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Experience Paws Humane from one of our team members
Transforming connections through shared stories about pets and people.
Our speakers expertly address a diverse range of topics
Pierce embarked on her journey in animal services in March 2003 when she assumed the role of Intake Manager at the Muscogee County Humane Society. In 2007, she joined forces with Paws of Columbus, contributing as the Adoption Counselor and Intake Coordinator for two years. Following the merger of Paws of Columbus and Muscogee County Humane Society, giving rise to Paws Humane Society, Pierce seamlessly transitioned into the position of Intake Manager. Subsequently, she served as an Animal Control Officer for Columbus Animal Care and Control from 2014 to 2015. Her path then led her to the nationally acclaimed BestFriend’s Animal Society, where she excelled as the Community Cat Coordinator.
In 2017, Pierce reunited with Paws Humane, taking on the role of Director of Admissions and Adoptions. Fast-forwarding five years, she now proudly holds the position of Executive Director at Paws Humane. With an impressive 19 years of experience in animal services and advanced dog training credentials from the Animal Behavior Institute, Pierce is a valuable asset not only to Paws Humane but also to the broader animal service community in Columbus, Georgia, and the Chattahoochee Valley. Her impact extends beyond professional capacities, as she has cultivated enduring relationships with both the community and the Paws Humane staff.
Expressing her passion for animals and the local community, Pierce is enthusiastic about her role and enjoys collaborating with the exceptional staff at Paws Humane to enhance the well-being of companion animals and contribute to the betterment of Columbus. She shares, “I have always been deeply passionate about animals and our community here in Columbus. I am super excited to work alongside our amazing staff to serve our community and contribute to making it a better place for our companion animals.”
Leanne Smith-Bishop is a licensed veterinary technician with a career that spans nearly three decades. In 1995, she began her journey in the veterinary field in the Columbus area as a receptionist, quickly transitioning to a veterinary assistant role due to her passion for animal care. In 2001, Leanne relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where she earned her veterinary technician license. There, she gained significant experience working in the Emergency/Critical Care and Internal Medicine departments at a large specialty veterinary practice.
After meeting her future husband and starting a family, Leanne moved back to the Columbus area to be closer to extended family. She joined Paws in March 2013 as the Adoptions Manager and transitioned to the clinic in April 2014. Now serving as the Director of Clinic Operations, Leanne leverages her extensive background and diverse experience to enhance the services provided by the clinic. She is committed to the mission of ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, has access to essential veterinary care, emphasizing the importance of the human-animal bond.
Outside of her professional life, Leanne embraces the role of a soccer mom, attending her three children’s soccer games on weekends. When not on the soccer field, she enjoys reading and exploring the walking trails of Harris County. In addition to her husband and human children, her family also includes a dog, three cats, a hamster, a bearded dragon, two guinea fowl, a flock of chickens, and a very bossy pet pig, all of which add to her rich experience in animal care.
Leanne's dedication to veterinary medicine and her community is evident through her nearly 30 years of service, her active family life, and her wide array of pets. Her unique perspective as Director of Clinic Operations at Paws is a testament to her commitment to the welfare of both animals and their human companions.
Born and raised in Columbus, Georgia, Josh embarked on a diverse career journey that reflects his commitment to service and community building. At the age of 18, he dedicated himself to public service by joining the Columbus Police Department as a Police Cadet and Emergency Call taker, where he devoted 2 ½ years to ensuring the safety and well-being of his community.
Following this initial service, Josh transitioned to a pivotal role at Valley Rescue Mission, where he assumed the responsibilities of Family Services Resource Manager and later, Camp JOY Director. His dedication and leadership skills propelled him to the position of Director of Development, where he spent a commendable 8 years contributing to the mission of Valley Rescue.
In 2012, Josh returned to the Columbus Police Department as a Patrol Officer, displaying his ongoing commitment to law enforcement. However, in 2017, his passion for community service took a new turn when he teamed up with House of Heroes Chattahoochee Valley Chapter as the Director of Development, bringing his skills to an organization dedicated to improving the lives of military and public safety veterans and their spouses.
Continuing his impactful journey, Josh joined the Development and Marketing team at Paws Humane Society in February 2019, where he currently serves as the Director of Marketing & Development. In this role, he contributes to the well-being of animals and the other end of the leash…people.
Family plays a central role in Josh's life. He is married and together they are proud parents to four beautiful daughters and a son named. Their family also includes a Goldendoodle rescue, reflecting their commitment to compassion for both people and animals.
Beyond his professional and family life, Josh is an active volunteer at Cascade Hills Church, where he finds joy in welcoming first-time guests and creating an atmosphere of warmth and inclusivity.
Amy Byrne began her journey with Paws Humane in 2020 as an adoptions counselor. Her dedication and passion for animal welfare led to rapid promotions: team lead, adoptions manager, and animal services manager, culminating in her current role as marketing manager. Amy's comprehensive understanding of the organization—from the front of house to the back—enables her to expertly navigate and promote all that Paws Humane offers, including outreach programs, adoptions, vet services, humane education, and more.
Amy has adopted four of her five pets from Paws Humane. Beyond her marketing responsibilities, she actively fosters animals in her home, continuing her commitment to animal care and advocacy.
Born and raised in White like Michigan, Erin’s career with animals began in 2008 working as a kennel technician at a local veterinary clinic. Moving from kennel technician, customer service representative, to veterinary assistant, Erin relocated to Columbus GA in 2012.
Erin started her employment at Paws Humane Society in 2012 working within our veterinary clinic. In 2014, she accepted a role at Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine teaching hospital as well as a position at Southeastern Veterinary Surgery Center to gain more experience in the Veterinary field to continue her need to help companion animals.
Erin’s passion and drive brought her back to Paws Humane in 2018 as the Community Cat Coordinator. Using her 16 years of experience working with people and pets, she is now the Director of Outreach at Paws Humane Society leading a team of passionate individuals who don’t believe that money and accessibility should prevent anyone from experiencing the love and companionship of pet ownership.
In her free time, Erin is completing the last steps to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician and loves to spend time with her husband and daughter. Their household is complete with 1 dog, 2 indoor cats, and 1 affectionate outdoor community cat.
Morgan brings her passion for animal care to her role as the volunteer coordinator at Paws Humane Society. Since 2018, she has been actively fostering animals, providing them with loving temporary homes. In 2021, her dedication to animal care grew stronger when she joined Paws Humane as a committed employee. Morgan values humane education and community engagement, which she integrates into her work, making her an invaluable asset to the organization.
Morgan firmly believes that with dedicated effort and strong community engagement, our community has the potential to become a safe haven for pets and their owners alike. By fostering a sense of responsibility and compassion within the community, Morgan strives to create a supportive environment where pets are valued members of every household, aiming to build a place where both pets and their owners can thrive in safety and harmony.
Outside of her work, Morgan is a full-time college student majoring in business administration. Despite her busy schedule, she finds joy and balance in spending quality time with her husband and pets—two dogs, a cat, and two snakes.