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OUR TEAM
Yvonne
Co-Founder & Director of Finances
I was born and raised in the Brockville area and now reside in Athens. My love for animals started young and I have always surrounded myself with dogs. I am passionate about rescue work and spend much of my free time doing the behind the scenes and hands on work that comes with rescue. I have 4 dogs of my own - all adopted and all spoiled rotten. I am fortunate to have the support of my husband who rarely says no and my family and friends who go along with and support all of my endeavors.
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When I am not working towards improving the lives of dogs in in our community I am working as an Elementary Special Education teacher for the public school board. My days are full and busy but I wouldn't have it any other way!
Holly
Co-Founder & Director of Vetting
I grew up an animal lover in a house where animals were not allowed. What? Can you imagine? I suppose now you can say I am making up for lost time. My home consists of my 2 favourite humans, Gracie (daughter) and Ethan (son) and our 4 pupperoos ranging from small to giant, young to old. Each one from a different background and each a perfect fit into our crazy family.
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We joined the world of rescue a few years back. Gracie’s favourite part is helping at fundraising events and training the fosters. Ethan loves to walk the dogs and play with them in the backyard. I love watching the dogs in care progress from intake to adoption…. The transformations are truly amazing.
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I am very blessed to be apart of this special village - where strangers with common passions unite, friendships bloom and we help as many doggies as we can find their forever homes.
Barb
Co-Founder & Director of Human Resources
I've always been a lover of animals, but dogs hold a special place in my heart. The love of a dog is something we should all strive to deserve. Dogs are pure and loyal, and few things are as awesome as the greeting they give when you get home at the end of the day. Working with rescue and helping deserving dogs get a second chance at a happily ever after "fills my cup" with the good stuff again. My goal is to one day be the person my dogs see me as!
Kim
Director of Adoptions
​I was born and raised in the small town of Arnprior, a country girl at heart, I have had a passion for animals instilled in me. We had family dogs growing up, and dogs continued to be an active part of my life. The first part of my life was very career focused, and as time passes I realized it was time for a change, to not only be career focused but to make a difference and give back to my community. My husband always tells my kids, "if you want to help, help someone that cannot help themselves, help an animal."
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Given our love for dogs, we decided as a family to start fostering with ITAV Dog Rescue to try and make a difference in one dog's life. We foster as a family, my husband, son, daughter and I, for which I'm very grateful. After a wonderful experience with our first foster in the summer of 2022, we decided this was something our family wanted to continue. I decided my spare time would be given to helping as many fur friends as possible and joined the rescue as an Adoption Coordinator.
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Away from rescue, I love the being outdoors with friends and family, camping and fishing, watching my kids curl, and being a mom to two wonderful young people. Rescue doesn't pay the bills, but it fills my cup with love and experiences a career can't provide.
Krista
Director of Foster Relations
As long as I can remember, I was always the kid who was saving the frogs and worms from being run over, feeding the stray cats in the neighbourhood or rescuing dogs from being euthanized at the local shelter. I joined the parades walking show Shepard’s and spent all of my spare time with our family dogs. When visiting family and friends you would always find me wherever the animals were, wether in a barn with farm animals or curled up in a crate with the dogs.
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I currently have a house full of rescue dogs, and assorted critters that my family and I enjoy immensely. My kids are growing up and moving off to school, so I figured now I have the time to volunteer and join ITAV with a crew that shares the same passion that I have. As a new member, I’m impressed daily how big the hearts are of this team and I’m excited to be a part it!
Marie Claude
Director of Events
I wanted to help dogs in any way that I could, when I saw the call for fosters to help rescue dogs from the Manitoba wild fires, that was my chance to start, by fostering one of the incoming dogs. Turns out not only am I helping save dogs, and I am now part of a wonderful village composed of amazing individuals who I like to call my second family.
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Other than loving anything dog related, I am crafty! I like to build/sew/make stuff and also love to dance!
Alexandra
Newsletter Team
I come from a family of dog lovers; my grand-father did everything for his dogs, including going home during his lunch break everyday just to spend 20 minutes with his baby. My mom raised us to have the same love and dedication towards animals. In our household, the dogs outnumber the humans but that's the way we like it.
When my mother decided to start fostering with ITAV in 2022, we took in Starlight, from the Manitoba fires. The moment she came into our lives I knew we were about to be a part of something special. Our family has welcomed many different dogs, teaching them what it's like to be loved and feel safe while we searched for their forever home. Fast forward to 2025, I now have a rescue of my own, my best friend Onyx the tripod! Being a part of the rescue has taught me patience, made me realize that the passion my grand-father had for animals had in fact been passed down and welcomed me into a community where we all share a common goal; save Canadian dogs.
Carlee
Adoption Coordinator
Growing up on a family farm, I was always surrounded by animals – and that never changed! As a teen, I got my first dog of my own (much to my parents’ delight), and my love for dogs has only grown. We started fostering in early 2025 & nothing has made me happier than seeing the confidence grow in a shy little foster puppy while they are in our care. Every dog deserves a loving home & I am grateful to be part of their adventure.
Today, my family and I share our home with three dogs – including a sweet girl from Iqaluit – and three cats. But why stop there when there is always room for more?! Our house is made a home with a couple of foster dogs, a little extra fur & me spending any of my spare time behind my computer; helping another family find their perfect furry friend.
I’m forever thankful for ITAV & my family for keeping my heart full, life busy & always agreeing when I say but what is one (or three) more…
Chantal
Social Media Coordinator
I have always said that dogs are better than people, and those who take offense to that statement are exactly the people I am talking about. A lot of rescue dogs come with baggage, but all of them come with unconditional love. Our house has dogs as young as 4 months old and as old as 16 years old.
My volunteering with ITAV started only as providing respite for foster families because I work full-time for the government. That quickly turned into becoming a foster family and then joining the foster check-in team. While some of us have specific titles, it is more of a "all hands on deck" approach with everyone jumping in to support wherever needed. My own 18 year old daughter accompanies me on transports or taking the dogs to vet appointments. My recently retired husband, who was supportive about fostering, but essentially indifferent, has been "all in" and he's the reason I can do this. He's also the reason our second foster was a foster fail. But that didn't stop us from continuing to open our home to more.
I have a soft spot for the palliative dogs who come into ITAV's care. They feed my soul, as does working with this amazing group of volunteers who are all a testament to the rescue's name - it really does take a village - and I am so grateful to be part of it.
Chelsea
Newsletter Team
I have always been an animal lover and had a soft spot for rescue dogs. I started volunteering on the newsletter and social media teams with ITAV in 2022 while I was on mat leave with my son. I was looking for a way to give back to my community and get involved with a great cause. I had heard about ITAV from a few coworkers so I took the leap!
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I work full time as a registered nurse and I find volunteering with the rescue something that brings me a lot of joy. I am excited to see how the village grows!
Clarinda
Volunteer Coordinator
Clarinda / Female / Old enough to drink / Asian / Dogs - Yes / Cats - Yes / Kids - Yes / Chickens - Yes / Goats - Yes / Donkeys - Yes / Location - within 2 hours of Ottawa
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Meet Clarinda , Volunteer Coordinator
I am a bit of a goof. 😀
Like the volunteers at ITAV, a lifelong love of dogs. I've had dogs, cats, ferrets, gerbils, rabbits and even a trained chicken. I've taken my chicken when I pet sit or camping at friends. Discovered my love for farm animals when I moved to the country. Nothing like getting hugs from donkeys.
I consider myself fortunate to be part of this amazing group who work so tirelessly for the dogs. The joy that resonates when a dog finds its forever home. I love it when our fosters and adopters share photos and videos of their furbabies.
Danielle
Donation Management
After my two dogs passed I wanted to fill my home with more right away, but life circumstances made it hard to commit to anything long term (vet bills lol) I have always believed in supporting all forms of animal rescue so I signed up to foster for ITAV. I get the best of both worlds! After a couple years I wanted to do more, so when they asked me to help in supporting other fosters, I was all in! It's so awesome to see all the different dogs come into rescue, in maybe not so good shape and then with the help of beautiful fosters, turn into healthy pets ready for their forever homes. It has been the most awesome experience working with this group of huge hearted ladies! I share my little hobby farm in the valley with two horses, 5 hens and a cat. I have not foster-failed yet!! Although every one has been very tough to let go, I know all of them to fantastic forever homes! And I get updates!
Elizabeth
Home Visits & Foster Check in Support
My name is Liz and I live in the beautiful 1000 island with my 2 sons, husbands and fur animals( Jazzy our dog and Bubbles our cat both rescues). Ever since i was little i have advocated for adopting dogs to anyone who would listen. As i got older i decided i wanted to get involved. I have a passion to giving dogs a voice and providing a safe , caring home. I enjoy anything outdoors, spending time with the family and of house giving my heart to dogs/cats in need. I joined the team just over a year ago however been fostering over 2 years now. ITAV is a great rescue making impacts on Canadian dogs in need and I am extremely proud to be part of this team.
Ema
Assistant Foster Coordinator
I was born and raised in Romania, where my love for animals began early. As a child, I would bring home stray kittens and puppies—much to my mother’s despair! Once they were old enough, we would bring them to relatives in the countryside, where they became beloved family pets. When I was about 10 years old, my father brought home our first family dog, a small Poodle named Cora. At that time, there was no dog food in Romania and very few veterinarians, but with love, care, and home-cooked meals, Cora lived a happy life for 17 years.
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In my 20s, life was filled with university, seven years living abroad in Qatar, traveling the world, and becoming a mother. My 30s brought me to Canada, and much of my 40s were spent reflecting on my career path. When I retired in November 2024, the very first thing I did was apply to foster. I began fostering with ITAV in December 2024, and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience. In January 2025, I returned to college and also joined the ITAV Check-In Team—another role I truly enjoy.
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My passion for dog behaviour and training drives me to keep learning and helping every day. Outside of rescue, I love crafting, baking, spending time with my husband and our two huskies, and enjoying the beauty of fall and the magic of Christmas.
Ginette
Foster Check in Support
After my 2 dogs passed, I was missing something in my home. That’s when I decided to start fostering for this wonderful rescue. It helped with the grieving process of me losing my 2 fur babies. After a couple of months, after being sidelined by a medical injury, I had to pause on fostering and I became a support known as check ins for other fosters that welcomed fur babies into their home. I find it so rewarding. I get to love many many dogs from afar. I won’t lie, shedding tears is part of the process for me…tears of sadness when a dog is sick and tears of happiness when a dog finds his forever home. If I could adopt all of them, I would!!! My Cody and Tessa would be so proud of me for helping out such a wonderful rescue!
Jeanny
Events Team
Hi, I’m Jeanny! I’m retired now, but I like to think of it less as “slowing down” and more as finally having the time to do the things I love most—like volunteering with this incredible dog rescue.
Whether it’s helping out at events, jumping into fundraising activities, or hosting them with my children and grandchildren, I’m all in. In fact, my grandchildren have been happily running their own fundraising events for the rescue for the past two years—proof that the love for animals runs strong in our family.
My passion for animals started when I was young, thanks to my dad, who taught me that there’s always room for “just one more” furry—or feathered—friend. Over the years, I’ve shared my home with dogs, cats, ducks, turtles, fish, hamsters, and birds. Almost all have been rescues, and all have been family.
I’m also what they call a “foster fail”—which basically means I was supposed to temporarily care for my current dog, Cassie, but she quickly convinced me I was her forever human. Now she’s a full-fledged family member, adored by all (and, between us, a little spoiled).
Being part of this rescue has brought so much joy and growth into my life, and I’m grateful every day for the wagging tails, wet noses, and the community of people who love them just as much as I do.
Julie
Events Social Media Team
I started fostering with another local rescue after I adopted my big boy Finnegan. When I made the switch to It Takes a Village, I was privileged to foster a beautiful girl from Pangirtung—Echo. Echo was also my first foster fail…and I’ve had many close calls since! When I was asked to help out with social media content, I jumped at the opportunity to contribute to this amazing team of volunteers. The amount of hours that some of the volunteers put in is next level. I’m happy to be a cog in the ITAV wheel!
Kathy
Reference Check Team
My husband and I have lived and raised family in the Brockville/Prescott area for over 40 years. We have always had dogs as part of our family and sometimes cats, birds and lizards. Teaching our 3 children to love and respect all living creatures was important to us - as was giving them opportunities to experience the unconditional love that animals give us. My husband and I did some showing of our shih tzus in the 70's and 80's, both in conformation and obedience. We have loved many dogs of different breeds usually having more than one at a time. Our last "family" pup was a shih tzu, Benji, who died only 2 weeks before his 21st birthday. Knowing that he was palliative, I reached out to ITAV having seen a picture of an adorable senior shih tzu gal on the website.
Now widowed, having a home without a dog was unimaginable so I applied to adopt her, Miss Chrissy. I was so impressed with the excellent and thorough adoption process that I offered to volunteer. Reference-checking became the area in which I participate. And usually, my conversations with references are very enjoyable, chatting with animal lovers and veterinary folk. I also volunteer with other community organizations, including the Leeds & Grenville OSPCA, my local Victoria United Church and South Grenville Minor Hockey. It has always been the belief within our family that it is important to give back to your community ... and I love all of my adventures with these organizations.
I also enjoy spending time with my 9 grandchildren, gardening, crafting and doing miniatures and dollhouses.
Keisha-Shanelle
Foster Check in Support
I’m a foster check in support for the rescue, and I’ve worked with dogs my whole life! living on a farm, I’ve had different types of dogs for different roles and jobs, but I love them all, big or small
Kelly
Vetting Coordinator
I came to ITAV to foster shortly after I lost my 16 year old cocker spaniel mix, Dallas. I have always had dogs in my life and I felt so empty, but wasn't ready to commit to adoption just yet. I began fostering and fell in love with it. We foster failed with a puppy in January, but have still continued to foster. I love everyone involved with ITAV, it is such a wonderful community, so supportive and kind.
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I love fostering and helping out wherever I can because it is the most rewarding experience to help a dog heal from whatever traumas they are dealing with, to see them grow into their personalities and thrive. Of course my heart breaks a little bit every time a foster leaves us, but it warms my heart when I see the loving forever families they are going into. It truly does take a village.
Lisa
Social Media Coordinator
& Website Designer
I grew up in Carleton Place and have loved animals of all types ever since I can remember. I have always had a menagerie of pets, whether they be furry, feathered, scaled.
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My love for dogs truly started in 2012 when my family got our very first dog. From there the pack grew and my love for dogs grew even stronger! Fast forward to the spring of 2022 and I ended up joining the ITAV team first as part of the foster check-in team, and then graduated to the social media coordinator. I recently delved into the world of fostering too! Working for ITAV brought me and my amazing little northern supermutt Hoover together.
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Being a part of the ITAV has been such an amazing experience, meeting and working with so many passionate people, all in the name of saving as many dogs as we can.
Louise
Reference Coordinator
When I retired, I wanted to commit to volunteering in a role where I felt like I was making a difference in the community. My love of animals lead me to ITAV where I am able to help dogs in need find their forever homes. Thankfully, my husband is also an animal lover and we have two dogs and two cats that we rescued. When I’m not speaking with the references of prospective fosters and adopters, I love spending time at the barn with my horse, going for long walks, and hanging out at the dog park.
Melissa
Foster Check-in Support
An injury six years ago changed my life and I was no longer able to practice as a pediatric nurse but my heart still yearned to care for others. Animals have always been apart of my story. Memories of dressing our cat in baby clothes, horse back riding, helping anything injured including like the “cat” I once found (rabid racoon). Recently we lost our two beautiful dogs 27 days apart. Our hearts broke and I said we would never get a dog again. Two days later the silence was overwhelming and I knew in that moment the love we had for our pups was stronger then the pain of losing them. Volunteering for ITAV I am able to combine two of my passions, animals and helping, and in just a short time it has been incredibly fulfilling. ITAV truly is a village... of kind and compassionate people all working towards saving those who don't have a voice for themselves, the rescues.
Michelle
Palliative Foster Coordinator
I’ve been connected with ITAV in different ways since January 2022, and I know this special village will always be a part of me.
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In my professional life, I work in the fast-paced and emotionally demanding world of chaotic substance use and acute mental health at a local hospital. It can be very draining, but dogs have always been a source of healing and balance for me.
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I especially have a soft spot for senior and palliative dogs. Our home is never without at least one, and when we lose one, we open our hearts again to another older or sick dog who might otherwise be overlooked. We shower them with love and care for the rest of their days. We will never stop this practice—because every senior and or palliative dog deserves comfort, dignity, and joy until their very last breath.
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I’ve returned to the village, this time to focus on our palliative dogs. I couldn’t be more grateful that ITAV shares this belief: no dog should ever spend their final days in a shelter.
Rachael
Foster Support Coordinator
I have a long history of loving animals. My two passions are horses and dogs and I am so blessed to have spent my professional career working with both in a variety of roles. After adopting our latest rescue pup from ITAV it was clear I had to be a part of the team! I love being able to support our local community (yes I still consider Northern dogs as supporting our community) and see how many lives get impacted by choosing to save even just 1. Dogs are incredible beings! There is a whole line of team members rallying together to help these dogs all find their loving forever homes and not a single person who encounters them along the way isn’t touched by their journey. My role as a foster check in person is to help our foster families navigate how to best care for each of their foster pups and help them trouble shoot along the way. For the most part, I cheer them on, dote on all the photos and share in celebration every time we are finally told “your pup is officially adopted”!
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I scarcely remember a time in my life without dogs. As a child my parents brought home 2 “free” puppies from the farm down the road and as soon as I could as an adult I adopted my first rescue, he was a husky mutt. The bigger and fluffier they are, the more they fill my heart! My family consists of my incredibly supportive husband (who also grew up with rescued dogs), my 2 amazing little kids who love taking care of animals and taking part in dog training, our cat Griffin, a pony, several chickens and of course our 3 goofy and loving dogs; Christmas (a golden retriever), Roo (a now senior Australian shepherd) and of course our ITAV pup Liberty who is a “northern super mutt”.
Robyn
Foster Check-in Support
I have always had a passion for rescue and love helping animals in any way I can. I became involved with ITAV when I was contacted to volunteer with the rescue. Our family had recently adopted a tripod puppy named Gus through ITAV and I wanted to give back and help in any way I could. I have many years of rescue experience from picking up dogs at the shelter, volunteering at events, being a foster coordinator and even volunteering in Mexico at an animal rescue!
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I love how rewarding rescue is and being part of this incredible team.
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My family consists of my very patient husband and teenage daughter. We have 2 dogs and 3 cats.
Sandra
Adoption Coordinator
I grew up on a little hobby farm in Arnprior. We always had dogs, and often we would also have cats, chickens, rabbits, turkeys, and ducks. I moved to Ottawa when I was 18 to become and Early Childhood Educator and now I am the Director of a nonprofit childcare centre.
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My husband and I decided in the fall of 2022 that it was the right time for us to get a dog. We went to the It Takes a Village Dog Rescue website, and we fell in love with a little brown and white puppy. We went to meet her and knew she was the dog for us. The rescue was very open and told us that she may have some health issues and they did not want to adopt her out without knowing what was wrong. They took her to many vet appointments and ran multiple tests until they found out what was wrong. Turns out she has only has one kidney but that didn’t stop us from adopting her since she had already stolen our hearts. I was so impressed with everything they did to find out what was wrong, that I wanted to give back by volunteering with the rescue on the adoption team.
Sonia
Home Visit Coordinator
I have a passion about animals. In our household, we have a total of 4; 2 cats and 2 dogs. I can't imagine my life without animals! We grew up in the suburbs of the city and always had cats and dogs (even a racoon at one point). We also raised a cow and some ducks. Hoping to retire in the country to expand and open our house to more animals in need.
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When I heard about this wonderful rescue, I knew I had to get involved somehow. I was asked if I'd be interested in doing virtual home visits and here I am. I love to see what environment our rescues will live in. It is heartwarming to see so many loving people wanting to give our rescues a second life, a second chance, a better life!
Stephanie
Home Visit Coordinator
I grew up in Brockville. I still live here with my Husband Don and our kids Jacob and Quinn. I have never lived in a home without a dog. I believe that a house isn’t a home without one. I grew up loving animals of all kinds. We currently have our 2 pups Socks and Pickles, an African Grey Parrot Clover, a bunny Flash and Fredrick the fish.
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I am an educational assistant working with elementary school kids. I love my job and helping kids realize that are capable of anything they put their mind too. When I am not at work or running my kids around to hockey and gymnastics I just enjoy spending my time at home snuggled up on the couch with a good book or TV show and my dogs.I grew up in Brockville. I still live here with my Husband Don and our kids Jacob and Quinn. I have never lived in a home without a dog. I believe that a house isn’t a home without one. I grew up loving animals of all kinds.
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We currently have our 2 pups Socks and Pickles, an African Grey Parrot Clover, a bunny Flash and Fredrick the fish. I am an educational assistant working with elementary school kids. I love my job and helping kids realize that are capable of anything they put their mind too. When I am not at work or running my kids around to hockey and gymnastics I just enjoy spending my time at home snuggled up on the couch with a good book or TV show and my dogs.
Terri
Assistant Foster Coordinator
I started in cat rescue in 2018 after releasing from the Canadian Forces and needing to find a new purpose for my life. I loved it so much, especially fostering. I adopted a rescue cat from Belize in 2021 and I continued to foster as much as she would allow (she isn’t a fan of other cats). When my cat finally had enough cats through the house, I was looking for other opportunities to foster, dogs specifically, because my cat was good with a dog in Belize.
Then I came across a post on Facebook that ITAV was looking for a foster home for a special boy that had just had a leg amputated. I knew this was it! So in the late summer of 2023, I applied to foster him and my cat is doing much better with foster dogs! I was later asked to join the team to help with foster check-ins and I knew I wanted to be a part of this amazing rescue’s efforts to save as many fur babies as possible! I’m now an Assistant Foster Coordinator and I’m loving every minute! It truly is an honour to be a small piece of such an incredible team! In my years of rescue experience, I learned very quickly that not all rescues are equivalent, but ITAV is the real deal! I am proud to say I’m part of this team!
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