Our Team

Executive Director - It is a privilege to serve as the Executive Director of Animal Friends Rescue Project. A lifelong animal lover, I have had dogs by my side for as long as I can remember and currently share my home with two Golden Retrievers, Quinlan and Fenway, and my Bernese Mountain Dog, Ronan. Ronan is my constant companion and loves spending time at the AFRP offices, greeting new intake dogs—and hoping the cats will eventually decide they’d like to be his friends, too! For me, this is much more than a job—it is a passion. I believe deeply in AFRP’s mission of identifying animals most at risk, providing them with loving foster homes, and giving them the care, support, and second chance they deserve. I take great pride in the work we do, the incredible team around me, and the opportunity to represent AFRP and advocate for animals in need.

Adoptions Manager - Originally from Florida, I’ve lived all over the East Coast and moved here in 2023, becoming part of the AFRP team. I’ve spent several years working with dogs in a variety of settings and have a BA in Psychology. Over time, I’ve become passionate about breaking down barriers, making responsible pet ownership more accessible, especially for working-class families like my own. At home, I have two dogs, Captain and Maui, who inspire me every day. Captain has struggled with reactivity, and learning to support him has shaped the way I approach my work with rescue animals, giving me a deeper understanding of patience and individual needs. When I’m not at the AFRP office, you can usually find me out hiking with my husband and our pups or bringing one of our foster kittens out for a big adventure!

Community Engagement Manager - 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 Manager - "Hello! I'm thrilled to be the Marketing 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! "

Treasure Shop Manager - "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

Medical Care Manager -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 Buddy (and my angel dog, Charlie) and cat Cocoa – all 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.