Cynthia Sweet
Founder, Board Member

Cynthia Sweet has, in one way, come very far from her formal academic origins;

however, her ongoing life’s passions have been a steadfast path to arriving where she is today.

In her pursuit of widening her horizons and integrating her love of travel, Cynthia spent her years in higher education alternating between classroom studies and world experience. After completing a City Year Americorps in Boston from 1994-95, Cynthia attended UMASS Amherst until embarking on a year in Costa Rica, where she worked with Nicaraguan refugees who were living with HIV/AIDS. Upon returning to the States in 1997, Cynthia continued her undergraduate degree in communications at Marymount Manhattan College, spent another year abroad in Spain, and returned to graduate with her Bachelor’s in Communications and Spanish in 2000. Cynthia continued her education at Lesley University from 2002-2005, earning her Master’s in International Relations with a focus on International Experiential Learning.

After completing her education, Cynthia spent the next nine years of her career working for Northeastern University as a senior international co-op counselor. During this time, she continued to promote international travel and awareness in college students, emphasizing the importance of creating a global viewpoint and cultural diversity. It was during this stage of her life that Cynthia experienced a life-changing event that would eventually redefine her life’s work.

Shortly after beginning her job at Northeastern, one of the most devastating hurricanes the U.S. had ever experienced hit the Gulf Coast. Upon seeing the massive destruction and despair portrayed in the media, one image ingrained itself in Cynthia’s mind - that of a dog on a desolate rooftop amid rising floodwaters, tenaciously holding on to its last purchase at life. Like other defining moments in her life working with underprivileged and disadvantaged communities, Cynthia felt the familiar pull toward answering that silent call for help. So with a one-way ticket to Louisiana and zero experience in animal rescue, Cynthia embarked on a month-long, life-changing experience.

From that first endeavor during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Cynthia’s passion for

continuing her work in animal rescue only grew. In 2011, Cynthia founded Sweet Paws Rescue in hopes of making a permanent and enduring commitment to saving animals.

Still working full-time at Northeastern in order to financially sustain the rescue, Cynthia continued to maintain both roles for an additional four years until it became evident that animal rescue was no part-time job. Taking a leap of faith, Cynthia devoted herself solely to rescue, growing her small, volunteer-based rescue from nine members to hundreds, and saving over 20,000 animals to date. Since Sweet Paws Rescue’s humble beginnings, not only have tens of thousands of animals been saved, but the organization’s animal rights efforts have expanded to working to prosecute animal cruelty, increase population control, and eliminate puppy mills.

So although animal rescue may seem like a far cry from Cynthia’s roots in international relations, in working with marginalized groups, Cynthia has long expressed her passion for helping those whose voices have been reduced to whispers…and animals are no exception. Continuing to give a voice to the voiceless, Cynthia has moved her organization forward from a personal passion to a life-calling. Her dedication has inspired others to join her cause and follow her in building a legacy that will continue to impact the future of animal rescue.

Cynthia currently resides in Bradford, Massachusetts, at the future expansion site of Sweet Paws Rescue. She is breaking in the property with her own horde of rescue animals as well as the numerous fosters she regularly hosts.

Jill Gorny Sloper
Attorney, Board Member

Jill Gorny Sloper has a varied academic career that has taken her across a number of diverse disciplines, as well as various areas of the country. Jill received her Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Biology and Spanish from the University of San Diego in 1998. From there, Jill moved to Omaha, Nebraska where she obtained her Master of Science (MS) degree in Medical Microbiology and Immunology in 2000. She then attended Suffolk University Law School, and in 2004, graduated with distinction, earning her Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Jill is currently a partner at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough and focuses her practice on intellectual property law in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and life science fields.

Jill stumbled upon Sweet Paws Rescue (SPR) when she adopted her tripod hound mix back in 2018. Since then, Jill has committed to volunteering her time and expertise to SPR through legal assistance and opening her home to the many foster dogs in need of a loving sanctuary.

Jill’s legal guidance and open heart have brought so much to the SPR family. Her role as a board member has been an invaluable addition to the legal security and future direction of the organization.

Francis Bertolino
Board Member

Frank was born in Gloucester, MA, and moved to Salisbury at the age of 14, graduating from the Triton  Regional High School in 1973. He enlisted in and proudly served our Country 1973 thru 1977 active duty stationed in many countries and is a decorated Veteran. 

Frank co-owned and managed a Seafood Manufacturing and Distribution Company for 27 years, before retiring from the industry in 2009 to find his passion as a Realtor/Broker of The North Shore Realty  Group. 

Frank is a two Time Past President of the Realtors Commercial Alliance of Massachusetts, Past President of the Greater Newburyport Realtors as well as the Board of Directors of The Massachusetts Association of Realtors, and Past Chair of The Charitable Foundation and holds many industry awards. 

Frank has enjoyed boating, fishing, golfing, and camping to name a few throughout his life, time shared with family and friends, and networking with business associates. He is a mentor in business and a true lover of people and relationship-building in general. 

He began his tenure as a Lion with the Salisbury Lions’ Club in 1979 where he spent many rewarding years of service and built life-long friendships; he moved residence in 2003 and transferred to the  Newburyport Lions’ Club in 2013.

An advocate for Children, Seniors, Veterans, the Homeless as well as Pets needing a forever home Frank enjoys volunteering as an Auctioneer for Charities.  

Aside from many charitable organizations of which he volunteers his time, one constant throughout  Frank’s life has been his unwavering devotion to giving back and serving his community; one of the key ingredients that drives him in his success as a realtor but more importantly as a memorable member of our local community.

Dan Ventura
Board Member

Helping people has always been a driving factor in Dan Ventura’s life. He started as a business owner & entrepreneur. After years of using his talents in his business to make life better for others, he embarked on early retirement. It wasn’t long until his passion for helping others would inspire him to begin his next chapter in the mortgage industry.

Dan started in the mortgage business 20 years ago. He went from loan processor to loan originator, helping droves of people along the way. Throughout it all, his focus has remained on empowering others to transform their lives by making homeownership a reality for anyone who trusts his professional guidance.

Community is a big part of Dan’s life; that’s why he coaches local youth sports and contributes to road racing events and food pantries. However, his favorite pastime is spending time exploring the North Shore with his best friend and dog, Neely.