part of our family. So, after 34 years in banking and 6 years in Retail marketing and social media, it was a natural shift to join Heavenly Paws of Michigan, and unite my love of animals with my desire to tell their stories.

Every rescue I’ve fostered or helped rehome has its own unique tale. Sometimes I wonder what they’d tell us if they could. That they’re grateful for the loving and safe place we’ve given them to land until we find them a forever home. That our fosters treat them just like any member of the family. That they’ve enjoyed their time with us, and they love their new family. Quite simply, that they know they are special, and they are loved. My pups are both rescues from Heavenly Paws (one is a bit shy - lol).

Telling rescue stories on our social media is the honor of my life. I hope in the stories that you get to know them, feel their need, feel empathy for their owners, feel the desire to help them - and help us. The job is big, but the team of Heavenly Paws is unwavering in doing the right thing for every animal we encounter. Thanks to all of you – the Board, the fosters, the volunteers and partners, the thousands of followers. I am in awe of all you do, I strive every day to live up to your example of kindness and compassion. There’s no better team for me to be a part of. I am grateful beyond words!

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​With a desire to always learn and grow, I also became a Michigan Master Gardener, and also earned a Baking and Pastry degree (Yes I can make croissants!). I love spending time with family and friends cooking and baking, traveling, and expanding my passion for the arts and music as both an artist - and a spectator!

A lot of people believe they rescue animals. But in truth, animals rescue me. Every rescued animal brings new light and joy to my world. Each and every kitten or cat teaches me something new. I enjoy walking and backpacking. In my spare time, I love creative ministry, writing, directing, and creating performances. I love reading a good book and, of course, traveling with all my fur babies.