Create Change. Inspire Lives.

I grew up outside Chicago and have lived in the Springfield area since 1999. I graduated from Kickapoo High School and then Missouri State University (aka SMSU). In 2008, I started a 501c3 nonprofit organization called the Killuminati Foundation which provides financial veterinary assistance to families/dogs throughout Missouri for nonroutine care. We have saved thousands of dogs and helped as many families throughout the state since our ’08 inception.

I have 2 pups (which is not for the weak) - a shepherd, Sharpei, a pit mix named Stabler and a female pit mix I found playing in traffic on my way to stage a vacant listing, who I named Benson. (A nod to one of my favorite shows - Law & Order.) They have brought a lot of laughter and a new energy. I'm a die hard Chicago Bears fan! (My first dog, Payton, who passed away from cancer, was named after Walter Payton. I also had a GSD fospice named Halas.) I love to travel to new countries and experience different cultures. I have a lengthy bucket list that includes a stand up comedy show sub-list. Architectural Salvage is another love of mine where I can create repurposing projects to use something that would have been thrown in the trash and give it new life.

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What inspired you to start the Killuminati Foundation?

I was never a dog person. I never understood it. When I was a junior in college, I stumbled upon Payton - a 6 week old male german/Australian shepherd mix who changed everything. When he was 2, he ruptured a ligament and broke a bone in his leg. It would be $4,000 for the surgery but was expected to make a full recovery. I had just bought my first house 3 months prior, just a year out of college, and I had no idea how people paid for these unexpected crazy expensive surgeries. I tried to find a charity or help out there, but there wasn't. So I sold things and did whatever I had to do for Payton, and then I realized this need is something that needed to be addressed. So I started the Killuminati Foundation. 

Why was creating this organization so important to you?

I never want someone's value or worth as a parent or pet owner to be tied to their bank account. Someone can be a responsible pet owner and plan for what they're supposed to - vaccinations, heartworm preventative etc - but no one plans for a $4,000+ surgery. Money should never be the reason a loved one lives or dies.

What is something you wish more people knew about the Killuminati Foundation and the work you do?

That we are all volunteers with full time jobs, families, life…. We rely solely on support from the community with donations and fundraising events. 

What has been one of the most memorable or meaningful moments since starting the foundation?

Having someone call in tears bc they feel helpless and don't know what they're going to do. One situation that sticks out was a call I got from a guy who felt very hopeless. Two days before, he had found his best friend/roommate deceased in her room. Her small dog was by her side. The guy said he wasn't really a dog person but he didn't know what to do. This dog had a huge tumor that needed to be removed, but he didn't have the money. He wanted to help because he felt an obligation to his best friend to see this pup was taken care of. We were so happy to step in and help, and he was super appreciative. He said he felt bad because the dog wouldn't go anywhere in the house except for her mom's bed. I had explained, the dog was mourning as well. He slowly started taking her wherever he could. He put his friend's sweatshirt in his room so the pup would have that scent/comfort. The two quickly became friends. He texted me the first time his new pup buddy spent the night snuggled with him vs the other room. He was so excited, and it was so sweet! He had decided to keep her new pup buddy as they have helped heal the other.

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What are you most proud of when you look at how far the foundation has come?

Everything. From a 2am idea to something that has grown into a 501c3 nonprofit that has helped and saved thousands of dogs/people over the years - plus the support and relationships built with the community, it's all very surreal. Even now, when a stranger says they've heard of the Killuminati Foundation, it still blows my mind! 

How can someone support the foundation or get involved?

Adding us on Facebook will give you access to updates, vet approvals, events etc. Our website also has info on how to get involved as a sponsor, volunteer, etc. 

What does "community" mean to you?

Helping each other and filing the needs we see. It takes everyone doing their part. If people would just take care of “their own backyard” then everywhere would be made better.