I found my passion through volunteering at our local animal shelter with my kids when my oldest was in 9th grade. It began as a way for him to earn community service hours, but it quickly became a family mission. Walking dogs and reading to them together became our routine.

Then, the adoption advocate program started, thanks to an incredible volunteer coordinator. I dedicated myself, going daily to spend time with my advocate dog. It was during these visits that I realized the heartbreakingly high rate of returns and surrenders to the shelter. Many were simply mismatches between the dog and the adopter’s lifestyle.

I couldn't stand seeing these dogs return due to misunderstandings or mismatched expectations. I decided to take action. Getting to know as many dogs as possible, I learned their personalities, energy levels, and training needs. I became a matchmaker, guiding potential adopters to find their perfect furry companions.

Realizing the potential to reach more people, I created 'Adopt, Don’t Shop of OKC' (now Adopt, Don’t Shop USA) on Facebook, sharing stories, pictures, and eventually videos of these incredible dogs. As the community grew, so did the platform. I expanded to Instagram and recently launched a YouTube channel and TikTok.

My mission is clear: to bridge the gap between dogs in need and loving homes, one match at a time.