Meet the Board

I was born with a love for animals. Growing up in Nashville, I had dogs and cats and rode horses every weekend. Animals brought me the most joy in life and they still do; I’ve never been without one. My husband and I moved to Maggie Valley a few years ago from FL where we had a Speed Boat Tour business and rescued cats and dogs. Prior to that, we were realtors in San Diego, volunteering for the Humane Society. Since moving to Western NC, we’ve become involved with FUR and STAR Horse Rescue. Giving back to those that have no voice is one of the toughest but most satisfying & rewarding experiences I have ever had. We currently enjoy living in our mountain home with our 3 rescue dogs & 5 rescue kitties!

Growing up in rural PA, I became a cat lover as there were many barn cats around to play with. I moved to FL in 1975, where I started a house-cleaning business followed by a small plant nursery. Our family included a cat, dog and bunny for many years. After retiring in 2014, my husband and I moved to the NC mountains where I became interested in photographing the local flora & mountain vistas and now have art exhibited at Gallery One in Sylva. We discovered FUR from a visit to the FUR store. After volunteering a few times, we brought home a brother, Roy, for our kitty, Cleo. I soon joined the fundraising committee, helping with FUR’s first photo contest, where Roy won funniest cat! I have also chaired many silent auctions and raffles at FUR events. It has become my passion to help the precious FUR kitties.

I was born and raised in Chicago, which is where I rescued my first kitty — a Chicago alley cat who lived with me for 18 years and moved with me over a dozen times to four different states. Everywhere I have lived, my fur babies have gone with me, as has my affinity for rescuing stray and feral cats. I stumbled across FUR in 2015 by accident and have been volunteering ever since. By day, I work for a marketing agency that specializes in health care. By night, I am a proud crazy cat lady.

I am a retired educator from Illinois. With 38 years in education I taught math, was math department chair, Director of Discipline and Attendance, Associate Principal and Principal. Growing up with dogs all my life and a landlord that said no dogs, my first feline rescue was in 1982. I fell in love and have rescued several cats since then. I did some volunteer work at a shelter in Illinois but became very disenchanted due to all the cats being in cages. So sad. I retired to North Carolina a couple of years ago and soon after discovered FUR. A blessing in disguise.

I discovered a love for cats when my grandparents gave me a kitten for Christmas.  My cat, Frosty, was my constant companion until I left for Wofford College. Taking on the challenge of managing the United Community Bank in Waynesville has finally given me the opportunity to work in the community where I live. My family and I love to help out at FUR and we have even adopted a cat that our daughter lovingly calls, Anchovy. Waynesville and Western North Carolina are my home by choice.  I love hiking, skiing, paddle boarding and playing with our two cats. I am passionate about animal rescue in all shapes and forms.

I was born in Texas and raised in South Carolina. Moved to the N.C. mountains in eary 2000 and spent 20 years in restaurant management. Recently began working for my brother and his wife at The Woof Street Bistro and pet supply and grooming store The Dog House. I currently live in cherokee with my two amazing cats and daughter Leila. Animals of all kinds have always played a huge part in my life and I am very excited to help them in any way possible!

Coming soon

My husband and I relocated to Western North Carolina twenty (20) years ago with our three (3) cats. In our time here we have been involved with many activities and organizations. After adopting several more cats in Haywood County we found FUR. This was definitely a cause we supported. Helping all these kitties is so fulfilling. I have previously served on the Board for three years serving as Treasurer for two (2) of those years. Now, I am rejoining the Board to once again help with the growth of this charity as well as making sure these cats get the best life and one that they deserve.