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Employees

Thank you to our amazing employees who dedicate their lives serving the animals here at the sanctuary! 

Erin Tompkins, Operations Manager

Erin grew up with horses – they have been central in her life since she was 9. She studied Animal Science at Auburn University, focusing on equine sports science. After an internship, Erin entered the professional world as a zookeeper at Zoo Atlanta. During her time at ZA, she went vegan. After about 4 years, Erin ultimately resigned from the zoo for ethical reasons and spent a couple years exploring film and background acting in Atlanta. Then, she returned to animal care and worked at Full Circle Farm Sanctuary for 3 years.

Erin is passionate about enrichment and positive reinforcement communication, ensuring the residents' lives are as pleasant as possible.

When not taking care of animals, Erin creates art and stories!

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Ryan Bulzan - Executive Director

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Ryan hails from Ohio and resides in Kennesaw, GA. He has a soft spot for farm animals, and he became vegan in 2013 after visiting a sanctuary in Marysville, Ohio. Ryan is also an experienced animal rights activist, community organizer, and trainer for an international animal rights organization. Ryan's passions include home cooking, hiking, camping, and aviation.

 

As the Executive Director, Ryan oversees FOTF's strategic vision and operations, and honors the mission to create a space where every being feels safe to be exactly who they are.

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Kaitlyn Hegwood - Animal Caregiver

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.

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Board of Directors

All of our Board Members bring amazing ideas, integrity, organizational skills, & creativity, which are an asset to the mission at Farm of the Free & we are so fortunate to have all of them on our board!

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Greg Pope - Co-Founder / President

Greg was born in Atlanta, GA and grew up in Marietta, GA.  He served 6 years in the United States Air Force and has an Associate's Degree in Applied Science, Criminal Justice from Community College of the Air Force.  After serving in the military, Greg earned his BSBA from Columbia Southern University and became a Technical / Executive Recruiter.  Greg went vegan in 2012 after watching documentaries and seeking the truth about factory farming and the meat and dairy industries.  He has a passion for saving animals and providing them a forever home.

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Jessica Scott - Board Secretary

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Jessica has always been a true friend to animals. Growing up with cats & dogs, she has a long time love & respect for animals.  She has been a veterinary assistant since 2003, a pet sitter since 2008, & has also volunteered with many small animal rescue organizations & farm sanctuaries.  Jessica went vegetarian in college after writing a paper on factory farming.  She has been vegan since 2016 & won't stop there!  It's very important to her to keep helping those without a voice. She's very excited, proud, & happy to be a part of this movement that means so much to her! 

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Jodie Jacobs – Board Member

Jodie’s love for animals began early, and by age 12, she had raised enough money to purchase her horse, Reed. Her animal passion has led Jodie to volunteer for several rescues, including Puppy Kitty NYC, Best Friends, and Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center. In 2021, Jodie started the Fosters & Ferals Challenge to raise awareness for animal rescues of all kinds by donating to a different animal organization every day for the year. Jodie is an ordained Animal Chaplain, Let Animals Lead® Animal Reiki Practitioner, Animal Communication Collective Ambassador, executive assistant, event planner, and animal rescue volunteer. She is honored and thrilled to join the FOTF team and be part of their inspiring work to help animals!

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Carmen Pope - Co-Founder

Carmen was born in Duluth, GA and grew up in Marietta, GA.  She studied at Kennesaw State University and Penn Foster College.  She grew up playing soccer, making lasting friendships and of course loving animals. She has been a vet assistant and pet sitter for 15+ years.  Carmen became a vegetarian her junior year of high school after writing a research paper on animal rights.  She transitioned into veganism in 2012 after realizing the horrors of the egg and dairy industries.  Carmen is extremely grateful to be working for FOTF.  It is a dream come true.  She is excited to be a apart of the growth of FOTF in raising awareness for animals, but also equally excited to help FOTF become a sanctuary for humans to come grow, heal, and feel empowered so they in turn can make better decisions that benefit themselves and the planet as a whole.

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Victor Valentin – Board Treasurer

Victor has 10+ years of professional accounting experience.  He was born in Hartford, CT, but has lived in Georgia since 1981.  He and his partner have rescued several dogs, reptiles, water fowl, birds, aquarium fish and insects and he is very passionate about creating a kinder, more compassionate world for animals. 

He has been vegan since 2007! 

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Meghan Smith – Board Member

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Born vegetarian and vegan since the age of 12 (in 1994!), Meghan believes advocating for others is at the heart of who she is. When she turned 16 and got her first car, her first bumper sticker read, “If you love animals called pets, why do you eat animals called dinner?”. In her activism since, 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. 

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