With a background in animal science, nonprofit management, and development, Candice brings a unique blend of operational leadership and passion for animal welfare to her work. Her career has spanned roles in zoo management, animal sheltering, and nonprofit development, all rooted in her commitment to strengthening the bond between people and their pets. She holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from Tusculum University.

Dr. Claire Schuch is a community-based researcher, educator, and social justice advocate with expertise in qualitative research, program evaluation, and community health. She has held leadership roles in education, public health, and applied research, including work with Decision Information Resources, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, and Epiphany Community Services. Her scholarship spans immigrant integration, health equity, and civic engagement, with numerous publications and federal- and foundation-funded projects.

Fluent in English, Dutch, and Spanish, and a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Dr. Schuch brings a global perspective to advancing equity and inclusion.

Kaitlyn holds a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Science from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and a Master of Public Health degree from Thomas Jefferson University. Her experience lies mainly in utilizing qualitative research methods to improve public health. She is passionate about creating a just and healthy world for all people and animals. 

Katy oversees submission workflows, peer review coordination, and copyediting to ensure a smooth and responsive editorial process. From initial screening to final publication, she guides manuscripts through each stage with precision and care. She holds an MS in Information Sciences from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Katy’s systems-oriented approach to editorial work is shaped by her education in information sciences and her previous experience in nonprofit human resources. She has several years of experience supporting research, administration, and human resources. With a background in psychology and an MS in Information Sciences, Katy brings expertise in policy development, web design, and organizational systems. She is passionate about creating systems that help pet families stay healthy, connected, and cared for.

Kayla is a master level social worker. Her experience is in co-hosting workshops around trauma theory and cultural humility for veterinary professionals, staffing a veterinary social work hotline for community members experiencing pet loss, and assisting with the creation of a peer-support application for veterinarians and veterinary support staff where she currently serves as a mental health consultant for volunteers. Kayla coordinates referrals for local pet resources and social services for pets and their parents respectively, communicates with veterinary service providers, animal welfare and social service organizations on behalf of pet families, serves as a mediator between veterinary staff and pet families, navigating any potential hitches in communication provides grief and loss support for pet families in anticipation of, during, or after the death of a pet, hosts trainings on compassion fatigue, burnout, emotional regulation, and boundary setting for animal welfare and veterinary care professionals.

T’ is a nationally recognized leader in animal welfare and community-based veterinary initiatives with more than 20 years of experience building innovative programs that bridge gaps in access to care. She founded the Companion Animal Initiative of Tennessee (CAIT) at the University of Tennessee, which has trained thousands of veterinary students and practitioners in high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter techniques, shelter medicine, and community engagement. T’ also spearheaded impactful programs such as Vets for Pets of Homeless Owners, Feral Fixin’, Animal Haven, and Foster Paws, all of which continue to reduce shelter euthanasia, support vulnerable pet families, and strengthen communities.

Her leadership has been honored with awards including the National Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, the National Gamma Sigma Delta Team Award for Feral Fixin’, and the Hill’s Animal Welfare and Humane Ethics Award. Known for a strong commitment to collaboration, mentorship, and sustainable solutions, T’ combines strategic vision with hands-on experience to improve the lives of both animals and the people who care for them.

Chance is a highly trained service dog trained by Valor Service Medical Dogs and was matched with T’ in 2023. Since then, he has provided essential support that enables her to function more independently while also helping her team operate with greater cohesion. More than a partner, Chance is both a steady presence and a quiet leader—reminding everyone that sometimes the most effective team member walks on four legs.