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Meet the Board of Directors

Carol Armbrust

Carol Armbrust, President

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Carol is a Clinical Laboratory Scientist based at a major teaching hospital in Ohio. She specializes in parasites and viruses. Her MBA is helpful in managing the finances of Mastino Rescue Inc. as she also served as Treasurer for four years. Carol is a founding member of Mastino Rescue Inc., which was officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) corporation in 2017. In 2022, she became the President of the organization.

 

Her journey into the rescue world began almost 20 years ago with a puppy named Truffles, a Neapolitan Mastiff who was a breeder rescue. Truffles was soon joined by rescues Bentley, the English Mastiff, and Jewel, the Bullmastiff, and so began the journey into the world of the mastiff.

 

Carol has been a member of the United States Neapolitan Mastiff Club (USNMC) for roughly the same amount of time, serving on the Board of Directors and heading the Fundraising Committee for a number of years.

 

She and her husband recently downsized to English and French bulldogs as they approach retirement, but honor their love of their first dog through participation in Mastino organizations.

Christina Martin, Vice President

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Christina resides in Upstate New York and is Mastino Rescue’s Foster/Adoption Coordinator, a member of the USNMC, and Representative on the USNMC’s Rescue Committee.  Recently retired from the business world, Chris is able to finally be a stay-at-home dog mom and devotes her time to helping the Neos in need.  She has been a team member of Mastino Rescue since July of 2019.

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Her involvement in rescue started 35 plus years ago with her husband Wayne and their children.  For many years, they were volunteers and on the Board of Directors for animal shelters in Pennsylvania.   They have been huge advocates and educators for the power breed dogs in rescue and have brought many dogs into their home for behavioral modification.  The Martins reside with their rescue pack that includes three Neapolitan Mastiffs: Meathead, Pickles, Oscar; a Cane Corso, Miller; a disabled pit bull, Scooby Doo; and a 7-pound Chihuahua, Monk.

Chris Martin
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Katie Tierney, Secretary

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Katie is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner/Nurse Manager who resides in the suburbs of St. Louis. Katie started her love of Neos when she adopted her first in 2014, Salvatore, from a local rescue. Salvatore taught her many things about horrendous backyard breeders and all the medical issues that can come with owning a Neo. Salvatore also started her love of rescue and she went on to adopt her second dog, Reese, a Boerboel from Big Dogs Huge Paws. From there Katie went on to foster and transport many giant breeds, but it was very obvious that she was a mastiff mom!

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Katie then went on to volunteer and help with the Neos of Mastino Rescue, Inc. Her knowledge of the various medical issues and ability to help manage the dogs with these needs got her helping with vet visits in the area and getting dogs to appointments. She then went on to have her personal vet, Dr. Joel Farthing, help become one of the main veterinarians that the rescue would use due to his knowledge of Neapolitan Mastiff issues after handling her Salvatore for so long!!!

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Katie resides with her 6 mastiffs (3 Neos, 2 Boerboels and 1 Corso Mix): Salvatore, Reese, Frankie, Aida, Flash, and Gunnar! She accepted the position of Secretary for MRI in December 2021. She has been a member of USNMC since 2021.

Debbie Freedman, Director

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Debbie lives in Massachusetts with her husband and their two Neapolitan Mastiffs. Debbie started volunteering for Mastino Rescue in 2019 and in 2022 began serving on the Board of Directors.

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Debbie has worked as an animal professional for the past 30 years as a Dog Trainer and Behaviorist, Riding Instructor/Horse Trainer, and Professional Kennel Huntsman for a local foxhunt.

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In 2011, Debbie and Chris adopted Zeus, their first Neapolitan Mastiff, from the local ACO and the passion for the amazing Mastino began. When Zeus passed in 2017, baby Spike James came along, followed by Mastino Royalty Tawny Marie.

Debbie Freedman
Trisha Lim

Trisha Lim, Treasurer

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Trisha began volunteering with Mastino Rescue in 2021 and joined the Board of Directors in 2022. She rescued her first Neapolitan Mastiff, Dozer, from a Los Angeles animal shelter in 2015, and has since been committed to safeguarding the breed. After Dozer passed away from cancer, she wanted to rescue another Neo, specifically one that was difficult to place into a home, and ended up adopting Mario from Mastino Rescue.

 

Trisha and Mario live in California, where Trisha is a Financial Analyst specializing in regulatory compliance, and Mario is a Home Security Expert specializing in defense tactics. Trisha has always been dedicated to animal welfare and advocacy, and previously volunteered at a local animal shelter. She also fosters our Neos on the west coast as needed.

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