Lauren Van Atta

Lauren Van Atta, M.S. is the Founder and Executive Director of Growls and Howls Animal Rescue, a Cleveland-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Passionate about animal welfare, Lauren founded Growls and Howls to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need. They are dedicated to saving animals that have been left homeless, surrendered by their owners and that are being neglected or abused. It is the goal of the rescue to provide them with the medical care they need in order to become healthy again, as well as help them overcome any obstacles they may face. With the help of well-educated fosters, animals are placed into the homes of those who are just as passionate about animals as they are. There, they will continue to be spoiled by their foster parent(s) until they are placed into their permanent, loving home. 

Under Lauren’s leadership, the organization has developed programs such as the Furever Friends program, which financially supports families of adopted animals who need a little extra love. This program creates a fund specifically for older animals, animals with serious health issues or other severe cases that come into the rescue and still need help after being adopted. This program allows the families who adopt these very special animals to continue to get help when the vet bills become extremely high. The fund will make sure the animals get the vet care they need without breaking the banks of the families who adore them. Lauren’s advocacy extends beyond animal rescue, as she engages in community outreach, fundraising, and educational initiatives to promote responsible pet ownership and foster a culture of compassion.

Lauren is also a dedicated hospitality and tourism professional with extensive experience in hotel management and event planning. Lauren has successfully overseen property operations for multiple hotel chains and event venues while building strong relationships with clients and partners. Her professional expertise spans sales management, business relationship development, and team leadership, allowing her to excel in both corporate and non-profit environments.

In addition to her work in hospitality and animal welfare, Lauren is a children’s book author. Her Juliet’s Journey series, inspired by her own rescue dog, combines storytelling with lessons on empathy, resilience, and caring for others. Lauren’s dog, Juliet, teaches kids to not only be brave, but to embrace your true self.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Lauren enjoys hiking, writing, and spending quality time with Juliet and her husband, Nick. Her career reflects a unique blend of leadership, creativity, and service, demonstrating how professional excellence and personal passion can intersect to make a meaningful impact in both people’s lives and the community.

• Kent State University – Master’s Degree, Hospitality and Tourism
• Cleveland State University - Bachelor's Degree, Communication and Journalism

• Growls and Howls Animal Rescue
• Animal Welfare