Our Staff & Advisors
Meet the people of HOP Humane
Debra Berger
Ches, Founder
Debra contends that Humane Education benefits students and society in more ways than we can presently imagine. She is the state director for The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal protection agency.
Judy Landey
PR & Marketing
Judy is the founder of Judy Landey and Associates Public Relations. In addition to serving her professional clients, Judy volunteers her public relations and event planning skills to numerous local and national animal rescue and advocacy organizations.
Denae Taylor
Educational Coordinator
Dogs are a source of unconditional love and happiness for Denae. She's a certified dog trainer through Animal Behavior College and our educational coordinator in which she teaches children and other groups animal safety.
Andrea Appel
Humane Educator
Andrea, M.S. in organizational leadership from Mercer University, is a certified "Red Rover Reader." She volunteers in public schools educating children on the humane treatment of animals She lives in Atlanta with five rescued dogs.
Cynthia Daniel
Humane Education Teacher
Cynthia teaches an undergraduate course called "Be the Change" at Kennesaw State University and a graduate course called "Creative Activism" for the Institute for Humane Education. She is working on her Ph.D. in Humane Education, and is grateful to be a collaborative member of GCHE, an organization rooted in respect and kindness.
Janis Beavin
IT Applications and Training
Janis earned her B.S. in Education and M.B.A. from Auburn University. Her career spanned 25 years in IT working with clients developing and training in applications. She formerly served in a human resources role and oversaw the learning management system implementation and usage. She's developed curricula for various jobs, as well. She now provides technical writing, editing, process mapping and other functions for consultants. She's volunteered for and chaired the Suwanee Day committee, and is a volunteer with The Kenya Project. She and her husband Paul share their home with Annie and Minnie, their rescued multi-doodles.
GCHE Board Members
Brian Schiff, Senior Mgr, Birrnrey, Minsk, Minsk & Perling, LC.
Brian brings a high level of CPA skills to GCHE. He makes sure our financial records are current and accurate. He offers a wealth of information and advice and assists GCHE in many areas of administrative tasks. His knowledge of accounting, taxes and business is invaluable to GCHE.
Mark Kopkin is a financial advisor and managing director of the Raymond James/Morgan Keegan Alpharetta, Ga. office. He works with individuals and business in planning for their financial goals and objectives. He has been president of Congregation Dor Tamid, president of the Cohen Group Home and he's served on the executive committees of the MJCCA and JF&CS . Currently, Mark serves on the steering committee of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. He is a father of three sons, two dogs, one cat and a bunch of fish. "I have sponsored pets at Canine Assistants, and am a supporter of the ASPCA. My pets have been a special part of my family and I welcome the opportunity to have involvement in causes that benefit animals of all kinds.”
Janis Beavin, Retired, Southern Company.
Judy Landey, Judy Landey & Associates.
Debra Berger, HSUS.
Support Team & Advisory Committee
Our support team includes:
Elisabeth Gambill Niksich, Ramya Pinapati, Jen DeHart, Maria Douglas, Rebecca Portman, Dana Berger, and many generous volunteers and supporters.
Our Advisory Committee includes:
Cheryl McAuliffe, GA Pets Coalition Gigi Graves, Executive Director, Our Pal’s Place Lewis Regenstein, President, Interfaith Council for the Protection of Animals and Nature (ICPAN) Joseph Berger,MD, RPh, Psychiatrist, North Atlanta Psychiatric Services Laurie Botstein, M.S, C.C.C.-SLP Mitchell Rosen, Attorney, Kitchens, Kelly, Gaynes PC
