Meet Our Team
The heart behind the rescue.
When we set out on this journey, we knew it was essential to build a team of trustworthy, dedicated, and compassionate leaders. We’re confident that this incredible group of women will help guide our organization to success.
President Sandra Fellin brings extensive experience in animal rescue, nonprofit leadership, and board service. She also cares for local feral cats and has lovingly transformed a former feral into a cherished house cat. Sandra is passionate about showing what SOS stands for: Help. Home. Protect. Care.
Vice President Lanore Baier brings a remarkable 33 years of experience as a veterinary technician, having worked across a variety of specialties including general practice, emergency medicine, oncology, and at The Seeing Eye—a renowned organization that trains guide dogs for the visually impaired. Her diverse background has given her a deep understanding of both the medical and emotional needs of animals in all stages of life.
Lanore is especially devoted to senior dogs with special needs, many of whom are often overlooked in shelters. She has made it her personal mission to ensure that each of these dogs experiences love, comfort, and dignity in their final years. Her home has become a haven for aging companions, where they are cherished and cared for like family.
Her unwavering compassion and commitment to animals make her a natural leader at SOS Pet Rescue. Lanore’s passion for providing second chances to those most in need continues to inspire everyone around her, and her expertise is an invaluable asset to our mission.
Treasurer Lyn Bailey is a respected and active member of our community, known for her integrity, dedication, and heart for service. With a strong background in finance and a keen eye for detail, Lyn ensures our organization maintains transparency and accountability in all financial matters. Her professionalism, ethical standards, and compassionate nature make her an invaluable part of the SOS Pet Rescue team. Lyn’s commitment to our mission and the animals we serve helps us stay grounded, focused, and ready to grow.
Secretary Flora Schubert is a dedicated foster extraordinaire whose passion for animal rescue has become a true family affair. Over the years, fostering has grown into a way of life for Flora and her supportive team, who work together to give animals in need a safe, loving environment while they await their forever homes. Her home has welcomed countless pets, each one receiving the care and compassion they deserve. Flora is deeply committed to sharing her experience and encouraging others to open their hearts and homes to fostering. She believes that even a temporary act of kindness can make a lifelong difference—and she’s excited to help others discover the incredible impact they can have.
Cynthia von Schlichten, Esq. is a lifelong animal rights advocate whose journey began working in shelters and as a veterinary technician. She has practiced law for over 14 years and currently serves as General Counsel for the nonprofit Farm Sanctuary, Inc. Cynthia holds an LLM in Animal Law from Lewis & Clark Law School’s Center for Animal Law Studies (CALS), where she now teaches as an adjunct professor. She is an active member of the American Bar Association’s Animal Law Committee and co-chairs its International Animal Law subcommittee. Cynthia regularly speaks on animal welfare issues both nationally and internationally, and for over two decades, she has been deeply committed to advancing animal protection. She and her husband share their home with 10 beloved cats and volunteer with a local cat rescue.
Dr. Gruber is no stranger to SOS Pet Rescue—in fact, she was instrumental in our founding, serving as one of our original veterinarians. With eight years of experience as an Animal Health Technician, she earned early acceptance to veterinary school and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2006, receiving the Bayer Gentle Doctor Award scholarship for her compassionate approach to care.
She has spent most of her career in emergency medicine while also training and working with the Pet Poison Helpline. Her expertise extends to veterinary toxicology, having authored four chapters in a respected textbook. Passionate about helping homeless animals and making veterinary care more accessible, Dr. Gruber actively supports local rescues through spay/neuter and TNR programs. Her skill and compassion continue to make her an invaluable asset to the SOS Pet Rescue team.
In memory of our beloved Vice President, Fundraising Committee Chair, foster, and friend, Heidi Pope.
If you had the pleasure of meeting Heidi, you likely remember her warmth, positivity, and the light she brought into every room. She was endlessly generous and always the first to offer a helping hand. Her heart was devoted to animal rescue—she volunteered countless hours with multiple organizations and continuously opened her home to animals in need.
Heidi’s legacy is one of compassion, dedication, and love. She touched the lives of so many—both human and animal—and inspired everyone around her. In her honor, we hope her passion will continue to spark action, encouraging more people to volunteer, foster, and carry her mission forward.
Meet the Founders
Founders Tiffany Bailey and Melissa Cozze, CVT, bring over 20 years of combined experience in the veterinary field, including 8 years dedicated specifically to rescue and shelter medicine. Their deep-rooted commitment to animal welfare has shaped every aspect of SOS Pet Rescue’s mission and values.
Both Tiffany and Melissa have devoted their careers to advocating for the most vulnerable animals, with a particular focus on feral cat populations, Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, and the treatment of abandoned, sick, and critically injured stray cats and dogs. Their hands-on experience in emergency care, surgical assistance, and rehabilitative treatment has saved countless lives and brought hope to animals who otherwise had none.
Driven by compassion and a shared belief that every life matters, Tiffany and Melissa work tirelessly to expand access to care and promote humane solutions within the community. Their leadership and expertise continue to guide SOS Pet Rescue as we strive to help, heal, and protect animals in need.