Dylan’s Hearts Board of Directors


Donna Grahl, President and Founder

Donna Grahl, President and Founder

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Donna has 42 years of corporate experience, including managing a division of a major insurance company. A life long animal lover, with a passion for dogs, Donna founded Dylan’s Hearts in honor of Dylan, her “dog of a lifetime,” after he passed away from lymphoma at the young age of six. Donna’s wish is that by providing assistance in times of critical need, Dylan’s Hearts will help perpetuate the bond that exists between humans and their animal companions.


Barbara Thomas, Secretary/Treasurer

Barbara Thomas, Secretary/Treasurer

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Barbara Thomas has over 30 years in the corporate environment and is currently employed with a major insurance agency of Lynchburg, VA.  In her current position, Barbara oversees a staff of ten in the Greensboro office and acts as a Commercial Account Analyst for one of the top producers at the agency.


Anne Mitchell, DVM

A graduate of North Carolina State University and the School of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University, where she graduated with highest honors, Anne is a small animal practitioner at North Elm Animal Hospital which she co-founded in 2000.  She is pictured above with family members “Dolly” and “Pepper.”

Anne Mitchell, DVM

Charlotte Krugler, DVM, MPH

Charlotte Krugler, DVM, MPH

Charlotte was in small animal veterinary practice for 14 years and now works in emergency preparedness for animal issues for state government.  She is passionate about preventive animal care and the importance of the animal-human bond.  She is pictured here with Dylan!


Dr. Courtney Pierce

Dr. Courtney Pierce is a practicing veterinarian, currently residing in Greensboro, North Carolina. She is an associate veterinarian at The Animal Hospital at Lake Brandt where primary area of interest is companion animal medicine and surgery. She is one of only a few veterinarians in the area trained in laparoscopic surgery for dogs and cats and was the first general practitioner in Greensboro to offer laparoscopic spay procedures. In addition to caring for her patients, Dr. Pierce enjoys staying active in non-profit animal welfare organizations. She was previously a member of the board of the Humane Society of the Piedmont and has volunteered both locally an internationally for low-cost spay/neuter projects. Dr. Pierce joined Dylan's Hearts Board of Directors in August 2017.

Dr. Courtney Pierce


Judy Helms

Judy Helms

Judy has over 25 years in the corporate environment and currently works as an Underwriting Analyst at a major insurance company.  Judy recently rescued her new senior family member, “Rusty,” pictured with her here!


Karen Townsend

Karen graduated with a BS in mathematics from Western Carolina University and has recently retired from a career in teaching at the secondary level.  Over the past twenty years, Karen has also been involved with the Mwandi Mission Hospital Project in Zambia, Africa managing the finances to support this very successful nonprofit work.

Karen Townsend

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