Meet the Board

Robert Russell

President

Bio

Rob is the original founder of SGDR. He saw a desperate need in NH and in this region after starting 2A Tac Air OPS Drone Services back in 2022 after seeing other similar groups refuse to cooperate with outside resources and seemingly putting other motivations above bringing dogs home.

Rob is married to his wife Allison, and has two adult daughters, Emily and Kaitlyn. They have a lab Echo and a cat Mousse, who are both very popular online! Having served in the United States Army for 27 years as an Infantryman, Rob is a Combat Veteran of the conflict in Afghanistan and retired with the rank of Sergeant First Class. He was also a police officer for 14 years and a Paramedic for 19 years. In his own words: "I like to keep busy and I don't like to be idle. I have always enjoyed helping people, so this is just what I do and what I love."

Ann-elizabeth Pelonzi

Treasurer

Bio

Liz grew up in Massachusetts and moved to New Hampshire in 2004. She holds a degree in Marine and
Freshwater biology and has lived in Scotland researching dolphins and was also a marine mammal medic
instructor. Liz trained people the proper way to rescue stranded marine animals from porpoises to minke whales.

Her life then took a turn and Liz worked as a forensic scientist with the NH State Police for 16 years. Wanting to return to environmental work, Liz joined the NH Dept. of Environmental Services in 2020 and is the lead person for cyanobacteria blooms in drinking water sources.

Liz has always had a passion for animals and has had dogs, cats, and a turtle for most of her life. She is
active in animal rights issues and loves being a voice for the voiceless. She puts the welfare of animals first
and foremost and being involved in an organization which helps reunite families with their lost pet is something she is immensely proud of.

Elaina Smith

Secretary

Bio

Elaina lives in the NH Seacoast with her husband and their rescue dog, Bennett. As a lifelong animal lover who grew up eventing horses, she enjoys spending her free time playing and hiking with her dog. She is excited to bring her legal experience as an attorney to the Board in order to support its mission of reuniting lost dogs with their families.

Hannah Mills

Bio

Hannah has lived in Maine all my life. I currently work as a Document Control Specialist, and I am also Rob’s assistant for 2A TAC Air OPS Drone Services. I am married to my husband, Austin and have a 2 year old son who is my entire world. I also have 5 pets; a golden retriever named Scout, 3 cats (Simba, Bear and Stella) and a bunny named Baxter. I have previously fostered a mother cat and her 4 kittens. I have always loved animals and my dream as a child was to become a veterinarian. In my spare time I love spending time with my family outside.

Kimberly Chan

Bio

Kimberly lives in the Lakes Region of Maine with her dog, Peach, and cats Mario & Yoshi.

She enjoys taking care of her home and property year round, as well as dog sports (agility and rally obedience), weight lifting, kayaking, nature and studio photography, volunteering for animal rescues and other local non-profits, hanging with friends, and just relaxing at home in the woods.

Professionally, she has had a 30 year career as a Sr Pharmacy Systems Analyst and is currently taking the online FAA Part 107 course to get her commercial drone pilot license. She volunteered with Rob on several rescue missions, and hopes to one day be flying next to him to assist on a different level.

Ella Logan

Bio

Ella has always had a deep love for animals, especially dogs and cats. After experiencing the heartbreak of her own dog going missing, she understands how overwhelming and painful that situation can be.

Ella's main focus is helping unwanted pets find loving homes, but she's also been involved in lost dog recovery. She continues to learn with every experience and remains committed to helping reunite families. She is very excited for Saving Grace Dog Rescue and proud to be part of the team. (The dog with Ella was her 20 year old, Collar Wiggles)

Beverly Soychak

Bio

Beverly is a 30 year passionate animal person who has been involved with rescue for many years . I started out in my back yard saving squirrels and progressed from there . I started out in domestic animal rescue after having a negative experience with a rescue bringing dogs into Vermont . They were very ill and not in great shape ! I quickly reported them and formed a bond with one of the best ACO in our state . This was back when law enforcement still covered it . I worked very closely with my amazing vet team for the many years . We helped dozens of dogs and my Sheba was one of them she lived a long life but never overcame her abuse at their hands. We eventual had them shut down as well as a few other unethical places in the process. Back then rescue was a different world than it is today . I also did a lot of TNR when it was still focusing on farms and am proud to have TNR every farm in my community way back when .

5 years ago I shifted my focus to wildlife and specifically beavers . While it’s 10 times more challenging than domestic animal rescue it’s also amazingly fulfilling.
I’ve started 4 different animal welfare organization two of which I’m still involved in . I work with dozens of organizations who I have trusted relationships with and usually when my phone rings it’s a desperate situation because I know how to get things done and who to contact . I’m very proud of my role working with law enforcement , legislatures , communities and fellow rescue and SAR contacts . We are only as good as the teams we build together !
Very excited to take this journey with Saving Grace and help guide them on a positive path forward .

Desiree Rogers

Bio

Desiree is a dedicated public servant and business owner with a diverse background in public safety, animal welfare, and administration. Originally from East Hartford, Connecticut, I now resides in Waterville, Maine. I have earned earned an Associate of Science in Business Administration from Thomas College and has more than 20 years of administrative experience, with additional service in emergency dispatch and at Crisis & Counseling Centers.

I currently work at the Maine State Police Crime Laboratory and serves as the Animal Control Officer for the Town of Sidney. I am also a board member of the Somerset Pet Welfare Alliance, where I help organize low-cost spay and neuter clinics to improve animal welfare throughout the community. My knowledge of animal care has been developed through extensive Animal Control Officer training and years of hands-on experience.

Raised by my grandfather, an aeronautical engineer whose inventions earned patents and recognition in the Smithsonian Institution, I developed a strong work ethic and a passion for problem-solving. Alongside my partner, Ethan Rogers, a Registered Maine Guide, I co-own and operate Outdoor Obsession Guide Service, Top Dog Gutters, and Shipley's Construction. Together, we also previously owned and operated Rogers Racing in Albion, Maine.

Outside of work, we enjoy hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors while serving their community through both their businesses and volunteer efforts.

Have questions?

savinggracedogrescue@gmail.com