Nici Bailey
Development & Volunteer Coordinator
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Nici began hanging out at the Ranch while her daughter volunteered. She soon realized how much she enjoyed the animals, staff and mission. She had to become a volunteer herself. She grew up with many different creatures and animal experiences. Running in the field with longhorns, riding pigs, wrestling goats and catching unwelcome geese in the park are a few fun childhood memories. She has had a pet duck, rats, salamander, bunnies, and many others. Now, working at the Ranch is a wonderful opportunity for her to help support the mission and vision of the ranch while getting to spend time with the awesome creatures and staff.
Jennifer Bhagirat
Lead Humane Education Instructor
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Jenn grew up with animals of all kinds and has always wanted to work with animals. She's currently in school for zoology and aquarium science. Her hobbies include video games and hanging out with her scaly, furry, and feathered kids. She was terrified of snakes until she fell in love with Dante the ball python that lives at the Ranch.
Todd Fowler
Humane Education Manager
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Todd comes to the Rescue Ranch with a diverse background in Elementary/Middle School Education, Business, and outdoor learning. Todd has developed a great appreciation for conservation, wildlife, and Natural Resource Management. Additionally, he stays active in his community, volunteering with several local non-profit organizations, contributing whenever he is able. When not at the Rescue Ranch or with his Family (including their dog and 3 cats), Todd enjoys riding his bike, running trails, and has recently begun learning to play the guitar.
Cheryl Hanna
Executive Assistant
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Cheryl has always loved animals, especially chickens and her 3 rescued dogs. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family, going to the beach, gardening and spoiling her grandkids.
Michelle Hepler
Executive Director
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Michelle served more than 26 years at Iredell Parks and Recreation. Michelle is passionate about the environment and creating opportunities for education and growth which led her to the Ranch. She loves to spend time outdoors camping, paddling, and hiking with her husband David and rescued pup Darla.
Madison Hess
Animal Care Coordinator
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Maddie grew up with all different kinds of pets and has rescued dogs her entire life so working at the ranch has been the perfect fit! She lives on a farm with a variety of animals and has two dogs, two rats, and an eclectus parrot! Her favorite animals to work with are the rats and the birds and in her free time she loves to read, watch movies, and go to concerts!
Allie Miller
Humane Education Instructor
Allie Miller is a fine arts student who has always been fascinated by animals (reptiles especially!). She started at the ranch as a junior counselor, then joined the education department to continue teaching the community about animal welfare.
Maureen Moore
Director of Community Relations, Partnerships and Development
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Maureen joined the Rescue Ranch team with a background in education serving as a teacher, administrator and public information officer. She most recently served as corporate communications manager for a local energy services cooperative. Maureen stays active in the community volunteering with local non-profits and other organizations including United Way of Iredell, Crosby Scholars, Rotary and also serves on the board for the Executive Women of Lake Norman. Maureen lives in Statesville and enjoys baking, live entertainment and traveling. She looks forward to making new connections and engaging more businesses, partners and individuals with Rescue Ranch who share a love for animal rescue and education.
Leslie Smith
Animal Husbandry Manager
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Leslie grew up with Lions, Tigers and Bears so it was natural for her to go to school for Zoology. Leslie is the backbone of the Ranch and pretty much lives here. In her free time she loves traveling, hanging with her three Dachshunds and her fiancé, Matt.
Krissie Newman
President & Founding Board Member
Since she was a little girl, Krissie Newman has always had a passion for animal welfare and educating society on responsible pet ownership. When she's not at the Ranch, you can find her with her two beautiful girls or deploying with Code 3 Associates and IFAW rescuing animals from natural disasters.
Michael Arms
Founding Board Member
James Boyle
Founding Board Member, Secretary/Treasurer
Chris Cartner
Founding Board Member
Ray Englebert
Board Member
Michael Horvath
Founding Board Member
Blair Miller
Founding Board Member
Ryan Newman
Founding Board Member
