BISSELL Pet Foundation is dedicated to finding every pet a loving home, and this mission is made possible through the generosity of donors, sponsorships from businesses like BISSELL Homecare Inc., and the active involvement of young professionals serving on BPF’s Junior Board. Meet our 2025 ambassadors below, as they passionately support BPF’s campaigns and events throughout the year!
Cassidy is a first year BPF Junior Board member and a passionate rescue animal advocate. Cassidy resides in Detroit with her fiancé and their two rescue dogs, Rocky and Skip, #EmptyTheShelters Adoptee! Cassidy has spent 5+ years volunteering at local animal shelters, opening her home to the occasional foster puppy, and working to improve access to animal welfare resources in her community. Cassidy is a proud University of Michigan graduate, and currently works at Honigman LLP in their business development department. Outside of work, you can find Cassidy enjoying an early morning Pilates class, trying new restaurants in Detroit, or traveling with friends. Cassidy is particularly passionate about the power of education and outreach and is incredibly excited to serve on the BPF Junior Board.
Fran is a Sr. Manager of Marketing Technology for a Chicago brand. She is a Chicagoland native that now lives in Grand Rapids, MI with her husband and rescue pitbull, Elsie. Fran loves to foster animals in the greater Grand Rapids area through the Humane Society of West Michigan and Michelle’s Rescue. She is proud to be a part of the 2025 Junior Board and work with BISSELL Pet Foundation saving lives around the world!
Crystalle is a Michigan native and lifelong animal lover with a strong passion for creativity and adventure. She is a proud dog mom of Milo, a spirited 3-year-old Border Collie/Springer Spaniel mix, who often joins her on local hikes and outdoor adventures. Crystalle works as the Partner Support Lead for Construction Simplified, where she focuses on operations and marketing. In her free time, she runs a small lettering and illustration business, showcasing her artistic talents and creative spirit. As a first-year member of the BFP Junior Board, Crystalle is thrilled to contribute her energy and passion to support animals and make a positive impact in her community!
Sarah is a first year BPF Junior Board Member and could not be more excited to serve the Detroit animal community through BISSELL Pet Foundation! She is passionate about animal rescue and “Adopt Don’t Shop”, having always had the biggest heart for all animals of any shape and size. Sarah graduated from Hope College in 2018 and currently works at Merrell in digital marketing. She and her fiancé, Andrew, have two rescues of their own: Chewy, a 9-year-old orange tabby cat, and Rocco, a 2-year-old Lab mix.
Katherine’s lifelong passion for animals led her to begin volunteering at animal shelters in 2019. She has volunteered in every city she has lived, including in Lansing, Detroit, and currently at Kent County Animal Shelter in Grand Rapids. Katherine earned her B.S. from Michigan State University and is the Human Resources Generalist at Animal Emergency and Specialty Hospital in Grand Rapids and Byron Center. She has three rescue pets: a dog, Ginger, and two cats, Francis and Petey. Katherine is excited to serve on the BPF Junior Board, expand her impact in this important work, and continue advocating for these deserving pets.
Parker is a first year BPF Junior Board member residing in Milwaukee, WI with her husband and two rescue dogs. She attended Grand Valley State University and began her nonprofit marketing career with the Humane Society of West Michigan. With over four years of experience in the animal welfare world, she understands the unique challenges that come with rescuing pets and finding their forever homes. Parker now works as a digital fundraising strategist at Moore, helping nationally recognized nonprofit organizations exceed their goals and fuel their missions. She is thrilled to join the BPF Junior Board and make a lasting difference on pets across the country.
Kat is a Brand Experience Specialist at an EMR software company and full-time pet enthusiast currently residing in Nashville, TN. She is a Michigan native with a degree in Business and Art from Aquinas College and previously worked at BISSELL Pet Foundation for 7 years prior to her move South. Kat and her husband Nick have two rescue dogs, Iris and Tom. Together they love to travel, go on walks and try new foods whenever they can.
Adrienne is from Germany and holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in architecture from the Technical University of Darmstadt. Adrienne moved to the US in 2016 and works at Ghafari Associates in Grand Rapids. Animal welfare plays an important role in Adrienne’s life. Her dad is a veterinarian in Germany and her family has always had dogs, cats, chickens and geese. Adrienne has three adopted labradors Ella, Kash, & Grace!
Kelly is a passionate animal rescue advocate who is thrilled to have the opportunity to serve on the junior board for a second year. She and her husband, Andrew, are the parents of a baby girl, Elizabeth, and a yellow lab mix, Emma. Kelly is a proud University of Alabama graduate (Roll Tide!) and works for FedEx Services as a Digital Marketing Advisor. She lives in Tampa, Florida and loves advocating the importance of animal rescue and adoption in her community.
Taylor is a first-year BPF Junior Board member and is thrilled to contribute to the mission. She recently graduated from the University of Oregon in 2024 – Sco Ducks! – and currently works in Public Relations at Wolverine Worldwide. Hailing from Grand Rapids, MI Taylor is an outdoor enthusiast who loves hiking, traveling, fly fishing, and golfing. A lifelong dog lover, she enjoys playing with her family’s pooch, Ace. When she’s not crafting PR magic, you can find her exploring the great outdoors or planning her next travels.
This is Mitchell’s first year on the BPF Junior Board. During his childhood, his family focused on fostering dogs and cats and after a short hiatus from the rescue world he jumped back into fostering during his senior year of college. Mitchell now works at a non-profit in Holland and lives in the Grand Rapids area. He has a passion for animal advocacy and wants to stay involved in the welfare of all shelter pets. He hopes to bring energy and vision to the Junior Board and is excited to be a voice for all four legged-friends.
Brenna is a Michigan native and grew up in a family with a love for rescue dogs. She’s a passionate marketer for Chaco Footwear and has a love for their ever-growing Chaco Nation. This is her third year on the BPF Junior Board, serving as the Board Chair, and is excited to continue to share how rewarding animal adoption can be. Brenna is a proud dog mom to her 6-year-old pit/boxer mix, Dax, and her 3-year-old cat, Nevis. In her free time, she loves exploring the outdoors or Northern Michigan.
Kate is a second year BPF Junior Board Member. She is currently living in Grand Rapids, MI with her 2-year-old German Shepherd (Empty the Shelters) rescue, Bella. Kate is passionate about animal adoption and fulfilling BPF’s mission of “Until every pet has a home.” She is a Physician Recruiter at Mayo Clinic. Kate received her undergraduate degree at Michigan State University and graduate degree at Central Michigan University. Kate spends most of her time at yoga or exploring new trails with Bella!
Ellie, a proud Michigan native and Aquinas College alumna, has a knack for connecting people and pets alike. As a Staffing Executive with KT|Black Skilled Trades, she pairs hardworking professionals with companies across the U.S. When she’s not excelling in her career, Ellie resides in Ada, MI, sharing life’s adventures with her loyal companion, Guinness—a spirited rescue pup from the South Central Humane Society in Battle Creek.
Ellie’s lifelong love for dogs, fueled by a childhood surrounded by furry friends, has blossomed into a passion project. Inspired by Guinness, her first adoptee, she’s now diving into the world of canine care as a student at CATCH Academy, on her way to becoming a certified Dog Trainer and Behavior Specialist. Whether it’s building connections in her career or bonding with her four-legged best friend, Ellie’s enthusiasm shines through in everything she does!
Ella is a East Grand Rapids native and proud dog owner. Ella attended Central Michigan University where she majored in Recreational Therapy. Throughout her time as a CTRS her favorite treatment with patients was animal therapy, working closely with West Michigan Therapy dogs. Ella has recently adopted a Bernese Mountain Dog named Richard. Ella enjoys spending time with her family and puppy, pilates, reading, and going for walks. Ella is very excited to be on the board for her second year, and cannot wait to make a difference working with other members for a purpose close to her heart.
Ashley is an East Grand Rapids native who currently works as a Clinical Sales Specialist at Astellas Pharma. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Services with a concentration in nonprofit management and social innovation from Kennesaw State University in Georgia. She has always had a passion for rescue work and rescue pets. While living in Arizona, Ashley was able to rescue her dog Poppy, a pittie mix, from the Arizona Animal Welfare League during an Empty the Shelters event. When not working, you can find Ashley walking her dog or spending time outside, enjoying Michigan’s beautiful scenery.
Zoey is the Events Coordinator for Humane Society of West Michigan, a non-profit organization that has made its mission to promote the humane treatment of animals in West Michigan through education, example, placement, and protection. Zoey has made it her personal mission to give animals a voice by raising awareness and fundraising. When not working, she likes to spend her time playing with her rescue pup, Oakley.
Kate is a second year BPF Junior Board member. She recently moved to Grand Rapids after time in Traverse City and prior to that 8 years in New York. She works in innovation and product strategy, and grew her animal loving to new heights during a six year tenure working for BarkBox. She has two rescue dogs, Ripley and Mia, and a young daughter, Ivy. She’s looking forward to engaging with the broader Grand Rapids community, and fellow animal lovers.
Indi is excited to start her first year at the BPF Junior Board! She is a professional soccer freestyler, influencer, and pet parent. When Indi isn’t playing soccer, she is rescuing and fostering animals! Indi is passionate about animal welfare and rescue and is excited to help save more lives with BPF.
Samantha is an East Coast native working for The Cigna Group as a Marketing Lead Analyst in a four-year rotational program. This is her first year as a BPF Junior Board member, and she is very excited to work alongside like-minded colleagues to make a difference. She holds a BS in Marketing from Bentley University and is currently obtaining her MBA from the University of Hartford. Samantha enjoys spending time with her family and her rescue pup, going to the gym, and baking/cooking. In her free time, Samantha volunteers with New England Puppy Rescue, spreading the rescue mission in her local community.
Sydney is a first year BPF Junior Board member. She currently lives in Grand Rapids with her 2 year old rescue pup Alfie. Sydney is a Visual Merchandising Specialist for Meijer where she elevates customer in store experience through visual presentations. Sydney is a graduate from Miami University where she studied Interactive Media and Design. After spending 4 years in Chicago post grad, Sydney moved back to Grand Rapids and adopted Alfie through a BPF rescue. In her free time she loves to spend time at the lake, be with family and friends and enjoys skiing during the Michigan winters. Sydney looks forward to learning more in order to be a strong resource for animal adoption and continue to spread the good word of rescue efforts.
Sarah-Katherine is a first year BPF Junior Board Member. She lives in Birmingham, AL with her husband and two rescue dogs, Dexter and Milo. Sarah-Katherine graduated from The University of Alabama with a bachelor’s and master’s in accounting and currently works as the VP of Finance at Help Lightning. Her passion for animal welfare shows with multiple years volunteering and serving on the junior board of her local humane society. Outside of work and helping shelter animals, Sarah-Katherine enjoys running and loves to curl up with a good book.
Kayla is a second year BPF Junior Board Member and is thrilled for the opportunity to continue her involvement in the community through BISSELL Pet Foundation. As a long-time animal lover and recent adopter of Frito, a 3-year-old American Staffy, Kayla is passionate about animal advocacy and sharing the joy of adoption. Kayla is a digital marketer for Merrell, a MSU Spartan, and enjoys spending her free time playing outdoors or curled up on the couch with Frito.
Meet Maddie, an impassioned animal welfare professional and fundraiser. She has spent most of her life working in the Animal Welfare sector, rescuing everything from dogs and cats, to livestock, reptiles, and even the odd peacock! Most recently she served as the Director of Lifesaving at a large Philadelphia agency, and now spends her days working as a Gift Officer for a local nonprofit and advocating as a volunteer and foster parent for animals with special behavioral and medical needs. She and her family share their journey with their beloved dogs Ubie and Enrique, both rescued from cruelty, and their trusty one-eyed cat, Huckleberry. She is eager to continue efforts to improve Animal and Human Welfare through the wonderful work that BPF does!
Megan is a second-year BPF Junior Board Member! She is a graduate of Grand Valley State University and works in healthcare technology. Megan is currently residing in Minneapolis, MN where she is excited to bring more awareness of BPF to her community. She loves fostering dogs through her local shelter and is a proud supporter of “Adopt Don’t Shop.”
Hannah is thrilled to join the Junior Board of Directors for the BISSELL Pet Foundation in her first term. A lifelong animal lover and advocate for pet adoption, she is passionate about helping pets find their forever homes. Hannah graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. After spending the past decade living in Los Angeles and working at Universal Pictures, she recently returned home to Atlanta, where she lives with her fiancé and their rescued golden retriever, Minnie. With a strong background in communications and a deep commitment to animal welfare, Hannah is eager to make a meaningful impact through her work with BISSELL Pet Foundation.
Kelsey is the Manager of Philanthropy for Lions International Engagement at Leader Dogs for the Blind, working closely with Lions Clubs all over the United States who are committed to serving those who are blind and visually impaired in our communities. Kelsey has given her time to many Michigan based animal welfare and advocacy nonprofits, including Michigan Humane and the Abraham Ranch. She is a proud supporter of “Adopt Don’t Shop,” advocating for shelter animals and the power of fostering and adoption. She has a seven-year-old rescue cat named Celle that she found abandoned at only a few weeks old while living in Houston and a 8 month old rescue cat named Auggie who was part of a litter found in a Michigan neighborhood living under a porch. Kelsey is looking forward to bringing awareness to the BPF’s mission and impacting the pet community across the country.
Anna is a first year BPF Junior Board Member. As a long-time animal lover, she is extremely passionate about rescuing animals and building community amongst the next generation of pet parents. Anna’s childhood dog (a rescue named Tink), inspired a lifelong love for all creatures, big and small. A graduate of Grand Valley State University, Anna is now pursuing a Master’s in Communications. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, reading, and exploring the beauty of Michigan.
Shelby is excited to serve on the Junior Board for her first year. She is currently a student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and is a veterinary nurse of 3 years at Lafayette Veterinary Care Center. She got to know BISSELL Pet Foundation through the care and treatment of shelter pets sponsored by BPF at the veterinary hospital. She even adopted one of the BISSELL patients ‘Hope’ who’s story is found on BPF social media pages. She is excited to focus on our mission of ‘Until every pet has a home’ while coordinating with overcrowded southern shelters.
Rachel is a dog mom of two (Dawson, 9 and Trigger, 11) and relocated back to the mitten in 2021 from Texas with her husband. She is a Recruiting Coordinator for Rarebreed Veterinary Partners and also has a dog blog, The Bark Blogger, where she’s able to use her passion of animals, writing, photography and rescue all in one! She is a Michigan State University alum and enjoys spending time with family + friends, traveling and checking out new places around the city.
Bri rejoins the BPF family after a 3 year stint in Chicago where she volunteered for Alive Rescue and added another 4-legged friend to her pack. Bri has a background in PR, Events & Sales and graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2018. When not working, she’s playing dog mom to Basil and Dunkin while urging anyone around her who will listen to adopt, not shop. This year, she’s excited to help facilitate events that will raise awareness of BPF’s mission and raise funds for all the integral support homeless pets require & deserve across the country – aka all the voiceless Basil’s and Dunkin’s who haven’t found their forever home.
Danielle is honored to join BPF’s Junior Board as a first-year member. Her passion and experience for animal advocacy spans more than a decade and includes volunteering for various rescues in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Most recently, she served as the Foster Coordinator and Board Member for Midwest Labrador Retriever Rescue. Danielle works as a Senior Operations Excellence Specialist at American Family Insurance and lives in Madison, Wisconsin with her husband Joe and sweet rescue dog, Sonny.
Meet Andrea, an Interaction Designer on the Consumer Design team at BISSELL Homecare Inc. Andrea prides herself on being a designer who brings joy to both the human and animal experience through innovative product design. Beyond her professional pursuits, a love for pets is a driving force in her life. She has two dogs, Dexter and Penny, and has been volunteering with animal welfare groups for over a decade. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, playing D&D, and ping-pong.
Jenna Wood, a native of Muskegon, Michigan, is a passionate animal advocate and a proud graduate of Grand Valley State University, where she earned a degree in Business Marketing. With a lifelong love for animals, Jenna is committed to supporting BISSELL Pet Foundation’s mission to reduce pet homelessness and promote animal welfare. Outside of her work with the foundation, she enjoys traveling and spending quality time with family and friends.
Katiann is a compassionate Team USA athlete with a heart for animals. A graduate of The Ohio State University in Animal Science and Equine Science, her journey began in zoos, where she educated the public about animals like her idol, Jack Hanna. Her love for animals deepened when she adopted Princess Leia, leading to a surprise litter of nine puppies. Keeping Kylo Ren, she became a passionate advocate, fundraising and networking for various rescues and shelters. Katiann’s compassion expanded to a stray kitten, Rufio, her little lost boy. Beyond her athletic pursuits, Katiann’s story is one of dedication to making a difference – whether on the court or in the lives of animals.
Morgan is a pet enthusiast who spends her days with dogs as the Owner of House Of Paws, a boarding and training center just outside of Grand Rapids. From advocating pet rescue and adoption, to starting her own dog business, she has valued animal welfare her whole life. Whether it be through fostering, transporting, or volunteering, Morgan’s passion lies in educating pet owners and rehabilitating dogs rescued from Puppy Mills, particularly Bernese Mountain Dogs. In her free time, she can be found hanging out one of her many pets: Baron, Poppy, Jan, Brewer and Gretta.
Laura is a Senior Designer at AMP Agency and received her degree in art and design from the University of Michigan. She currently lives in Rockford, Michigan with her husband and adopted dog, Walter. As a passionate animal lover, Laura is excited to serve on BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Junior Board as an advocate for animal rescue.
Meg is a first year Junior Board member and is thrilled for the opportunity to contribute to her community through BISSELL Pet Foundation. Her enthusiasm for animal welfare began early, leading her to take veterinary courses at Michigan State University, where she graduated with a B.S. in Marketing. While living in Chicago, Meg volunteered and ran two marathons in partnership with PAWS Chicago. In addition to her advocacy work, Meg is the founder of East Embroidery, a custom embroidery and apparel business. She lives in East Grand Rapids with her husband, Nate, their three (soon-to-be four) children, and their eleven-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog, Samson.
This is Polina’s first year on the BPF Junior Board. Polina is extremely passionate about animals and is committed to the mission of BPF. Polina is looking forward to participating in making a difference in animals lives and hopes to help every pet find a home. Polina is a Graduate with a Bachelors of Psychology and is a current student working towards her Masters in Family and Consumer Science at Western Michigan University.
Chance is a native Texan that made the move to the Grand Rapids area with his wife and their two dogs, Trigger and Dawson, in 2021. He works at Consumers Energy as an Engineering Technician and is passionate about hunting, fishing and the outdoors. In the past few years, he has attended or volunteered at various BPF events and is looking forward to being on the Junior Board.
Brianna is a second-year BPF Junior Board member. She currently serves as the Communications Specialist for the City of Wyoming and has a passion for social media, writing and photography and videography. She is a graduate of Western Michigan University and while she was in college she worked for Camp Bow Wow where she assisted in marketing efforts for their animal welfare program. As a lifelong animal lover, she hopes to continue to give animals a voice and spread awareness of the BPF mission. In her free time she enjoys cuddling her dogs Myla and Roxy, reading and relaxing with her husband.
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