About Us

Growing up on Long Island, my passion for animals was ignited early! I loved volunteering in my high school’s aviary and animal lab, where I cared for all kinds of creatures, from hamsters to macaws. By age 15, I was working at a veterinary clinic, starting at reception and promoted to assistant. Later, I gained experience as a vet tech with North Shore Animal League America and pursued pre-veterinary studies at the University of Findlay.

Life had its twists—I overcame challenges, including an accident that led me to take time off college, but I kept working with animals, even adding EMT training to my journey. I ran a horse farm, rescued dogs, cats, horses, pigs, and chickens, and when I welcomed my baby girl in 2005, we celebrated by taking in a cat and a dog the same day! After moving in 2006, I started a cat and dog rescue, successfully placing over 300 animals in loving homes.

In 2019, with a lifelong love for reptiles and unique pets, I founded HRaER to fill a huge gap in resources for exotic animals. Every day is an adventure, and I'm thrilled to provide a safe space and support for these incredible creatures!

From Southern California, I spent my youth in the desert looking for reptiles & amphibians. We moved to Louisiana after the ‘94 Northridge Earthquake, and then Hurricane Katrina wiped my life away. My family started the move to PA and started fresh. We started our rescue organization and started doing educational programs after my divorce, and the rest is history. I founded KHI, and our focus is outreach education, consulting for Law Enforcement and wildlife agencies, and providing training and lectures. We have assisted in several cruelty investigations for Humane Societies, SPCA., and conducted training seminars and lectures for Humane Law Enforcement and Wildlife Agencies. Conservation through Education is key.

I love all animals, and I'd say I specialize in hopeless cases. For some reason, animals that are supposed to die come to me and thrive.  I have experience with many different animals including big cats and exotics. Love snakes of any kind and most reptiles too. Bugs are usually a no for me, but I've recently been overcoming a fear of spiders, so I have 2 currently.  A special needs fat tail gecko that Lauren gave me, who I spoil rotten. I also have a big ass boa who's around 16 years old that Lauren also put in my care, I love her with my whole heart and she's the sweetest snake ever. No kids but a very supportive and understanding partner. I am also a dog trainer and do daycare, walking, etc for barter or discounted rates. 

I’ve been passionate about reptiles and exotics since 2018 when I started volunteering at the rescue, initially to practice my photography. Since then, I’ve gone off to study photography in college, but I always come back to help out during breaks. One of my favorite projects was creating a photo essay that highlighted just how unique and special this rescue is to me. I love that working here lets me explore new animals and push my own boundaries. Recently, I had the fun challenge of fully creating the rescue’s website! Oh, and I can’t forget to mention my 12-year-old pet turtle, Sheldon, who’s been with me on this wild adventure. I love being a part of this community!

I’m one of the foster homes. I moved to Florida from New Jersey in 2022. I’ve worked mostly with dogs since I was 18, and rescue is my passion. I’ve always had a love for reptiles, but it really blossomed when I met my best friend who now owns her reptile rescue in New Jersey. I adopted one snake, and I took two of her rescues in. That started my true love for reptiles, and I have been learning nonstop since.

I am a Mom before anything else to my two kids that I brought into this world, as well as all of my "extras."

I have been involved with rescues for over 20 years with cats, then dogs (I still run a dog rescue), and last but certainly not least, reptiles and exotics.

I am a Director with Hernando Reptile and Exotics Rescue. I have been involved with this rescue since the beginning by doing all the paperwork for the rescue to become a 501(c)(3). Due to recent changes, I will now be "paper-pusher extraordinaire" for the rescue, which is exactly where I love to be.