President
My rescue experience began in 2011, when I attended a Valentine’s Day photo fundraiser in support of a local rescue with my pride and joy; Keely (age 11) and Tora (age 10). Keely is an Akita/Bullmastiff/Rottweiler/Shepherd mix and Tora is a pittie mix. I was lucky enough to be the fur mom to Charlie, my big Boxer boy for 4 amazing years. Sadly he left me in 2017.
I first began fostering and quickly realized I wanted to be involved in other areas of animal rescue as well.
I met Jessica Dial in 2011 through volunteering with a local animal rescue and we became fast friends. We both worked in the legal field and shared a huge love for animals.
In 2012, Jessica founded Hope Lives Here Animal Rescue. Together, we poured our hearts and souls into HLH. Jessica in Red Deer and myself heading up the Edmonton branch.
In 2016, Jessica, our founder, started a family and, with her blessing, I became the President of Hope Lives Here. Hope Lives Here will forever have a special place in her heart, and I was honoured to take over what she had created.
Since taking over, Hope Lives Here has secured a much larger presence in Edmonton and has continued to grow in Red Deer. We now have foster homes that span all the way south to Calgary and West to Spring Lake.
Dog Adoption / Foster / Behavior Coordinator
Hi, I’m Jolene! Since 2012, I’ve been proud to be part of the Hope Lives Here family, and what an incredible journey it’s been!
I started as a foster home, opening my heart and home to dogs in need. Before long, I took on the role of Foster Coordinator, and when the opportunity arose to become Adoption Coordinator, I couldn’t wait to help even more animals by matching them with the loving families they deserve while continuing to support our amazing foster team. Animal rescue isn’t just something I do—it’s truly my passion. Over the years, I’ve cared for everything from medical cases and mamas with newborn puppies to some of the most challenging and rewarding dogs imaginable. Every animal has taught me something, and every success story reminds me why I love this work so much.
Some of the moments closest to my heart include helping dogs with extraordinary needs—a pup with megaesophagus, a dog given only a 50/50 chance of ever walking again who is now happily running, and several neurological puppies who showed me what resilience really looks like. Watching these animals overcome the odds and find loving homes is the greatest reward. After more than a decade in rescue, there’s very little I haven’t experienced, and every challenge has only strengthened my commitment to helping animals. I’m incredibly grateful to work alongside the dedicated, compassionate volunteers at Hope Lives Here. Together, we’re changing lives—one rescue at a time—and I can’t wait to see what the future holds as we continue making a difference for years to come.
Cat Coordinator
I joined the rescue in March 2020, however, my love and work with cats started when I was a young girl. At 14, I volunteered at a vet clinic cleaning cages and helping with reception. It was not the most glamorous job, but it was perfect as I got to spend time with the animals.
On the weekends, I would bring cats home to my mother, who would immediately remind me that they couldn’t stay. However, before Monday came, we always found homes for them, or made room in our house. I was lucky to have such an understanding family.
Fast forward to now and not much has changed. I currently have a houseful of cats in my care and I love them all. I find it very rewarding to watch their progress; learning to be loved and letting me be their friend and protector. However, my favorite aspect of this role; is adoption. Knowing our kittens and cats have found their furever home, where they can live full happy lives makes all this hard work worthwhile. Every cat deserves a loving home and a human who will give them the best possible life.
Cat Team Administrator & Cat Coordinator
My name is Ashley Miller. My journey with HLH started with meeting friends who fostered and since we couldn’t foster at that time we would donate and volunteer. We began fostering when we could and I’ve met a lot of great people in this organization who all share my passion for animals which I love. My administrative role primarily within the cat team organically grew. The best part of our rescue is that we are foster home based and seeing the animals get a safe supportive environment to transform into their full selves. The hardest part in rescue is knowing there are so many animals in need and being limited on the amount we can help due to funds.
Dog Coordinator
Social Media Coordinator
Fundraising Coordinator
Hey, I’m Amanda! My journey into animal rescue began in July 2022, when my sister found a young pregnant cat at her job site. We named her Sushi. Sadly, she lost seven of her eight kittens, and caring for her and her surviving baby, Wasabi, deeply changed my life. After seeing how many stray cats needed help, I started a feeding station outside my home and began trapping cats through Alberta winters. So far, I’ve rescued 11 cats. That experience also led me toward veterinary medicine. I graduated from NorQuest College as a Veterinary Office Assistant in June 2025 and am continuing my studies toward becoming a Veterinary Medical Assistant. Since then, I’ve bottle-fed newborn kittens, fostered entire litters, and worked closely with semi-feral and fearful cats. I’m especially passionate about helping cats who are often considered “unadoptable” learn to trust, feel safe, and find loving homes. I joined Hope Lives Here in March 2025 after fostering a mama cat and her kittens who were rescued from an abandoned vehicle. From the start, I felt welcomed and supported, and I’m grateful to Tanya and the entire HLH community for making it feel like home. As Fundraising Coordinator, I help organize events, build community partnerships, and create campaigns that support the animals in our care. At home, I share my life with my three orange cats: Peaches, Lola, and Tiggy; my very likely feral foster fail, Jujube, and my senior American Bulldog, Gino. Rescue has shaped every part of my life, and I’m grateful for every animal and person who has been part of the journey. I’m excited to keep growing with Hope Lives Here and continue making a difference for animals who need it most. – Amanda
Fundraising Coordinator
I came across Hope Lives Here after I lost my soul dog in 2020. I followed them thinking I might get another dog one day but instead I adopted the cutest little kitten from them that I named Ollie. I had a senior cat and she didn’t really want to play with Ollie so when HLH put a call out for foster homes, I thought that would be a great way to give Ollie some friends to play with. I fostered both cats and dogs for the rescue and with my experience in event organizing, I started working on fundraising and adoption events. I really enjoy working on new ideas to help raise money and find loving homes for our animals in care. Hope Lives Here is my family, I have made amazing friends and I am so grateful for the experiences I have had with the rescue. I look forward to many more
Medical Coordinator
Community Liaison