MEET OUR TEAM

BOARD

  • Portrait of a middle-aged man with gray hair, wearing a light-colored button-down shirt, smiling at the camera with a blurred outdoor background.

    Conrad D. Mock

    President/ Treasurer/ Advisory Committee Member

    Conrad (C.D) Mock has been involved in animal rescue since 2015.  He has spent most of his life in the investment business as a Certified Financial Planner and owner/operator of a securities Broker/Dealer.  C.D. has owned several businesses including retail, contracting, and food services. 

    He served as the adoptions manager for a rescue until 2024.  He is interested in animal advocacy and has spent time in both anti dog fighting and anti-tethering programs.  C.D. lives with his wife Mickie, a P.A. for Duke and his pittie "Hercules" in Durham, NC.  Both of his children live in Durham along with two grandsons, and their three rescue dogs.

  • Person in a blue Knicks hoodie smiling next to a black dog

    Carol Bouchner

    Secretary/ Advisory Committee Member

    Carol is a lawyer who practiced securities law in NYC before moving to Durham, NC. A decade ago she and her husband adopted their first puppy together. 

    She then became a foster for countless dogs, and served with local rescues as a foster mentor, legal advisor, foster coordinator, fund raiser and transport volunteer.  She now brings her professional and volunteer experience to Animal Aid Alliance of NC, where she can help amplify the efforts of shelters and rescues that continue to do the important work of caring and advocating for animals. 

  • Person wearing a shirt that says "Be more than Kind" standing outside with greenery in the background.

    Dr. Eve Boggs

    Veterinarian/ Advisory Committee Member

    Eve is originally from South Carolina and attended the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2003. She practiced small animal medicine in Columbus Ohio for 4 years before moving to North Carolina in 2007, and finally to Chapel Hill, NC in 2019.

    She is married to her vet school sweetheart, Jamie. They have two human boys (Kenan and Rowan), 3 leopard geckos (Ming, Nelly and Fatty) and 3 cats (Cloud, Perry, Anais). Hobbies include sourdough bread baking, crochet, plants, and audiobooks.

  • Woman wearing a camo hat with 'Veterinary Medicine' text and a gray and white cat on her shoulder.

    Dr. Kiley Daube

    Veterinarian

    Dr. Kiley Daube received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Virginia Tech in 2011 and then completed a year-long internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at a private practice referral center in Fairfax, VA. She followed this with an additional year of training in cancer medicine during an Oncology Internship at the University of Pennsylvania’s vet school in Philadelphia.

    After her training, she has spent her veterinary career working in shelter medicine, high-volume spay/neuter and private practice. She currently provides relief veterinary services for hospitals around North Carolina. 

    Her four-legged family includes a Redbone Coonhound rescue named Danny and two rescue cats - Spot and Dot.

  • A large brown horse with a white mane and a halter walks alongside a smiling person wearing overalls in an open field with a barn in the background.

    Lauren Johnson

    Rescue Specialist/ Advisory Committee Member

    Lauren lived her best farm life until she went to college at LSU. After moving to North Carolina, she was on her way home from a golf tournament and rescued some baby wood ducks from a highway. That was the start of her life as a wild life rehab for many years. She purchased a farm and was graced to learn about horse rescue, rescuing and rehoming several horses. A few years later she began her involvement in cat and dog rescue. 

    Lauren is passionate about both animals and people, believing that a great conversation can offer valuable learning opportunities. This has honed her ability to connect with others and drive positive impact. She began by securing donations from companies and distributing them to various animal rescues, making a difference in the community.


ADVISORY COMMITTEE

  • Woman sitting on a wooden deck holding a black and white dog, with a bench and potted plants in the background.

    Rachel Gutterman

    Social Media Coordinator

    Rachel started working in animal rescue in 2023 in honor of her dog, Ruby who has her own "rags to riches" story now thanks to a dog rescue organization that gave her a chance at a new life! Rachel is passionate about animal welfare and has fostered many dogs, planned adoption events and fundraisers, and volunteers her time doing administrative work like writing pet bios and social media posts for various rescue organizations.

    She is excited to be a part of Animal Aid Alliance and make an even greater difference in her community for animals and organizations in need. In her spare time, Rachel loves spending time with her family including her three dogs and two cats. She enjoys reading, being in nature, and going to art and music festivals (especially when her dogs can tag along!)


  • Woman kneeling outdoors, smiling, with a large black and white dog beside her. She is wearing a blue puffy jacket.

    Jane-Howard Staples

    Website Coordinator, Shelter Relationship Coordinator, Dog Behavior Expert

    Jane is a certified dog trainer, and has been extremely active in the animal rescue world for over a decade. From co-founding and directing a dog rescue to fostering hundreds of dogs, networking with shelters, foster coordination and support, behavioral assessment, transportation, training, working with feral dogs, and volunteering at shelters, she has truly done it all.

    She knows the ins and outs of all things dog rescue and has a strong passion for ensuring things are done in the most beneficial and ethical way for both the animals and humans involved.

  • A woman smiling and holding a black and white puppy outdoors on a gravel path with grass in the background.

    Kristen McDuffee

    Operations Coordinator

    Kristen has a background as a family and child therapist, where she provided compassionate care to children and families. She later worked as a nanny, continuing her dedication to children’s well-being.

    With several years of experience in animal rescue, Kristen has served as an operations and clinic coordinator and foster caregiver. Currently, she assists with caring for animals on a farm. She has several pets in her home.

  • Woman holding a fluffy white and brown dog with a happy expression outdoors.

    Michele Melet

    Events Coordinator/ Shelter Relationship Coordinator

    A long-time horseback rider and vegetarian since the young age of 7 years old, Michele has a passion advocating and working with animals. She resides in Chapel Hill with her adopted dog, Denali who was named after a memorable visit hiking in Alaska’s Denali National Park.  

    Professionally Michele has 18+ years’ experience in business development, management, and events working for two New York City based companies. She has worked with other nonprofits coordinating adoption/fundraising events and building partnerships.

    Michele’s efforts have made a meaningful impact in the lives of rescued animals, helping them find forever homes through adoption and fundraising initiatives.

  • Woman smiling holding a tabby cat

    Julie Paddison

    Chair, Advisory Committee, Fundraising Coordinator, Cat Behavior Expert

    Julie’s love for animals began with her first cat, Socks, and has only grown over the years. With over 25 years of experience in animal rescue, Julie has held numerous roles, including director of rescue operations, president, board chair, and fundraising lead. She advocates for initiatives to combat animal suffering, overpopulation, and homelessness.

    Julie’s career spans 22 years in healthcare, including 5 years as a Registered Nurse and 17 years in management consulting with Deloitte Consulting and Cerner Corporation. She owns a wine shop in Research Triangle Park, NC, and has competed in 25 Ironman events, 5 marathons, and numerous other triathlons. Julie lives in Durham, NC, with her five resident cats - Cobalt, Gus, Marley, Monkey, Rocky - and rotating foster cats.

  • A person wearing a straw hat and overalls smiling while gently holding a white goat on a wooden table.

    Tess Sevelow Lee

    Vet Tech, Equine Expert

    From the time Tess was a little girl, she would pick out the stuffed animals who were missing eyes, ears, or legs- Not much has changed as an adult, and her house is referred to by her friends as the Island of Misfit Toys where all of her resident animals that have been have a rough start in life or are medically different. She's been able to dedicate much of her career in one way or another to animal welfare and advocacy. 

    Tess is certified as an Instructor through the Israeli Equestrian Federation, as well as a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. Most recently, she has been working as a Veterinary Assistant for an equine vet as well as animal sanctuary which prompted her to go back to school to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. 

    She lives in Durham, NC with her husband, chickens, dog and ever growing number of cats. She is also currently working on convincing her husband of the benefits of adding a rat, goat, and frog to their brood.

  • Person smiling while holding a newborn puppy wrapped in a towel.

    Melissa Weil

    Data Coordinator/ Newsletter Coordinator

    Melissa's lifelong love of animals led her to start fostering in 2016 and she quickly discovered her purpose in the world.  Rescue has become a huge part of her life and she has enjoyed connecting with so many likeminded people over the years!  Her experience working in a veterinary clinic kicked off her love of medical fostering and helping rescues find cost effective medical care. Over the years, she has gotten more involved with behind the scenes aspects of rescue and furthering animal welfare causes, while continuing to foster cats and dogs. 

    Professionally, Melissa has 15 years experience in clinical laboratory data management and review. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her pack of rescue dogs and cats!

  • Person holding a yellow Labrador puppy in a forest with autumn leaves.

    Bailey Williams

    Operations Coordinator/ Social Media Coordinator

    Bailey has always had a deep love for animals, which feels like an essential part of who she is. She admires their authenticity, their ability to live in the moment, and the lessons they teach about kindness, patience, and responsibility. Animals have always given Bailey a sense of purpose, and she feels happiest when caring for them, learning from them, or simply appreciating their presence. To her, animals aren’t just companions—they’re teachers, friends, and a reminder of the beauty and simplicity of the world around us. Her love for them is rooted in respect, connection, and the pure joy they bring into her life.

    Growing up in Tampa, Florida, Bailey has worked with animals her entire life, surrounded by many different types. It’s been a natural part of her existence from the start. In her free time, Bailey enjoys horseback riding, hiking, skating, and crafting.