Before starting Paradise Valley United, Annette Osterlund was a professional equestrian trainer. During her career, the Swedish native trained horses and riders all over Europe and worked with Olympians in Germany, Switzerland, and Ireland. In addition to years of experience, Annette brings natural compassion to her work with horses, dogs, cats, and farm animals. Annette also brings the perspective of a vegan diet into all the work she does. This stemmed from Annette’s vegetarian lifestyle that her mother, Ruth, raised her on.

Annette’s mission is to help animals avoid suffering and unpleasant conditions and to foster a fun environment for all the people who interact with the animals. That first phone call to rescue a horse on its way to the slaughterhouse became her life's work of rescuing abandoned horses and dogs wherever she could. “It began with one like it always does,” Annette said. Now, she responds to calls, emails, and direct messages calling attention to animals in need.

Annette is passionate about giving animals a new life, and many rescues have become successful competitors. Horses love to work and give their heart when they know they have been saved and are loved. Two of her rescue horses participated in the Special Olympics held in Los Angeles in 2015. Her horses won gold, silver, and bronze medals, competing with riders from Ireland, England, and Australia.

“Each animal has a special story,” says Annette. Take Big Boy, a black German Warmblood who was picked up off a kill buyer trailer, who later won his first Grand Prix Jumping class at his first show! Or Danny, a little white pony Annette rescued as a 3-year-old stallion, who has become the Paradise Valley Rescue mascot, a true ambassador for slaughter-bound horses. 

Then there’s Rose, a Dalmatian who was left at a shelter at 17 years of age. When Annette got the call, the first thing she thought of was, “If she could just have one day out in the sun.” Well, that sunny day turned into one full, healthy year of life.

Annette provides compassion, understanding and a beautiful environment for these animals that deserve so much.     Annette is passionate about the goal of purchasing a ranch to set up a sanctuary for animals in need. She would also like to continue rescuing, so that more animals can live out the rest of their lives as they should, with wonderful days out in the sun.

Amy Chastain is the Founder of GRIT Public Relations, an agency that builds and maintains the reputations of athletes and brands. Chastain uses her breadth of experience representing college athletes and their communications efforts to support Paradise Valley.

Chastain, a San Diego native, worked extensively with sports startups before launching GRIT PR. She spent a stint in the Angel City Football Club front office and worked for the Los Angeles Wildcats (XFL) and the San Diego Fleet (AAF). She graduated from California State University San Marcos with a degree in mass media in 2016. When she is not focused on her clients and the growth of GRIT PR, Chastain enjoys working out, riding horses, and visiting her local farmers market.

Dr. Dana DePerno was born and raised in a suburb of Detroit, MI. As a child, she wanted to be a veterinarian and pursued her passion at Michigan State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 1997. She then graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1999.

Upon graduation, Dr. Dana moved to Los Angeles after she was accepted into an internship program in emergency medicine and surgery at California Animal Hospital (now known as Animal Surgical and Emergency Center).

After the completion of her internship, Dr. Dana joined the California Animal Hospital general practice and worked alongside Drs. Daniel Didden, Robert Fisher, and Alex Moller for five years, during which she affirmed her belief that the human-animal bond is a powerful relationship that deserves to be nurtured and protected.

In 2004, Dr. Dana joined the team at Malibu Coast Animal Hospital, where she continued to focus on general medicine and surgery, with a special interest in complementary and alternative therapies, nutrition, and preventative medicine.

She takes pride in developing lasting relationships with her patients and their families and, over the years, has built a close working relationship with Healthcare for Homeless Animals (formerly Malibu Pet Companions). This non-profit organization funds animal medical care at the Agoura Animal Shelter

Dr. Dana is married to Dr. Dean Graulich, and they reside in Malibu with their three young children, two dogs, two cats, a tortoise, and many fish. She enjoys hiking, running, and spending time with her family.