Mission Statement
At Pile of Puppies we believe in our mottos: Within Darkness There is Light and Joy Heals.
Our mission is to create Joy Healings by surrounding children who are chronically and terminally ill and their families with a pile of puppies. We have witnessed incredible joy during unimaginably challenging life circumstances.
We know that these joyous memories are seared into the hearts of our POP families and they lean on these memories while moving through pain and grief. This is why we do what we do.
We Believe:
- Puppies are the perfect example of unconditional love.
- Puppies give deep presence and never pity.
- Presence is healing.
- Joy and pain can reside together.
- Joy is contagious.
The Story Behind Pile Of Puppies
Jennifer Thompson Trepanier was once a very sick child fighting to survive. At the age of twelve, Jennifer was gifted (diagnosed) with the rare and debilitating disease, dermatomyositis, which caused her immune system to attack her muscles. At the most challenging point of her condition, she was too weak to get out of a chair or a bed and had trouble swallowing. She went into remission from the age 17-20, but in her early 20’s, another physical challenge emerged. For three years, she experienced high fevers and joint pain so extreme it felt as though hammers were constantly striking her joints. Although these illnesses were difficult, they brought a revelation: she did not have to become a victim of her disease. She learned through her personal experience about the power of the mind and body. She learned how to move through her pain to find the light. Her suffering inspired her to complete a Masters in Psychophysiology (study of the mind and body connection). She was then ready to teach others what she innately already knew: when the body and mind are treated together, healing begins.
After becoming a mother, Jennifer dealt with another rare autoimmune disease called autoimmune neutropenia. This time around, her white blood cells were attacked by her immune system, leaving her susceptible to continuous infection, at the same time she was learning what it was to be a new mother. As she emerged from this dark time, she realized ( yet, always knew) that she had to give back. All the pain and suffering she felt throughout her childhood and adulthood must come full circle.
She took her love for animals (especially dogs) and her passion for helping those with health challenges and bridged them together to create Pile of Puppies. When Jennifer sees a child suffering, she knows first hand what it is like to feel different from the rest. She knows that looking death in the eye is scary, but also empowering. POP was created to remind all children who have been given an extra physical challenge in their life that there is always light within the darkness. There is always joy even in the hardest times.
When she is not working on Pile of Puppies, Jennifer helps her clients unlock their own “wells of wisdom” by assisting them in living their life in a conscious and healthy way. She volunteers with hospice to help patients make their transition from this world to the next. Lastly, her most challenging, Awe-Inspiring and powerful job yet, is being a Mother, the greatest gift life has given her. To learn more about Jennifer please go to her website: www.wellsofwisdom.com
Meet Our Board
Michele Cooney
President
Michele Cooney has held executive and management positions in government, private sector, and non-profit organizations for over 40 years. She is currently the Program Director for Leap to Success, a non-profit in San Diego serving women who are overcoming major life challenges. She served as Executive Director of the San Diego Regional Training Center which provides training to local, State and Federal employees in California. Prior to that appointment, she was the Regional Training Center’s Training Director for over ten years. Her management skills, training background, and belief in collaboration are invaluable as POP’s Board Chair.
Personally, Michele brings a deep understanding of the challenges faced by caretakers of chronically ill children, having supported her daughter through health crises through most of her life. She totally resonates with POP’s mottos “Within darkness there is Light” and “Joy Heals.”She is honored to be a part of the POP team.
Kristen Colestock
Treasurer and Secretary
Kristen is the Treasurer and Secretary of POP. She is a military spouse and homeschool mom who is dedicated to community service and hard work. She is an Executive Virtual Assistant with VAUSA, a company that partners with individuals and businesses to employ military spouses. She always strives to learn new things and enjoys spending time outside with her family and pug, in and around historic Virginia.
Anthony S. Padula
Board Member
Anthony S. Padula, M.D., is a triple-board-certified physician in adult medicine, pediatrics and rheumatology. He also serves as a healthcare advisor for digital health start-ups innovating care for chronic conditions. Dr. Padula is an industry recognized leader, speaker, educator and advocate in his field. Dr. Padula combines his passions to tackle health challenges that confront both the individual and the system. He believes disease not only attacks our body, but also warps our “health identity,” and that only by caring for the whole person can we truly restore wellness. Dr. Padula practices as a Rheumatologist at the Northern California Arthritis Center in Walnut Creek, CA. He graduated with an undergraduate degree in Biology from Brown University, and received his medical doctor degree from Jefferson Medical College.
Brittny Keating
Board Member
Brittny Keating grew up in the PNW and has always loved dogs, pugs especially. After honorably serving in the navy she was able to grow her passion for pugs by showing them conformationally.
Her commitment to the betterment of the Pug breed goes beyond the show ring. Through responsible breeding practices, health advocacy, and a genuine love for preserving breeds, Brittny has earned a reputation as a dedicated and knowledgeable breeder. She came onboard Pile of Puppies when her pug puppies were invited to participate in a joy healing. Brittny was able to see firsthand the power of healing and happiness that her pile of puppies brought and wanted to become more involved.
She strives to uphold breed standards of all dogs, promote ethical breeding practices, and encourage the incredible bond between dogs and people of all ages. She is a member of Greater Clark County Kennel Club, Oregon Kennel Club, holds an administrative title with Pug Dog Club of America, and is Vice President of Columbia River Pug Fanciers.
Kelsey Greco
Board Member
My career began in the nonprofit world, where I fell in love with working with people. Particularly, matching people with organizations that align with the impact they want to make professionally or personally.
I’ve worked in non-profit fundraising since becoming director of Calyx Press in 2011 and transitioned into sales through the mission-driven franchise, barre3.
Justin Schultz
Board Member
Justin Schultz is a seasoned Talent Attraction and Recruiting leader renowned for his transformative approach to positive change. With a background collaborating with industry giants like Adidas, Mars, Netflix, Dr. Martens, and Reebok, Justin boasts over 20 years of expertise in attracting and hiring leadership talent across diverse sectors such as apparel and footwear, technology, consumer packaged goods, healthcare, transportation, and entertainment.
Justin’s reputation is built on his innovative, progressive, and purpose-oriented recruiting style, marked by a human-centric mindset and a profound sense of empathy. His ability to attract and hire uniquely specialized leadership talent has been refined over years of dedicated practice.
Beyond his role as a skilled Recruiter, Justin is deeply committed to making a positive impact outside the corporate realm. As a devoted volunteer and Board Member for Pile of Puppies, a heartwarming nonprofit specializing in bringing joy-filled experiences to children facing serious medical situations, Justin plays a role in shaping the organization’s mission and strategies. His efforts ensure that the magic of these furry companions brings smiles and joy to young patients and their families during incredibly challenging times.
Justin’s passion for giving back serves as a testament to his commitment to creating a better world filled with compassion, hope, and boundless joy. Join him on the journey towards a brighter and more compassionate future.
Meet Our Team
JT Trepanier
Executive Director
As founder and Executive Director at Pile of Puppies, JT has taken her passion for working with chronically ill children and her love of puppies to create an organization based in the belief that joy is healing. Drawing on her experience in both corporate and nonprofit sectors: Nike headquarters, Arthritis Foundation, she has created an organization based on collaboration and community partnership. She received the “Everyday Hero Award” from ABC – KATU 2 News and the “Be the Change Award” from Fox News. None of this could have happened without our amazing volunteers and our responsible breeders who believe in our mission.
JT is a compelling speaker and loves sharing the many powerful POP stories that have evolved over the years. She is publishing her first book in 2024. JT also works with clients in the realm of Psychophysiology (understanding the mind and body connection).
Heather Whiteford
Program Coordinator
Heather Whiteford has been volunteering as a coordinator with Pile of Puppies since 2018. With a medical degree from Thomas Jefferson University and additional training in Family Practice, she brings a unique blend of expertise and warmth to her role at POP. She is passionate about working with people of all ages but particularly enjoys working with children and teenagers. She understands the medical challenges that families are facing and recognizes the profound impact that moments of joy can have on their healing journey. The highlight of being a part of Pile of Puppies for her is bearing witness to the absolute pure and simple delight that puppies bring to families navigating through stressful times.
Cristina Lane
Program Coordinator
Cristina met Jen and learned about Pile of Puppies through a mutual friend in early 2023. Cristina brings her nonprofit sector experience, as well as her passion for connecting the community in meaningful ways to POP. In her role with Pile of Puppies, Cristina hopes to continue to grow a network of volunteers who can support the ongoing need for joy healings.