SFWC Staff
The dedicated staff at the South Florida Wildlife Center are true champions of animal welfare. Their unwavering commitment to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured and orphaned wildlife is nothing short of inspiring. With deep expertise, compassion, and a relentless drive to provide the best care possible, they work tirelessly to give each animal the opportunity to thrive in its natural habitat. The Centerās team embodies a unique blend of scientific knowledge and heartfelt dedication, ensuring the protection and preservation of South Floridaās rich biodiversity.
Meet the team!
Stacey Price, MBA, CAWA, CFRE
Executive Director
About Stacey!
I chose to join South Florida Wildlife Center because it brings together everything that has shaped my life and career. After 15 years in animal welfare and time in science and nature education, I've seen the impact of connecting people and the next generation to the natural world. Growing up near the Adirondacks, NY instilled a lifelong respect for wildlife and I believe in protecting and preserving the wild lives we share this world with while building a future where people, wildlife and our environment can thrive.
Maria Vanegas, RNW-A
Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation
About Maria!
Over the past 14 years at SFWC, I've been fortunate to gain extensive experience in rehabilitating sick or injured wildlife and caring for orphans. My favorite aspect of the job is teaching new employees, volunteers, and HomeCare Heroes. It's incredibly rewarding to pay it forward and help spread knowledge about wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release.
Carolina Montano
Director of Operations
About Carolina!
I joined SFWC as the Director of Outreach in January 2021, bringing over 20 years of experience in animal husbandry and community outreach. I am passionate about educating the next generation of wildlife conservationists, inspiring them to make a positive impact on wildlife and the environment.
Jill Barbosa-Rojas
Director of Outreach
About Jill!
Jill holds a bachelor's degree in Wildlife Conservation and is currently pursuing a master's in Forensic Science for Wildlife Conservation. She is passionate about educating the community on the importance of the environment and promoting coexistence with wildlife in growing urban areas. Her favorite animal are racoons, and she believes that with greater understanding, they would be more widely appreciated. SFWC is especially meaningful to her, as its mission to rescue, rehabilitate and educate about wildlife closely aligns with her values.
CURRENTLY HIRING!
Director of Development
Coming Soon!
Alexia Oks
Office Manager
About Alexia!
Throughout my life, Iāve nurtured a profound love for animals and a sincere desire to care for them. I joined SFWC because it gives me the chance to share that love and compassion with all the amazing animals that come through our doors for care. Our staff here do exceptional work and it's an honor to be a part of this team!
Molly Horgan, DVM, DACZM
Medical Director
About Dr. Horgan!
Dr. Molly Horgan graduated from veterinary school at the University of California, Davis, and then went on to complete an internship and residency in zoo and wildlife medicine at the University of Florida. She loves helping sick and injured animals get back to their wild lives and feels lucky to be in Florida where there is such great diversity of species.
Tess McPheeters, DVM
Staff Veterinarian
About Dr. Tess!
Dr. Tess is originally from Arizona, but has lived all across the country. She obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2022 from Kansas State University. Straight out of school she completed a specialty exotic internship in Arizona, and then a wildlife medicine internship in Manitoba, Canada. Having a true passion for wildlife medicine, she excitedly accepted the staff veterinarian position here at SFWC. The diversity of species and high volume caseload at the center means every day is different, which she loves!
Haillie Mesics
Development Associate
About Haillie!
I grew up in northern Vermont where a deep appreciation for nature and conservation shaped my lifelong love for animals. I studied philosophy, law, and sustainability at the University of Tampa, traveling internationally to research endangered species and environmental protection policies. When I began working at wildlife hospitals, it opened my eyes to the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. I'm excited to support South Florida Wildlife Center's expansion to a new campus, increasing our ability to care for Florida's native wildlife and educate the public on their important roles. Florida's biodiversity is unlike anywhere else in the country, and I'm proud to help protect it.
COMING SOON!
Outreach and Volunteer Services Manager
Coming Soon!
Melanie Lemieux
Wildlife Rehabilitation Supervisor and Release Coordinator
About Melanie!
I chose to work at the SFWC because I have always had a passion for animals. I started volunteering 10 years ago and after a 3 month internship I was hired and I have been involved with the wildlife center ever since. It has shown me a part of the natural world that I have always wanted to know more about. It's a sacred place where we are able to give wildlife a second chance at life.
Rhianna Miller
Clinic Supervisor
About Rhianna!
I have been a passionate animal enthusiast since childhood. When I was little, my father and I would often come across wildlife in need of help, and SFWC was always there. Now, I am a proud team member of SFWC. I could not be more grateful to be a part of an organization that has been committed to extraordinary care for our native wildlife here since being founded in 1969!
Riley Munsen
Wildlife Rehabilitator Team Lead
About Riley!
My favorite thing about working at SFWC is being involved in a patient's journey to recovery. There is no better feeling than seeing a patient regain the strength to stand, eat on their own, and eventually return to the wild.
Natalie Hess
Clinic Team Lead
About Natalie!
My favorite part of being a veterinary assistant is having the opportunity to save the lives of Florida's wildlife every single day. From assisting in surgeries, to caring for critical patients in our intensive care unit, or simply being the first person to offer them lifesaving care when they come through our doors, I look forward to getting to help these amazing animals firsthand, aid in their recoveries, and contribute to their conservation!
Nick Sonzogni
Wildlife Biologist and Rescue Coordinator
About Nick!
My favorite aspect of my role involves the rescue and rehabilitation of animals. The opportunity to assist an animal in distress, support its rehabilitation, and ultimately release it back into its natural habitat is profoundly fulfilling. I couldnāt ask for a more rewarding career.
Hannah Kittelson
Outreach Specialist
About Hannah!
I moved to Florida in hopes of finding new/different opportunities working with animals that I was unable to find in Iowa. I have been very interested in working with wildlife since taking some wildlife courses in my last year of college and was excited to find this opportunity to expand my knowledge of wildlife care in a hospital and rehabilitation setting. Working with the ambassador animals in the outreach department was an added bonus.
Bella Gonzales
Outreach Specialist
About Bella!
I moved from California to Florida for more conservation-based opportunities. I have a bachelor's degree in marine science. I have always wanted to work in helping animals get back into their natural environments. I enjoy working with and educating the community on the importance our wildlife has on our ecosystem.
Nicole Alexiou
Wildlife Rehabilitator
About Nicole!
I chose to work at SFWC because I wanted to be a part of the animal rehabilitation side of conservation. I love seeing the animalsā progress and the gratification I get when they are released. Knowing I was a part of their recovery makes the work especially meaningful.
Karen Roof
Wildlife Rehabilitator
About Karen!
Coming soon!
Anna Matyashina
Outreach Specialist
About Anna!
Coming Soon!
Desirae Peacock
Wildlife Rehabilitator
About Desirae!
I am very passionate about this one-of-a-kind state and all the wildlife it inhabits. Working as a rehabber for native wildlife is how I can play my part in the mission to keep Florida wild.
Jessica Ferrigno
Wildlife Rehabilitator
About Jessica!
Coming Soon!
Hannah Reed
Wildlife Rehabilitator
About Hannah!
One of my favorite parts of the job is setting up our outdoor enclosures for the last part of our patients rehabilitation process. I enjoy mimicking their natural environment in our enclosures and observing their natural behaviors.
Lisa Bergwin
Wildlife Rehabilitator
About Lisa!
My favorite success story is All of Them! I, like a lot of us, have a soft spot for the underdogs. Nevertheless, every baby that comes into our care is scared, no matter the circumstances that brought them there. From bouncy baby birds to tiny opossums and squirrels that fit in the palm of your hand to the unbearably cute baby raccoons, to see them grow up and move outside, the next step towards independence is greatly rewarding.
Sandy Pagel
Veterinary Assistant
About Sandy!
Sandy has been a dedicated and cherished member of the South Florida Wildlife Center family for over 35 years. Throughout her decades of service, she has consistently exemplified the Centerās mission: to protect and preserve wildlife through compassionate rescue, expert rehabilitation, and impactful education. Her unwavering commitment and tireless efforts have played a vital role in saving countless animals.
Greg Adler
Wildlife Rehabilitator
About Greg!
Being a part of SFWC makes me feel I'm doing something worthwhile. The people here are devoted to helping those injured/sick wildlife that can't help themselves.
Sarah Braniella
Wildlife Rehabilitator
About Sarah!
Coming Soon!
Danielle Dowgiallo
Veterinary Assistant
About Danielle!
My favorite part of the job is getting to see the animals get stronger every day in their rehab journeys! Having them get medically cleared for release is amazing to witness! Having an animal that comes in super down and out and then seeing them perk up a couple days later is super rewarding. Once they are fully cleared for release, it's amazing watching them take off!
Stacey Pasternak, CVT
Veterinary Technician
About Stacey!
I started vet tech school with a dream of one day being able to work with wildlife. I volunteered at many wildlife hospitals in south Florida prior to becoming a CVT, including here at SFWC! Growing up, I really garnered an appreciation for the native animals that we share our home with. They are all beautiful and special in their own unique ways. I feel so honored to have such a fulfilling career here, combining animal care with environmental conservation!
COMING SOON!
Facilities Manager
Coming Soon!
Glenn Georgis
Facilities Manager
About Glenn!
I choose to work at the South Florida Wildlife Center because of the positive atmosphere. I practically live here, and I am grateful to say that this is my second home, being able to help this important cause is something I take a lot of pride in.
Anthony Weare
Facilities Technician
About Anthony!
Anthony joined SFWC in 2020 and is dedicated to making sure our habitats provide the optimal environment for all of our patients, ensuring they are always in top condition.
Zachary Friesecke
Facilities Technician
About Zachary!
Coming Soon!