Meet Our leadership Team
Jen Clarkson
Executive Director, Co-Founder
Jen, a lifelong animal lover, began her journey in animal welfare in 2011, volunteering with a local rescue before co-founding Dog Aide in Detroit. As Executive Director, she manages day-to-day operations and develops programs like Project Grace (free spay/neuter) and Tyson’s Heart (heartworm prevention). Her background in healthcare drives her focus on addressing medical needs for pets in the Detroit community. Jen also advocates for shelter reform and consults nationally on developing community outreach programs.
beth pruitt
Director of Finance, Co-Founder
As a founding member of Dog Aide, Beth has combined her two passions: dogs and the city of Detroit. After decades in animal welfare, she recognized that outreach was key to addressing the city's pet overpopulation. While her role at Dog Aide has evolved over the years, she currently serves as the Director of Finance.
Rachel Beno
Director of Operations
Rachel has been with Dog Aide since 2015, serving as the Director of Operations. With a hands-on approach and a strategic mindset, Rachel manages both the operational backbone and field activities of the organization. As a resident of Detroit for over a decade, her passion for the city shines through in her commitment to improving the lives of its residents and their pets. Rachel launched the “Lodge Project” a program aimed at enhancing outdoor dogs lives and "Operation Freedom" which builds safe enclosures for dogs who live chained outside. Rachel's work exemplifies her belief that every pet deserves a loving safe home.
Lauren Springall
Director of Community Outreach
Lauren has been with Dog Aide since 2021 and currently serves as the Director of Client and Volunteer Communications. In this role, she oversees the Dog Aide Hotline, manages weekly and monthly outreach for the indoor dog program, and handles communications with clients across all programs. Additionally, Lauren supports new volunteer onboarding and relations, contributes to the outdoor outreach program, and takes on various other responsibilities. She is passionate about fostering connections within the community, valuing both the people and the dogs, and providing support wherever needed.
