Board of directors
Jen Halpern - Founder, Executive Director, Treasurer
Jen leads Pillows for Paws in providing care and support to shelter animals. For fourteen years, she has been dedicated to ensuring they receive small comforts that make a big difference while they wait for their forever homes. She loves working with a group of dedicated volunteers who share her passion and commitment, creating a supportive network that makes this mission possible. In addition to her work with Pillows for Paws, Jen is a casting director and energy healer, bringing creativity, intuition, and compassion to all that she does. She shares her home with Jade, the wisest cat there is.
simina calin - director of sewing and crafts, Board Member
Simina has been involved in animal welfare since high school and has volunteered with several rescue organizations in New York City. She has fostered numerous animals since 2009, including cats, dogs, rabbits, and rats. In 2012, she discovered Pillows for Paws and combined her love of crafting with helping animals, now serving as Director of Sewing and Crafts. She oversees the design and programming of handmade beds and toys for shelter animals. Simina lives in Manhattan with her rescue dog, Ruby, and two rescue cats, Teresa and Sandy.
Julie Ulrich - Secretary. Board Member
Julie’s love of rescue animals began as a child when she shared a deep bond with her family’s beautiful rescue cat, Coco. Since then, Julie has adopted and fostered several rescue cats, doing her best to give them the most pampered lives ever. As Board Member and Secretary of Pillow for Paws, Julie is thrilled to contribute to PFP marketing strategies in the effort to get the word out about this amazing organization. Julie works as a marketing copywriter and intuitive animal communicator and lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her boyfriend and two rescue cats, Calla and Faro.
ALice Kim - Pawtographer, Craft Coordinator, Board member
Alice has always had a soft spot for animals in need-ever since childhood. She would bring home stray pets to care for, despite always getting in trouble for it. That compassion continues to this day and is why Pillows for Paws holds such a special place in her heart. Originally from Los Angeles, Alice brings a West Coast flair to her fast-paced New York City lifestyle. She currently serves as Media Director at a boutique real estate agency, where she blends creativity with strategic vision. In her downtime, Alice enjoys relaxing at home with her beloved cats, Rufus and Shaq.