Our Team

Operations Manager- Hello! I grew up with various types of animals, such as dogs, cats, snakes, lizards, fish, and birds- I like to remember it as my very own mini animal sanctuary in a tiny beach town in Florida. I graduated with a BA in English and American Literature. In my younger years I held a variety of jobs in non-profit management, retail management, and living overseas teaching English. I entered into the animal welfare world as a career path almost a decade ago, having always been fiercely passionate about animals and volunteering in various animal welfare organizations throughout my life. I have had the privilege to work in three different animal welfare organizations from a limited admission rescue to a large open admission shelter to AFRP since July of 2020. I have special interests in animal behavior/training (especially shy/fearful animals), community outreach to keep animals with their humans, and banning the dog meat trade. Some of my other passions are ocean conservation, cooking, traveling, reading, and spending time with my beautiful baby girl,  husband, and two rescue cats.

Volunteer Coordinator - "I have been working as the Volunteer Coordinator at AFRP since 2022. My passion for animal welfare and working with local nonprofits led me to this role. As the Volunteer Coordinator, I am responsible for onboarding and retaining volunteers and fosters for AFRP. In addition, I help coordinate events and partnerships. During my free time, I enjoy taking my cats Frijole and Trixie on stroller walks and long harness walks on the beach."

Marketing & Social Media Coordinator - "Hello! I'm Mariah, and I'm thrilled to be the Marketing and Social Media Coordinator at Animal Friends Rescue Project. I'm a Monterey Bay native, and my lifelong love for animals has led me to this rewarding role. It's a true privilege to be part of an organization that's wholeheartedly dedicated to making a positive impact in the world.When I'm not working, you can find me at the beach, crafting with pottery, experimenting in the kitchen with cooking and baking, or exploring the great outdoors through hiking, camping, or rock climbing! "

Animal Program Coordinator - Hello! I'm Brooke, a devoted animal lover on a mission to foster meaningful connections between pets and their owners. My two pups, Captain and Maui, are the heart and soul of my world. Captain's influence has driven me to pursue a degree in psychology, with a focus on understanding and enhancing the bond between humans and their furry friends. Together, we're working towards a happier, more connected pet community!

Treasure Shop Manager - I have always had a passion for animals. From volunteering at an exotic animal rescue to assisting at various vet clinics, my love for animals has been a constant in my life. After a successful stint in the tech industry, where I developed applications for e-commerce businesses, I returned to my roots in the California mountains to raise my daughter. Today, I share my home with a diverse family of rescue animals, including three felines, a fish, and a beloved German Shepherd who warmly welcomes visitors as the official greeter at the AFRP Treasure Shop in Pacific Grove. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring the wonders of the coastline with my daughter, hunting for low tide treasures, foraging fungi, and cooking farm-to-table style meals with ingredients sourced locally. Additionally, I find fulfillment in giving back to the community by volunteering at a local crisis center.

Treasure Shop Sales Associate

Treasure Shop Sales Associate - "I'm a midwest transplant, amateur baker, estate sale enthusiast. Gourmet cheese is my love language and I break into songs like a Rodgers & Hammerstein musical (except I can't sing and everyone cries in horror)."

Cat Care & Adoption Specialist

Cat Care & Adoption Specialist

Cat Care & Adoption Specialist-I believe animals are the route to happiness. They just seem to always be able to make us feel better.  I have been the adoption coordinator for the cats housed at Petco since 2008.  Prior to working for AFRP I volunteered for several animal shelters and worked for a couple of Pet stores. I have 5 human kids, 2 dogs, 3 cats and a bird. In my free time you can find me at my kids or husband's sporting events cheering them on and telling them what to do (even though I've never played a sport). 

Veterinarian - Dr. Taurine Burger obtained her Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology and a minor in Nonprofit Leadership Studies and Chemistry from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2017. She graduated from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2021. After graduating, Dr. Burger moved to Charleston, South Carolina to be with her military husband. During her time in South Carolina, she was in the private practice sector and recently helped at a local county shelter and nonprofit shelter completing various surgeries and assisting with medical cases. She is vastly skilled in emergency situations, routine surgeries, specialty surgeries, wildlife medicine, exotic care, and surgery. She has a strong interest in soft tissue surgery, ophthalmology, dermatology, and exotic medicine.Her hobbies include carpentry, reading, board games, walking her dogs, and DIY projects. Dr. Burger has 2 rescue dogs and 1 rescue cat.

Registered Veterinarian Technician

Veterinarian Assistant

Veterinarian Technician

Client Services Representative