Our Team

Executive Director - With family roots stemming back four generations on the Monterey Peninsula, I moved back to Carmel in 2011 to be closer to family and friends – and to give my much-loved golden retrievers the beach life they so deserved! My two fur babies, Quinlan and Fenway, are my constant companions and can often be seen exploring downtown Carmel and romping in the waves on the beach. Prior to joining AFRP, I spent 16 years in technology with LexisNexis and then served as the Executive Assistant and Board Liaison for the CEO and COO of Granite Construction. Most recently, I worked at All Saints Day School for the last seven years as the Development Director, raising funds for the school’s Annual Fund, as well as a large-scale capital campaign for school improvements. I have a passion for animals and both my golden retrievers are certified therapy dogs. Quinlan visits regularly with hospice patients and Fenway has become the unofficial mascot of All Saints Day School, attaining rock star like status among the students at the school. Through my love of dogs, I also started The Sand Dollar Dog Company, creating beautiful custom, handmade dog bandanas and accessories. A natural conversationalist, I love meeting new people (especially those with fur babies) and getting to know the wonderful people who make the Monterey Peninsula such an amazing place to call home. I am so excited about joining AFRP as its new Executive Director. Having rescued golden retrievers in the past, and supporting AFRP through my dog business, I have always understood and been passionate about the important roles that animal rescue groups play. I am looking forward to helping AFRP change the lives of so many more dogs and cats, as well as positioning AFRP for longevity in our community.

Operations Manager- Hello! I grew up with various types of animals, such as dogs, cats, snakes, lizards, fish, and birds- I like to remember it as my very own mini animal sanctuary in a tiny beach town in Florida. I graduated with a BA in English and American Literature. In my younger years I held a variety of jobs in non-profit management, retail management, and living overseas teaching English. I entered into the animal welfare world as a career path almost a decade ago, having always been fiercely passionate about animals and volunteering in various animal welfare organizations throughout my life. I have had the privilege to work in three different animal welfare organizations from a limited admission rescue to a large open admission shelter to AFRP since July of 2020. I have special interests in animal behavior/training (especially shy/fearful animals), community outreach to keep animals with their humans, and banning the dog meat trade. Some of my other passions are ocean conservation, cooking, traveling, reading, and spending time with my beautiful baby girl,  husband, and two rescue cats.

Marketing & Communications Associate Manager- "Hello! I'm Mariah, and I'm thrilled to be the Marketing & Communications Associate Manager at Animal Friends Rescue Project. I'm a Monterey Bay native, and my lifelong love for animals has led me to this rewarding role. It's a true privilege to be part of an organization that's wholeheartedly dedicated to making a positive impact in the world.When I'm not working, you can find me at the beach, crafting with pottery, experimenting in the kitchen with cooking and baking, or exploring the great outdoors through hiking, camping, or rock climbing! "

Animal Program Coordinator - Hello! I'm Brooke, a devoted animal lover on a mission to foster meaningful connections between pets and their owners. My two pups, Captain and Maui, are the heart and soul of my world. Captain's influence has driven me to pursue a degree in psychology, with a focus on understanding and enhancing the bond between humans and their furry friends. Together, we're working towards a happier, more connected pet community!

Treasure Shop Lead - I have always had a passion for animals. From volunteering at an exotic animal rescue to assisting at various vet clinics, my love for animals has been a constant in my life. After a successful stint in the tech industry, where I developed applications for e-commerce businesses, I returned to my roots in the California mountains to raise my daughter. Today, I share my home with a diverse family of rescue animals, including three felines, a fish, and a beloved German Shepherd who warmly welcomes visitors as the official greeter at the AFRP Treasure Shop in Pacific Grove. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring the wonders of the coastline with my daughter, hunting for low tide treasures, foraging fungi, and cooking farm-to-table style meals with ingredients sourced locally. Additionally, I find fulfillment in giving back to the community by volunteering at a local crisis center.

Treasure Shop Sales Associate

Treasure Shop Sales Associate - "I'm a midwest transplant, amateur baker, estate sale enthusiast. Gourmet cheese is my love language and I break into songs like a Rodgers & Hammerstein musical (except I can't sing and everyone cries in horror)."

Cat Care & Adoption Specialist

Cat Care & Adoption Specialist

Cat Care & Adoption Specialist-I believe animals are the route to happiness. They just seem to always be able to make us feel better.  I have been the adoption coordinator for the cats housed at Petco since 2008.  Prior to working for AFRP I volunteered for several animal shelters and worked for a couple of Pet stores. I have 5 human kids, 2 dogs, 3 cats and a bird. In my free time you can find me at my kids or husband's sporting events cheering them on and telling them what to do (even though I've never played a sport). 

Veterinarian - I obtained my Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology and a minor in Nonprofit Leadership Studies and Chemistry from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2017. I graduated from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2021. After graduating, I moved to Charleston, South Carolina to be with my military husband. During my time in South Carolina, I was in the private practice sector and recently helped at a local county shelter and nonprofit shelter completing various surgeries and assisting with medical cases. I am vastly skilled in emergency situations, routine surgeries, specialty surgeries, wildlife medicine, exotic care, and surgery. I also have a strong interest in soft tissue surgery, ophthalmology, dermatology, and exotic medicine. My hobbies include carpentry, reading, board games, walking her dogs, and DIY projects. I have 2 rescue dogs and 1 rescue cat.

Registered Veterinarian Technician

Veterinarian Assistant

Veterinarian Technician

Client Services Representative