Board of Directors
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Jennifer Ackley
Founder, President and Executive Director
Sponsor of Zeus
Jennifer received her B.A. in Psychology in 1989 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a concentration in animal behavior. After working in the communications industry, she followed her passion to work with dogs. In 2013, she formed Wolf PAWS Inc. and also graduated with honors from Animal Behavior College. In 2017, she became a Certified Professional Dog Trainer.
As a certificant of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), Jennifer follows the LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) principle in all her training. She attended several educational seminars at Wolf Park to learn more about wolves and canine behaviors. She is continually expanding her knowledge of dogs and wolves by attending conferences and online webinars, reading and listening to podcasts, and interacting with all the resident wolf-dogs at Wolf PAWS.
Jennifer lives with her husband, Jeff Talman, their 2 dogs Red and Xena, and their cat Felix.
Helen Aurenz
Treasurer and Director
Sponsor of Spirit and Venus with her husband Michael
Helen moved to Dandridge from Chicago in late 2017 and immediately contacted Wolf PAWS to volunteer. After volunteering for 2 years, Helen was invited to serve on the Board of Directors and subsequently elected as the Treasurer.
Helen has worked for several years as a customer service manager in the manufacture can industry and currently in the distribution industry.
“ I absolutely love all things animals. One of my favorite rescues (besides Wolf PAWS) is Best Friends in Utah, their mission statement is 'To Save Them All'
Anything I can do to give back to these animals is the most rewarding thing in my life”
Aria Biehl
Vice President and Director
Even at a young age, Aria had an affinity for all animals. Growing up in Arizona, she volunteered at local shelters throughout high school whenever she could. Both personally and professionally she has had the pleasure of working with numerous species ranging from dogs and domestic household pets to reptiles and exotics as well as farm livestock. Canines truly are a huge passion for her which ultimately lead her towards becoming a Petco certified dog trainer. In spring of 2022, she and her partner, Thomas, started volunteering at Wolf PAWS, and they have both been an integral part of daily sanctuary operations ever since.
Diana Feile
Secretary and Director
Sponsor of Moonbeam, Orion, Star and Venus
with her husband Werner
Diana and her husband Werner have been wolf-dog sponsors for many years. In 2023, Diana decided cut back on her work life and have more time to donate to local groups. She applied to become a volunteer at Wolf PAWS. Her first assignment was to help us at our booth at June Jubilee in downtown Dandridge. She instantly took to it and began talking with everyone who walked by, letting them know about our organization and our mission. Since then, she has become an integral part of our sanctuary. She helps with the feedings and also helps us out with office work.
