With over 15 years of experience in animal-related fields, Raque has amassed a rich background encompassing roles at the Houston Zoo, veterinary clinics, dog daycare, boarding facilities, pet retail, and grooming salons prior to joining BARC Animal Shelter. At BARC, Raquel has honed expertise in adoptions, animal intake, shelter medicine, animal enforcement, rescue operations, and management of foster and volunteer programs. Raquel is driven by a fervent dedication to enhancing the well-being of pets and their owners. They derive great satisfaction from educating the community on responsible pet ownership practices.

Maralyn Watkins is the Foster Specialist for the City of Baytown Animal Services. She has been with Baytown Animal Services for nearly five-years. Before working for Baytown, Maralyn started her journey as a volunteer at the Pima Animal Care Center in Tucson, Arizona. She later became one of Baytown’s first Kennel Technicians, an ACO, and now the shelter’s first Foster Specialist. She has fostered neonates, medical cases, and animals with behavioral concerns. Maralyn has a passion for supporting foster families and helping pets receive the very best outcomes!

Jessica Klonaris is a dedicated full-time special education teacher and mother of three, known for her fervent advocacy in animal welfare. Alongside her roles at home and in the classroom, Jessica serves as the Director of Fosters at Three Little Pitties Rescue, where she has passionately championed animal rights for the past four years. Under Jessica's guidance, Three Little Pitties Rescue's foster program has flourished, accommodating an impressive 486 animals currently placed in foster care. Her hands-on approach and strategic leadership have significantly expanded the program's capacity and effectiveness. Jessica's personal commitment to animal rescue goes beyond her administrative duties. She has personally fostered over 150 animals, demonstrating exceptional versatility in caring for dogs of all sizes, breeds, puppies, kittens, nursing cats, and those needing specialized care like hospice and behavioral fostering. Her experience covers the full spectrum of foster care, ensuring each animal receives the necessary attention and support for successful placement in permanent homes. Balancing her professional career, family responsibilities, and her pivotal role in animal rescue, Jessica Klonaris continues to make a profound impact in her community. Her unwavering dedication to education and animal welfare reflects her core values and commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of both people and animals

Hannah Shaw, known as Kitten Lady, is an award-winning kitten rescuer, humane educator, and New York Times bestselling author dedicated to innovating kitten care. Her project, Kitten Lady, offers educational media, training resources, and workshops to help save kittens' lives. Shaw has written several bestselling books, including "Tiny But Mighty" and "Kitten Lady’s CATivity Book." Featured on Animal Planet, she has received numerous awards, including the ASPCA's 2019 Cat Advocate of the Year.

With a viral social media presence, Shaw shares educational and adorable kitten care content. She also founded the Orphan Kitten Club, which has provided over $2.5 million to shelters and rescues since 2019. Shaw lives in California with her husband Andrew Marttila, their cats, and foster kittens.

Em Bolner (they/them) is a lifelong animal enthusiast, with a deep affection for dogs in particular. Their journey into animal welfare began with volunteering at Houston Pets Alive last year as a means to cope with the loss of their beloved dog. Em finds solace and purpose in honoring their dog's memory by showering affection on numerous dogs and cats. Their volunteer efforts include playing fetch with dogs, caring for kittens, and providing temporary homes for animals in need.

Having had a dog for as long as she can remember, animals have always held a special place in Alyssa’s life. Witnessing the plight of stray animals in Houston prompted her to take action. Alyssa began volunteering at the end of 2023, finding it incredibly fulfilling and realizing they could make a greater impact. Her journey took a poignant turn in March when Alyssa experienced the loss of her dog to cancer while fostering. Fostering not only helped them navigate through grief but also rekindled their compassion. It has since become an integral part of her daily life, bringing immense joy in witnessing dogs relax and rediscover themselves. Currently fostering two remarkable dogs, Alyssa is dedicated to training and preparing them for their forever homes, striving to ensure they thrive under their care.

Mandy Hall, DVM, MPH, graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2016 and practices small animal and shelter medicine in Conroe. She focuses on rescue, collaborating with multiple groups for quality, affordable care and offers low-cost spay/neuter services through her clinic with Operation Pets Alive and Lonestar Animal Welfare League. Dr. Hall served as medical director for Harris County Pets from 2021-2022, expanding her shelter medicine expertise and rescue network. Though no longer full-time at the shelter, she volunteers at Conroe Animal Shelter, Montgomery County Animal Shelter, and Harris County Pets, and with the Empty Shelter Project providing free spays/neuters for low-income households. Dedicated to quality care and ending pet homelessness.

Mindy's journey into dog training began in 2012 with Maple, her first dog, a fearful mixed breed. Adopting Maple sparked her interest in shelter dog behavior, leading her to volunteer at local shelters. By 2017, she turned her passion into a profession, helping numerous dogs and families with obedience and behavior modification. Mindy owns Good Lead Dog Training, where she prioritizes anxious, reactive, and fearful dogs. She volunteers at shelters, conducts workshops, and educates on dog care. She believes managing behavior crucial for successful adoptions. In her spare time, Mindy enjoys walks, dog sports, and time with her pets.

Marie Elgamal, a Houston native, excels in elevating businesses through strategic storytelling with over 15 years in marketing and PR. As agency owner and publicist of POP Studios PR, she focuses on holistic brands, ensuring they gain recognition and visibility. Marie, a University of Houston graduate, also volunteers as marketing coordinator for Caitie's Foster Fam Rescue, showcasing her commitment to animal welfare alongside her expertise in brand representation.

Caitie Dewease founded Caitie's Foster Fam Rescue in May 2021, dedicated to addressing Houston's animal crisis. Initially known as the girl who loved dogs in college, Caitie began fostering at 22 after rescuing a puppy from a dumpster. She has personally fostered over 282 animals, mostly dogs, and some cats, sharing their stories on social media to inspire others. Caitie's outreach grew into a nonprofit focusing on medical cases often overlooked, facilitating over 600 adoptions. With a substantial social media following, she continues to advocate and fundraise for animal rescue full-time.

Lisa Tynan, with nearly 15 years in animal welfare, holds a Master's in Animal Behavior and Conservation. She began as a behavior consultant for the ASPCA, responding nationwide to cruelty and disaster cases. At the Houston SPCA for 6 years, she served as Animal Behavior Coordinator and Community Outreach Manager, instructing veterinary students. After a role at Roo, she returned to nonprofits as Marketing and Special Events Specialist at Houston PetSet. Lisa trains Houston staff in shelter behavior and handling, and cares for her rescues: 3 cats, a small dog, a bearded dragon, and a pony.

Dr. Paige Kail, a proud native Texan and Texas A&M University alumna, currently serves as the Medical Director at Veterinary Emergency Group in Katy, located off Highway 99, and at Veterinary Emergency Group in Houston's Heights, near I-10 and Studemont. Dr. Kail is deeply passionate about managing trauma cases, conducting blood transfusions, performing foreign body surgeries, and treating heat stroke. As a dedicated Houstonian, she resides with her husband, daughter, a Vizsla, a Miniature Dachshund, and two Sphynx cats.