Leadership

Debi Wright Berry, Founder / Chief Executive Officer / Executive Director

Olive Branch, Mississippi

Debi has worked in rescue for the past 12 years. She maintains good relationships with local municipal animal shelters while also working with owner surrenders, and abandoned animals in need of re-homing – the goal being to save lives and find responsible owners who will provide loving, compassionate homes.

In 2014, Debi successfully completed the program ‘How to Start and Run an Animal Sanctuary’ at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the United States. Additionally, she attended “Before You Ask”, a 12-week program offered by The Assisi Foundation of Memphis on creating and running a Not-for-Profit Corporation.

In her role as CEO, Debi works toward soliciting large donors and grants for land, buildings and operating capital. She is also heavily involved in the care of the rescue’s animals.

James C. Cochran, First Vice President

Memphis, Tennessee

James has worked in rescue for over 12 years in many capacities including as a consultant regarding building and landscape design. He has volunteered on many fundraising events for various organizations, lending his talents in concept and graphic design. Along with all our board members, James has worked cleaning kennels and feeding the animals. There is no such thing as a dirty job when it comes to his love and compassion.

Julia Baker Bell, Secretary/Treasurer

Olive Branch, Mississippi

If the name Julia Baker Bell sounds familiar, it’s probably because of her paintings and passion for the arts. Along with years of rescue experience, she was a founding member of the Friends of Olive Branch Animal Shelter. There she set up and managed all social media for the shelter up until 2013. She currently assists many other local rescue groups, advising them on how to set up and manage social media and pet adoption websites. Additionally, she volunteers with various fundraising events for animals. A member of NBRAN (National Brittany Rescue Adoption Network), she is a strong advocate for the Brittany Spaniel breed and fosters whenever she can.

Haile Meregillano, Director/Trainer

Memphis, Tennessee

Haile firmly believes that dogs are family and each dog deserves a loving furever home. Haile has two dogs of her own, they are her children. Flair is a smart, sassy, bossy Queen who is not shy in asking for belly rubs or booty scritches from strangers. Trace was born with a club foot, but doesn’t let that stop her from living life with the biggest smile on her face.Haile has had her hands in finding furever homes for several puppies since moving to Memphis in 2020. Prior to moving to Memphis, she lived in Utah and California, as well as other states while growing up. For her day job, she is a Diesel Mechanic.Haile’s love for dogs has no bounds. Nothing is better than seeing a pup smile when they’re loved and cared for.