Our Team

  • Naomi Girke, President

    I started rescuing animals as a child but with a military family background, I moved every few years. I never had the chance to really focus on the animal welfare reality. Fast forward to 2011, I was searching to fill empty spaces in my life…so I volunteered at a Pit Bull Rescue. On May 3rd, 2014, after attending The Stand Up for Pits Foundation One Million Pibble March on Washington, D.C. my life was forever changed. It was there I witnessed the true gap between ignorance and education, learned about Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) and how heavily BSL impacts the connection between human and animal welfare. That event ignited in me a spark to start a small pet accessory business, Bow Tie Atticus, and in turn, we donate a portion of every purchase to rescues, all over the United States. But I felt there was more the universe had in store for me….and in 2021 mine and Jennifer’s paths came together… “just in time”. I am honored to be involved in the B & Let Liv Project and ready to work alongside the BLLP team, to help educate in order to create a safe haven for animals and those who care for them. Every small action can make a difference, whereas doing nothing is no longer an option.

  • Kim Wunner, Treasurer

    Kim is a subject matter expert on the empowerment of authentic self.

    She owns and operates Kim Wunner Consulting & Coaching - here, she partners with organizations and women who are leading from a place of wellness, community and sustainability. Through workshops and retreats, group and individual coaching, she works with clients to bring visibility to their authentic selves. Her professional through line comes from 25 years in marketing and fundraising - the "creative" side of business directed by communication, connection and strategy.

    Kim is most passionate about building businesses, teams, careers and lives both in and out of corporate spaces that make the world a better place, and create spaces for more impactful and meaningful leadership. This has lead to a deeper understanding of our inner resilience and the intelligence that lies within. She has attained an ACC Level Coaching Accreditation in Presence Based Coaching, is a Reiki Practitioner and Yoga 200 YTT.

    She lives in Ithaca, NY with her daughter, partner, 2 cats and Labrador puppy.

  • Megan Fedor, Secretary

    Hi! My name is Megan and I am the Secretary for the B&LetLiv Project. Growing up, my Aunt Jen has been my biggest supporter and I admire all her work surrounding animal welfare. When she came to me and asked if I wanted to be apart of this project, my answer was an instant yes. Pit bulls (as well as other dog breeds) face so much adversity, and they deserve a voice. I have taken on the role as a Secretary to not only utilize my administrative skills to move the project forward, but to help provide a voice to those in need. As the B&LetLiv Project continues to grow, I plan to collaborate, educate, and train those wanting to help take a stand. This is a cause that is close to my heart and I’m honored to work beside people who have the same drive that I do. Together, we can create safe and loving homes, break stereotypes, and push limits to make positive change.

  • Teresa & Rachel, Board of Directors

  • Teresa Lopez Wood

    Teresa Lopez Wood is not just a dog-lover; she's a passionate advocate for animal welfare with a profound commitment to making a difference in the lives of animals. With two rescue dogs of her own—a lively terrier mix and a gentle pit bull mix—Teresa understands firsthand the transformative power of love and compassion in rescuing and rehabilitating animals.

    Teresa is a skilled practitioner in diagnostic ultrasound for humans and animals, with over 25 years of experience in the field. She has been actively involved in various clinical ultrasound development projects aimed at advancing Veterinary Point Of Care Ultrasound in diverse environments. Her dedication to bridging the gap between human and veterinary medicine underscores her commitment to improving the quality of care for all creatures, great and small.

    Teresa's dedication to animal welfare extends beyond her professional endeavors. She is a vocal advocate for raising awareness about critical issues such as pet overpopulation, animal cruelty, and responsible pet ownership. Through her advocacy efforts, she strives to educate others and inspire action to create a more compassionate world for animals and humans alike.

    Teresa believes in the power of collaboration, innovation, and education to effect positive change in the world. As a board member of the B & Let Live Project, she brings her unique blend of expertise in diagnostic ultrasound, passion for animal welfare, and commitment to advocacy to the forefront. She envisions a future where every animal is treated with the love, respect, and dignity they deserve, and she is dedicated to working tirelessly toward that goal.

    Teresa Lopez Wood's leadership and unwavering dedication inspire us to continue our mission of rescuing and rehabilitating animals in need. We invite you to join us in our efforts to make a difference in the lives of animals by supporting BLLP. Together, we can create a brighter future for animals in need.

  • Rachel Weir

    Rachael Weir is a dog mom and animal rescue/foster advocate living in Guilford, CT with her husband and rescue mutt Vanessa. Professionally, she is a Senior Director of Quality Affairs for a medical device company with 20+ years of experience in regulated industries (research, pharma, and med device). Her position at Butterfly Network has provided her with the opportunity to make a difference in the human health and animal health space with their innovative hand-held point of care ultrasound manufactured with a ground-breaking technology of the first ultrasound on a chip. This disruptive technology aims to make diagnostic imaging affordable and easy to use, allowing healthcare professionals, physicians, and veterinarians to make quicker decisions to improve the outcomes of human and animal patients worldwide.

    Rachael grew up in northern NJ with adopted rescue dogs but the state of animal rescue did not become apparent until social media shined a glaring light on the global animal welfare crisis. Rachael and her husband have fostered several dogs from southern high kill and inner city shelters. Rachael's perspective aligns with that of BLLP in that if we don't address the human actions that cause and contribute to the current state of animal rescue, we will not make much progress. Support comes in many forms: adopting, fostering, donating, sharing, and educating without judgement.

  • Board of Dogrectors

    Meet the pawsome trio of BLLP & Endless Mountain Vineyards!

    Liv, CFO, QOPC

    North, CPB, OS

    Kenny, DOFI, PA

  • Liv, CFO, QOPC

    Liv, Chief Foraging Officer & Queen of Pest Control.

    If you see her in this position….best to leave her be…she is very hard at work.

    If there’s a hole in the ground you just might find Liv’s tail end the only thing sticking out. As CFO and QOPC she’s pretty busy maintaining critter crowd control. Jennifer often says, what Buster (B) taught her about love, Liv taught her there are no rules…Liv voices her opinion all the while expecting butt scratches and kisses. Great conversations start with Liv.

  • North, CPB, OS

    North, Certified Pretty Boy & Operations Supervisor

    We never have to worry because clearly he has the whole world at his paws…

    Always ready to spring into action, North is the protector of the Vineyard. You can often find him overseeing operations from his favorite perch on the rock wall. As a certified pretty boy, North loves his freedom to run and offers all the kisses whether you want them or not. We promise, you won’t be able to resist too long.

  • Kenny, DOFI, PA

    Kenny, Director of First Impressions & Parking or Barking Attendant.

    Always in the company of a ball, stick or favorite toy, Kenny is the first to arrive in the vineyard. Let’s get the day started! Kenny is in charge of parking, but if he spots a squirrel or butterfly...you are on your own. And as DOFI he loves to hear his own bark…so if he barks at you, no worries, he’s just letting you know “Life is Grape”. And if you run- well….the chase is on. Let’s go!

  • Buster & Liv (B & Let Liv)

    Buster 10/15/2012- 10/16/2021

    It was love at first sight when Jennifer & this handsome guy met at a Rescue called Blue Chip  Farms, thanks to Facebook. 

    Jennifer was 35  and Buster was only 3 months old.  

    He was an American Staffordshire Terrier, known to be very confident, smart and  good-natured.  Jennifer and B spent much of their time educating people about B's breed.  For some reason, pitties are often and sadly misunderstood in the dog world. Jennifer introduced Buster to so many people to show them how friendly he was. How could  a dog be anything but friendly if they are loved like Jennifer loves? Buster loved to chase frogs, snuggle, play hide and seek, trail running especially with his fox friends and hanging with his sister Liv. He is missed very much. 

    Jennifer is committed to helping all the underdogs of the world. Helping others fight fear and to find freedom is part of her mission. Every day in America, Pit Bull type dogs like Buster are discriminated against, bullied, abused, sentenced to death. It is fear-based ignorance and if anyone can help move the needle on this type of mindset, it’s B momma's Jennifer and the.BLLP team.

    Jennifer believes in humanity and that all things are possible if you are willing to believe in love. Love will crack your heart wide open and the light will pour right inside of you to those around you. Love is always the answer.

  • BLLP Team Penn Yan Retreat April 2024