About

Who We Are

Friends of Lawrence County Animals (FOLCA) is a local, all-volunteer nonprofit that supports the Lawrence County Animal Shelter, expands access to spay/neuter services, educates future generations, and creates better lives for Lawrence County animals through community partnerships.

What We Do

Our primary mission is to raise funds and support for The Lawrence County Animal Shelter, which serves the entire county. This state-of-the-art facility represents our belief that all animals deserve safety, shelter, and kindness.

We are also proud to fund and help facilitate Lawrence County SNIPS! (Spay Neuter Is a Positive Solution!) — a powerful community initiative to end the cycle of unwanted litters. With support from a generous grant from the Lawrence County Commission, FOLCA and its partners provide financial assistance for spay/neuter surgeries, helping hundreds of families each year. Our services are made possible through partnerships with CASA and local veterinarians.

Friends of Lawrence County Animals (FOLCA) educates students across Lawrence County by teaching compassion, responsibility, and humane treatment of animals. Through age-appropriate programs in schools and community settings, FOLCA helps children understand pet care, safety around animals, and the importance of spay/neuter and adoption. By reaching students early, FOLCA is building a kinder, more informed generation that strengthens families, supports the local shelter, and creates a better future for animals in our community.

Our Impact So Far

Since Launching in 2020, FOLCA has:

Raised funds to build and complete a 5,000 sq. ft. animal shelter for The Lawrence County Animal Shelter

Funded multiple play yards for shelter dogs to run, play, and thrive

Purchased essential non-budgeted equipment such as a commercial dishwasher, washer/dryer, and raised dog beds

Spayed and neutered thousands of cats and dogs through Lawrence County SNIPS!

Developed an Animal Resource Guide for local law enforcement

Launched and hosted the Lawrence County Animal Hour on WLX Radio to inform the public about urgent animal welfare issues

Worked hand-in-hand with local city and county governments to make Lawrence County more pet-friendly

Created and delivered humane education programs to elementary schools, helping children become future advocates for animals

Transports Lawrence County shelter dogs to trusted rescue partners where adoption opportunities are greater, helping reduce overcrowding and euthanasia.

FOLCA Board

Meet the Team

President

Rosalind O'Steen Fort

Rosalind is a commercial real estate mortgage underwriter for Greystone, a top agency lender based in New York City. Rosalind received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from The University of Alabama and a Master of Business Administration degree from Florida State University. She serves on the auxiliary board of the Lawrenceburg Community Theater. Rosalind is a North Alabama native and now resides in Lawrence County with her husband, Jason Fort, owner of Lawrenceburg Eye Care, and their two dogs.

Vice President

Kayla Corbett

Kayla Corbett is a Program Manager for Tutelar Technologies and runs Corbett Farms in Leoma with her husband, Kevin. Originally from West Virginia, Kayla made Tennessee home in 2020 and quickly fell in love with the welcoming spirit of Lawrence County. A lifelong animal lover, she’s known for rescuing all sorts of animals, often bottle-feeding babies in her guest bathroom. In her spare time, she enjoys knitting and baking bread. Kayla is excited to bring her organization skills, grit to FOLCA’s mission. She and Kevin share their farm with dogs Roscoe and Duke, barn cat Mr. McSnuggles, and a lively mix of farm animals.

Treasurer

Teresa Purcell

Teresa Purcell is a lifelong advocate for the humane treatment, care, and rescue of cats and dogs, and she brings that passion to her work on the board of Friends of Lawrence County Animals. She is actively involved in local rescue, often stepping in to help abandoned, injured, and at-risk animals receive medical care, safety, and a second chance at a loving home. Teresa also contributes decades of professional experience in government finance and compliance, helping with FOLCA’s fundraising, grants, and shelter resources. She has been married to her husband Steve for 40 years, and together they have two sons, Stevie and Cruz, a daughter-in-law Mallorie, and three beloved grandchildren — one grandson and twin granddaughters — who inspire her deep commitment to compassion, service, and saving lives.

Secretary

Ginger Sharp

Ginger Sharp recently retired from Vanderbilt University Medical Center after a career as a talent acquisition leader in the fields of healthcare, finance, and agency recruiting. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville along with several human resources certifications. Ginger resides in Lawrenceburg with her husband, Bill Stutts, and their dog, Royce.

Board Volunteer

Erin Sisk

Erin teaches English 9-12 grades at Lawrence County High School. She graduated from MTSU. Erin lives in Lawrenceburg with her husband Lee and their rescue, Joey.

Board Volunteer

Kathy Wade Mott

Kathy grew up on a farm in Lawrence County and graduated from CSCC. She served on the board of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce for several years. Kathy retired from Human Resources and currently works as a customer service rep for AllSource Logistics. She has one daughter, one rescue granddog, and a rescue Aussie.

Board Volunteer

Tiffany Cope

Tiffany is Vice President of Crye-Leike, Realtors serving the Great State of Tennessee for 18+ yrs. Tiffany will be Lawrenceburg Rotary Club President 2023-24. She also serves on the Downtown Lawrenceburg Main-Street Board and the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Board. Tiffany and husband Doan, have 2 children and 5 grandchildren. They reside in Ethridge with their 4 dogs, 2 horses, and 30+ sheep!

Board Volunteer

Taela Jeffries

Taela was born and raised in Lawrenceburg, TN. She graduated in 2012 from Tennessee Technology Center at Hohenwald with a degree in Cosmetology. She currently works at Novaskin specializing in hair and lash services. Taela and her husband Josh have one son, Jayden Maverick, and they live in Leoma, TN along with fur babies Katie Mae, Sadie Grace, Bella, and Mr. Goose.

Board Volunteer

Barry Roberts

Barry is retired from NASA after 34 years as an aerospace engineer. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics from the University of North Alabama and Master’s Degrees In Mechanical Engineering and Atmospheric Science from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Barry currently resides near St. Joseph with his four cats.

Board Volunteer

Jody Grissom

Jody is a Financial Aid Coordinator at Columbia State Community College. Jody received her bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in education with a focus on school counseling from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She has lived in many different places but calls Lawrence County home. She lives in Pulaski with her three dogs, Penny, Lucy and Bear.

Board Volunteer

JP Plant

JP grew up with Basset Hounds and still maintains companionship with the independent Penelope and her side-kick Mini Dachshund Lucy.

JP is the co-founder and co-owner of Southern Roots Radio, based in Columbia, TN. In addition to co-founding Southern Roots Radio, JP also spends his fall Saturdays producing Middle Tennessee Football Radio broadcasts for the Blue Raider Network while also serving as co-host of the pregame and halftime shows. You can also hear JP calling play-by-play for Giles County High School Sports on WKSR Radio throughout the calendar year as well as serving as Public Address Announcer for Giles County High School Basketball games.

JP designed and maintains the organization's website. He also serves as a Long-Term Care Benefits Specialist at Harwell & Plant Attorneys at Law in Lawrenceburg. JP lives in his hometown of Lawrenceburg, TN with his two dogs Penny and Lucy. He is an avid tailgater specializing in BBQ, Bourbon and SEC Football.

Board Volunteer

Beth Keaton

Beth is a retired Vice President of Community Development for the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce. Her 30-year career primarily included education and workforce development initiatives, business project developments and strengthening community partnerships. Beth resides in Leoma with Mr. Gus and her dogs Otis, Sugar and Lily May.

Board Volunteer

Tracy Piovarcy

Growing up in the Buffalo, New York area, she carries her hometown pride with her wherever she goes—especially when it comes to cheering on the Buffalo Bills as a devoted member of the Bills Mafia. She has been a legal assistant for more than 35 years which include Buffalo, Colorado Springs and for the last 27 years, here in Lawrenceburg.

She lives in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee with her husband, Jay. Their home is shared with three beloved rescue dogs—Tofu, Boozer, and Drake—each one a reminder of why she believes so deeply in giving animals a second chance. Her blend of Buffalo grit and lifelong love for animals makes her a passionate advocate for rescue work and a valued part of the community.

Past President

Leigh Ann Pettus

Leigh Ann is a former hospitality executive working for InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Radisson Hotels and Resorts. Leigh Ann was primarily responsible for business development in the Americas and managing global corporate accounts. She resides in Leoma with her husband, Jeff, and pets Bubba and Hank.

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