Meet The Team

A lifelong New Hampshire resident and passionate advocate for animal welfare, Renee brings over two decades of experience in the animal care industry. Her journey began with the adoption of her first rescue dog, Kodee—an experience that inspired her to leave a career in the chemistry lab and dedicate her life to supporting animals and the people who love them.

Renee earned a degree in Animal Science from the University of New Hampshire and has since held a variety of leadership roles, including dog trainer, animal shelter manager, and veterinary practice manager.

As the Executive Director of Helping People Helping Pets, she is deeply committed to preserving the bond between pets and their families. Renee is currently pursuing an MBA in Finance to strengthen her ability to lead and grow mission-driven initiatives within the nonprofit and animal care sectors.

Crystal Hammond is a founding board member and the current Board Chair of Helping People Helping Pets, where she brings a deep commitment to supporting both animals and the people who care for them. A lifelong advocate for accessible, compassionate pet care, Crystal has spent over 16 years building a career rooted in trust, service, and community connection.

She is the founder and owner of Sitter for Your Critter, a family-run professional pet care company that began as a solution for friends seeking an alternative to kenneling their pets. What started as a small local business has since grown into a thriving operation serving pet owners throughout New Hampshire and Southern Maine.

In addition to her entrepreneurial work, Crystal is a digital creator who shares home decor inspiration and lifestyle content. Whether leading strategic initiatives for HPHP or expanding her pet care network, Crystal is driven by a passion for service, innovation, and the well-being of animals in every home and community.

Originally from Massachusetts, Sam now lives in New Hampshire with her husband and their two beloved Cocker Spaniels, Marty and Ruth. With over seven years of experience in the veterinary field, Sam has served in various roles and currently specializes in emergency and critical care. She holds certifications from the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) as both a Nutrition Coach and Therapeutic Nutrition Coach, reflecting her strong interest in companion animal nutrition. Through her work in veterinary medicine, Sam has seen firsthand the critical role that organizations like HPHP play in supporting both pets and their families—especially during times of hardship. She brings compassion, clinical expertise, and a deep understanding of the human–animal bond to every aspect of her involvement.

Dr. Serena is a dedicated veterinarian with a passion for animal welfare, community outreach, and expanding access to veterinary services. With years of clinical experience and a strong commitment to service, she has made it her mission to ensure every pet receives compassionate, high-quality care—regardless of their owner’s circumstances.

Her work focuses on reducing barriers to veterinary care, promoting preventative medicine, and building healthier, more resilient communities. In addition to her clinical contributions, Serena actively mentors future veterinarians and supports initiatives that improve mental health and well-being within the profession.

A champion of empathy, inclusivity, and lifelong learning, Serena is committed to shaping a more sustainable and supportive future for both animals and the people who care for them.

Molly has dedicated her life to animals, discovering her passion for rescue at the age of 16 while working at a doggy daycare—an experience that began with the abandonment of a Great Dane and sparked a lifelong commitment to helping the most vulnerable. For nearly two decades, she has fostered and cared for dogs with bite histories, always drawn to the underdogs and the misunderstood. Her rescue experience extends to both large and small animals, including hands-on work during natural disasters. Today, Molly operates Paisley’s Place and The Home of the Unadoptables in Bedford, New Hampshire—a sanctuary for retired working draft mules, horses, and dogs who have been deemed unadoptable elsewhere. When she’s not hiking with her dogs or caring for the sanctuary’s herd, Molly also works as a licensed real estate professional, serving clients across Massachusetts and New Hampshire.