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Director of Development

Samantha has lived in the LA area for over 20 years and is originally from Shaker Heights, Ohio. She has been a passionate animal activist since she was a little girl. As an elementary school student she started a petition and letter writing campaign to Prime Minister Trudeau (Senior) to end the killing of baby seals. Since then she has volunteered on many political campaigns and initiatives.

Samantha attended college at the University of Pittsburgh. While there, she worked for Bill Graham Presents helping to produce concerts from Prince to Paul McCartney. This fueled her passion for event production, which continues to this day. She has created dynamic events at many of LA’s premier venues for nonprofits, private clients and corporations.

Samantha has extensive nonprofit experience, having sat on the board for many different nonprofits, including five years as the President of The Friends of Memorial Library, Fundraising Chair and Vice President for her daughter’s preschool and elementary school PTA as well LAYN and The Hans- Schneider International Children’s Foundation

Samantha was an avid equestrian and mom to her beautiful horse Chloe for over 23 years. She has been a foster mom to dogs, cats and horses. Currently, she lives with her wonderful daughter and husband, three rescue dogs and two rescue cats.

International Outreach

When she rescued a pit bull from a dog fighting ranch 14 years ago, Jasminka instantly knew her life was about to change. As a way of thanking her, this puppy named Lina, her new best furry friend, helped her grow emotionally into a strong and kind person full of love and understanding. Since then she has completed several educational programs related to dog training, dog behaviour and therapy.

Although she has worked as an aesthetician and educational expert in the beauty and wellness industry for 20 years, it was very clear that someday she will become an animal rights activist and the voice of all voiceless creatures, especially those on the verge of extinction.

In the last two years Jasminka became an active Rotary International member, trying to advance goodwill and peace around the world. She is also a member of the board of directors of Levijatan Movement foundation (in the Balkan region), taking care of abused animals, pressuring the system to comply with the law and, of course, educating people. In 2019 she became a proud I Stand With My Pack international outreach and is doing her best to spread the love and caring for animals around the globe.

Jasminka’s dream to help animals and protect them from human cruelty became even clearer and stronger when she visited Sumatra in 2018. Her special bond with magnificent elephants and intact nature showed her amazing wildlife worth fighting for. Her main mission is making human and animal coexistence easier, leaving this world a little better than she found it.

Partnership Coordinator

Lauren is an Interior Architect by education, but has worked in residential lending for over 25 years.

Lauren gets her love of animals from her father. Her first dog “Happy” was adopted over 50 years ago from NYACC. Growing up she has always loved animals, and brought numerous strays home to live. Lauren became very involved in rescue as an adult, after adopting Shotgun. Shotgun has opened her eyes to the negative stereotyping of the Pit Bull.

She has advocated for reform in the high kill shelters in Southern California, which has included peaceful demonstrations at the local shelters, and bringing awareness to the public about the over population of the dogs and cats. Lauren has coordinated fundraisers, and donation drives for various shelters and rescues.

Currently she lives in South Orange County. She is married to Glenn, has one adult son Matt, and two rescue dogs – Shotgun and Mia.

President and Founder

Aleksandra’s life purpose is building a world where animals and humans live peacefully and respectfully.

Her life began in former Yugoslavia during a decade long civil war. As a refugee, she relocated through the Balkans where she regretfully witnessed many atrocities against humans and animals.  Fortunately, her loving mother kept her safe and fed while living in various war zones.

She had the opportunity to grow up living in several countries. Having been exposed to many diverse cultures and languages from a young age, she has learned about animal welfare issues from a global perspective.

Aleksandra’s affection for animals was immediately apparent from birth.  Her earliest memories are rescuing injured wild animals and releasing them back into the wild.  To date, she has rescued over 100 dogs from 10 countries, funded the protection and relocation of many species on the verge of extinction and organized international protests against animal exploitation.

For over a decade, she has worked and volunteered with various international animal welfare organizations. This experience convinced her to become a dedicated animal activist and eventually form her own organization, I Stand With My Pack.

Aleksandra also has worked as a theatrical actress, model and a manager. She studied law and speaks several languages.

Aleksandra lives with her adopted Cane Corsos, Bouba and Scout, and is always fostering animals without a home.

Chief Communications Officer

Taryn is a fashion designer, photographer and animal advocate, and is specifically passionate about marine animals, the sea, and habitat conservation. Taryn’s clothing line, Sage Larock, was founded on her own principles of high environmental and social welfare standards, the refusal to use any fur or animal skins, or materials that contribute to deforestation.

Before founding her clothing line in 2013, Taryn worked as a model and commercial actress, and is trained raw vegan chef. As a child and teenager, Taryn trained competitively in grand prix show jumping & dressage, which strengthened her respect for and bond with horses, other animals, and the natural world.

Taryn has previously worked with multiple animals rights organizations, such as Rocky Mountain Animal Defense, and is an outspoken advocate for cetaceans and sharks, low cost spay/neuter options locally & abroad, the protection of companion and wild animals, conserving the world’s remaining open spaces and speaking out against dog breed discrimination.

She lives with her adopted PitBull Evie.

Vice President and Director of Events

Taylor is a Los Angeles based producer who produces both long and short form content in domestic and foreign markets for commercials, film, non-scripted television and documentaries. He has worked with an extensive list of directors and clients, and has developed and produced multiple films, including working with three Oscar nominated actors. He also produces the video cast for ISWMP.

In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Taylor expanded marketing strategies for cross functional platforms in the natural beverage industry. Taylor also helped develop a Los Angeles based team for Living Social’s adventures department, pairing sales packages between companies and individuals.

Prior to L.A., he worked for the Jefferson Group in Washington, lobbying in the transportation sector. While living in New York, he worked in the fashion industry, specifically in the celebrity service division at Calvin Klein, and following that he managed the boutique Antique Store, Smith & Gurney.

He is an animal rights activist and travel “junkey” who thinks everyone can make the world a bit more awesome. In his free time travels, fosters dogs for ISWMP, and volunteers with Art Of Elysium(AOE). He is a graduate of Texas Christian University where he studied marketing and political science.

Director of Operations and Marketing

Kelli (KKB) is a LA native who has spent her lifetime protecting, nurturing and caring for others. Kelli believes in great consideration, compassion and love for all living things. With a natural connection ability, she has been deemed the “animal and baby whisper” by all who know her. She has a deep admiration for life itself and it is easily felt by those around her.

Professionally, Kelli is a Director of Marketing, Strategic Business Analyst, Consultant and Relationship Manager. She has worked in the Health & Wellness industry for over 15 years. Her unique skill set lead her to start her own National Management company specializing in communications and public relations serving several industries. With a deep understanding for the inner-workings of business building and development she has given a voice to professionals, prestigious leaders and Institutions nationally. She now chooses to utilize her voice by giving one to those without that desperately need one. Kelli also commits her time volunteering with women leadership and animal welfare non-profits. She continuously seeks out opportunities to inspire and be inspired for continued growth.

Kelli has been a dog mom most of her life, up until 2016 when her two dogs passed away; one being a Pit-Bull. With several cross country moves during her lifetime she found herself living in Florida for a period of time. As a Florida resident she owned and operated a dog care business and became involved with local rescues. Being a Pit-Bull Mom in a state with a ban on the breed increased her awareness as she was personally affected by breed discrimination. This experience fueled her transformation into being a fierce animal advocate. With a soft spot for the Pit-Bull breed and the determination of one; it has given her an unstoppable drive to educate, increase awareness and make a difference! Since joining the organization she has opened her home as a foster to those in need to love and prepare them to stand with a pack of their own!