Our Team
Behind every rescue is a dedicated team of professionals, volunteers, educators, and caregivers who show up—every day—for animals who have nowhere else to turn. Carolina Waterfowl Rescue is powered by deep expertise, compassion in action, and a belief that care and knowledge go hand in hand. With decades of combined experience in wildlife rehabilitation, avian medicine, sanctuary care, and public education, our team not only provides lifesaving treatment, but also shares the stories and lessons that inspire greater understanding, responsibility, and respect for the animals we serve.
JENNIFER GORDON
Jennifer has decades of experience caring for injured and orphaned wildlife, combining hands-on expertise with a deep passion for education and community outreach. She leads our team with heart, vision, and unwavering dedication to every animal’s well-being.
Founder | Executive Director
LAUREL MILACCI
Communications Director & Songbird Nursery Manager
Laurel combines hands-on expertise with tireless commitment, caring for our songbirds and guiding initiatives that bring the community closer to our work.
HAYDEN HUNTER
Rehab Technician
Hayden brings steady focus, compassion, and reliability to his work, providing hands-on care that supports animals through every stage of rehabilitation. His calm presence helps create a sense of stability for both patients and team.
DEANNA EPPS
Rehab Technician
Deanna has a natural rapport with raptors, earning their trust through patience, confidence, and skilled care. Her calm presence and deep respect for these powerful birds play an important role in their healing, rehabilitation, and successful return to the wild.
noel collado
Animal Care Shift Leader
Noel is a poised and enthusiastic advocate for all animals, bringing energy, dedication, and a can-do attitude to every task. Her passion for reptiles and steady, confident approach ensure each resident receives attentive care, while her leadership helps inspire the team.
HAYLEY WILLIAMS
Animal Care Shift Leader
Hayley loves working in the hospital, providing hands-on care to recovering patients with patience, skill, and heart. Her dedication, thirst for knowledge, and passion for education help animals heal while she shares her expertise at community events and programs.
CAMI PARETO
Hotline Supervisor
& Date Entry Specialist
Cami sets the example for patience, level-headedness, and calm confidence to every call for help. She also supports the team with careful data entry, keeping information accurate and ensuring animals and people feel supported.
JODI MCCONKEY
Auction Coordinator
Jodi brings organization, dedication, and a strong sense of community to every monthly auction. From collecting donation items to managing the event and fulfilling purchases, she ensures everything runs smoothly while connecting supporters with the animals and mission they care about.
KIM HANZO
Creative Director
Kim brings years of marketing and design experience, developing and managing our brand, social media, and campaigns with creativity, strategy, and heart. Her passion for animal welfare and storytelling helps share our mission and connect with the community.
BECKI AHL
Accountant
Becki works tirelessly behind the scenes, keeping bills paid, lights on, and operations running smoothly. Her dedication, reliability, and steady support make her an invaluable part of ensuring the rescue continues to thrive and care for every animal.
DR. STEPHANIE
CAWTHORN
Staff VeterInarian
Stephanie brings expert veterinary care and a gentle, steady presence to every patient. Her skill and compassion help ensure each animal receives thoughtful treatment and comfort throughout their recovery.
DR. SONIA BORELL
Staff VeterInarian
Sonia combines veterinary expertise with specialized experience in avian medicine, supporting the health and healing of our birds with precision, patience, and care. Her calm, attentive approach helps even the most fragile patients feel safe and supported.
TAYLOR CASTEEN
Rehab Technician
Taylor first joined us as an intern and quickly stood out for her dedication, skill, and strong work ethic. We were thrilled to bring her on as a Rehab Technician, where her compassion, reliability, and passion for animal care continue to grow every day.
ANGELA VANHOY
Director of Rehabilitation
Angie brings compassion, skill, and tireless dedication to every animal in her care, doing everything possible to achieve the best outcome for each life. As Director of Rehabilitation, she has a remarkable ability to connect with animals and guide them toward healing.
STEPHEN PLATTE
Rehab Technician
Stephen is focused, patient, and deeply dedicated, bringing a quiet strength and calm reassurance to every animal in his care. His steady, attentive approach ensures each patient receives consistent, thoughtful care, and feels safe throughout their recovery.
Rehab Technician
ZOIE JOHNSON
Zoie is quiet, caring, and even-tempered, bringing a steady sense of calm to every animal in her care. Her gentle, consistent approach helps patients feel safe and supported during some of their most vulnerable moments in rehabilitation.
BRIANNA VLACH
Director of Operations
Brianna manages our shift staff and volunteers, ensuring that every animal, as well as our 15-acre sanctuary, receives the care and attention they need. Her organization, dedication, and hands-on approach help keep everything running smoothly and every need met.
GILLIAN LINGO
Animal Care Shift Leader
Gillian brings gentle care, patience, and a unique affinity for insects, helping even the smallest and most overlooked residents thrive under her attentive watch. Her thoughtful approach and quiet dedication ensure every patient feels safe, nurtured, and supported.
REESE FILIPEK
Animal Care Shift Lead
Reese brings focus, initiative, and a strong commitment to animal care to every shift. She began with CWR as a summer intern and quickly grew into a leadership role while pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine.
DESIREE KUBE
Weekend Intake Coordinator
Desiree is the outgoing, friendly, welcoming face many have seen on our live streams. Her warmth, energy, and approachable nature make every visitor and animal feel instantly at ease, while her dedication ensures every intake runs smoothly and efficiently.
NAOMI MITCHEM
Adoption Coordinator
& Data Entry Specialist
Naomi ensures that every animal available for adoption finds a safe, loving forever home. She also supports the rehab team with accurate data entry for medical records, keeping every detail up to date.
CASSIE TESTA
Director of Education
Cassie brings energy, enthusiasm, and a friendly, kind demeanor to everything she does. Her attention to detail helps her plan and run engaging education content, youth programs, and community events that inspire connection and learning.
ANNA HANZO
Social Media Specialist
Anna curates the stories of animals in our care, bringing each personality and journey to life with thoughtful attention and a deep passion for animals. Her work helps them find loving homes while connecting their stories with the community.