Meet Our Team
Alex Tonner
Founder
Alex adopted a baby pitbull in 2009. She named him "Ziggy" because his tail zig-zagged; it was bent out of shape as the result of the abuse and neglect he had endured in a backyard before being rescued.
Jon Grobman
Chief Operating Officer
In 2005, I was sentenced to a total of 190 years-to-life for nonviolent theft crimes. As someone who is formerly incarcerated, Paws For Life provided an extraordinary path to my own transformation.
Dr. Zoe Ramagnano
Medical Director
Dr. Zoe was born in Trinidad, Colorado and spent her childhood in New Mexico and Pennsylvania. She graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a BS in Animal Bioscience and an honors degree in Veterinary Science in 2000. She received her VMD from the University of Pennsylvania in 2005.
Diana Mota
Lead RVT and Medical Operations Manager
I graduated from Platt College in 2015 with an Associates of Science degree in Veterinary Technology. I then received my RVT license in 2017. My passion for horses drove me to work in the veterinary field. Through school I completed externships in equine medicine, small animal medicine, and spay/neuter surgery. I quickly learned that I really enjoyed...
Victoria Crunkilton
Operations Manager
My entrance into the animal rescue world is a bit unconventional. As a former public accountant, I knew from early on in my career that I was destined for a different journey. I rescued my first fur baby in 2017, a bunny named Phoebe who quickly became the center of my whole world.
Rita Blackwell
Director of Shelter Programs
My first dog was a rescued pit bull, and when she passed away, I wanted another just like her. That began my work with rescues here in Los Angeles.
Alyssa Benavidez
Adoption & Animal Care Support
Alyssa's full bio coming soon
Jessica Krell Gilman
Director of Development
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Jessica possesses a passion for helping others and promoting humanitarian changes within her community. Growing up surrounded by dogs, her love for animals runs deep but it is the synergy between dogs and people that Paws For Life offers that drew Jessica in...
Shari Summers
Program Support
After a 45-year career in corporate I am excited to be working at such an amazing place. Having the opportunity to work with and help these wonderful dogs find their forever home is priceless. As an added bonus, the people I work with are all helpful, friendly and truly love the dogs, they have already taught me so much!
Chris Murray
Director of Youth Programs
Chris is the Director of Youth Programs for Paws For Life K9 Rescue. In his role as director, Chris oversees the training programs for the youth detention facilities. Chris brings with him 8 years of dog training experience, including training service dogs for military veterans with PTSD.
Christine Onorati
Adoptions Manager
My career in animal welfare started about 2 years ago working with a rescue here in Mission Hills. My background was originally in the entertainment industry and retail management.
Tommy Yackley
Dog Trainer, Playgroup Facilitator, Kennel Support Team
Tommy is a dog trainer and playgroup facilitator. He is proud to say that he has dedicated his life to helping others. While incarcerated, Tommy spent 15 years helping at-risk-youth to help give them guidance to have a better life.
Thomas Wheelock
Case Manager/Peer Advocate
Thomas is our Case Manager/Peer Advocate for the Returning Citizens Support Service Network (RCSSN), he helps individuals that are recently released make the positive transition back into society.
Todd Morrison
Dog Trainer, Playgroup Facilitator, Kennel Support Team
Todd is a professional dog trainer with more than 5 years' experience working with Paws For Life K9 Rescue. At the People and Pet Innovation Center, Todd applies an array of skills in Dog Socialization, Behavioral Modification, Basic Obedience, and Animal Health and Welfare,...
Marcus McJimpson
Training Facility Manager
Marcus is a Facility Manager at the People and Pet Innovation Center. Marcus' role as manager is to oversee the group training classes, dog socialization groups and maintain a healthy work environment. Marcus spent nearly 7 years in the dog program while incarcerated, eventually becoming one of the co-leaders of the program.
Matthew Bleecker
Dog Trainer, Playgroup Facilitator, Kennel Support Team
Matt began his journey with Paws For Life K9 Rescue six years ago while incarcerated. As a dog trainer, Matt has experience training a wide range of dogs...
Jensen Ramos
Facility Manager and Lead Trainer
Jensen is the Facility Manager at the People and Pet Innovation Center. As manager, he oversees the daily operations and teaches group and individual training classes to the community. In Jensen's 7 years of dog training experience,...
Robert Martinez
Dog Trainer, Playgroup Facilitator
This job opportunity has not only been satisfying because I am helping these beautiful dogs find a better home, but in turn these dogs have given me the therapeutic peace I need.
Albert Curiel
Apprentice Dog Trainer, Playgroup Facilitator, Kennel Support Team
Albert is an apprentice dog trainer and playgroup facilitator. He has been with Paws For Life K9 Rescue for over 1 year and continues to amass experience in all facets of animal care...
Lucas Pedroza
Kennel Attendant
Lucas started at Paws For Life K9 Rescue in 2022 as Kennel Attendant. Maintaining the kennels has proven to be a fulfilling job for Lucas...