A Birmingham native with more than three decades of nonprofit experience, Margaret came to Hand in Paw with a deep understanding of community impact and a personal connection that made the mission impossible to ignore.
She had already seen the power of Animal-Assisted Therapy firsthand through her youngest son, Trey. The experience left a lasting impression, one that stayed with her long after the moment had passed.
So, when the opportunity to join Hand in Paw arose, she didn’t hesitate.
“I jumped at the chance,” she says. “I had seen what this work could do.”
Today, as Executive Director, Margaret serves as the organization’s chief operating officer and strategic leader, working closely with the Board of Directors to guide Hand in Paw’s mission and future growth. But titles only tell part of the story.
What defines her leadership is how she shows up every day.
Ask Margaret what her most important role is, and she won’t mention budgets, strategy, or operations (though she’s responsible for all of them).
She’ll tell you it’s listening.
“I listen to the needs of the community, the ideas of the staff, the vision of the Board of Directors, and the wisdom of our volunteer Therapy Teams,” she says. “Those voices provide the insight and direction for how we serve.”
It is a simple philosophy, but not a small one.
In an organization built on connection, empathy, and trust, Margaret’s approach ensures that every decision is grounded in the people Hand in Paw exists to serve. It also creates space for others to lead, contribute, and grow.
That mindset carries into the culture she helps foster within the organization.
For Margaret, one of the most rewarding aspects of Hand in Paw isn’t only the mission. It’s also the people behind it.
“We are truly a team,” she says. “There’s a deep respect for one another, for the mission, and for the history of Hand in Paw.”
Each week, staff members come together to align their work, share updates, and support one another. It’s a simple rhythm, but it reinforces something essential: no one is doing this alone.
Margaret is quick to credit the people around her.
“I am constantly amazed by the talent and generosity of our staff and volunteers,” she says.
That sense of shared purpose has helped sustain and grow Hand in Paw’s presence across Central Alabama where, after 30 years of service, the organization is both well-known and deeply trusted.
And for Margaret, sharing that mission with the broader community never gets old.
Margaret is, by her own account, an introvert.
She prefers quiet moments, time to think, and the comfort of her cottage. She finds energy not in the spotlight, but in reflection.
Give her a few hours at the Birmingham Museum of Art, a good book, or a cup of coffee with an old friend, and she’s exactly where she wants to be.
Her interests reflect that same thoughtful nature: Jane Austen novels, Ken Burns documentaries, and a love of history, storytelling, and human complexity.
(Though, to keep things balanced, she’ll admit to enjoying a good gangster movie now and then.)
Her love of scarves and vintage jewelry is another window into her character, small personal details that speak to the warmth and individuality she brings to her work.
The best advice Margaret ever received still guides her today: “Make thoughtful decisions after study and consultation.”
It is a principle that fits her leadership well: measured, intentional, and grounded in the perspectives of others.
Because at the end of the day, leadership at Hand in Paw isn’t about one person setting the direction. It’s about listening carefully, acting thoughtfully, and staying rooted in the mission.
And under Margaret’s leadership, that mission continues to grow.
This post is part of our 30th Anniversary #WeAreHIP campaign, a celebration of the people who keep Hand in Paw moving forward every day. From Therapy Teams in the field to the staff working behind the scenes, we’re shining a light on the dedicated individuals whose commitment, creativity, and heart power our mission across Central Alabama and Tuscaloosa. As we celebrate 30 years of connection and impact, we’d love to hear from you, too.
Have you experienced the work of a Hand in Paw Therapy Team? Attended an event? Supported our mission in your own way? Share your story and help us mark this milestone year by adding your voice to the legacy!
