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. I am also proud to be fear free certified, and a strong advocate for all dog breeds, especially those that are discriminated against. Some of my other passions are ocean conservation, cooking, traveling, reading, and spending time with my beautiful baby girl,  husband, and two rescue cats.

Animal Program Coordinator - Hello! I am 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!

Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinator- Greetings! I live with my husband Louis and our rescue doggo who is a Newfie/Lab mix named Tiffany!  I have always loved animals & grew up taking care of neighborhood strays, farm cats, and wandering dogs. I'm sure I once thought I could speak with any critter after reading the Chronicles of Narnia! I am still in awe of the amazing bonds that can form between humans and animals. I've seen how dogs or cats can bring comfort & companionship to the elderly while I was working as the activities & volunteer coordinator at a local assisted living/memory care facility. And I love how my own dog inspires me to explore nature & stay active, she's the best hiking buddy!  I come from the small farming town of Atwater located in Merced County & I grew up surrounded by almond orchards and peach trees. My grandparents lived on 30 acres of sandy farmland, rotating their crops of sweet potatoes & watermelons. It was a dry, dusty, but dreamy existence for a family of four kids running around barefoot and catching polliwogs in the local canal!  After graduating from CSU Stanislaus I enjoyed many years as an elementary school teacher in Modesto, Pacific Grove, & Monterey.  I'm active in a local Rotary Club and I love traveling, meeting new people, cooking, arts & crafts, gardening, and music!  This is my absolute dream job and I feel so blessed to be of service to our community and our animals in need.  

Marketing & Communications Associate Manager- "Hello! 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! "

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 my dogs, and DIY projects. I have 2 rescue dogs and 1 rescue cat.

Treasure Shop Sales Lead - "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)."

Treasure Shop Sales Associate-I was a preschool teacher in Washington, D.C., before moving here to help care for my grandmother and be closer to the beach. I first got involved with the AFRP Treasure Shop as a volunteer and quickly fell in love with it. With my passion for animals, jewelry, fashion, art, and antiques, I couldn’t ask for a better place to work!

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). 

Cat Care & Adoption Specialist-I’ve always had pets in my life and especially love cats. After nine years of fostering kittens for AFRP, I was delighted when a part-time position opened to help care for the AFRP cats awaiting adoption at Pet Food Express in Carmel. It’s so rewarding to work with a variety of cats and kittens and help them on their journey to adoption. I’m proud of the work AFRP does and very happy to be a part of it!

Cat Care & Adoption Specialist

Registered Veterinarian Technician-I have been in the veterinary field since 2017. I love animals and love to foster bottle kittens. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my husband and fur babies. I also enjoy trapping, neutering, and releasing community cats. I hope to open my own rescue one day.

Veterinarian Technician-When I was younger I’ve always known I wanted to do something that involved myself with animals. Whether it was for dog sitting, training or becoming a vet assistant/RVT. In 2018 I attended the vet assistant program at central coast college, which is where my career had set off. I’ve worked at several different clinics since then such as; emergency, General practice and rescue. In the future I hope to continue to grow in this field but I also have a passion for writing and hope I can become a novelist one day.

Client Services Representative-As the Client Services Representative at Animal Friends Rescue Project's Clinic, I'm thrilled to combine my passion for animals with my extensive customer service experience. With a background spanning nearly four decades in claims management and retail leadership, I've honed my skills in communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building.My journey to Animal Friends Rescue Project began during my tenure as Store Manager at Pet Food Express, where I met many dedicated AFRP employees and fosters. This experience not only deepened my appreciation for animal welfare but also inspired me to join the AFRP team. As an animal lover and devoted pet parent to my dog Charlie and cat Cocoa – both beloved foster failures – I'm grateful for the opportunity to support our community's animals and the people who care for them. I'm proud to be part of the AFRP team and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.