Our Team: Guiding Innovation in Canine Health

Dr. Montgomery is the Chief Executive Officer for the AKC Canine Health Foundation.

She holds a PhD from the University of North Carolina and DVM from North Carolina State University, where she also completed an anatomic pathology residency. Her research spans infectious disease, cancer, therapeutics, vaccines, biodevices, and cell-based technologies. Dr. Montgomery has served on the CHF Scientific Review Committee and Board of Directors. She has professional and personal interests in translating state-of-the-art diagnostics and therapies to veterinary medicine.

Dogs have played a central role throughout Dr. Montgomery’s life. Her family got their first Cairn Terrier when she was in the fourth grade and she was hooked, attending the annual Chicago Dog Show and reading Dog Fancy magazine cover-to-cover each month. She continues to enjoy attending dog events and provides veterinary care for elite racing sled dogs. She shares her home with Airedale Terriers, including a finished Champion.

Andrea Fiumefreddo is the Chief Operating Officer for the AKC Canine Health Foundation. She oversees the Foundation’s research and educational programs including grants application and review processes, programs strategies, and manages conferences and educational programs including the dissemination and communication of programs information to the Foundation’s many dedicated constituents. She is also responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Raleigh office.

Andrea received her undergraduate degree from Smith College and Master’s degree from UVA; she also earned a Certificate in Technology Leadership at UVA. Andrea brings a background in science, independent and collaborative research, and technology to her role at CHF. While at Duke University School of Medicine, Andrea was the Director of Operations for the Human Simulation Center – leading projects in medical simulation and education, working closely with MD’s and researchers.

Andrea enjoys being outdoors, spending time with family, and running. She shares much of her outdoor time with her dog Parker. Andrea and Parker are members of the National Association of Canine Scent Work, training together for canine nosework competitions.

Danielle Snyder is the Administrative Assistant at the AKC Canine Health Foundation.

Danielle received her Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Appalachian State University and has worked in customer service and administration for nearly 20 years. Her varied background includes working in veterinary medicine in roles spanning from the receptionist to the office manager, as a nursing and office assistant in human primary care, and more recently a program manager at the state’s non-profit medical society. She has been recognized for her superb communication and organizational skills, and her ability to think “outside of the box” to produce creative and unique solutions. She strives to make a valuable impact not only in the work she does but with the people she works with as well. Danielle’s passion for learning, growing, and working towards improving lives knows no bounds. Always willing and ready to acquire more knowledge, Danielle also got her Professional Coach certification from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching in 2021.

Danielle lives in Raleigh with her tabby cat Dinah.

Fleming Samuels is the Director of Philanthropy at the AKC Canine Health Foundation.

Fleming has over 20 years of experience in marketing, non-profit management, and development. She comes to the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) from the North Carolina Theatre and, prior to that work, The ArtsCenter in Carrboro. She has designed and implemented successful fundraising campaigns using data-driven historical giving and engagement analyses, unique and innovative marketing, and stakeholder collaboration.

Her success is due to her ability to communicate and work with donors to build and maintain relationships with the organizations she serves. She has worked for years in event management, building events that sustain organizations from peer-to-peer events to galas hosting 250 people.

Every organization Fleming has served has a great story to tell.  She specializes in listening to these stories and uses them to fuel enthusiasm and connection to the mission.  She looks forward to hearing your story.

Fleming lives in Chapel Hill with her family and her PBGV, Shirley.

Paige Hofstad is a Development and Community Outreach Coordinator for the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF). She assists the Director of Philanthropy in development and data management for CHF.

Paige is a graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned degrees in Public Policy and Education Technology. She has worked previously for nonprofit organizations managing educational programs, building education curriculum, working in databases, and a wide variety of other duties.

A Texas native, Paige moved to North Carolina to attend the University of North Carolina. An avid outdoorswoman, Paige enjoys running, hiking, and animals. Paige lives in Morrisville with her orange tabby cat, Nigel.

Trent Brown is the Community & Public Relations Director for the AKC Canine Health Foundation. 

In previous roles, Trent has acted as the head of external communications for a Fortune 500 company, leading crisis communications and media relations. He also served a stint as a local breaking news reporter for The News & Observer in Raleigh, NC. Trent received his bachelor’s in journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Writing extends into his free time as well; he has worked on literary magazines as an editor and his debut novel will publish in 2026. 

Trent was raised on a crop farm in southeast North Carolina, where dogs were always around. His first canine best friend was a boxer named Sally, who had been thrown out by her owner and walked into his family’s yard when he was four years old. He and his wife Grace share their home, and their couches, with two rescues named Winston and Nibbles.