About us
Our Passion
A kitten named Freckles, who was diagnosed with Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), and a desire to help more at-risk cats and dogs find forever homes, were the catalyst that ignited Athena Reizakis to start Freckles Foundation & Animal Rescue. While our main mission is to place animals in need in loving homes, we also place a special emphasis on the “underdog.” We will not let age or a medical diagnosis, such as FIP or heartworm, be a barrier in giving that animal the chance at the life they so deserve.
Freckles Foundation & Animal Rescue, founded in December of 2023, is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We are a foster-based rescue with a volunteer network spanning across Maryland, DC, and Virginia. We are committed to creating awareness within the communities we serve and working towards the best interest of the animals in our care. It is not just about finding homes for pets in need but finding a home that is right for them.
Freckles Foundation works with shelters, other rescue groups, community organizations, and individuals to identify cats and dogs in need of rescue. Once in our care we provide these animals with necessary veterinary care and a loving, nurturing foster home until they are adopted. Cats and dogs receive vaccinations, preventatives, and spay/neuter (if age appropriate) prior to adoption. Our rescues are cared for in our network of volunteer foster homes and provided with food, shelter, socialization, training, and other necessary care while awaiting adoption.
We are funded solely by donations and adoption fees. We are 100% volunteer-based currently.
Freckles Foundation is actively seeking partnerships with veterinary practices, community groups, and local businesses to further our mission.
The team
Athena
Kristen
Kristen
Athena brings over 20 years of accounting/operations experience paired with a life-long passion for animal advocacy to Freckles Foundation & Animal Rescue. She loves putting her skills to good work in furthering the mission of Freckles Foundation and helping as many animals as possible find their forever home. Athena first became involved in rescue in 2018, fostering for a friend who was unable to care for his dog. She found the experience very rewarding and after reuniting the pair, went on to foster countless cats and dogs. Athena has since facilitated over 700 adoptions. She believes nurturing, socializing, and identifying the unique needs of each foster is essential to advocate for them effectively and match them to the perfect home. Athena lives in Maryland with her husband, Blair, their two dogs, twelve rescue kitties, and revolving door of furry fosters. She is always covered in pet hair but wouldn't have it any other way.
Kristen
Kristen
Kristen
Kristen’s greatest passion is animal rescue. She was raised by animal lovers to be a true animal advocate. Kristen grew up in a home full of rescued animals and assisted in the training of service dogs. As an adult, she began volunteering for a local rescue in 2010, shortly after her college graduation. Since that time, she has fostered dozens of dogs and cats, visited rural shelters to assist with donations and animal transportation, planned fundraisers and adoption events, and even traveled to Utah to spend a week volunteering with a large animal rescue organization. She pours her heart and soul into each animal and will always do anything in her power for them. Kristen has achieved a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and her Project Management Certificate (PMP), helping her be successful in her daytime job as a program manager for a government contractor. Kristen brings over 13 years of project management experience to Freckles Foundation & Animal Rescue and a lifetime of love for the animals who cannot speak for themselves. Together, we can save them all.
Mary Beth
Mary Beth
Mary Beth
Mary Beth's passion for helping animals started early in her life. Growing up, she often devoted her time to caring for various stray animals she brought home or visiting local animal shelters. With 14 years of focused experience in rescue work and a background in nonprofit operations, fundraising, and event planning, Mary Beth dedicates herself tirelessly to ensuring the efficient operation of the Freckles Foundation. Mary Beth also serves on the board of directors at her community pool and serves on the NVSL Rules Committee. She currently resides in Northern Virginia with her husband, two daughters, and three rescue dogs.
Katie
Mary Beth
Mary Beth
Katie Hasse has a passion for rescue, and has personally fostered over 400 dogs and cats until they were adopted to their forever homes. As a former professional equestrian, Katie competed to the upper levels of Eventing and Dressage, as well as finishing the Mongol Derby in 2019. After taking a step back from riding professionally, Katie was hired to manage all aspects of a dog and cat rescue, and spent two years revamping their internal processes and development program.
Currently, Katie is the Spectator Relations & Development Director for the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, and the Director of Advertising Production for The Chronicle of the Horse. Katie brings a unique background of operations, event management, donor development, software implementation, and marketing in relation to various animal industries, and she is excited to serve on the board of Freckles Foundation & Animal Rescue.
In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time riding her horse, and hanging out with her six rescue dogs, 25 chickens, and rescue pig, Miss Piggy.