staff & Volunteers
Vicky grew up in the country of Georgia, where from an early age she loved to care for the stray dogs in the area and give them food from her house. After moving to the US as an adult, Vicky adopted a dog of her own and learned how to understand dogs and their complex and profound relationship with people. She started fostering dogs and assisting in group walks, which eventually led to her joining KK9R. Today, she cares for dogs and finds forever homes for them.
Nick’s passion for animal rescue started when he adopted his dog, Cena, that was rescued from a backyard breeder. The rescuer’s selfless act for Cena made Nick realize that volunteering to help animals and advocating for their rights could make a difference — even if it is just for one animal, it will change that one animal’s life forever. He strongly believes in the importance of being their voice and especially raising awareness about the dog meat trade.
Kanak’s lifelong love of dogs grew into a full-blown passion for animal wellness and rescue after adopting two shy gals from KK9R. She knew she had to get involved to help spread awareness about animal rescue and the dog meat trade by volunteering at adoption events and joining the interview team. Now as the Adoption Program Manager, Kanak manages the application, interview, and adoption process to help each dog find its perfect home. (Pronouns: she/her)
Erika has a strong love for animals. She discovered her passion for dogs after learning about the terrible dog and cat meat trade in Asia. It was when she attended a protest against the Dog Meat Trade that she met Gina. Since then, they have been working together to help as many dogs as possible to give them a chance at a better life. (Pronouns: she/her)
Lydia has loved dogs since childhood and has volunteered with NYC dog rescues since 2019. As a Korean-American, she felt a connection to KK9R’s mission. She started as a volunteer at adoption events, but now she helps process adoptions and manages the adoptable dog listings. Lydia loves being a part of the KK9R community and seeing the dogs go to their forever homes. (Pronouns: she/her)
Having spent most of her life surrounded by furry family members, Carolyn has a huge soft spot for animals – especially dogs. After learning about KK9R and its mission in 2019, she started volunteering at events and spreading awareness about the sad reality of dog meat trades. Today, she assists with processing adoptions and coordinating flight volunteers in hopes to help rescue as many pups as possible. (Pronouns: she/her)
Ashley’s affection and passion for dogs began with dog-sitting for family members and friends’ dogs. After fostering a dog with KK9R, she knew she wanted to get more involved and become an advocate for dogs in need. Today, she helps process adoptions and reviews foster applications to help dogs find their forever homes. She is grateful for the opportunity to help create a more loving and safe world for dogs.
Lexa had a strong interest in animals and their care throughout their younger years, even pursuing college courses in Animal Behavior and Sciences. When moving to NYC in 2015, they quickly found themselves drawn to pet care which led them to meeting their first KK9R pup. After years of working with pets one on one in the city, they are thrilled to help more dogs find loving forever homes. Today, they handle adoption processing, outreach campaigns, and fundraising efforts for KK9R. (Pronouns: they/them)
Juliette’s love for dogs and dedication to justice have been lifelong passions. She volunteered and worked for several nonprofits, from animal refugees to social justice organizations. When she came across KK9R’s mission, it resonated deeply with her values. Since then, she has adopted, fostered, and joined the interviewers’ team. These days, you can find her at our events, assisting families with processing new adoptions. (Pronouns: she/her)
In 2016, Jung’s world changed when she learned about the annual Yulin dog meat festival in China. Her heart sank when she discovered that South Korea, her birth country, also has a dog and cat meat trade. This motivated Jung to help animals in need in her area and educating others about the dog and cat meat trade. Jung eventually looked to fostering dogs from South Korea and connected with Gina.
Benny discovered the Jindo breed while volunteering at a local shelter. After researching, he learned about the horrific dog meat trade and wanted to help dogs in need. Benny first assisted KK9R with transporting two Jindos from the NYACC and then he started volunteering KK9R adoption events to help dogs find forever homes.
Samantha was a vibrant, funny, and compassionate presence in our daily lives as our adoption coordinator since April 2022. We will forever remember the light she brought into the world and the profound difference she made. Her commitment to giving every dog a chance at a better life, her spirit, and her strength will continue to inspire us every day as we move forward by honoring her legacy.
Advisory Board
Along with Gina, Tina co-founded Korean K9 Rescue in the summer of 2017. Currently, Tina helps with marketing, partnerships, and fundraising for Korean K9 Rescue. She hopes that her efforts will continue to bring more adoptions and awareness about animal rescue. She believes all animals deserve to live happy and free. (Pronouns: she/her)
Andrew developed appreciation for Korean K9 Rescue during the process of adopting his own dog Wilson. He was impressed by the amount of time, effort, coordination, and advocacy involved in caring for every dog. He also admired the significant turnout and excitement from all of the rescue’s supporters. As a lifelong animal lover, Andrew is helping Korean K9 Rescue continue fulfilling its mission.
Susan Law teamed up with Korean K9 Rescue ever since she adopted two dogs from the rescue in 2018. She primarily assists with being a foster mom in the fostering program and being an interviewer in the adoption program. She also has experience with assurance and performance improvement initiatives that she is using to assist Korean K9 Rescue. Ultimately, she hopes that her administration experience will provide Korean K9 Rescue with growth and development as a rescue organization.
Lily has always had a deep connection with dogs. She first learned about Korean K9 Rescue when she met a flight volunteer in the Seoul airport on one of her frequent business trips to Korea. Since learning about the organization, she not only adopted a Korean K9 Rescue dog, but she has also continued to become a stronger advocate for the dogs in need. As a member of the board, she is expanding on Korean K9 Rescue’s reach nationally and assisting with marketing strategies.
Mike became involved with Korean K9 Rescue when he and his wife, Julia, adopted Artemis in 2019. He was moved by the tireless work done by Korean K9 Rescue’s staff and volunteers. Specifically, he was inspired to help Korean K9 Rescue tackle the significant financial and logistical challenges involved in running an international rescue. As a board member, he helps Korean K9 Rescue ensure they have the financial resources needed to accomplish their wonderful mission.
Vicki and her husband first learned about Korean K9 Rescue through good friends who were fostering. Once they learned more about the mission and met the sweet dogs, it was clear they would adopt. Sunny found his forever home with them in May 2021, and their lives have been filled with his joy. Vicki has always been an animal advocate and was drawn to KK9R’s tireless dedication, passion for the mission, and high standards for care. She looks forward to helping fulfill the mission and making an impact too.
Scott has avidly supported our KK9R mission since 2018, when he adopted his first dog, Bonita, and then his second dog a year later, Lindo. He is a big believer in adoption and raising awareness for animal welfare and reform in South Korea and globally. He’s also passionate about societal advancement through financial literacy and educational non-profit work. He directly correlates with the advancement of animal welfare and the belief that we can make a difference globally through rescue and adoption.
Joanna is a managing partner at Spicy Moon Vegan Restaurants in NYC and has been a strong supporter of Korean K9 Rescue for years. Her first rescue was a Pit Bull named Diamond who was her rock through college and early adulthood. When Diamond passed, it deepened her commitment to rescue, and she has since adopted two more dogs, Lilo and Stitch, who continue to inspire her. Her lived experience with rescues and her creative background in brand development, marketing, and design are key to furthering our mission.
