OUR
TEAM
MEET THE PACK.
Whether it’s fundraising, fostering, or fetching vet care at 2 AM, this crew works around the clock to make rescue magic happen.
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Executive Director
Andrea Kochensparger
Andrea isn’t just our fearless leader—she’s the heartbeat of Speak! Since 2017, she’s built the organization from the ground up, shaping our strategic vision, steering the board, and making the tough calls that keep us growing, saving, and thriving. With a legal brain and a rescue-sized heart, she guides every major decision and works hand-in-paw with Chelsea to dream up our boldest campaigns.
By day, she’s a general counsel keeping companies out of the doghouse. By night, she’s on a mission to ensure no pup is left behind.
Director of Volunteers
Elisha Gregory
Elisha jumped into the pack in 2018 as a volunteer and foster and never looked back. Now, she leads the pack of volunteers, manages transport tails (err, routes), manages a team of fosters in central Ohio and still finds time to foster pups herself.
By day: corporate relationship whisperer.
By night: certified dog hugger.
Director of Animal Welfare
Paula Jo Biancone
Since 2015 Paula's been the heartbeat behind our most paw-some rescues. With a soft spot for medical cases and a resume that includes over 30 years of animal rescue both wild and domestic, and fostering well over 100 dogs and cats, she handles intake, coordinates vet care, and leads as foster pro.
Paula’s motto is “it matters to this one.”
Director of Development
Chelsea DeRosa
Chelsea was our first official hire—and she hit the ground sprinting. From building partnerships to fetching donor love, she’s the brains behind our campaigns, sponsorships, and creative paw-sibilities.
Have an idea or want to chat about a donation? She's all ears 🐶
Saving pups by day and wrangling her mischievous mutt by night.
Director of Michigan
Marcy
Marcy joined the pack in 2020 and hit the ground paws first. She’s grown our Michigan foster team to over 35 homes, coordinates every tail-wagging transport, and keeps medical cases running smoother than a well-groomed golden retriever. Bonus? She’s also launched adoption events across Kalamazoo.
Loan officer by day, foster fairy godmother by night.
Cental Ohio Events Lead
Patty Graham
Patty started as a volunteer in 2021 and quickly became the backbone of our Central Ohio pawties (er, events). From organizing fundraisers to managing our Grove City warehouse and merch shop, she keeps our operation running tighter than a pup in a ThunderShirt.
Officially retired, but unofficially the busiest human we know.
These are just a few of the faces that help keep Speak! moving forward. We’re endlessly grateful to all of our fosters and volunteers who make our mission possible.