BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kirstin Mende
Kirstin Mende is the Co-Founder and CEO of Lucky Dog Refuge, which was founded in 2020 together with her mother, Maria. This passion project has been a dream come true for Kirstin, who has had a lifelong love of dogs.
Prior to founding Lucky Dog Refuge, Kirstin worked in art insurance at AXA Art Americas Corporation, where she led a feasibility study to develop a high net worth product offering; concurrently, she served as the executive assistant to the CEO and project manager for the Underwriting Department. Earlier in her career, Kirstin spent four year in the marketing communications department of the National Hockey League, where she managed post-game media for the playoffs and League events, as well as player logistics.
From 2004-2008, Kirstin served in Mrs. Laura Bush's Projects Office at the White House as the First Lady's Deputy Director of Policy. Some of her key areas of focus included: literacy, education, women's health, women's empowerment, and arts and culture. Kirstin was also the project manager for the annual National Book Festival hosted by the First Lady on the National Mall, and the White House's liaison to the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities, as well as the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Kirstin holds a B.A. (summa cum laude) in International Communications and World Politics from the American University of Paris in France. She holds two post-graduates degrees: an L.L.M. in International Law from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, and an M.A. in Art Business from the Sotheby's Institute in New York.
Kirstin currently sits on the boards of directors for Lucky Dog Refuge, Kids in Crisis, and the Avon Theatre.
In her free time, Kirstin likes to be at home with her beloved beagles, a cup of coffee, and a good book.
Prior to founding Lucky Dog Refuge, Kirstin worked in art insurance at AXA Art Americas Corporation, where she led a feasibility study to develop a high net worth product offering; concurrently, she served as the executive assistant to the CEO and project manager for the Underwriting Department. Earlier in her career, Kirstin spent four year in the marketing communications department of the National Hockey League, where she managed post-game media for the playoffs and League events, as well as player logistics.
From 2004-2008, Kirstin served in Mrs. Laura Bush's Projects Office at the White House as the First Lady's Deputy Director of Policy. Some of her key areas of focus included: literacy, education, women's health, women's empowerment, and arts and culture. Kirstin was also the project manager for the annual National Book Festival hosted by the First Lady on the National Mall, and the White House's liaison to the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities, as well as the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Kirstin holds a B.A. (summa cum laude) in International Communications and World Politics from the American University of Paris in France. She holds two post-graduates degrees: an L.L.M. in International Law from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, and an M.A. in Art Business from the Sotheby's Institute in New York.
Kirstin currently sits on the boards of directors for Lucky Dog Refuge, Kids in Crisis, and the Avon Theatre.
In her free time, Kirstin likes to be at home with her beloved beagles, a cup of coffee, and a good book.
Maria Mende
Maria Mende is the Co-Founder and President of Lucky Dog Refuge. Together with her daughter, Kirstin, Maria started Lucky Dog Refuge out of a love of dogs and passion for helping those in need. She has 5 rescue dogs of her own, Bailey, Molly (pictured), Lucky (who inspired Lucky Dog's focus on medical cases), as well as Billy and Emma, who she adopted from Lucky Dog Refuge. Each dog she rescued, she contacted the person who rescued them and offered to help more dogs in need with vetting and transport. Gradually, Lucky Dog Refuge developed from these efforts and many of the rescuers who rescued her own dogs are the ones we work with today to save dogs in need from Mississippi and West Virginia/Kentucky.
Maria has a long history of volunteerism. She volunteered for many years with the Red Cross, at local schools, and also served as a Deacon at Noroton Presbyterian Church. Prior to having children, Maria worked for a decade in Manhattan at the German Consolate.
Originally from Cologne, Germany, Maria came to the United States with her husband Hans in 1969 and she has lived in Darien since 1979.
Maria has a long history of volunteerism. She volunteered for many years with the Red Cross, at local schools, and also served as a Deacon at Noroton Presbyterian Church. Prior to having children, Maria worked for a decade in Manhattan at the German Consolate.
Originally from Cologne, Germany, Maria came to the United States with her husband Hans in 1969 and she has lived in Darien since 1979.
John J. Louizos
John Louizos is at partner at Wofsey Rosen, where he focuses his practice on commercial law, corporate law, and commercial and residential real estate. John began his legal career as a law clerk with the Virginia Supreme Court before returning home to Stamford in 1999 to begin his private practice with his former firm, Curtis, Brinckerhoff & Barrett, PC, and to serve as an elected official. He has over 25 years of experience in commercial law, corporate law, commercial and residential real estate, litigation, and municipal law and governance. John also serves in a general counsel role for closely held companies, private trusts, and high net worth individuals. John previously served as land use counsel for the Town of Darien, in addition to representing the Town’s elected and appointed boards and commissions.
John is active in the legal and non-legal communities. He was a member and then Chairman of the Stamford Board of Finance, and he chaired its Audit, Education, and Legal Affairs/Personnel committees. He served on Stamford Mayor Simmons’ Advisory Council and Transition Team. John is a former member of the Fairfield County Bar Association Board of Directors and was Co-Chairman of the Appellate Committee. John also was a member of the Connecticut Bar Association House of Delegates, and he currently is Vice Chairman of the Sports & Entertainment Law Committee.
John was selected as a Connecticut Rising Star by Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters. John received his B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of New Hampshire in 1994 and his J.D. from Washington & Lee University in 1997, where he was a Burks Scholar and a Class President. John is admitted to practice in the State of Connecticut, the State of New York, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the U.S. District Court of Connecticut, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit. John is fluent in Greek and is a Justice of the Peace.
John has been on the Board of Lucky Dog Refuge since its founding in 2020. He lives in Stamford with his wife Stacey, son Zach, and Lucky Dog Coco.
John is active in the legal and non-legal communities. He was a member and then Chairman of the Stamford Board of Finance, and he chaired its Audit, Education, and Legal Affairs/Personnel committees. He served on Stamford Mayor Simmons’ Advisory Council and Transition Team. John is a former member of the Fairfield County Bar Association Board of Directors and was Co-Chairman of the Appellate Committee. John also was a member of the Connecticut Bar Association House of Delegates, and he currently is Vice Chairman of the Sports & Entertainment Law Committee.
John was selected as a Connecticut Rising Star by Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters. John received his B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of New Hampshire in 1994 and his J.D. from Washington & Lee University in 1997, where he was a Burks Scholar and a Class President. John is admitted to practice in the State of Connecticut, the State of New York, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the U.S. District Court of Connecticut, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit. John is fluent in Greek and is a Justice of the Peace.
John has been on the Board of Lucky Dog Refuge since its founding in 2020. He lives in Stamford with his wife Stacey, son Zach, and Lucky Dog Coco.
Kristina Stewart
Kristina Stewart currently serves as Chief Administrative Officer for AMCI Group, which is a privately held group that invests in and operates industrial businesses focused on natural resources, transportation, infrastructure, metals and energy. She also is Chief Operating Officer of Kirmar Group, which is a Family Office based out of Greenwich, CT.
For the past 10 years, she has served as Managing Director of the AMCI Group Foundation which focuses on assisting children with expenses related to education and extracurricular activities. She also serves as a Manager of the Kirmar Foundation, which is a Private Operating Foundation that focuses on supporting children in the arts, animals in need and assisting the elderly.
In 2020, Kristina assisted Lucky Dog Refuge, a non-profit dog rescue, with acquiring a building in Stamford and currently serves as a member of their Board of Directors. In 5 years they have proudly rescued over 950 dogs. In 2023, she joined the Avon Theatre Board of Directors, which is a non-profit, community supported theatre.
Kristina is a Syracuse, NY native who currently lives in Darien with her husband (David), children (Logan and Kennedy) and dog (Lex).
For the past 10 years, she has served as Managing Director of the AMCI Group Foundation which focuses on assisting children with expenses related to education and extracurricular activities. She also serves as a Manager of the Kirmar Foundation, which is a Private Operating Foundation that focuses on supporting children in the arts, animals in need and assisting the elderly.
In 2020, Kristina assisted Lucky Dog Refuge, a non-profit dog rescue, with acquiring a building in Stamford and currently serves as a member of their Board of Directors. In 5 years they have proudly rescued over 950 dogs. In 2023, she joined the Avon Theatre Board of Directors, which is a non-profit, community supported theatre.
Kristina is a Syracuse, NY native who currently lives in Darien with her husband (David), children (Logan and Kennedy) and dog (Lex).
Jennifer Thomas
Jennifer Thomas serves as an Executive Assistant in the CEO Office at Warburg Pincus. Before joining Warburg Pincus, Jennifer held roles at UNC Management Company and Centerbridge Partners.
Throughout the years, Jennifer has developed a deep passion for animal care and advocacy. Jennifer's late husband, Christopher Collins, was an avid volunteer at Lucky Dog, and she is honored to carry forward his legacy through her continued involvement. Jennifer was instrumental in founding the Chris Collins Legacy Fund at Lucky Dog Refuge, which supports emergency medical cases.
She resides in New York City and received a BS in Business Administration from Auburn University.
In 2025, Jennifer and her family adopted Lucky Dog Holiday (fka Splash), who was found wrapped in a shower curtain and with a broken leg in New York City. Holiday came to Lucky Dog Refuge through the NYCACC New Hope Program. She is now living the dream watching deer, birds, and even gators with Jennifer's parents in Savannah, Georgia.
Throughout the years, Jennifer has developed a deep passion for animal care and advocacy. Jennifer's late husband, Christopher Collins, was an avid volunteer at Lucky Dog, and she is honored to carry forward his legacy through her continued involvement. Jennifer was instrumental in founding the Chris Collins Legacy Fund at Lucky Dog Refuge, which supports emergency medical cases.
She resides in New York City and received a BS in Business Administration from Auburn University.
In 2025, Jennifer and her family adopted Lucky Dog Holiday (fka Splash), who was found wrapped in a shower curtain and with a broken leg in New York City. Holiday came to Lucky Dog Refuge through the NYCACC New Hope Program. She is now living the dream watching deer, birds, and even gators with Jennifer's parents in Savannah, Georgia.
Kristen Roeckle
Kristen Roeckle is driven by the belief that healthcare systems should better serve humanity. Currently, Kristen works at Real Chemistry, a global healthcare innovation company, guiding life science clients through complex, value-driven environments and commercial challenges.
Kristen’s academic foundation blends scientific rigor with business acumen. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Connecticut, followed by Master’s-level coursework in secondary biology education at UConn’s Neag School of Education. While working full-time in New York City, she pursued an MBA with dual concentrations in finance and healthcare management at Fordham University Gabelli School of Business, graduating in 2018. In 2022, she completed a certification in Women’s Leadership from Yale University’s School of Management. In 2023, Kristen was accepted to Harvard’s Global Health Leadership Program, reflecting her commitment to driving innovation and transformation within the healthcare sector. She graduated with a certificate from Harvard Medical School in May 2024.
Kristen lives in Greenwich, Connecticut, with her two dogs—Tucker, a Border Collie, and Daisy, a Doberman. From an early age, she was fascinated by animals, spending her summers at a farming camp where she made her first memories of caring for and working with them. It was after rescuing her dog Daisy in Austin, Texas, however, that she was inspired to devote even more intention to rescue and animal rights work. In addition to her involvement with Lucky Dog Refuge, she also volunteers with Connecticut Dog Gone Recovery Volunteers (CTDGRV), helping families in Fairfield County reunite with their lost pets.
Kristen’s academic foundation blends scientific rigor with business acumen. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Connecticut, followed by Master’s-level coursework in secondary biology education at UConn’s Neag School of Education. While working full-time in New York City, she pursued an MBA with dual concentrations in finance and healthcare management at Fordham University Gabelli School of Business, graduating in 2018. In 2022, she completed a certification in Women’s Leadership from Yale University’s School of Management. In 2023, Kristen was accepted to Harvard’s Global Health Leadership Program, reflecting her commitment to driving innovation and transformation within the healthcare sector. She graduated with a certificate from Harvard Medical School in May 2024.
Kristen lives in Greenwich, Connecticut, with her two dogs—Tucker, a Border Collie, and Daisy, a Doberman. From an early age, she was fascinated by animals, spending her summers at a farming camp where she made her first memories of caring for and working with them. It was after rescuing her dog Daisy in Austin, Texas, however, that she was inspired to devote even more intention to rescue and animal rights work. In addition to her involvement with Lucky Dog Refuge, she also volunteers with Connecticut Dog Gone Recovery Volunteers (CTDGRV), helping families in Fairfield County reunite with their lost pets.
Scott McMurtry
Scott McMurtry is a Managing Director in the Client and Product Solutions group at Apollo, where he leads Product Management for Apollo's Sustainability and Infrastructure Group. Scott is a Senior Executive Sponsor and former Co-Chair of Apollo Pride, Apollo’s employee network dedicated to promoting a safe, equitable and inclusive environment for LGBTQ employees. Prior to joining, Scott was Product Specialist and Head of Asset Management for Angelo Gordon’s energy strategy and served as a founding member of Angelo Gordon’s diversity council. Previously, he worked at RBC Capital Markets and in direct lending at D.B. Zwirn. Scott began his career in power and renewables investment banking at Citigroup.
Scott holds a BA degree in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MBA degree from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin. He currently serves as an Executive Council member of New York for McCombs.
Scott and his husband Sean recently welcomed a daughter and are also proud parents to rescue dogs Fritz and Lucky Dog Winky.
Scott holds a BA degree in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MBA degree from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin. He currently serves as an Executive Council member of New York for McCombs.
Scott and his husband Sean recently welcomed a daughter and are also proud parents to rescue dogs Fritz and Lucky Dog Winky.
LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT
Jessica Barnes, Director
Jessica Barnes has been the Director of Lucky Dog Refuge since the doors opened in 2020. She manages all aspects of dog care and shelter operations and is the driving force behind intake, adoptions, medical and behavioral management, and staffing. She is highly respected by staff, volunteers, the public, and dogs alike.
Prior to joining Lucky Dog Refuge, Jessica gained valuable rescue experience working at Garden Rescues in Stamford. Additionally she was a competitive swimmer growing up and in her twenties, as well as coaching in Darien for many years; this discipline and athleticism has been very valuable in managing the physical demands of rescue work. She also has experience working for corporations and nannying, providing her with both business and care management experience that is critical in rescue.
Dogs have always been Jessica's constant. She has had rescue dogs her entire life; it was not uncommon for her mother to bring home a dog in need whenever she heard of one searching for a good home. Jessica always had the unconditional love of a rescue dog at home to comfort her, to take care of and vice-versa; from that grew a life's mission to help as many dogs as she can.
Jessica grew up in upstate New York and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from LeMoyne College in Syracuse, New York. She moved to Stamford after graduating to build her life with her husband, Michael.
When not at Lucky Dog Refuge - which is rare - you can find Jessica around town with her beautiful son Matthew and her rescue dogs Hunter and Lulu (and likely a few Lucky Dogs along for an adventure).
In 2024, she lost her beloved senior rescues, retriever Annabelle and boxer Hayden (pictured above), who will forever be in the hearts of Lucky Dog Refuge. Anna and Hayden had a huge impact on what Lucky Dog has become today, as they were ambassadors to the nearly 1,000 dogs that came through Lucky Dog's doors during its first 5 years of operation. Jessica is the heart and soul of Lucky Dog Refuge and because of her, thousands of lives have already been saved. In addition to rescue and medical cases, she is particularly passionate about one day making a greater impact on spay-neuter programs and laws locally and around the country.
We are very grateful to have Jessica's dedication, devotion, and commitment to dogs in need at Lucky Dog Refuge.
Prior to joining Lucky Dog Refuge, Jessica gained valuable rescue experience working at Garden Rescues in Stamford. Additionally she was a competitive swimmer growing up and in her twenties, as well as coaching in Darien for many years; this discipline and athleticism has been very valuable in managing the physical demands of rescue work. She also has experience working for corporations and nannying, providing her with both business and care management experience that is critical in rescue.
Dogs have always been Jessica's constant. She has had rescue dogs her entire life; it was not uncommon for her mother to bring home a dog in need whenever she heard of one searching for a good home. Jessica always had the unconditional love of a rescue dog at home to comfort her, to take care of and vice-versa; from that grew a life's mission to help as many dogs as she can.
Jessica grew up in upstate New York and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from LeMoyne College in Syracuse, New York. She moved to Stamford after graduating to build her life with her husband, Michael.
When not at Lucky Dog Refuge - which is rare - you can find Jessica around town with her beautiful son Matthew and her rescue dogs Hunter and Lulu (and likely a few Lucky Dogs along for an adventure).
In 2024, she lost her beloved senior rescues, retriever Annabelle and boxer Hayden (pictured above), who will forever be in the hearts of Lucky Dog Refuge. Anna and Hayden had a huge impact on what Lucky Dog has become today, as they were ambassadors to the nearly 1,000 dogs that came through Lucky Dog's doors during its first 5 years of operation. Jessica is the heart and soul of Lucky Dog Refuge and because of her, thousands of lives have already been saved. In addition to rescue and medical cases, she is particularly passionate about one day making a greater impact on spay-neuter programs and laws locally and around the country.
We are very grateful to have Jessica's dedication, devotion, and commitment to dogs in need at Lucky Dog Refuge.
Anastasia Freccia, Senior Manager
Anastasia Freccia was one of the first to join the Lucky Dog Refuge team in 2020. She has played an integral role in the creation of Lucky Dog Refuge's shelter structure, routine, staffing, and ethos. Largely and impressively self taught, Anastasia is our unofficial canine expert; her extensive knowledge of dog behavior and her invaluable instincts play a critical role in evaluating dogs and assessing the best routine for them. She is also the eye behind the lens, as she photographs our dogs for adoption, social media, and marketing. She plays a critical role in our social media initiatives and serves as our liaison with our sanctuary partner, Pack Ethic.
Prior to joining Lucky Dog Refuge, Anastasia was a rescue dog and social media supervisor at Garden Rescues, a former rescue also located in Stamford, Connecticut. Additionally she has experience as a therapy aide, grooming, and office management.
Anastasia lives in Newtown Connecticut with her husband, Jt, two rescue dogs (an Australian shepherd named Baby B and a hound boxer mix named Rover), as well as two cats, Sage and Lilac, adopted from Garden Rescues and Lucky Dog Refuge respectively.
Prior to joining Lucky Dog Refuge, Anastasia was a rescue dog and social media supervisor at Garden Rescues, a former rescue also located in Stamford, Connecticut. Additionally she has experience as a therapy aide, grooming, and office management.
Anastasia lives in Newtown Connecticut with her husband, Jt, two rescue dogs (an Australian shepherd named Baby B and a hound boxer mix named Rover), as well as two cats, Sage and Lilac, adopted from Garden Rescues and Lucky Dog Refuge respectively.
