I’m a native of Wake Forest/Raleigh and my family has been in the area for generations. I'm grateful to be deeply rooted here and have also had the opportunity to work with a variety of people who have made the Triangle their home. This diversity has enriched my life and Saving Grace beyond measure. Always driven by a strong love and respect for animals, I began working in animal welfare after graduating college. Through shelter work, I observed the seemingly never-ending number of unwanted pets, countless euthanasia, and the critical urgency for deserving animals to be saved.  I also recognized there were loving homes looking to adopt a family pet. I sought to create a space where both dogs and humans felt more comfortable, minimizing the stress of meetings in a standard shelter setting. From this vision, the organization was founded in 2004. This isn’t a service of convenience, but rather a necessity in order to stop filling our county landfills with deserving animals while families are looking to adopt a companion. While I wear many hats, one of my main roles is working with over 20 counties in the Carolinas. I visit these shelters, work with the shelter staff to address their needs, and interact with the animals to determine who will make the best family pets. Recently, I’ve added a spay/neuter clinic. We provide basic vet care and spay/neuter every dog prior to adoption to help minimize the overpopulation crisis. Many dogs come in with severe neglect and trauma. I've fostered partnerships with clinics, shelters, and teaching hospitals to help care for these animals.  I've started a small retail store close to the rescue where adopters and the public can purchase pet products. All proceeds go back to Saving Grace to help our mission. My newest venture has been opening a sister location in Robeson Co. For the past 10 years, I’ve worked with Robeson Co. Animal Shelter to reduce the number of dogs/puppies being euthanized. Yet, this county continues to have the highest euthanasia rate in NC and our state has the 3rd highest rate in the country. To further reduce the numbers, I started an intake location. It gives animals a safe place to begin their care and their journey toward adoption. They’re transferred to Saving Grace in Wake Forest where they finish receiving necessary vet care and are adopted into loving homes. I take great pride in the organization that I and my volunteers have built from the ground up. With my passion for animal welfare and underserved communities, Saving Grace will continue to be a haven for dogs for many years to come.