Animal Farm Foundation (AFF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization meeting the evolving needs of dogs and their communities. Our guiding principle is that all dogs are individuals. We work with our subsidiary National Canine Research Council, a think tank reporting on developments in the science of the human-canine relationship, as well as on the impact of harmful public/private policy, including breed-specific legislation and housing insurance discrimination.
AFF offers regional and national initiatives that support dogs and the people who care for them in their communities.Our team consults with animal shelters across the country on evidence-based, progressive and inclusive enrichment, training, marketing and adoption policies. We also provide toolkits and resources for best practices to governments and community organizations as well as animal shelters and individual dog owners.
Our adoption program provides dogs who’ve come to us from shelters across the country with training and enrichment as they await their new homes. Our Family Pantry program recognizes pets as family and, especially during tough times, provides a way to help pets stay with their families. Our Old Friends Senior Dog Program gives senior dogs in shelters across the country an opportunity to live out their lives in a loving home
OUR HISTORY
Founded in 1985 as a horse rescue, Animal Farm Foundation shifted its focus to “pit bull” dogs after founder Jane Berkey experienced firsthand the discrimination faced by their guardians. Through this work, AFF helped uncover that “pit bull” stereotypes have no scientific basis and are rooted in efforts to exclude some dog owners from the caring community. As a part of this work, AFF relies on the analysis and reporting of the National Canine Research Council. Today, on 300 acres in Dutchess County, NY, AFF cares for dogs alongside rescued and retired farm animals, where dedicated staff and volunteers create a safe, enriching environment—from dogs to horses, cows, goats, and more—proving a small team can make a big impact.
We designed every position on our team to link intrinsically with our mission. Everyone here has hands-on experience with why we do what we do – whether that’s training dogs, transporting them, making grants, educating the public and animal welfare workers, or speaking to the world-at-large about animal and human welfare. We keep everyone focused and don’t waste anyone’s time
bclifford@animalfarmfoundation.org
Bernice is the Executive Director at Animal Farm Foundation and the National Canine Research Council. She has a solid background in animal behavior, with more than 20 years of hands-on experience in working with private clients for dog training and behavior, as well as in animal shelters. Bernice started her career in 2001 after adopting a dog named Dixie, who was categorized as a “pit bull.” Through Dixie, Bernice met Dr. Marder and became committed to this path. Throughout the years, Bernice has traveled across the country, collaborating with other shelters and speaking at conferences on topics such as enrichment, training, and behavior modification for shelter dogs. In her home, Bernice shares her life with various animals, including dogs, goats, and chickens.
njuchem@animalfarmfoundation.org
Nicole has worked in a variety of leadership roles over the ten years working for Animal Farm Foundation, and in more recent years, the National Canine Research Council. She started her career in animal welfare in 2013, in that time she established many programs that focus on strengthening the bond between people and pets, including tools that help shelters to drop breed labels. In her new role as Manager of Operations and Public Policy, Nicole oversees many projects for NCRC and AFF but her main focus is on insurance breed restrictions, BSL, and of course, seeing all dogs as individuals. Like most of us that work for Animal Welfare, Nicole has many different roles and is also responsible for IT, web design, graphic design, and marketing. She also volunteers in her local community. Nicole lives with her partner Jesse and is currently fostering senior dogs for AFF. When not at work she enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family. Got questions, need advice, or just want to tell us about your accomplishments? Shoot her an email.
tcummings@animalfarmfoundation.org
Taylor holds a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and has a wide range of experience working with species big and small. Before joining AFF, she worked with therapeutic horses and gained hands-on experience with both service and therapeutic dogs.
Now serving as AFF’s Operations Manager, Taylor supports the day-to-day functions of the organization while continuing to promote the health, well-being, and enrichment of the animals in our care. You can still find her spending time with the dogs, grooming the horses, and keeping operations running smoothly behind the scenes.
cploschke@animalfarmfoundation.org
Assistant to Awesomeness and Ninja Bookkeeper. That is what Christa brings to Animal Farm Foundation! Christa left behind her mundane career in an accounting firm in pursuit of finding purpose and making a difference. She found that when she began working at AFF. Christa is happy to assistant in the awesomeness that is AFF and brings her bookkeeping skills with her.
Christa shares her life with her rescue dog, Kato. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and watching movies both old and new.
esteffensen@animalfarmfoundation.org
Erich has been involved in dog sports and training for over 25 years, thanks to a little dog named Jake. Erich started with terrier trials and moved on to flyball, dock diving, and frisbee, competing at the world level with many rescue dogs.
Ritsa Galitsis has been training dogs and their humans for over 20 years, offering both private in-home sessions and group classes. During that time, she has also worked extensively in shelters and with a variety of rescue organizations.
Ritsa spent several years conducting a jail-based dog training program in partnership with Animal Farm Foundation, where she witnessed firsthand how positive reinforcement training can strengthen the bond between humans and dogs in all settings.
She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). Ritsa shares her life with her goofy pittie mix, Bill.
Chelsea Domaleski is a multidisciplinary designer and lifelong advocate for animal welfare. A graduate of Parsons The New School for Design with a degree in Design and Technology, she uses her skills in design, development, and communications management to strengthen community outreach, support mutual aid, and help create a more just world for all creatures. Her commitment to animals has been a guiding force throughout her life. Chelsea has partnered with a wide range of shelters and rescue organizations, contributing her expertise to advance their missions and improve outcomes for animals in need. She is a devoted dog mom to her two rescues, Rosie and Miyah, as well as a host of foster pups who continually inspire her work. Chelsea is also a trained therapeutic riding instructor with extensive farm experience, reflecting her lifelong passion for horses and the meaningful connection between humans and animals. Across every facet of her career, Chelsea strives to ensure that compassion, creativity, and equity remain at the forefront. Her work with Animal Farm Foundation is driven by the conviction that all animals deserve dignity, opportunity, and a community that champions their well-being.
agenerelli@animalfarmfoundation.org
Over the years Acadia has worked in animal shelters, boarding kennels, and barns. Through it all, she has obtained an extensive knowledge of animals big and small. Acadia strives to treat everyone, humans and animals alike, with compassion and kindness. At AFF, Acadia coordinates foster homes for the dogs, helps with fundraising events, works with each and every dog in our care, and provides them with a more meaningful and enriching life. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her own animals, her family, and photography.
Khoage@animalfarmfoundation.org
Kirstyn is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Health and Behavior at Unity Environmental School, where she deepens her understanding of animal behavior and welfare. Her passion for dog training began at a young age and has grown into a lifelong commitment to helping animals thrive.
In her free time, Kirstyn volunteers for her local fire company, reflecting her dedication to community service. She also has a strong affinity for working with livestock, particularly cows, and is fascinated by the science behind dairy production.
Kirstyn shares her love for the outdoors with her dog, Waylon, named after the legendary Waylon Jennings. Together, they enjoy exploring nature on long walks, strengthening their bond and soaking in the beauty of the natural world.
with species big and small in agriculture. At AFF, she provides daily care and enrichment for the dogs.
Emily has several years of experience working with dogs in Animal shelters and boarding facilities, where she developed a strong understanding and love of canine behavior and care. She is currently pursuing her professional dog training certification, with a special passion for helping fearful and anxious dogs build confidence and trust. In her role, Emily provides daily care, exercise, training, and enrichment for dogs, ensuring they are safe, comfortable, and engaged. At home, Emily enjoys life with her two beloved pitties. In her free time, she loves hiking, candle making, and bouldering.
Erika has years of hands-on experience working with animals of all sizes. Her journey began at a young age, volunteering at local animal rescues, and later led her to the role of Barn Manager at Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue. Driven by a lifelong passion for animal care, Erika is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of those without a voice. Outside of work, she loves spending time outdoors—whether hiking, running, or swimming—with her three dogs, Luna, Stiles, and Jaeger.
Pablo recently joined our team as an Animal Care Coordinator, bringing a fresh perspective and a deep enthusiasm for animals. Though new to the field, he’s eager to learn and grow in the world of animal care.
Before joining our team, Pablo worked in screen printing and embroidery, where he honed his attention to detail and creative eye—skills he now applies to ensuring the animals in his care receive the best treatment possible.
Outside of work, Pablo is a huge movie buff and loves staying active with sports like golf, basketball, soccer, and tennis. Whether he’s on the court or in the kennel, he brings energy and dedication to everything he does.
We’re excited to have Pablo as part of our team!
