Meet Our Team


  • Founder and Athens, GA Presentative

    “Throughout my life, animals have played an integral role, shaping my identity in profound ways. Growing up, I was surrounded by a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, cows, fish, turtles, and even a chinchilla. This eclectic mix of animals has undeniably left an huge mark on my character.

    Several reasons animals hold a special place in my heart:

    (1) Recognizing that God created animals before humans imparts a unique significance to their existence. God bestowed upon us these beautiful beings, each with a unique purpose and inherent worth, and it is my steadfast commitment to help and protect them.

    (2)While they may occupy only a fraction of our lives, we represent their entire world. This realization emphasizes the responsibility we bear in ensuring their lives are enriched and fulfilling.

    (3) The unconditional love and acceptance offered by our pets, regardless of life's circumstances, create a profound and beautiful bond that transcends words.

    Daily, I seek guidance from the Lord, praying for clarity in how best to serve. Consistently, my calling directs me toward the plight of the voiceless. With unwavering dedication, I pledge to rescue as many dogs and cats from the shadows of shelter life as possible. Equally, I am committed to educating and inspiring others, empowering them to make a difference in the lives of their cherished pets.

    Within the vast canvas of life, animals embody compassion, purpose, and unconditional love. My personal journey stands as evidence of the profound influence animals wield, and I am steadfast in my commitment to cherish and protect these blessing.” - Avery


  • Athens, GA Representative

    “Hi there! My name is Molly and I am currently a third-year student at UGA – the best school there is. I am beyond thrilled to be a representative of SECC and work to save as many animals as possible! I am originally from San Francisco, California and have grown up in a very loving environment surrounded by pets. Since being in college, I have become more involved in shelter volunteering and fostering, which has brought me a lot of joy!

    For as long as I can remember, I have had a strong passion for animals and understanding their minds and behavior. Two of my own three pets back home in California were originally strays that I worked long and hard to get adjusted to the luxurious life indoors! The motivation to rescue, or help any animal that needs it, has remained a prominent priority in my life and I feel that I am in the perfect place in my life to really make a difference. More specifically, I hope to help animals with underlying trauma or anxiety smoothly transition into living their best lives because it is certainly achievable!

    As an SECC representative, I hope to spread awareness on the issues at hand within the shelter system, like euthanasia, and how to help at-risk cats and dogs escape the shelter to be placed in loving, permanent homes. There is no better feeling than to witness a successful adoption or foster, and I hope to be an asset to anyone throughout the process! I am truly ecstatic to begin this journey and to be a part of an organization whose primary purpose is to be a voice for dogs and cats who can’t advocate for themselves. It is our time to step up and help these animals!” - Molly


  • Athens, GA Representative

    “My love for dogs began at a very young age. I was born and raised in Raleigh, NC with a loving family and a feisty, sweet little Yorkie named Ruby. Ruby quickly became my best friend until my sister was born. Ruby became very jealous of my little sister, so we had to give her away to a family that would love her even more. I then went a very long time without a dog in my life, so I would find so much joy in seeing my friends or other family member’s dogs or cats. Eventually, my parents caved, and we got a Golden Doodle named Winnie. Sweet Winnie is my favorite thing on this planet, and I do not know what I would do without her comfort or snuggles.

    My journey with dogs didn't stop at companionship. Through volunteering at local shelters during her high school years, I witnessed firsthand the sadness and issues with abandoned and rescue dogs. This experience deepened my empathy to make a difference in the lives of these animals.

    My motivation to volunteer stems from a belief that dogs deserve a loving home and compassionate care. Throughout college, I have fostered dogs and helped in many different ways at different shelters, and I am beyond excited to be helping my full-hearted friend Avery with SECC. Overall, volunteering is not just about spending time with dogs or donating items; it's about creating meaningful change in these precious animals’ lives.” - MT


  • Tuscaloosa, AL Representative

    “Our lives are often busy and chaotic, yet there is a quiet and powerful joy that comes from helping those who cannot speak for themselves. My journey into helping and rescuing animals began from watching my mother embark on a journey of volunteering at the Humane Society and eventually serving on their board. Witnessing her passion and commitment inspired me in ways I hadn't anticipated. Her decision to become a volunteer was more than just an individual choice; it became a family commitment to making a difference in the lives of our furry friends.

    Overtime, my family has had the joy of being able to foster multiple different dogs, each one of them leaving a lasting impression upon my family. The first time my mom brought home a foster dog, I could sense the transformation happening within our household. From the moment that timid, unsure puppy entered our lives, it was as if a new chapter had begun. My mother, with her nurturing spirit, demonstrated the patience and love required to help him heal from past traumas. We now know him as Toby and he is a forever part of our family, however we still had a desire to help more animals and have continued to foster many other dogs.

    As I observed her tireless efforts, I found myself drawn to the cause. The joy and fulfillment she derived from seeing a rescued dog find a forever home were contagious. Helping animals isn't just about providing food and shelter; it's about forging connections and building trust. The bond that develops between humans and animals is extraordinary. One of the most rewarding aspects of helping animals is witnessing their transformation. From the scared and abandoned to the confident and loved, each success story is a testament to the profound impact kindness can have. I am beyond grateful that my mom sparked this passion in me and I cannot wait to continue this journey of helping and rescuing animals.” - Mattie


  • Athens, GA Representative

    “Hey y’all! My names Cara DuBose and currently a freshman at UGA! I’m an animal bioscience major on a pre-vet track! I’ve spent my whole life in Greenville, South Carolina with a family who adores animals. My first pet growing up was named Melrose- a tiny black cat we found on Melrose Street coming home from church one Sunday. We adopted her and she instantly became apart of our family. A few years later, we adopted an orange tabby named Mandarin- who is my best friend on earth. This cat means the entire world to me, he will never fail to brighten my day. After my siblings and I begged nonstop for a dog, my parents suprised us before school with two Caviler King Charles puppies. The night before, our parents had attended a benefit supporting Ovarian Cancer research and there had been an auction for puppies. It was genuinely the best surprise of my entire life. These animals are our world and have been the glue of our family.

    Growing up, I’ve always had a strong passion for animals. For as long as I can remeber I’ve dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. I knew I wanted to interact with animals, while making a positive impact on their health and their owners. 

    Animals provide us with unconditional love and deserve that love right back. In high school, I decided the best way to give back and grow my passion for animals was to get involved. I started volunteering at my local animal shelter freshman year. From folding laundry to making peanut butter filled toys, I felt privledged to have the opportunity to help dogs and cats feel more at home within the shelter. It was a rewarding experience to learn more about their behavior and interact with a wide variety of animals. 

    Coming into college, I’ve been eager to get involved in the Athens Community. I’m so excited that I’ve recently starting volunteering at the ACCS. Their mission is so critical in keeping animals and Athens safe. I’ve been privileged to spend time bonding with the cats and dogs there. There’s nothing I’d rather do than spend the afternoon playing with dogs and making them feel more comfortable. Unfortunately, shelters have to make tough decisions. Not every animal at ACCS gets to find their forever home. The mission of SECC is greatly impacting these outcomes. I’m incredibly honored and excited to do my part in advocating for these animals. They deserve nothing more than the best. Seeing an animal get adopted is truly one of the best things ever. We should all do our part to help change these animals lives!” - Cara