It is our mission to provide and promote a safe and healthy environment for pets of recovering addicts and alcoholics.
Our Team
Stephen Knight, Founding Executive Director
Stephen started Dogs Matter in 2015 and has helped over 1200 dogs and their owners get a second chance to stay a family by providing temporary fostering to owners who are suffering from addiction and need inpatient treatment to get healthy again. Dogs Matter is a personal mission for Stephen who is also in recovery and will be celebrating 14 years clean and sober. Stephen is also a Substance Abuse Counselor and the Program Director at Legacy Cares where he runs an Intensive Outpatient program for people with HIV and Substance Abuse. Stephen has over 25 years of working in the Non-profit industry and plans to make Dogs Matter a national model program. Stephen lives in Dallas with his three dogs Jayde, Piper and Lady.
Amy Stowell, Recovery Support Peer Specialist
Amy is a life-long dog lover (to put it mildly) and recently experienced her own insanity of addiction and the power of recovery. Her own lived experience as a Dogs Matter foster for several years, then her alcoholism recovery journey starting in June 2023 ignited a passion to support those seeking recovery in any way possible. She chose to exit the grind of corporate America to become a certified RSPS (Recovery Support Peer Specialist), manage sober living homes and dedicate her time and energy marrying her two passions of dogs and recovery with Dogs Matter. Her business and CPA (accounting) background allow her to foster recovery with a focus on life-skills and financial freedom.
Angela Grillo, Director of Operations & Recovery Coach
Angela has worn many hats in various non-profit and spiritual-wellness communities. Angela is an artist, yogi, holistic life and business coach. She is also a Dream Reader, and creatively directs and develops new programs and workshops.
Angela began with Dogs Matter as Communications Coordinator and Content Creator, and has grown to coaching clients in recovery. Angela brings her skills working with individuals, groups, and organizations creatively and spiritually to support individuals for overall wellness and joyful living. Angela feels working with humans, pets, and a growing team is rewarding in many new ways!
Trish Tiemeyer, Recovery Support Peer Specialist
Trish has been a Foster Mom for Dogs Matter since 2016. She received her certificate as a Recovery Support Peer Specialist, and continuing to receive training in order to do even more for our community. Trish is passionate about advocacy, mentoring, and supporting the recovery community.
Trish is considered the Mother of Rehoming Dogs after successfully finding the purrfect forever homes for River, Finn, Angel and Oliver.