OUR
STAFF
Meet the Team
Who we are
President
Jennifer Rakow
In 2019 at the start of COVID Jen was looking for a way to give back to the community because she wanted to donate her time to helping support, rescue and foster animals. With so many animal rescues in need there were just too many to choose from.
Ann introduced Jen to NARF and it's fellow board members. NARF is a foundation that understands how to support the animals and families in the community. With three dogs of her own at home, she knew this was the right animal rescue at the right time to contribute and help further the NARF mission.
Jen was recently elected as the new President of NARF and looks forward to continuing the good work this organization has been doing for the past 40 years.
Vice President
Christine Sies
Christine is a native of San Jose and has always been an animal rescuer. Growing up her family always had rescue dogs and cats.
Christine joined NARF over 35 years ago when a mother dog and her puppy wandered onto the family property in the East Foothills. She had every intention of adopting them out through NARF, but this ended up being her first (though not her last!) foster fail. This ended up being the start of Christines' NARF journey.
Through the years, she has volunteered as dog foster mom, pet fair volunteer, and pet fair coordinator, and is now the recently elected Vice President of NARF. Christine looks forward to continuing to volunteer with like-minded individuals whose sole purpose is to improve the lives of animals.
Board Member
Jocelyn Rodriguez
Jocelyn’s connection to animals goes beyond care and compassion—she believes in advocating for their needs and fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and animals. With a background in holistic wellness
Jocelyn brings a fresh perspective to animal advocacy, blending her knowledge of energy, work with her commitment to creating meaningful positive change.
Jocelyn’s unique experience and heartfelt dedication make her a valuable asset to NARF where she is committed to championing the organization’s vision and making a lasting impact throughout the community for animals in need.
Board Member
Ann Keady
Ann Keady began her journey with Nike Animal Rescue Foundation over 20 years ago when her then 8-year-old daughter expressed a desire to "help the kittens." What started as a family activity quickly became a passion for Ann, who was drawn in by the animals and the camaraderie of her fellow volunteers.
The foundation is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to finding forever homes for homeless dogs and cats, supporting senior animals, promoting spay and neuter programs, aiding community animals in need, and providing education about animal welfare.
Treasurer
Tammy Edison
Tammy joined NARF in June 2025 as Treasurer. With over 35 years of accounting and finance experience, Tammy was eager to join the volunteer team and donate her time to such a worthy cause. “Working amongst friends, is never work, it’s fun and rewarding”
Forever a dog person, Tammy has adopted and fostered through Nike.
Tammy is passionate about helping humans through the grief and loss of a pet and providing hope of a future animal to share the empty lap space. Home is where the dog is.
Secretary
Dr. Barbara Lee
Dr. Barbara Lee has been a veterinarian in the San Jose community for 40 years. In l985, she was approached by Linda Pope (a founding NARF member and current board member) to see if she was willing to fix a broken leg on one of their rescue dogs, and she replied “of course!”.
Since that moment, Dr. Lee has served on the board as its medical advisor and has helped to care for hundreds of rescue dogs and cats.
Dr. Lee and the Evergreen Veterinary Clinic staff consider it a privilege to support NARF and to help our community care for our animals in need.
Board Member
Kim Paige
Kim grew up in the bay area & has been rescuing animals most of her life. She grew up volunteering with her mother & sister at Wildlife Rescue along with collecting local strays until adulthood.
It’s no surprise that she ended up joining NARF in the spring of 2024.
“Speaking for those who have no voice” is her primary motivating factor. She wants to see pets placed in homes where both the pet & the owner will thrive in health & happiness.
Board Member
Linda Pope
Linda is one of the founding members of NARF. She saw an article in the news about an injured dog being found in a ditch with her litter of puppies.
Linda’s daughter went to the first organization meeting and came home to say “Mom, we’re a foster home!" Forty years later, they're still fostering. Linda served as secretary of the board for many years before becoming president.
Linda and her family moved to the State of Washington in 2017 and started Nike North and is still an active board member.
The Popes have two little chihuahuas. Their daughter, Terri, has five very spoiled chickens who have no problem hanging out with chihuahuas!
Board Member
Kathy O'Bryan
Kathy started rescuing animals in her preteen's. She used to hide cats and dogs in her room. Kathy always had a connection with animals and wanted to help care for them. Kathy's neighbor, Debby Walker, was a volunteer for NARF.
One day Kathy was visiting Debby and she had all these tiny little orphan kittens that she was bottle feeding. Kathy offered to help and Debby taught her everything she needed to know about orphan kittens. Debby shared all about who NARF was and their mission and how she volunteers as a foster. She jumped right in and volunteered herself. It takes a village and the wisdom of many.
Kathy has been a volunteer for NARF for over 25 years. As time went on, she became the Cat coordinator for Narf. Kathy adopted her first cats from NARF in 1997. Two 8 month old brother's Oscar and Angel.
Kathy is currently fostering five cats. Dora, Jack, Joy-Joy, Hamlet, and Luna.
Board Member
Maggie Polston
Bio and pic coming soon