The Heart of Our Mission: Volunteers
Lisa Mann
PRESIDENT AND FOSTER
Lisa is a dedicated Scottie enthusiast and a vital part of our rescue team in her role as Director. Lisa is a resident of Campbello, SC along with her husband and two Scotties. With a passion for animal welfare, she volunteers her time to foster, groom, photograph, and provide training and behavior modification for Scotties in need. Her commitment to ensuring these dogs receive the best possible care is unwavering. Lisa is a natural leader not only to dogs in her care but also for our organization.
If you ask her what makes STRSE successful, she will mention everyone else before herself. In addition to all that shows on the outside, Lisa works tirelessly to maintain things behind the scenes such as financials, reports, etc.
Lisa's love for Scotties stems from her personal experiences with the breed and witnessing her dad’s love and communication with animals as a horse trainer. She has shared her life with five Scotties, each with a unique personality, and has learned invaluable lessons from their companionship. Her background in veterinary assisting and her experience volunteering at a local humane society further equip her to provide top-notch care for our rescues.
When she's not volunteering, Lisa enjoys spending time outdoors, gardening, and continuing her education in holistic and traditional veterinary medicine. Her dedication to our rescue's mission and her genuine love for animals make her an invaluable asset to our team.
Linda Hill
SENIOR AND HOSPICE FOSTER
Linda is a friend and STRSE volunteer who has devoted countless hours to rescuing and rehoming these beloved dogs. Her journey with Scotties began in 1988 when she received her first puppy, Sheena. This marked the start of a lifelong love affair with the breed.
Inspired by her own experiences, Linda co-founded West Texas Scottie Rescue, where she served as a co-coordinator for many years. Her dedication to the breed has led her to volunteer with Scottish Terrier Rescue for a variety of needs including Board of Directors. In addition to her role with STRSE Linda also serves as a Trustee for the Rescue Trust Fund of the Scottish Terrier Club of America.
Linda's commitment to the well-being of Scotties is unwavering. She is particularly drawn to senior dogs and those with special needs, providing them with love, care, and a comfortable home. Linda has a special love for Scotties in need of hospice care. Her extensive knowledge and experience in Scottie rescue make her an invaluable asset to our team.
When she's not volunteering, Linda enjoys spending time with her beloved Scottie, Annie, tending to her garden, singing in a church choir, and serving as a choir librarian. Her passion for music and her love for animals enrich her life and inspire those around her.
Tanya Fitzgerald
FUNDRAISING MANAGER
Tanya Fitzgerald is a dedicated volunteer based in Charleston, South Carolina, where she lives with her husband and a lively family of rescue terriers. With a passion for animal welfare and extensive fundraising experience, Tanya has made a lasting impact in her community through various roles.
As Chair/Vice Chair of the Paws in the Park fundraiser for the Charleston Animal Society (CAS) since 2017, she has helped organize one of South Carolina’s largest community events. This fundraiser supports CAS’s mission to aid 90% of local animals and contributes to the No Kill SC initiative, ensuring every animal in the state finds a loving home.
Tanya also volunteers with the Medical University of South Carolina’s therapy dog program, visiting the Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital each week with her West Highland White Terrier, Blarney, to bring comfort to young patients.
In addition, Tanya leads fundraising efforts for the Scottish Terrier Rescue of the Southeast (STRSE), leveraging her expertise as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) to design impactful campaigns. Her enthusiasm for animal welfare extends to her home, where she has fostered and adopted multiple rescue dogs from organizations like Westie Rescue of Missouri and STRSE.
With eight years of experience at Blackbaud, a global nonprofit software company, Tanya combines her professional skills with her deep commitment to philanthropy. When she’s not working or volunteering, Tanya enjoys exercising, traveling, and connecting with others who share her passion for animals and giving back.
Karrie Murphy Phelps
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER AND FOSTER
Karrie is a Registered Veterinary Technician who lives in the Charlotte, NC area with her husband Jeff and their two rescue dogs, Rudder and Hoppy. She's passionate about helping animals in need, and she puts that passion into action by fostering dogs for STRSE. As the Social Media and Website Manager for STRSE, she works tirelessly to raise awareness about the organization's mission and the animals in their care.
During her career in Veterinary Medicine, Karrie has practiced Shelter Medicine in municipal animal shelters. She finds joy in fostering dogs with special needs, including those with medical or behavioral challenges and hospice care. When she's not caring for animals, Karrie enjoys spending quality time outdoors with her furry companions and exploring new places through travel.
Eli Kunze
FOSTER
Eli Kunze is a lifelong dog lover and devoted Scottish Terrier owner and trainer. Growing up in Florida, she began her journey with dachshunds and collies, inspired by her sister’s admiration for Lassie. Her childhood home was filled with various animals, instilling in her a deep appreciation for all species.
Eli's passion for Scottish Terriers ignited when she pet-sat for a friend’s dog named Jock, a spirited little Scottie with a playful personality. After a few years of apartment living during college, she found her first Scottie, Nicholas, a show-quality dog who traveled with her across the Rocky Mountain west.
After Nicholas's passing, Eli fostered dogs with a rescue group in Denver, where she discovered Nigel, a 6-month-old Scottie who became her beloved travel companion. Since moving to South Carolina, she has welcomed three more Scotties into her home, currently sharing her life with the gentle Murphy.
With over 15 years of experience in Scottish Terrier rescue, Eli has fostered countless Scotties, often focusing on those needing extra care. Her training philosophy emphasizes kindness and patience, believing in the importance of establishing a leadership role without harshness. She advises new Scottie owners to “outstubborn” their dogs, combining steadfastness with understanding.
Eli is passionate about her work with Scottish Terrier Rescue of the Southeast (STRSE), where she helps rehabilitate and rehome Scotties in need. There’s nothing that brings her more joy than seeing a once-challenged dog find happiness in a loving new family.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Incredible Volunteers
We couldn't do what we do without the tireless efforts of our amazing volunteers. Your passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to helping dogs in need is truly inspiring.
From the moment a dog enters our care, your compassion shines through. You've selflessly opened your homes to foster dogs, providing them with love, comfort, and the chance to heal. You've driven countless miles to transport dogs to their forever homes, ensuring safe and stress-free journeys. Your creativity and hard work have made our fundraising events and outreach efforts a resounding success.
Your keen eyes and compassionate hearts have helped us identify dogs in need and put that help into action. Your willingness to go the extra mile, often at great personal sacrifice, has made a profound difference in the lives of countless dogs.
We know that listing every volunteer by name would be an impossible task, but please know that we see you, we appreciate you, and we are incredibly grateful for your contributions. Your dedication is the driving force behind our mission, and we are honored to work alongside you.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
