Our story
HOWS Project (Houses of Wood and Straw) was founded by Stacey Norris to address the needs of outdoor dogs and their families.
What began with building sturdy, insulated wooden dog houses to replace inadequate shelter has grown into a comprehensive support program. While our HOWS houses remain at the heart of our mission, we also provide essential supplies such as flea and tick preventative, straw bedding, lightweight tethers, collars and leashes, and no-tip water receptacles. We assist with spay/neuter and other medical services, and offer education and guidance to help families provide safe, humane care.
Our active fencing program helps dogs move “off the chain” into safer, more secure environments where they can thrive.
Serving Charlottesville and the surrounding counties, HOWS Project is powered by a dedicated volunteer team—including our board, coordinators, local schools, scout troops, and community members—working together to create lasting change for dogs in need.
What Drives Us
Our Mission
HOWS Project was created in 2008 to address an overlooked need to help improve the lives and well-being of outside dogs in Charlottesville and surrounding counties.
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Team
Our Board
Dani Teitgen
President and Executive Director
Dani Tietgen serves as President and Executive Director of HOWS Project, where she leads with a deep passion for animal welfare and community support. She joined HOWS because she believes every outdoor pet deserves safe shelter and compassionate care, and every pet owner deserves access to resources and education. Dani is committed to strengthening the bond between people and their pets while building a more caring, connected community.
Andrea Denton
Board Member and Secretary
Andrea Denton is a Board Member and Secretary. She began volunteering with HOWS Project nine years ago. After following them faithfully on Facebook, she said to herself “why don’t you go from sitting on your couch clicking “Like” to actually helping out?” That was some of the best advice she’s ever given, as all these years later she is still enjoying every minute of helping outdoor dogs and their families in Central Virginia. Andrea also coordinates our fencing efforts and loves delivering dog houses on Field Days when she can!
Amy Lancaster
Board Member and Treasurer
Amy Lancaster serves as a Board Member and Treasurer for the HOWS Project. With over 30 years of accounting experience, Amy proudly admits she loves numbers—whether it’s balancing the books, tracking inventory, or counting the number of dog houses built for pups in need. Amy first heard about the HOWS Project from a friend who invited her to help provide fencing for a few dogs so they could live freely, without chains. From that moment, she was hooked. The HOWS mission—to improve the lives of outdoor dogs and strengthen the bond between pets and their families—immediately spoke to her heart, and she’s been dedicated to the cause ever since.
Janine Kaestner
Board Member, Promotions and Media, Volunteer Coordinator
Janine Kaestner is a Board Member and Promotional Coordinator. She came across HOWS Project from a friend on social media back in 2016 and has been hooked ever since. Her love for animals (and people) help thrive her and help bring the HOWS mission to all of Virginia one event at a time.
Team
Team Leaders
Stacey Norris
Founder, Client Liaison, and Field Day Coordinator
Andrea Denton
Fencing Coordinator
Nancy Bush
Construction Coordinator
Janine Kaestner
Promotions and Media, Volunteer Coordinator
Kathy Krevansky
Lead Builder
Barry Krevansky
Lead Builder
Madeline Bruggeman
Medical Coordinator
Seamane Flanagan
Database Coordinator
We can't do it alone
We are very thankful for our supporters and sponsors as without their monetary donations, volunteerism, and referrals of dogs in need we would not be nearly as successful in helping as many animals as we do each year.