Our mission is to help people find their perfect companion—whether a puppy, kitten, or horse—and experience the love and joy they bring
About GentleCompanions
We are a community of animal lovers, dedicated to connecting the nation’s top breeders with caring and responsible individuals and families. We uphold the highest standards and strive to enhance the lives of every puppy, kitten, horse, breeder, and owner who becomes part of our family
We have been in business for nearly 20 years
Real life-changing experiences
Leadership
Alexandra Hartwell
CEO, aka Chief Companion Advocate
I’m a lifelong animal enthusiast and a proud mom to two adventurous kids, a gentle Golden Retriever named Max, a playful Maine Coon cat named Luna, and our newest addition, a spirited miniature horse named Starfire. Growing up in the countryside, I was surrounded by animals of all kinds, which sparked my passion for connecting people with the perfect companions.
My professional journey has been rooted in customer-focused industries, with my most recent pre-GentleCompanions role leading Operations and Community Engagement at a national nonprofit supporting animal welfare. I joined the GentleCompanions team in 2020 as Chief Operating Officer, driven by my belief that pets enrich lives in profound and unique ways. In 2022, I became CEO, a role that allows me to advocate for the welfare of pets, breeders, and families alike.
Today, I’m proud to lead a team that shares my commitment to matching individuals and families with their ideal companion—whether a puppy, kitten, or equine. My family and I now enjoy life on a small farm in upstate New York, where we’re surrounded by the love and joy that animals bring every day.
James Carter
Vice President, Finance & Strategic Analytics, aka Dr. Data
I am relatively new to the GentleCompanions team, bringing my experience as Director of Analytics at Digital Fuel Capital and previously as Senior Data Scientist at Care.com and an Economic Analyst at the Economic Development Research Group. As you might guess, data is my passion—but so are spending time with my kids and enjoying a long run when I can. Our family also includes two guinea pigs, Charlotte and Poppy. The kids are lobbying hard for a new companion—be it a puppy, kitten, or even a horse—so it seems we’ll be a GentleCompanions customer very soon!
Sarah Mason
Vice President, Product and Technology, aka the CXpert
Hello from Chicago, where my partner and I call home. I’m a relatively new addition to the GentleCompanions team—many of my colleagues have been here for years, and it’s easy to see why! I joined in May 2023 as Vice President of Product and Technology. My role focuses on enhancing the customer experience across the GentleCompanions platform, ensuring we meet every need as seamlessly as possible.
Before joining GentleCompanions, I honed my skills in customer experience through various roles at Ruggable, Home Chef, and Nielsen. Those experiences taught me how impactful a fantastic customer experience can be, which I now bring to this role.
I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio—home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Browns, and countless memories. When I’m not working, you’ll find me gardening, enjoying a good meal with friends, or embarking on new adventures to explore the beauty of the world.
Emma Roberts
Vice President, Marketplace Operations, aka the Coach
I joined the amazing GentleCompanions team in January 2023 to work with our national network of certified breeder partners on how we can continue to provide perfect companions to our customers in the most meaningful way. It’s been a blast thus far—amazing people doing a really important job: delivering unconditional love.
Prior to GentleCompanions, I ran operations for a company called Palmetto and, before that, had a long stint at GrubHub, where I ended up as Senior Director of Merchant Strategy and Operations.
Geographically, I’ve been a bit of a pinball. I was born in Chicago (still a Bears and Cubs fan), currently live in San Diego, and am moving to Philadelphia with my wife and Addison and Billie, our two Labradoodles, for a two-year stint.
As a kid, I had a cat named Laila, a Welsh Springer Spaniel named Buddy, and a slobbery Chocolate Lab named Guinness which, in retrospect, seems appropriate. I’ve loved playing or watching sports my whole life. From kickball and tennis to cycling, soccer, and flag football, I think any game is a good game. My new thing is pickleball, although I get that the “Thwack” can be annoying!
© 2025, Gentlecompanions
