“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead
Jacki Rossi
Executive Board Member/ Intake Team/Adoption Counselor
Inspired by her early experience working on farm animal welfare and food safety with family farmers, Jacki has worked for more than 15 years on development and communications within two of her greatest passions: animal welfare and youth programming. She is currently the Business Development Director for Hinsdale Humane Society.
Jacki has been a volunteer for New Leash on Life Chicago for 10 years, starting as a handler at adoption events. Currently she serves as NLOL’s intake coordinator and adoption counselor and she also sits on the Board of Directors.
NLOL is very special to Jacki and she cherishes all the lives she has helped save and families she’s helped build. Her favorite moments of rescue are when a dog learns to trust the world and flourishes with love and training. She also loves when a dog remembers her - even years later and the relationship she builds with adopters.
When she is not volunteering for NLOL, you can find her hanging with her rescue family - cats Churchill and Oliver as well as her Pet Therapy rat, Neville. She also volunteers for My Block, My Hood, My City and is an avid bike rider. She loves to garden, cook, and read.
Megan Judkins
Executive Board Member/Volunteer, Events & Business Director
Megan Judkins is an event and meeting professional who grew up volunteering with animal rescues in her home state of Minnesota. Megan was first introduced to NLOL Chicago when she walked into a Ruff Haus Pets and found herself in the middle of an adoption event. She fell in love with a beautiful pittie named Magnolia and went from adopter to volunteer very quickly.
In the past Megan has acted as a dog handler and an adoption counselor. Currently she serves as NLOL Chicago’s event and volunteer coordinator as well as sitting on the board and managing many of the day to day operational aspects of New Leash on Life. Dog rescue has always been incredibly important to Megan and she’s honored to be a part of this organization. In her off time, you can find Megan running with her dog Jace (another NLOL alum!), baking sweet things, planning events, and diving into her never ending TBR list.
Noelle Rogers Gulden
Executive Board Member/Intake Team/Medical Director/Webmaster
Noelle is passionate about making a difference wherever she can. That passion coupled with the love of rescue dogs lead her to New Leash on Life Chicago where she fell in love and Adopted Vera in 2006 and shortly after “foster failed” with Clive.
Noelle has worked in many roles with New Leash on Life throughout the years starting in 2006 as a foster. She loved the mission and philosophy of NLOL and knew there had to be more she could do to help. Noelle moved to becoming an adoption counselor, then foster coordinator, and now serves as medical director. She also sits on the the Executive Board of Director’s. Noelle actively participates in the day to day operations and helps grow the awareness of NLOL. “New leash is very dear to my heart and I appreciate the opportunity it affords to us. Giving a voice to the thousands of homeless dogs in need.”
When Noelle isn’t hanging with her New leash family, you will find her at home in her most rewarding role “dog mom” to now senior pups Vera and Clive. Also enjoying painting, gardening, and sitting on her front porch dreaming up ideas on how to one day open that animal sanctuary. Dreams can come true.
Maureen Thurman
Executive Board Member/Foster Director/Fundraising
Maureen is such an incredible dog lover she can’t help but jump right in and offer her home as a Foster Parent when needed. Her favorite thing about NLOL is the commitment of the volunteers and the fact that no dog is overlooked just because of medical or behavioral needs. The people at NLOL attracted her, and she stays because of the mission. Outside of volunteering for NLOL, Maureen has been a life long Federal employee and advocate for lower income residents. She loves dogs and fits right in. She also likes to dress up little dogs whenever she can.
Holly Michaels
Executive Board Member/Adoption Counselor/Volunteer AC Training Coordinator
Holly is a New Leash on Life adopter, foster, and current adoption counselor. Outside of volunteering for New Leash, she is a manager at a non-profit healthcare association. Holly's favorite things about volunteering for New Leash include the chance to work with such a passionate group of people who are willing to do anything it takes to help dogs live their best lives and the opportunity to interact with and fall in love with so many adorable pups.