Rachel Rader joined the Board of One Tail at a Time in 2018, bringing her experience solving complex business and operational issues to advance the organization’s mission. She discovered One Tail in 2014 when she “failed” with her first foster dog, Lulu, who quickly became her best friend. Rachel is driven by One Tail at a Time’s commitment to creating a compassionate, non-judgmental environment for all animals and their caregivers, while consistently striving for progress and growth. When she isn’t working or supporting OTAT, Rachel loves playing board games, being in nature, and spending time with Lu Bear.
Heather Owen
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER
[email protected]
Heather Owen co-founded One Tail at a Time in 2008 while attending law school. She helped run the organization while practicing litigation in Cook County until 2015. That year she left her career to help One Tail open the Adoption Center and begin to reach its potential. Since then she has served as the Executive Director where she has been passionate about implementing progressive programming to address the problem of needless euthanasia. Heather is passionate about social justice, good books, and finding the best veggie tacos in the city. She is almost always accompanied by her One Tail alum and adventure buddy Trout.
Taylor Robertson
TREASURER
Taylor joined the One Tail at a Time board in 2021 as a member of the Finance Committee and has served as Treasurer since 2023. With over 15 years of experience in financial analysis and planning and a graduate degree in business, she brings a deep well of expertise to the organization’s fiscal stewardship. Taylor first became involved with OTAT in 2020 as a pandemic-era foster and has since cared for dogs, cats, rabbits, and even a guinea pig. A firm believer in progressive animal welfare and community-centered compassion, she is proud to support One Tail’s mission both professionally and personally. When she’s not working or fostering, Taylor enjoys reading, puzzles, mastering new skills, and, of course, spending quality time with Excel.
Katie Freeman
SECRETARY
Katie joined the Board in 2021 to support One Tail in operations as the organization continues to grow. Katie has more than a decade of experience in management consulting and business operations and is currently a senior leader in a disaster and emergency management consulting firm. Her education is in political science and public policy, and the focus of her career has been in public sector and non-profit performance management and improvement. She is driven by One Tail at a Time’s vision to serve all of Chicago’s communities and pets by expanding resources to support shelter diversion. In her free time, Katie enjoys a good book, a challenging crossword puzzle, and working with her OTAT alum Special Agent Dale Cooper as they learn new tricks.
Jackie Sciarrino
BOARD MEMBER
Jackie joined the Board in early 2023, shortly before attending her first Houndstooth Ball. She came to know OTAT while being a native Chicagoan and animal lover, and adopted her pup Cooper (formerly known as Hodgins!) in 2022. Jackie brings over 10 years of Human Resources expertise to the Board of Directors after spending her career supporting teams in food service, tech, and gaming industries. She is passionate about people and culture and looks forward to supporting strategic and people-focused initiatives at OTAT for years to come.
Curtis Stewart
BOARD MEMBER
Curtis joined the One Tail at a Time board in late 2024 after decades of volunteer work in animal welfare. His experience spans hands-on rescue at Chicago Animal Care and Control, community TNR, fostering, and time spent at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah. He also helped sponsor the Rudy Stewart Training & Behavior Center in honor of a deeply loved and challenging dog he and his wife adopted—one who taught them the value of behavioral support and second chances. Two of his current companions, Panda and Cozy, were fostered and adopted through OTAT. Professionally, Curtis works as an account manager at UL Solutions in the Healthy Buildings and Sustainability division. He holds a degree in finance and is also a certified Passive House consultant. Curtis brings both operational nonprofit board experience and a deep personal drive to build a more humane and accountable future for companion animals in Chicago.
Brian Singleton
BOARD MEMBER
Brian Singleton is a Managing Director at a leading accounting firm and joined the Board of Directors for One Tail at a Time in 2024. He brings over 20 years of experience to his roles on the Finance and Audit Committees. One Tail at a Time has been close to his and his wife Kate’s hearts since they adopted their beloved dog, Grace, from the rescue in 2013.
Michael Bartman
BOARD MEMBER
Coming soon!
Isabel Kadar
BOARD MEMBER
Coming soon!
Ashly Marquez
BOARD MEMBER
Coming soon!
Beth Naccarato
BOARD MEMBER
Coming soon!
Brian Qualizza
BOARD MEMBER
Coming soon!
The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Board
The DEIB Board develops and promotes strategies and best practices within the realms of racial, social, sexual, and gender diversity.
The DEIB Board meets monthly and works on special projects to help OTAT progress.
Board Co-Chairs: Carla Garcia, Isabel Kadar, Eunice Ntiamoah
Board Members: Amanda Williams, Beth Naccarato, Carolina Hernandez, Erika Devriendt, Maggie Hudson, Miranda Moore, Roseanne Segovia, Takisha Keys, Vela Solsuarez
Associate Board Members
2026 Leadership: Ashly Marquez, Jess Straka, Jillian Rice, Marissa Oberlander, Meagan McKinnon, Tony Smith
2026 Members: Akshara Kapoor, Alex Larkin, Amanda Hull, Courtney Terlecki, Danielle Bowsman, Emily Smith, Emma Rappaport, Kandice Walters, Katie Harej, Lindsey Waters, Liz Polmanski, Marissa Cantu, Melissa Balsan, Ali Hart, Anna Crane, Ashley Gordon, Ashley Marudas, Britain Young, Candice Burgess, Christine Ward, Deanna Radjenovich Gupta, Elizabeth Smith, Ewelina Mikocewicz, Grace Singel, Jennifer Pstrong, Joanna Dexl, Kaitlyn Ziemer, Kristin DeCorrevont, Kyra Tetter, Lynette Kontny, Mark Kwak, Quinn Wright, Salina Lee, Sam Karp
Thank You to our Volunteer-Based Program Managers!
Laura Slivka, Team One Tail Manager
Anne Lombaer, Jane Higgins & Stacey Verne, Northside Learning Center Ambassadors
