Our Leadership Team:

The following is a brief introduction to the leadership team at Hope 4 La Pawz Inc. and Amigos de 4 Patas. The role that each of these members play is totally voluntary. We are a small nonprofit that prides itself on dedicating donor dollars strictly to the care and adoption of rescue dogs in La Paz.

Charlene Angelo, President

Meet Charlene, the dynamic force at the helm of both Hope 4 La Pawz Inc. and Amigos de 4 Patas a/c. With over 8 years of passionate dedication to dog rescue and adoption in La Paz, Charlene is a familiar face and a powerful advocate for our four-legged friends.

Behind the scenes, Charlene leverages her invaluable technology background to ensure our online presence is as strong as our commitment to rescue work. In the age of virtual everything, her expertise in marketing and web management is the wind beneath our wings, allowing us to reach more hearts and homes.

As the President, Charlene is the steady rudder steering our ship through the seas of dog rescue. With a wealth of experience from running several businesses in her previous career, she brings a unique blend of business acumen and heartfelt dedication to our cause. For Charlene, running a non-profit is not just a mission; it’s a business where every decision counts.

Charlene’s leadership style is a perfect blend of logic and compassion. In the emotionally charged realm of dog rescue, she skillfully navigates to a place where emotion takes a back seat, and sound judgment prevails. Her ability to maintain this delicate balance is a testament to her exceptional leadership.

We’re fortunate to have Charlene leading the way, ensuring that our ship sails smoothly toward a world where every dog finds a loving home.

Irene Phillips, Secretary

Meet Irene, a dedicated force behind the scenes as a valued board member for both Hope 4 La Pawz and Amigos de 4 Patas.

With a rich background in telecommunications and real estate sales, Irene seamlessly blends her professional expertise with a passion for our furry friends. Her knack for copywriting shines through as she spearheads campaigns and elevates the profiles of our adorable dogs awaiting forever homes.

Irene’s heart beats for the well-being of our canine companions. As a volunteer, she invests a significant portion of her time interviewing potential adopters, ensuring the perfect match for the many dogs that pass through our program. Her commitment extends to the digital realm, where she skillfully promotes our dogs on social media platforms and various pet adoption sites.

Beyond the interview room and the online world, Irene is a driving force in our fundraising events and adds flair to our store’s merchandise. Her creative touch and organizational prowess make her an invaluable asset in bringing our events and retail offerings to life.

However, Irene isn’t just a dedicated board member; she’s also a hands-on rescuer. Over the past decade, she has rescued and found loving homes for more than 40 pups, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless furry companions.

In every facet of her involvement, Irene embodies the spirit of compassion and dedication, making a lasting impact on the world of rescue and adoption.

Michelle McCormick, Treasurer

Meet Michelle, the treasurer for both Hope 4 La Pawz and Amigos de 4 Patas. Michelle has been actively engaged in animal rescue and welfare in the La Paz area since 2011. Over the years, she has assumed various roles, demonstrating her commitment to the cause. One notable contribution includes her involvement in transporting adopted dogs to their new homes in the US and Canada.

A true utility player, Michelle is ever-ready to pitch in wherever needed. Whether it’s coordinating dog food orders for the pups in the program, capturing heartwarming photos of dogs, or playing a vital role in organizing and executing fundraising events, Michelle’s dedication knows no bounds.

Having recently retired from a remarkable 32-year career at Microsoft, Michelle has transitioned to living in La Paz full-time. Now, as a valued member of the leadership team at Hope 4 La Pawz/ Amigo de 4 Patas, she serves as a board member and actively contributes to shaping and realizing the organization’s mission and vision.

Maria Jose, Director of Internal Communications & Media Relations

Meet María Jose, a vibrant soul originally hailing from Mexico City, now calling La Paz home for the past 19 years. With a rich background in event planning and public relations, María Jose’s journey in the world of rescue started at the tender age of 7 when she brought home a stray kitten, igniting a lifelong passion.

Alongside her husband Mauricio, María Jose is the heartbeat of our clinic every Thursday. Their commitment goes beyond borders as they embark on journeys from La Paz to the airport in Cabo and, on numerous occasions, all the way up to the US border. Imagine a 1,100-mile journey with as many as 14 dogs at a time – that’s the dedication of María Jose and Mauricio. During these long transports, María Jose forms unique connections with each dog, ensuring their transition from life in La Paz to their forever homes is filled with comfort and care.

Their incredible skills as dog handlers ensure our precious cargo arrives safely, wagging tails intact. But María Jose’s rescue efforts don’t stop there. On their return trip to La Paz after a long transport, this compassionate duo often finds themselves unable to resist picking up a stray they spot on the highway. Their compassion knows no bounds, and their contribution is truly invaluable in keeping our mission running seamlessly.

Beyond their hands-on involvement, María Jose and Mauricio serve as community ambassadors, reaching out through local media channels, including radio, television, and social media. Their goal is not only to rescue dogs but to educate and promote our Amigos de 4 Patas Mexican association throughout La Paz.

María Jose and Mauricio, your boundless dedication and compassionate spirits are the heart and soul of our mission. Thank you for making a difference, one paw at a time.

Dhorea Ryon, Foreign Relations Communications Director

Meet Dhorea, a compassionate soul originally from Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada, who has called La Paz home for an impressive 24 years. Dhorea’s love for dog rescue has deep roots, starting back in Canada when, as a realtor, she always made it a point to donate to local rescue organizations. Her passion only intensified when she founded one of the first successful shelters in La Paz, BAJA DOGS LA PAZ AC.

Dhorea has been a trailblazer, paving the way for the transportation of animals from La Paz to various shelters and adopters in the US and Canada. Many of us in the world of rescue owe our knowledge and inspiration to Dhorea; she’s been a guiding light, and her legacy continues to shape our efforts today.

Through her work at the shelter, Dhorea has been a guardian angel for countless lives, initiating mobile sterilization efforts throughout the city, and collaborating with schools to educate the next generation on the proper care of dogs. Her impact extends far beyond the shelter walls, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of the community.

As we embark on new programs for the community in La Paz, Dhorea’s wealth of experience and knowledge becomes an invaluable compass. Her dedication and tireless efforts are not only appreciated but are the very foundation upon which we build our future initiatives.

Oh, and did we mention Dhorea currently shares her home with three Mexican purebreds? Each one represents a story of resilience and love, rescued from the streets right here in La Paz.

Dhorea, your journey is an inspiration, and your commitment to making a difference in the lives of dogs and the community is truly commendable.