Meet our Officers

President: Judy Thompson

Hello, I’m J A Thompson (Judy). When I was a little girl I was told I was blessed with a sixth sense, an ability to communicate (nonverbally) and interact with animals. Animals have always been a very important part of my life. As a teenager and young adult I did obedience work with my Fox Terrier, Boxer, Irish Setter and a Standard Poodle.  I got my first grooming job because the owner of the business felt that anyone who could do obedience work and scfuccessfully compete with an Irish Setter had to have some special dog skills. In the mid 1980s I went to a Philadelphia Kennel Club dog show and fell in love with Schipperkes.  A few months later I purchased a beautiful little Schipperke bitch which started my dog show addiction. My husband, son, and I owned, bred and showed Schipperkes for several decades. 

I met my first Berger Picard in 2012. I knew I had met my next breed. In 2013 I bought my first Picard, my foundation bitch, my beautiful and sassy Izanne Aria.  She quickly decided that I knew nothing about Picards and she would have to educate me. So the fun and love affair began. My husband and I now share our home with our beautiful Picard girls, Aria and two of her daughters, Nettie and Bling.  I appreciate and enjoy dogs that closely conform to their breed standard however I equally appreciate dogs that can perform and compete in other functions, beauty and brains. To preserve and protect, is essential with this lovely rustic breed!

As per my mother, education is the key to life success. I don’t know how successful I’ve been but I hold multiple degrees in criminal justice and social services with a masters in social services. I have extensive training as a motivational speaker and a diversity trainer for the Pennsylvania child welfare system. I am now semi retired. I work part time to support my dog habit and so I can travel and hang out with my family and friends. For those who know me best know I am somewhat computer illiterate which is truly a reflection of my age and not growing up with all the modern day technology. I respect but I’m not afraid of an 80 pound dog but I’m intimidated by a computer (smile).  I also enjoy reading cozy mysteries, fishing, sports, music, sweet wines and cooking. 

Vice President: Valerie Black

I have been a member of the BPCA since its inception. Like my irreplaceable predecessor, Betsy Richards, I had no past history in dog clubs, showing dogs, etc prior to falling head over heels in love with this wonderful scruffy breed of dog we all adore. My family has always had dogs, some purebred, some not, but I was never remotely interested in the prospect of belonging to a club or any of the rest of it! However, as many of you know, Betsy was very persuasive and I am so glad she was. She truly twisted my arm over the phone and I will be forever grateful! Because of that my daughter and I took handling classes, have had some success, and have had a wonderful time.

As a PA in my professional life, the health and welfare of this marvelous breed and preserving it while respecting its origins intrigued me. The BPCA was created to protect and preserve the breed as the French intended, which is why we have our Elevage every 4 yrs to make sure we are continuing to do that and participate in our DNA bank for the breed. I have learned an incredible amount in the last 15 years and am so grateful for all the mentors I have now. I enjoy showing my own dogs as much as possible and have participated in herding a bit, some agility and obedience but mostly conformation. With a full-time hospital position, not to mention 3young grandchildren now (thanks to my two oldest of four children ), so far that is what I have time for.

I do breed Picards, am proud to say I am an AKC Breeder of Merit, have all my dogs’ health results public on OFA, and have been so fortunate to add so many lovely folks to my Picard family. I do my best to breed healthy dogs with good temperaments who can make their owners’ lives more complete. I am a believer in AVI-Dog and Puppy Culture socialization techniques and feel that well-socialized puppies become well-balanced adults. As an officer of my local kennel club as well, I continue to learn from others every single day. I am proud to serve on your board, always open to new ideas, and happy to learn from others!

Recording Secretary: Jenny Scifres

My husband John and I live on a small farm in the Piedmont Region in Northeast Georgia along with our three dogs and cat. We sell our farm products at a local Farmers Market that is supported by the Athens Land Trust and John is involved with our County’s Habitat for Humanity Affiliate. I am a retired scientist from the federal government and John works for the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) at the Odum School of Ecology.

While I’ve had dogs all of my life, I’ve never had anything like a Picard. I received my first Berger Picard puppy in June 2020 and was immediately impressed with her personality and drive. I’ve worked with her in conformation, lure coursing, scent work, tracking, barn hunt, and herding. I’m having a fun time working with the my Picards and meeting new friends at events. I’m also a member of the Oconee River Kennel Club.

Corresponding Secretary: Vacant

Treasurer: Jacqueline Carswell

AKC Delegate: Jacqueline Carswell

For the past 42 years I have had the privilege of sharing my life with Irish Wolfhounds as an exhibitor and breeder under the AKC registered kennel prefix “Carnasserie”. My hounds and I have participated in conformation, obedience and lure coursing. Health testing, having an in depth knowledge of the pedigrees behind the dogs in your breeding program and mentoring others is of great importance to me.

My love for the Berger Picard began in 2008. I reached out to the club for more information about the breed and immediately received a telephone call from Betsy Richards. Anyone involved in the breed knows very well that once captured by Betsy, you never are able to escape! In 2009 she put me to work for the club and soon after, Elior De L'Escale Des Migrateurs joined our family. He left me for the rainbow bridge in March of 2020. Noémie De La Vie En Rose joined me in 2017 and then Simon De La Vie En Rose in April of 2021. They share my life with 13 Irish Wolfhounds, 1 mini wire dachshund and 1 Bassett Hound. I am approved by the AKC to judge Irish Wolfhounds and Rhodesian Ridgebacks and currently serve as the AKC Delegate for the Berger Picard Club of America, having served previously as its Treasurer for 5 years. I serve on the show, breed and judges’ education committees, am the chairman of the bylaw and policy committee and the permanent trophy chair for the club.

My previous volunteer work for the Irish Wolfhound club of America included serving as its Treasurer (10 years), VP (1 year) and President (3 years) and several regional clubs serving on the health, judges’ education, finance, judges selection, breed mentor and rescue committees. I currently still serve the IWCA as a breed and judges mentor and rescue volunteer.

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your AKC delegate for the past 7 years. My job is to serve the membership and help you with any issues that may arise with registrations, rules, etc. I enjoy representing the Berger Picard and the Parent Club at all AKC delegate meetings and events.