Willie (Dog) head shot

Willie

Executive Director

Terribly sweet, ferociously loyal, incredibly stubborn, and wonderfully willful. Willie knows her worth and isn't afraid to strut her stuff.

Special Skills

  • Attitude mastery
  • Food interception
  • Self-esteem advocacy
  • Boundary setting
  • Speaking her truth

Areas of Expertise

  • Knowing her worth
  • Being authentically herself
  • Unwavering loyalty
  • Regal confidence
  • No apologies living

Quick Facts

  • Named after a 7-foot basketball player
  • Legendary food-catching abilities
  • Frequents the Shepard Building with pride
  • Never met a voice she didn't use
  • Certified self-esteem expert

About Willie Willie's formal name is Willie Cauley-Stein. She is named after a 7-foot basketball player who made Kentucky proud. He can slam dunk with attitude and get down and defend every position on the court. Our Willie's ball-handling skills aren't much to speak of but, like her namesake, she rocks attitude. There has never been a piece of food that has gotten past her.

On a more important note, she knows her worth. On the rare occasions she sneaks into the Shepard Building, she struts her stuff with regal pride. Self-esteem is not an issue for Willie. She is the living embodiment of what it means to know yourself and own it completely.

"Know what? Bitches get stuff done."

 Tina Fey (as quoted by Willie)

Willie's Philosophy

She has a voice and isn't afraid to use it. She knows her needs and wants and makes no apologies for being exactly who she is: the terribly sweet, ferociously loyal, incredibly stubborn, willful diva of the Shepard Building.

Willie teaches us that knowing your worth isn't arroganceit's essential. That having standards isn't meanit's healthy. That speaking up for what you need isn't disruptiveit's empowering. In a world that asks women (and dogs) to be smaller, quieter, and more accommodating, Willie shows us what it looks like to expand, speak, and stand firm.

Life Lessons from Willie

  • You don't need permission to be yourself
  • Loyalty is precious and worth protecting
  • Saying "no" is an act of self-respect
  • Attitude can be your greatest asset
  • Being stubborn for your values is strength
  • You are allowed to take up space
  • Know your worth and never settle

Want to channel your inner Willie?

If you're learning to reclaim your voice, set boundaries, and know your worth, the Intensive Recovery Healing teamincluding our resident divais here to support your journey.

Schedule a Consultation