Meet the Paws for Life USA Board Members
Kimberly Brenowitz
Executive Director & Founder
♦ Founder Animals Deserve Better, Inc 501 (c) 3 PAWS FOR LIFE – Program
♦ Dog Trainers Vocational Academy – Master Dog Educator/Trainer
♦ Dog Trainers Vocational Academy – Professional Dog Educator /Trainer
♦ Dog Trainers Vocational Academy – Basic Dog Educator/Trainer
♦ Dog Trainers Vocational Academy – Therapy and Facility Educator/Trainer
♦ Seattle Service dog Academy – Diabetic Alert Dog Certification
♦ International College of Canine Studies – Psychiatric Service Dog
♦ Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinson’s and Neurological Assistance
♦ British College of Canine Studies – Advanced Canine Behavior Diploma
♦ Service Dogs Certification – Selecting and training Diabetic Alert Dogs
♦ Service Dogs Certification – Selecting and Training Dogs for Mental Illness
♦ International Association of Assistance Dog Partners IAADP
♦ International Association of Canine Professionals IACP
♦ Association of Professional Dog Trainers APDT
♦ Delta Society Accredited Member and Evaluator
♦ Pet Partners Therapy Team
♦ Working with Veterans
♦ Working with Unseen Disabilities
♦ Pet Partners of Cobb County a Community Organization for therapy teams: Walk with Me and Read with Me
♦ AKC STAR Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, Urban and Community Evaluator
♦ Certified with Red Rovers for Disaster Assistance
♦ CERT qualified Cobb County
♦ Certified Animal First Aid with the American Red Cross
Board President & Treasurer
Larry Brenowitz
BUSINESS:
1970 – 1989 | PRESIDENT AND CEO , HL INTERNATIONAL INC.
1989 – 1995 | ASSISTANT MANAGING DIRECTOR, MAJOR TRAVEL PLC.
PRESENT | DISTRICT SALES MANAGER, SOUTHEAST REGION, UNITED INS GROUP
CHARITABLE:
1976 – 1989 | BOARD MEMBER UNITED CEREBRAL PALSEY OF FLORIDA
REPRESENTATIVE TO NATIONAL CONFERENCE
1995 – 1997 | BOARD MEMBER UNITED CEREBRAL PALSEY OF GEORGIA
1997 – 1998 | BOARD MEMBER, RAINBOWS FOR CHILDREN OF GEORGIA
2002 – PRESENT | COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM,
COBB COUNTY GA
2010 – PRESENT | STAFF SARGENT, GEORGIA STATE DEFENSE FORCE, GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE,
UNITED STATES ARMY
Psychologist/Grievance Resolution
Colleen Duffy, Ph.D
Originally from Auckland, New Zealand, I am the daughter of immigrant working class parents and was also the first in my family to attend college. I completed my masters and doctoral degrees in Counseling Psychology at the University of North Texas. I completed my pre-doctoral internship at Duke University’s CAPS and I worked at UNC-Chapel Hill’s CAPS for a number of years before starting a private practice. Finding that I missed the vibrant, collaborative environment of a university counseling center, I joined the Emory University CAPS staff in 2009.
Conceptually, I am most drawn to dynamic and contemporary relational psychotherapy that is grounded in systems, constructivist, feminist, and multicultural theory. My clinical interests include immigrant and international student issues, spiritual issues, trauma-treatment, and clinical supervision. I identify as integrative and strive to tailor my approach to support the ongoing needs of my client. With the addition of Beowulf, CAPS’ Therapy Dog, in September 2015, I utilize Animal Assisted Therapy when appropriate with some students. Beowulf is in my office with me on Monday through Thursdays and rests in place until she is requested. Beowulf is an amazing partner and I’ve enjoyed learning with her.
In my free time I enjoy being anywhere in the outdoors but especially the mountains and the beach. I am also an avid rugby fan, reader of mystery novels, and writer of poetry.
Judy Schulman Greenberg
LCSW - Counseling
Judy is a Clinical Social Work|therapist who assists clients in attaining a more satisfying life experience for themselves and their loved ones. Psychotherapy services are provided in a safe, warm, confidential and professional atmosphere. Therapy is goal-directed, using a combination of therapeutic approaches to address each individual’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Approaches include but are not limited to family systems theory, cognitive-behavioral, and EMDR.
Judy has been providing counseling and psychotherapy services since 1973. With extensive experience working with families, couples and individuals
Secretary/Operations/Trainer
Donna Shipman
Donna will share with Animals Deserve Better | Paws for Life a broad range of experience with over 20 years in leadership roles as Business Administrator, Practice Manager, and Office Manager. Her experience in project management, accounts payable, financial reporting, and event planning will serve our organization well.
Donna is a high-energy, enthusiastic person who wants to make a difference in other peoples’ lives and the lives of animals. Her success at leading projects and organizing and motivating others to achieve goals will be key in her new position with Animals Deserve Better.
Donna has faced and stood up to her own struggles. She has suffered and learned to manage years with major depression, and severe anxiety along with severe panic disorder, which causes episodes of such tremendous severity that it became very difficult for her to leave her home. She knew that she needed help. Unable to go into a store to shop alone or even drive more than 10 miles without suffering a severe panic attack.
With some research, she found and reached out to Kimberly at ADB to learn if she could benefit from having a service dog that could alert her prior to an attack and assist her in challenging situations. Nala, a German Shepherd puppy was placed with her just prior to 8 weeks old to train to help give Donna the confidence and trust that she needed. With Nala and the training and guidance from Kimberly she now feels like she can do anything. With her regained independence, she now has the pleasure of working alongside the team to make a difference in the lives of others.
Michael Alexander
Trainer/Veteran's Advocate
Mike is a retired/ disabled combat veteran. His years of retirement reflect time of combined services. He served in the US Navy from 1989 until 1996 with a brief break in service. He also served in the US Army from 2001 until retirement in 2004. During his time in the Navy, he made several deployments overseas in support of Operation Desert Storm and several other missions. Mike served on the USS San Jose AFS-7 and the USS John F. Kennedy CV-64. While enlisted in the US Army he was stationed at Ft. Stewart and served in 3-15 Infantry Division during the invading forces in the 1st of many operations of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism. After retirement from active duty, Mike continued serving by deploying more times as a civil servant with the Dept. of the Army/ Dept. of Defense again until medical retirement in 2015. After many years of service and sustaining multiple injuries ranging from traumatic brain injury, knee problems, multiple surgeries to simple broken fingers.
Mike found himself needing assistance with sometimes simple things in life. At the recommendation of several doctors and the VA he became a client of Paws for Life USA training program 2014. In 2016 he completed well over 2000 hours of training with his service dog Annie who was now ready to continue her tasks as his service animal until present day. Annie’s tasks include turning lights on and off, fetching medications, opening refrigerators and bringing water bottles, finding lost items for her forgetful handler, waking him during severe nightmares, notifications of migraines before they happen, carrying groceries, and simply picking items up that he may have dropped as small as a dime. With the help and guidance of Paws for Life, specifically Master Trainer Kimberly Brenowitz, Annie has helped to restore simple things in life and restore quality and peace.
Dr. Kerry Webster
Veterinary Advisor
Dr. Webster began her interest in pursuing a career in Veterinary Medicine while attending Walton High School in Marietta. After completing her degree at the University of Georgia, she came to Montrose Animal Hospital in 1991. She chose Montrose because of a commitment to provide excellent, advanced treatment for animals in a friendly and caring environment.
Dr. Webster applies exceptional ability and compassion in her position, treating your pet as if he or she were her own. Her veterinary expertise, nurturing care and undivided attention make you and your pet know how important you are. Clients often comment on her loving concern for their pets.
While working at Montrose Animal Hospital, Dr. Webster has been able to fully utilize her skills and education. The challenges she meets with patients and cases allow her to sharpen those skills daily. She stays abreast of the latest technology through continuing education courses, which include laser surgery and other advanced diagnostics.
She is actively involved in the rescue, treatment and placement of unwanted pets. In fact, most of her own pets were formerly abandoned. Any stray is an instant friend. Dr. Webster, her husband, Ray, also a veterinarian, and two children live in Canton. Her home would not be complete without dogs, cats, horses, ducks, birds and fish.
Education:
DVM: University of Georgia, Athens, GA
BS: Biology/Pre-veterinary, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Continuing Education:
Ophthalmology, Radiology, General Surgery, Cardiology, Dermatology, Internal Medicine, Dentistry, Laser Surgery and Ultrasound
Professional Memberships:
American Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association, Georgia Veterinary Medical Association, Cobb County Veterinary Medical Association (Past Secretary), North Metro Veterinary Association
Ashley Gravlee
Development
A corporate social responsibility and strategic partnerships professional with 18 years of experience in community engagement and global communications, Ashley is results-oriented with a passion for enhancing purpose-driven initiatives, while delivering sustainable community impact. As the leader of a global Corporate Social Responsibility program, Ashley connects colleagues with community endeavors for which they are passionate and deepens the reach and impact of the company’s community partnerships through collaboration with customers, suppliers and stakeholders.
Ashley attended University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and obtained a BA in Journalism. She has worked for Novelis for over 14 years and is a Senior Manager of Social Impact and Partnership.
Ashley is a Board Member and has been a volunteer for Paws For Life USA since 2022.
Event/Fundraising Planner
Lisa Loiodice
Lisa is a former behavior educator in special education from Long Island, New York. She has a lifelong passion for helping others. She is now a professional organizer and the owner and creator of L.O.L. Organizing, based in Woodstock. She takes pride in helping her clients restore function, organization, and harmony in their home. With a keen eye for detail and exceptional organization skills, she is well prepared to transform any space into a productive and harmonious environment.
Lisa and her husband, Charlie have been happily married 31 years and have two grown sons, Nicholas, and Dylan. Their youngest son Dylan, was diagnosed at the age of 8 with a rare form of Epilepsy, presenting their family with numerous challenges over the years. Dylan’s service dog Jasper, is his constant companion, providing unwavering support and love. They have a family pet Ace, who was also diagnosed with Epilepsy last year. He is their beloved 16-pound bundle of joy.
Event Coordinator
Irma Martin
Irma Martin is a 100% disabled Veteran and a volunteer for Paws For Life USA and a Board Member handling events and fundraising. She is a very talented, handy crafter who makes many of the items that are donated at our fundraisers.
Irma had Bear, a service dog who retired and has since passed away. Now she has a Labradoodle called Coco to help her with her disabilities and health challenges. This is her story. Irma has had both of her knees replaced and has had some stability issues making her prone to falling. She has been using a cane, but her VA doctor has ordered a walker so that she can have more stability versus using a cane. All of the falling that she been doing lately is grounds for injury or worse. Coco can be taught to prevent Irma from falling by positioning herself in front of Irma’s knees and acting as a brace. This prevents Irma from falling into something that might cause her injury, like a step, a bureau, or even just walking outside and losing her balance.
Irma has arthritis in her lower back, as well as bursitis in both hips, along with
Periformis Syndrome. The arthritis makes it hard for her to bend over and pick
things up that she may drop. Getting Coco trained to pick things up will be a great
help to her. Coco has been alerting Irma when her thyroid levels are out of balance. This is an area that Coco can be a great benefit to Irma to help her with when it comes to her medication(s). Irma has been a volunteer with Paws For Life USA since 2017.
Web Master/Designer/IT
Marcie Curtis
Marcie Curtis is our Website Designer/Developer and Administrator. She is the founder and CEO of Snow Dog Media Solutions, fondly named in honor of her Service Dog, Maxamillion, an Alaskan Malamute. Her passion for quality branding/graphic design and website development inspired her to pursue a degree in Media Engineering with an emphasis in Website Development, which she (and Max) completed in 2022. In her free time, she travels and performs concerts and speaks at events all across the United States.
Therapy Dog Program Coordinator
Paula Pinyan
Paula had a 42-year career as a registered nurse. She worked in critical care for 20+ years then earned a master’s degree in business administration and transitioned to the hospital administration side of healthcare. After retiring in 2020, she wanted to pursue her longtime dream of animal therapy. She contacted Kimberly Brenowitz to discuss the process and get help in finding the right dog. Her dream included finding a shelter dog and give it a great life as a therapy animal. Next came JOY.
During Joy's puppy years, she struggled to find her forever home. At only one year old, Joy had been in the Cobb County Animal Shelter twice. She had even been shot in the ear lobe with a pellet gun, the pellet remained lodged in the lobe. Upon first meeting Joy, Paula felt an instant bond with her. As she describes their first moments together, Paula says, "Joy immediately laid her head in my lap and melted into me like warm butter.” The two were destined to be companions.
Two days later, Kimberly tested Joy's potential for therapy work, quickly approving Paula's choice. Paula chose the name ‘Joy’ for her new pup because bringing joy to others would be her purpose.
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After a year of training with Paws For Life, the two earned their Pet Partners registration as a therapy team and have been actively visiting ever since. Paula is also a licensed Pet Partners Team Evaluator.
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She became the Therapy Animal Program Coordinator in 2022 and is the contact for anyone interested in having our animal therapy teams visit.
Meet the Paws for Life USA Volunteers
Sherwin K. Figueroa
Legal Counsel
Sherwin was born and raised in Georgia, a life long animal lover. In law school, she was the head of the UGA Animal Legal Defense Fund, and is currently a prosecutor and member of the State Bar’s Animal Law group. In 2010, Sherwin rescued a puppy from ADB -Margo who is now totally spoiled. We appreciate all the legal work she does for us.
Elissa Greenberg
CRM/Admin
Elissa holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Georgia Southern University. She has worked in various areas broadening her experience in clinical and administrative settings. Starting out working in mental health for a few years in a psychiatric hospital setting, this gained her experience of working with people of all backgrounds of psychological, neurological and substance issues
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Over the years, she has developed her skills working administration and accounting. Her accounting skills include both accounts payable and receivable within the non-profit sector. She has experience preparing documentation for banking signature cards, contracts and insurance documents.
She is experienced in running an office on the back-end as well as the front-end allowing her to be able to work behind the scenes ensuring a smooth operation while also being available to work alongside many environments, including events and conferences. She has extensive experience working within service to people of all ages and backgrounds.
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Her skills spread to the care and love of animals of all sizes, especially dogs. She is an experienced caretaker and cares deeply about the well being of animals, always ensuring the best care for them.
Pamela Grossman
Social Media/Marketing
Pamela is a Producer of Television and Radio Spots, Marketing Expert and Website Designer. After developing severe panic disorder, Pamela, faced with a long hard struggle, had to reinvent herself to make her professional environment work for these new circumstances. Enter the creation of her first company, In the Present – a boutique Promotional Marketing & Production Studio.
In 2011 Pamela took on her biggest challenge yet- learning to train and work with a Service Animal who would help her manage and function despite her panic attacks. That’s how she met Kimberly. Paws for Life Service Dog Training changes lives including her own. With the masterful assistance of Kimberly along with years of training, Pamela and her Service Dog Milo are working together to help Pam manage her severe Panic Disorder.
The experience of having a service animal opened her eyes to the lack of national education regarding ADA LAW as it applies to service animals and so Pamela through her company ITP completed production on a new training video that educates businesses on how to comply with ADA Law as it applies to service dogs.
Pam is a native New Yorker and received her bachelor’s degree in Television Production from the University of Maryland, College Park. She currently resides in Metro Atlanta with her Service Dog Milo the Doodle and her Wheaton Poodle combo Sydni.
Rachael Wetherby
Administrative Assistant
Rachael is a volunteer for Paws For Life USA in the Administration office who oversees Data Entry, CRM and Social Media tasks.
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Rachael and her family traveled extensively when she was young, which afforded her the opportunity to reside in many different countries, eventually settling in Georgia. Rachael is an avid rock climber and dog guru with a dog walking, animal and house sitting business. Currently, she attends dog training school through AmericanK9connection located in Marietta, GA. Rachael is a valuable asset to the administrative office at Paws for Life USA.
Meet the Paws for Life USA Professional Affiliates
Wiessman Law Office
Legal Counsel
Weissman handles legal needs for the real estate community and beyond. From commercial to residential, litigation to trial, and everything in between.
With Wiessman's legal expertise, we are able to serve our clients and address their needs with confidence and excellence.
Main Street CPAs
Accounting Services
Launched in 2024, Main Street CPAs is comprised of a group of experts stemming from extensive backgrounds and averaging more than 25 years of experience in the industry. From achieving associate, manager, or partner roles within regional and national CPA practices to holding key financial positions in the private sector, their team is equipped to serve in a variety of capacities.
We value their support at Paws for Life USA!