About Us
Meet the Hearts Behind PAWS-n-PURRSIST
Compassion leads our mission.
Our volunteer Board of Directors brings together experience in animal care, recovery support, nonprofit leadership, and community outreach.
Together, we share one belief: people and pets belong together, especially during life's hardest moments.
We're grateful for the dedication and compassion each board member brings to the families we serve.
Suzanne Tolman, President & Founder
Suzanne founded PAWS-n-PURRsist from personal experience and a deeply held belief that no one should have to choose between getting the help they need and keeping the pet they love.
With a background in animal care management and firsthand experience supporting people and pets through difficult circumstances, she understands how unexpected crises can threaten the human-animal bond.
She leads PAWS-n-PURRsist with compassion, determination, and a commitment to building partnerships that help families stay together through life's hardest moments.
Jessica Ashby, Vice President
Jessica brings nonprofit leadership experience, compassion, and a strong commitment to serving individuals and families facing difficult circumstances.
As a leader with the Cardinal Grace Foundation, she understands the importance of community connections, meaningful outreach, and creating opportunities for positive change.
As Vice President of PAWS-n-PURRsist, Jessica helps strengthen partnerships, expand community support, and ensure that people and their pets receive the compassion and dignity they deserve during times of crisis.
Ashley Barnett, Secretary
Ashley brings years of hands-on animal care experience and a genuine passion for helping both pets and the people who love them. Her understanding of animal behavior and compassionate approach to care make her a valuable part of our mission.
As Secretary of PAWS-n-PURRsist, Ashley helps maintain organization, communication, and continuity within our nonprofit.
Her dedication, reliability, and love for animals help ensure that families navigating difficult circumstances receive the support and compassion they deserve.
Zoë Perusse, Fundraising & Volunteer Coordinator
Zoë brings compassion, creativity, and a genuine love for animals to PAWS-n-PURRsist. She understands the comfort and stability pets provide, especially during life's most difficult moments.
With a passion for community service and building meaningful connections, Zoë helps bring people together to support our mission.
As Fundraising & Volunteer Coordinator, she helps organize fundraising efforts, engage volunteers, and strengthen the community support that makes our work possible.
Tonya Pelfroy, Treasurer
Tonya brings dedication, compassion, and a commitment to responsible stewardship to PAWS-n-PURRsist. She believes in the importance of helping families overcome difficult circumstances without losing the pets they love.
As Treasurer, Tonya supports the organization's financial accountability, budgeting, and responsible management of resources.
Her commitment helps ensure that donations and funding are used thoughtfully to support pets and families in crisis while building a sustainable future for our mission.
Abbey Anderson, Resource Director
Abbey brings compassion, dedication, and a commitment to helping individuals and families navigate difficult circumstances.
As Resource Director for PAWS-n-PURRsist, she helps identify community resources, strengthen connections, and support our efforts to remove barriers for families experiencing a crisis.
Her commitment to helping others reflects our mission of keeping pets and the people who love them together.
