Meet Our Team!

Jo'el Lapp, Director & Founding Member

For many years, I was the proud owner of a livestock farm while also being a passionate equestrian! My journey into fostering and rescue began in January 2022 when I found Luna on the Bartow County urgent page. Since then, Jazzy and Annabel have joined our family!

My fostering experiences have inspired me to create Bogey’s Buddies right here in Bartow County, and I couldn’t be more proud of what we are building! 
 
I also took the initiative of collecting and bringing together a team of dedicated animal-loving women, which led to the formation of Bartow Rescue and Resources. Together, we are making a positive impact in our community

Becca Gosnell, Co-Director & Founding Member

Over the last fifteen years, my commitment to animal advocacy has grown beyond what I ever imagined. I have engaged in transporting, fostering, and TNR while continually broadening my knowledge in various ways. 
 
In 2022, I had the delightful experience of fostering my first dog, Sansa, who was marked as urgent at BAC. This was followed by additional fostering experiences in both the Canine and Feline Persuasion! 
 
Moreover, my cat, Tuxedo Sam, proudly acts as the mascot for the feline segment of the rescue, adding joy and charm to our mission.
 
It was through my involvement in animal welfare that I met Jo’El, a like-minded individual who shares my passion for helping animals in need. Our connection blossomed as we discovered our mutual dedication to rescue efforts and advocacy, and together, we have been able to make a greater impact. 
 
I am thrilled to be a part of Bogey’s Buddies, where I proudly embrace my role as the Rescue’s Crazy Cat Lady, advocating for our feline friends and ensuring they receive the love and care they deserve.

Samantha (Sam) Able, Treasurer & Founding Member

My journey into rescue started with our very first rescue dog, Bogey! He was on the euthanasia list, severely emaciated, heartworm-positive, and terrified. The only reason we were able to adopt him was thanks to an incredible woman who chose to foster him! It’s fitting that Bogey became the namesake of our rescue organization, as his story embodies the spirit of hope and second chances that we strive to provide for other animals in need. His resilience and transformation inspired us to continue our mission, helping us place countless other animals into loving homes.

June Boardman, Board Member & Bogey's Boutique Supervisor

Hello Animal Lovers! My love for animals started off as a young child while growing up in Atlanta, GA. I am pleased to be a part of Bogey’s Buddies and help advocate for animals who need a loving home! I am a social butterfly, mother of 4 boys and 4 fur babies, two of whom came from Bogey’s! After hearing our founder’s story and understanding the crisis in Bartow County, I knew I wanted to be a part of this journey and help in as many ways as possible. In addition to my advocacy work, I also have the privilege of supervising Bogey’s Boutique and work alongside Macie Rae. Together, we raise funds to support our mission through the sale of pet-related “merch.” It’s a wonderful way to blend my passion for animals with my love for community engagement, and I invite everyone to check it out and support our cause! Together, we can make a difference in the lives of animals in need.

Kelsey Strawn, Board Member

My passion and affection for animals began at a young age when we welcomed our first dog into our home! Since then, my family has fostered and adopted several other animals, becoming strong advocates for animal welfare and adoption. Currently, my husband and I have our own rescue from Bartow County named Hudson, whom we adopted in April 2023. He is truly our pride and joy! I take great pride in this organization and eagerly look forward to making a positive impact in our community.

Carrie Krumrie, Board Member

Carrie, here, the one with the white hair! A little about myself. I moved to Cartersville in the mid 1970’s! My daughters were raised here! They attended the city schools. I taught Special Educational in the county school system!

Each dog that is left alone at Animal Control has a story! That is why I foster dogs! So, I can take that dog and give it a warm bed! A comfy blanket and an emotional support toy! That dog is no longer in a scary place!! That dog will be loved! I can give that to each dog, that I foster!
I don’t let them on the sofas, because their next home, they may not be allowed on the sofas! I feed them the same food I feed my dog!
I walk them just like I walk my sweet old dog!
I even get up in the middle of the night to walk, so they don’t have a nasty crate!
My fosters and I have walked in the snow, the cold mist, and a beautiful full moon!

Kristena Woodard , Board Member

Kristena Woodard is the owner of WhistlePig Creative, a social media and graphic design business in downtown Cartersville. She’s also the Social Media Director for the Cartersville Downtown Development Authority, where she shines a spotlight on local businesses and events with her creative and engaging campaigns.

Kristena has a big heart for animals and a soft spot for community-focused work, which is why she’s thrilled to be part of Bogey’s Buddies. Her background in nonprofits and passion for storytelling make her a natural fit for the organization’s mission of helping pets and their people.

When she’s not running her business or volunteering, Kristena loves spending time with her husband, Jacob, their son, Maverick, and their 13-year-old “puppy,” Carly. She’s happiest exploring the outdoors, finding the best coffee spots, or enjoying life’s simple moments with her family.

Charity Gherardini, Board Member

I am excited to serve on the board of Bogey’s Buddies and support its mission of rescuing and rehoming animals in our community—a community my family and I have come to love deeply over the past 19 years. All four of our pets are rescues (two dogs, Godiva and Dakota, two cats, Zoey and Luna, and our most recent foster fail, Milo) and they are cherished members of our family. My husband and I, along with our three sons, have also enjoyed fostering dogs AND cats (we’re an equal opportunity family) with Bogey’s Buddies for the past eight months.
As the owner of two small businesses, and  working in marketing for a sports construction firm, I look forward to leveraging my skills to further the incredible work of this organization.
When I’m not working or volunteering, you can usually find me spending time with my family, exercising, reading, traveling, or solving puzzles (naturally!). I’m looking forward to contributing to the amazing work that Bogey’s Buddies is doing here in Bartow County and North Georgia. 

Holly Yarbrough, Board Member

Hi, I’m Holly! I’ve been an animal lover for as long as I can remember—growing up with cats, dogs, fish, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, and all kinds of reptiles. However, I’ll always be a dog person at heart. A couple of years ago, I lost my soul dog, Fritzy, to cancer. As we were facing that loss, a random stray dog showed up, and that marked the beginning of the journey we’re on now.

What began as a personal loss quickly evolved into a passion for helping others. My boyfriend, Mike, and I were shocked by the scope of the animal crisis and felt compelled to make a difference. We dove headfirst into the world of animal rescue, opening our home to a couple street dogs. We currently have a full house with 13 dogs. Three of them are our permanent rescues, including a stray who showed up one day and quickly became a foster fail through Bogey’s Buddies. In addition to our permanent dogs, we have two fosters, one of whom recently gave birth to a litter of puppies. Needless to say, we’re definitely outnumbered right now!

We’re incredibly grateful for the support of Bogey’s Buddies and their unwavering commitment to the community. It’s been an amazing experience, and we’re just getting started. 

Macie Rae, Volunteer Extraordinaire & Foster Mama

We couldn't do it without our amazing FOSTERS, VOLUNTEERS & DONORS