Farm of the Free Animal Sanctuary
Creating a space where every being feels safe to be exactly who they are
Founders
Carmen and Greg Pope decided to go vegan in 2013 after watching several documentaries. They didn't want to stop there so they sold their house, started a non-profit, and bought 10 acres in Good Hope to start this sanctuary.
President / Co-Founder
Greg Pope
Greg has a degree in Applied Science, Criminal Justice from the Community College of the Air Force. He served six years in the Air Force then became an executive recruiter.
Greg has a passion for saving animals and providing them with a loving forever home.
Co-Founder
Carmen Pope
Carmen was a vet assistant and pet sitter for 15+ years. She became a vegetarian in high school after writing a research paper on animal rights.
Carmen is excited to be part of FOTF to help raise awareness for animals and, equally, to help people grow. She wants to empower people to make decisions that help themselves, others, and the planet.
Employees
We are immensely grateful for our amazing employees who dedicate their lives to serve the animals at the sanctuary.
Animal Care Manager
Erin Tompkins
Erin studied Animal Science at Auburn University. She began her career as a zookeeper at Zoo Atlanta. During her time there, she went vegan. After working with Full Circle Farm Sanctuary, Erin joined our team.
Erin is passionate about positive enrichment and ensuring our residents are as happy as possible. When not taking care of animals, Erin creates art and stories
Animal Caregiver
Blake Peters
Meet Blake! He's a Georgia native who has lived quite an exciting life, traveling around the world and finding work in various fields. Despite earning a degree in journalism and English from the University of Georgia, Blake has pursued his interests in unique ways, working as a freelance journalist, a scuba diving photographer, and even a librarian.
His story is a testament to the fact that life is full of surprises, and sometimes, the most unexpected paths can lead to the most fulfilling adventures.
Animal Caregiver
Kaitlyn Hegwood
Kaitlyn was born and raised in Social Circle, GA. She grew up with mainly cats and dogs, but as she got older, she became infatuated with animals of all shapes and sizes.
Kaitlyn has worked within the pet industry for the last 5 years and plans to study to be in the veterinary field. She’s thrilled to be a part of the Farm of the Free to further her love and knowledge of animals.
Executive Director
Ryan Bulzan
Ryan is the Executive Director of FOTF, overseeing the organization's strategic vision and operations. He has a deep-seated compassion for farm animals and was moved to become a vegan after a heartwarming visit to a sanctuary in 2013. Ryan is a seasoned animal rights activist, community organizer, and trainer for a well-known international animal rights organization. When he's not working, he indulges in his passions, such as home cooking, backpacking, and fitness.
Board of Directors
Our board members bring amazing ideas, skills, and creativity to our sanctuary. We are so lucky to have them!
Board Treasurer
Victor Valentin
Victor has 10+ years of professional accounting experience. He and his partner have rescued several dogs, reptiles, water fowl, birds, aquarium fish, and insects.
Victor has been vegan since 2007! He is very passionate about creating a kinder, more compassionate world for animals.
Board Member
Meghan Smith
Meghan has been a vegetarian since birth and a vegan since the age of 12. Meghan believes advocating for others is at the heart of who she is. Meghan has experience in community building, engagement, and organization, as well as event planning and fundraising.
As an artist, designer, and proud dog mom of two, she is honored to join Farm of the Free’s board and to support their mission to create a safe space for all.
Board Member
Bibi Gellert
Bibi has been vegan since 2009 when she read “The Kind Diet” by Alicia Silverstone and
immediately switched from being a vegetarian. Most weekends you will find her either at one of
the many local sanctuaries or protesting animal exploitation on the streets of Atlanta. She is
happy to participate with all organizations working to better the lives of all animals. She is
grateful to be a board member at Farm of the Free as she strongly believes in the work of
Carmen and Greg as animal rescuers and caregivers.
Board Member
Jessica Eleazer
In 2019, Jessica made the decision to adopt a vegan lifestyle and found herself at Farm of the Free Animal Sanctuary. The founders and beautiful residents of the sanctuary inspired her to become more involved and committed to supporting its mission. From 2020 to 2021, she served as an animal caregiver, and her passion for the sanctuary's mission has only grown since then. Jessica continues her involvement on the Board of Directors, helping create a safe and inclusive space where every being can thrive and be themselves.
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Board Member
Jodie Jacobs
Jodie is an ordained Animal Chaplain, Let Animals Lead® Animal Reiki Practitioner, Animal Communication Collective Ambassador, executive assistant, event planner, and animal rescue volunteer. Her animal passion has led her to volunteer for several rescues, including Puppy Kitty NYC, Best Friends, and Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center.
She is honored and thrilled to join the FOTF team and be part of their inspiring work to help animals!
Board Member
Nina Kyle
Nina is an inspiring individual who discovered her passion for animal welfare at a later stage in her life. She turned vegan at the age of 44, driven by her love for animals and a strong desire to make a difference in their lives. She is the proud parent of three rescue dogs whom she considers as her beloved babies. Her passion for animal welfare led her to volunteer with various organizations dedicated to the cause.
Apart from her love for animals, Nina is a multi-talented artist, puppet builder, and has spent several decades writing and playing music. She has recently developed a keen interest in cooking and is always experimenting with new recipes in her free time.
She is thrilled to be a part of the FOTF team, where she can further her passion for animals and learn to be a better advocate for them.
Board Member
Nathanael Petit
Nathanael has been following a vegan lifestyle since 2020 after learning about the health benefits of plant-based diets from a co-worker at the University of South Carolina. Since then, he has gained more knowledge about the suffering of animals and has become an ethical vegan. Nathanael has been actively volunteering at a sanctuary and is now a board member. He spends most of his weekends either volunteering, working out at the gym, playing soccer or basketball, or watching documentaries.
Board Member
Jenn Cochran
Jenn is no stranger here at Farm of the Free, having served as the Board Secretary in the past and our first-ever Executive Director. She has volunteered since 2019 and has over 25 years of experience in wildlife conservation, animal habitat research, animal husbandry and rearing, and animal conservation education. Jenn has been rescuing animals in need her entire life and shares this passion with her husband of over 15 years, Lee, and their teenager, Khai.