EK Park, Founder and Executive Director (Canada & US)
EK Park was born in South Korea and based in Toronto, Canada. EK is a photographer, videographer, and animal lover.
Although she grew up on a farm in the Korean countryside, it wasn’t until she returned many years later that she truly realized the cruelty that Korean dogs endure as a result of the dog meat industry. That’s when she realized that she must use all available means to give Korean dogs the love they deserve. Read EK’s story »
William Yang, Board of Directors, Treasurer & Corporate Secretary (Canada & US)
With 22+ years of work experience in the financial industry, William’s in-depth knowledge in business operation, finances & leadership complements well with the progress and momentum Free Korean Dogs has built in the last few years. William was inspired by Free Korean Dogs and its mission to bring public awareness to animal welfare. He also adopted two Korean rescues, Woojoo and Luna.
Amélie Arteta, Board of Directors & Event Coordinator (Canada)
Amelie has been an animal lover her whole life. She grew up in France and moved to England to pursue her degree in Business Management. In 2013, Amelie moved to Toronto where she volunteered for various local shelters and non-profit organizations. She met EK through volunteering at Toronto Street Cats, building shelters for feral cats; and since then, Amelie has been a strong supporter for Free Korean Dogs.
Sara Liao, Board of Directors & Adoption Manager (Canada)
Sara has always been an active member of the non-profit community, both professionally and in volunteer roles. She is also a lifelong animal lover and known to always stop to pet stray dogs and cats during her travels. Her two passions match well in her role in helping dogs find their forever homes. Along with dogs, Sara is a lover of pigs, cows, and goats, and believes in the words of her favorite activists, “be kind to all kinds”.
David Wong, Board of Directors (Canada), Process & Logistics Adviser (Vancouver, Canada)
Since retiring in 2012, David devoted his time to caring for his aging Shiba Inu, and volunteering at various film and music festivals around Vancouver. After the passing of his Shiba, David connected with Free Korean Dogs and started volunteering for them in 2018 where he adopted a FKD rescue, Jingu, in February 2019. “It’s so rewarding seeing the anticipation and joy on the adopters’ face when they meet their new dogs for the first time at the airport.”
Andrew Mckee, Board of Directors (Canada), Process & Logistics Adviser (Vancouver, Canada)
Andrew is a small business owner and entrepreneur based in Vancouver, BC. Raised on a hobby farm and the son of a veterinarian, he has a lifelong love of all animals. He discovered FKD while looking for a charity that had a direct, tangible impact in saving dogs. He strongly believes in the mission of FKD and won’t stop offering support in any way he can till every dog is saved.
Alan S. Dombey, Process & Logistics Adviser (Toronto, Canada)
Steve has always loved dogs. Having personally rescued four dogs (so far), he is delighted to help the Free Korean Dogs family by completing the required documentation at customs and the cargo offices in Toronto. Meeting the adopters and handing over their precious new rescues is reward enough!
Robert Hsu, Charity Foundation Officer (Canada)
Robert has always had a love for dogs. He has worked in the financial services industry for over 19 years. Robert and his wife adopted Kea from Free Korean Dogs in the Fall of 2017 and has been an active member ever since. He has a passion in helping dogs find their forever homes and fundraising.
Carrie Langdon, Adoption Care Adviser (Canada & US)
Carrie is a scientist, gardener, and mother to a large 2- legged and 4-legged, multi-species family. She believes that by honoring and nurturing the natural world we are ourselves made whole. Carrie has 3 FKD dogs: Sachi, Honey and Torry – also known as Gimpy, Patchy and Winky – as well as another dog, plus cats, rabbits and horses. There’s always something going on! The opportunity to help humans and dogs grow together as families is a privilege that Carrie values greatly.
Carolyne is an avid dog-lover and has extensive experience volunteering and working in the dog-care industry for 15+ years. Carolyne has certificates from Canada and the UK in canine behaviour, puppy care, dog training, canine emotional healing, and training rescue dogs to be personal assistance dogs. She is certified in Canine First Aid from DogSafe, and is working towards her Professional Pet Dog Trainer Certificate (PPDT). She and her husband share their lives with their two dogs, Maggie and Nova, in North Vancouver, B.C. Carolyne believes that every person should strive to be the person that their dog believes them to be.
Erin Kerrigan, FKD Ambassador (Seattle, US)
Erin is a Seattle native who works in the public policy and politics sector in Washington State. She has had a deep connection to all animals since childhood, but since she grew up in a pet-free household, she had to get creative! Erin started walking and sitting neighborhood dogs in elementary school, and has been increasingly active in dog care, fostering and rescue ever since. Erin adopted Winter, her second Jindo, from FKD in 2020 and has loved meeting and helping the sweet FKD fosters who land in Seattle in search of their forever home. In her free time, Erin loves hiking and exploring everything the PNW has to offer with her favorite furry hiking buddy.