Get To Know Our Team

Our staff and volunteers are highly dedicated to the New Life K9s program and work hard every day to help our mission. 

Jennifer Tate
Program Manager

Jennifer comes to New Life K9s with over 10 years of management experience. She has always had a soft spot for animals and has rescued several dogs and cats throughout her life. Joining New Life gave her the opportunity to combine her love of animals and desire to help others. When she isn't working, she is out and about enjoying family time with her husband and daughter. 

Kate Johnson
Lead Educator

Kate is a Cal Poly Alumna with a degree in Graphic Communication. She has always had a passion and heart for two things: dogs and non-profit work. Kate signed up to become a weekend puppy parent for Annie, one of New Life K9s’ warrior support dogs. It is through Annie that she experienced the feelings of parenthood for the first time, what it means to have true patience, and that she wanted her passion for non-profit work to go beyond simply volunteering.

Amber Nieslanik

Puppy Parent Coordinator

Amber grew up around all kinds of animals, and has always been a huge animal lover. She is certified in exotic animal training and is currently finishing a degree in Animal Behavior. She started at Gentle Touch as an assistant in 2021 and eventually joined the New Life K9's team at the start of 2022. She has grown a huge love for training, and even been able to work with horses and several different marine mammals. 

Bravo
Canine Ambassador and Educator Assistant