Meet Our Staff
Krista: Dog Care Manager
Caring for animals has always been Krista’s passion, and finding a career that allows them to do just that has been a dream come true. Working with pugs has proven to be both therapeutic and rewarding. They find immense joy in preparing these affectionate dogs for their forever homes, especially those facing behavioral and health challenges. There is something profoundly fulfilling about helping pugs feel welcomed and confident around humans, knowing that their efforts make a significant difference in each dog’s life.
Emily: Kennel Manager
Emily has always had a passion for animals, spending years in wildlife rehabilitation before transitioning to animal rescue. She has been with Pug Nation since 2019 and has been dedicated to every aspect of the rescue ever since. She especially loves special needs dogs, but in her eyes, every dog is perfect!
Leslie: Administrative Assistant
Leslie joined Pug Nation in 2017, and since then, animal rescue has become their true calling. Dedicated to giving as many animals as possible a second chance, they find each day at Pug Nation incredibly rewarding. Outside of work, Leslie enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, their pug Rosie, and their terrier mix Buddy. They love hiking, watching movies, and exploring new places together or with family and friends. Leslie feels fortunate to be part of a team making a real difference in the lives of animals and their future families.
Jennifer: Kennel Staff
Jennifer has loved dogs for as long as she can remember and has a special fondness for pugs. She first learned about Pug Nation when attending a pug yoga event in DTLA. She soon became a volunteer at the facility and participated in fundraising for the Annual Pugtacular Spooktacular. Soon after, she joined Pug Nation’s Kennel Staff. Jennifer finds working with dogs with behavioral issues to be one of the most rewarding challenges of the job – especially when behaviors improve and the dogs are adopted. She feels she’s uncovering the good dog that can get hidden by a rough past.
Jennifer is seen here with her current dog, Jasper, who she and her husband adopted from Pug Nation.
Shannon: Kennel Staff
Shannon is a compassionate individual with a lifelong love for animals. Her upbringing on a farm instilled a deep appreciation for animal well-being. In her current role at Pug Nation she especially values working with the unique needs of senior and special needs dogs. She enjoys matching up dogs with adopters. Shannon’s commitment to the mission is driven by a genuine desire to ensure every dog finds a loving forever home.
She is pictured with her dog Midnight Muffin.
Marisela: Kennel Staff
She is a dedicated staff member with a passion for helping dogs find their forever homes. As a devoted mom to a senior special needs dog, she understands the unique challenges and joys of caring for special needs pets. She strives to create a warm, welcoming environment for both the dogs and our visitors, ensuring that every pug feels at home while they wait for adoption. Her goal is to connect each of our lovable pugs with the perfect family, giving them the love and care they deserve.
Here she is pictured with her dog Brownie and cats (found under our van!) Corazón and Chico
Marcy: Kennel Staff
Marcy grew up with a variety of animals, which instilled in her a great love and respect for them. She is now a mom to an 11 year old Maltese mix, Buddy, who she has helped navigate anxiety and seizures.
After working at Pug Nation for over a year, Marcy has realized that she absolutely adores blind pugs, as they are such keen listeners and adapt their surroundings seamlessly. She has also discovered a passion for breaking down the walls of aggressive dogs, helping them realize that humans can be kind and trustworthy. After all, beneath their aggressive exteriors are sweet and lovable souls.
Here she is pictured with Poppy, a long-term resident Frenchie who has since been adopted.
Devin: Overnight Kennel Staff
Devin is one of our dedicated kennel workers, making sure our pugs are safe and comfortable, even through the night. As an overnight team member, he ensures the pups get the care and attention they need around the clock. When he’s not tending to our furry friends, Devin enjoys watching all kinds of movies, playing video games, rollerblading, and stargazing. He has a soft spot for puppies, a love for snacks, and a fascination with conspiracy theories!
Kyra: Kennel Staff
Kyras passion for animals started at a young age, always drawn to helping animals in need and making their well-being her top priority. She is deeply committed to being a voice for animals and has a special love for every pug that comes through Pug Nation, often wishing she could take them all home. Outside of work, Kyra enjoys spending time with her pets, family, and friends. She loves going to the beach, shopping, thrifting, reading, journaling, and trying new foods. She is incredibly grateful to be part of Pug Nation, where she can dedicate each day to doing what she loves, caring for and advocating for animals.
Yemin: Kennel Staff
Yemin is a comic artist and illustrator with a deep love for birds and small animals like the residents of Pug Nation. A homebody at heart, and passionate about animal well-being, Yemin is working towards reaching a career in wildlife rescue. But for now, it’s time to care for these pugs!
Kailey: Kennel Staff
Kailey has always had a deep love for dogs and animals. Being able to care for them and show them love is incredibly fulfilling. They find it truly rewarding to know they can make a difference in the lives of these animals. They also take great pride in being part of the adoption process, witnessing the transformation of rescued animals into their healthiest and happiest selves.
Fatima: Kennel Staff
Annie: Kennel Staff
Annie has been a dedicated member of Pug Nation for four years, making a difference in countless dogs’ lives. She has a special, gentle touch and is especially skilled at administering eye and ear medications with care. Annie’s love for the dogs is evident in everything she does, and they’re lucky to have her—just as we are! A fantastic team player, Annie is someone we can always count on.
Sylvia: Overnight Kennel Staff
Jazmin: Kennel Staff