Our People
Meet the Founder
Whitney, born at Fort Stewart in Georgia as an Army Brat, developed resilience and adaptability through her military upbringing, traits that have shaped her professional journey. She balances her personal life as a proud dog mom to her Maltese, ChiChiBaby, with a rewarding career, having served as the Clinical Coordinator of the DeKalb County Drug Court and as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist for veterans with PTSD and substance use disorders at the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System.
Currently, Whitney is dedicated to her role as a Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist with the Atlanta Veterans Healthcare Administration, connecting justice-involved Veterans with their VA benefits. Her passion for rescuing dogs, sparked by her mother’s influence, led her to begin fostering in 2018 when she took in an abandoned pit bull- dumped in a vacant lot in Atlanta’s Castleberry Hill neighborhood.
Since then, Whitney has been devoted to fostering abandoned and homeless dogs, providing them with not just shelter, but love, advocacy, and careful family matchmaking. Her home has become a sanctuary where rescued dogs can heal and prepare for their forever homes, ensuring each dog finds a family perfectly suited to their needs and personalities.
Meet the Board
My name is Ashley and I live north of Atlanta with my husband Joe, two busy, active boys, and our two rescue beagle mixes Mister Beans and Kevin Bacon.
My journey into rescue happened 12 years ago when a sweet pup walked up to me and my kids at the park, desperate for help and clearly neglected after an unfortunate accident I knew right then, I needed to get involved. That same sweet pup has been with me and my family for 12 years now! As a passionate rescue dog mom, I dedicate my time to advocating for animal welfare and providing a loving home for my furry companions. This commitment reflects my belief in second chances and the joy that comes from nurturing those in need.
Professionally, I serve as the Director of Alliances and Strategic Partnerships at a leading global technology company. In this role, I thrive on building meaningful relationships and driving collaborative initiatives that foster innovation and growth. My career is marked by a strategic mindset, a deep understanding of market dynamics, and a strong ability to connect with diverse stakeholders.
Balancing my personal and professional life with my passion for animal rescue, I find fulfillment in making a positive impact, whether in the tech industry or through my work with Liberty Paws.
Originally from San Diego, California, I currently reside in Midtown Atlanta with my two rescue pit bulls. My personal life is deeply rooted in a love for animals and a passion for creating meaningful connections—whether that’s with people, pets, or through the work I do.
Professionally, I serve as the Connected Workplace Program Lead at Chick-fil-A, where I lead productivity pilots and initiatives designed to enhance collaboration and efficiency
across the company. Since joining in July 2024, I’ve partnered with teams in
organizational effectiveness and staff technology solutions to implement system
changes and improvements. My work focuses on gathering business requirements,
developing resources, and managing high-complexity projects. I also collaborate closely
with developers, stakeholders, and system architects to streamline business processes
and drive continuous improvement.
Prior to Chick-fil-A, I worked as a Consultant at SEI, advising clients on digital transformation projects. I also spent over two years at EY as a Manager, leading strategic initiatives for clients across various sectors. My tenure at UPS, where I helped drive global eCommerce strategies, strengthened my expertise in both product management and data analysis. In addition to my corporate experience, I’ve proudly served in the U.S. Navy Reserve since 2016, currently holding the rank of Lieutenant Commander. As a Logistics Officer, I specialize in operational logistics planning and data analytics, supporting missions in diverse regions. This role has sharpened my leadership and strategic planning skills, which I apply daily in my civilian career.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Gonzaga University, an MBA from Emory University, and a Master’s in Data Analytics from Penn State. My education, combined with extensive experience in both corporate and military environments, enables me to approach problem-solving from unique perspectives while driving innovation and efficiency in every role I undertake.
Niyeda is a proud mother of three amazing young daughters and a devoted pet parent to Winter, the most gentle (and lazy) red-nosed pitbull you’ll ever meet. Winter is almost 9 and has grown up side by side with her human siblings.
Niyeda is a skilled eLearning designer and training professional. In her current role with a major enterprise software company, Niyeda brings passion for education and technology. She loves the ability to blend creativity with practical learning, designing training that engages and inspires.
With her family, she resides in the city of Lilburn, GA, where they enjoy the warmth of a tight-knit community.
Tyler graduated Cum Laude with a BBA in Real Estate from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia in 2008 and has been an active member of the Atlanta Board of Realtors since then. Working for Engel & Völkers Atlanta, Tyler serves the metro Atlanta area, helping buyers and sellers navigate the ever-changing real estate market with confidence. His attention to detail, local expertise, and strong negotiation skills have earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor in the industry.
While Tyler’s professional life is rooted in real estate, his heart belongs to his dogs—Petey and Pippa. An avid supporter of local shelters and rescue groups, his journey into the fostering world began when he adopted his own rescue dog, Petey, and he quickly realized how much need existed in metro Atlanta.
Whether he’s showing homes or caring for dogs, Tyler approaches every task with dedication and empathy. When he’s not working or volunteering, you’ll often find him and his pups at Piedmont Park or exploring Atlanta’s Beltline neighborhoods. Tyler believes in the power of community—both in real estate and dog fostering—and is always ready to lend a helping hand, whether it’s finding a perfect home or giving a dog a second chance.
Jeana is a dedicated advocate for animal welfare with a passion for helping dogs in need. Originally from the Midwest, Jeana now lives just outside of Atlanta with her husband and three children. Holding a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s degree in cybersecurity, Jeana brings a unique blend of technical expertise and empathy to the board.
Her journey in dog rescue began over a decade ago when she adopted a stray pit bull terrier found in downtown Atlanta—a lost, cold, and hungry pup who forever changed her life. Beyond animal advocacy, Jeana owns and operates a microschool focused on supporting neurodiverse children. She is also the co-founder of a staffing and consulting agency. Jeana’s diverse professional background and compassionate commitment to animal welfare make her an invaluable asset to the organization.
