SAWS Board

President
Lucy Philipp
📩 pres@pawsofsaws.org

Hi, my name is Lucy…
or Lucia, as everyone calls me here. I’m part of the German NATO community.

I’m a proud dog mom with a lively house full of five rescued pups & 1 rescue cat, all different sizes and personalities. My home is pretty much the “dog party house,” and we often take in fosters who need a little extra love and socialization. With so many four-legged kids running around, you learn a lot over the years, and I’m grateful I get to pour that experience into helping the animals we rescue.

As the President of SAWS, my heart is fully in giving these animals a real chance at a better life. Rescued animals will always have my heart… they’re grateful, resilient, and ready to shine when someone finally believes in them.

Together, we can help make tomorrow brighter for the ones who need it most❣️

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Vice President
Freya Askjaer
📩 vp@pawsofsaws.org

I’m Freya, born and raised in Denmark, and animals have always been a constant source of friendship, comfort, and joy in my life.

Here in Sicily, we encounter many cats and dogs who have been abandoned or born on the streets. Being part of SAWS - and helping rescue, protect, and rehome these animals - is something I’m deeply proud of. Every life we save reminds me why this work matters.

Rusty and Luna, our two Sicilian rescues, are living proof of that impact. Rusty survived months on the streets before trusting humans again, and Luna was found outside Palermo with her seven siblings at just a few months old. Once discarded, and now they live safe, loved, and by our side - whether we’re exploring trails or simply enjoying everyday life together.

Rusty and Luna remind me daily that hope is real. Even small actions can create meaningful change. We may only be improving our corner of the world, but the difference we make for each animal truly matters.
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Secretary
Carla McKirdy
secretary@pawsofsaws.org

Carla is a passionate advocate for animal welfare and a dedicated humanitarian. Originally from Houston, Texas, Carla brings a decade of experience working with the United Nations, where she honed her skills in program management, fundraising and knowledge management.

Carla’s professional background has centered around promoting human rights and ensuring equitable access to resources. Her expertise in digital accessibility and her commitment to streamlining processes make her a great match for her role as Paws of Saws’ Board Secretary. She is passionate about applying her skills to support the organization’s mission of providing care and finding loving homes for animals in need.

A lifelong cat lover, Carla has always had a special place in her heart for feline companions. She believes that every animal deserves a safe and nurturing environment, and she is excited to contribute her time and talents to Paws of Saws. Beyond her professional endeavors, Carla enjoys exploring new cultures, practicing pilates, writing and spending quality time with her rescue cat, Etta.

Animal Care Director
Hannah Tauriello
animalcare@pawsofsaws.org

I’m Hannah Tauriello.

I’m originally from Florida, but moved around to many different states growing up. I’ve always had a pet of some kind, whether it was a dog, cat, bird, fish, guinea pig, and more! I currently have a 10 year old orange tabby cat and a 5 year old black Labrador retriever. They’re my babies!

My knowledge in caring for cats has accumulated over the years of taking care of stray cats and kittens, learning to administer their medications, and meeting their needs, special or otherwise.

I will apply that knowledge as the Cat Specialist to help local cats and the Sigonella community as much as possible and to the best of my ability🐱💕

Treasurer
Shaba Rowe
treasurer@pawsofsaws.org  .

I’m originally from Kingston, Jamaica and Brooklyn, NY is my second home.

I’ve been in the Navy for 15 years. Got involved with SAWS because I enjoyed volunteering and giving back. Strongly feel that if you do good, then good will follow you. I enjoy seeing the animals find their forever home because they have so much unconditional love to give without you even asking them for it.

My two dogs are Sicilian rescues. Cooper (brown) came into my life during the heights of the covid pandemic and he “saved” me from myself. Steve is my foster fail. After having him for a year, we couldn’t give him up. Both dogs have great personalities and it’s amazing to see it daily.

I know we can’t save all the animals in need in the community but we do our best.

Communications Director
Freya Askjaer
vp@pawsofsaws.org

I’m Freya, born and raised in Denmark, and animals have always been a constant source of friendship, comfort, and joy in my life.

Here in Sicily, we encounter many cats and dogs who have been abandoned or born on the streets. Being part of SAWS - and helping rescue, protect, and rehome these animals - is something I’m deeply proud of. Every life we save reminds me why this work matters.

Rusty and Luna, our two Sicilian rescues, are living proof of that impact. Rusty survived months on the streets before trusting humans again, and Luna was found outside Palermo with her seven siblings at just a few months old. Once discarded, and now they live safe, loved, and by our side - whether we’re exploring trails or simply enjoying everyday life together.

Rusty and Luna remind me daily that hope is real. Even small actions can create meaningful change. We may only be improving our corner of the world, but the difference we make for each animal truly matters.

Communications Officer
Kay Taylor
comms@pawsofsaws.org

Hi, I’m Kay!
I’m from upstate New York and have always had a soft spot for animals in need. I’ve been involved in rescue work for several years now—fostering, volunteering, and doing whatever I can to help animals find the love and safety they deserve.

I’m so grateful to have found an organization that shares and supports many of my beliefs when it comes to rescuing and caring for animals. Every animal has its own story, and nothing makes me happier than being part of their journey to a better life.

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains Unawakened.” -Anatole France

Supply Coordinator
Sophie Zempel
supply@pawsofsaws.org

Hello, I'm Sophie from Germany.
I recently became a member of SAWS and I am very happy to be able to bring my passion for animals into my voluntary work.

Two years ago I adopted a dachshund mix myself - a former street dog from Spain - and since then he has enriched my life every day.

With my work, I want to help set an example of loving and responsible treatment of rescued animals. It is a matter close to my heart to work with our team to find suitable homes for as many animals as possible and to encourage people to open their hearts to animal welfare.
Because the most wonderful souls are often not found through breeders, but on the street ❤️
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Volunteer Coordinator
Jacquelyn Cuny
volunteer@pawsofsaws.org

Hi I’m Jacquelyn, I grew up predominantly in Kansas.

I’ve always grown up with dogs and I always had an affinity for working with animals. Working with SAWS has been a great experience. I work as the Supply Coordinator, so my mission is to keep track of donations for our fosters and organization.

Being able to work for a non profit for animals has been a fulfilling experience. I hope my experience will help greatly with the animals in need as every stray deserves a place to call home.

Event Planner
Urnive Blot
eventplanner@pawsofsaws.org

Hello, my name is Urnive.
I am from Haiti and recently joined the Navy.
I am here temporarily as the event planner, and I hope that my short time with SAWS will still make a meaningful impact. My love for animals has grown with every moment I’ve spent volunteering here, and I’m truly grateful for this opportunity.

I’m not a dog mom yet, but it’s something I look forward to every day. In the meantime, I pour my time and energy into participating and planning in events dedicated to rescuing and caring for animals in need.

Being part of the team that plans and executes these events allows me to contribute to a mission I wholeheartedly believe in—creating positive experiences, supporting our community, helping give animals the care they deserve and to find their forever homes.

Assistant Treasurer
Vacant

Consultants👇🏼

Communications Officer
Anna N. Koerv 

Hi, I'm Anna!
I am from Munich, Germany, and I’ve had a deep love for animals for as long as I can remember. When I was 11, my dream of having a dog finally came true and his mom was actually a rescue from Sicily!

Traveling is another big passion of mine, but it’s also opened my eyes to the heartbreaking reality of stray dogs and cats in many places around the world. Seeing so many animals in need has stuck with me, and I’ve felt a strong need to do something to help.

That’s why I’m incredibly excited and grateful to now be part of SAWS! I’ll be helping by creating social media content to raise awareness, share stories, and support the mission of giving these animals the love and care they deserve. I hope my work can inspire others to get involved, adopt, or support in any way they can.

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Rescue Assistant
Tanja Hamann

Hello, I'm Tanja and I come from Germany.

Animal welfare has been close to my heart for many years. Every day, I look after five stray dogs and around ten cats, which I feed right outside my front door. I feed them, give them attention, and try to give them a little bit of security in their often harsh everyday lives.

My encounters with these animals have shown me how important compassion, responsibility, and consistent help are. For this reason, I would like to become even more involved in animal welfare—to change lives and give a voice to those who have none.

I myself have a 3-year-old black Labrador and a teddy hamster.

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Cat Consultant
Alyssia Brooks

Hello I’m Alyssia,
I am originally from Pennsylvania/Florida but here I am part of the NATO American community. We have been here for a little over a year and hopefully will be for up to 6 more!

I am a cat parent to two Maine Coon cats adopted in Germany where we were last stationed, as well as 3 rescue cats and kittens. On top of that I love to foster and help as many kittens as possible find their furever homes!

My combined experience from the years fostering in the US and now here in Italy have ensured my accumulated knowledge of the best practices when it comes to kitten and cat fostering. I also have expertise in the rules and regulations that allow cats to travel internationally depending on to whom they get adopted.

While I’m here I just want to help as many cats as humanly possible, no matter their age. I will end with one of my favorite quotes: “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.”

Communications Officer
Vacant

Office Manager
Vacant 

Dog Consultant
Vacant

Dr. Barbara Sessa

I love sports, good wine, foreign languages, ​​and I try to be a mother and a partner in the best possible way.

I dream of living a few steps from the sea in a large house and being able to take care of stray dogs and cats.