Background: Former volunteer and current manager of the RappCats Adoption Center and shelter in Flint Hill — a nonprofit that rescues stray, abused, abandoned and unwanted cats and finds them homes; customer service manager for 23 years at Food Lion stores in Prince William, Fauquier and Page counties; attended Rappahannock County High School and later earned a GED degree at Lord Fairfax Community College in Luray (now named Laurel Ridge Community College); multi-generation Rappahannock native, lives in Swindler Hollow, Sperryville with her father, Lawrence, four cats — Savior, Sheba, Faith and Daisy — and dog, Merri.
The Spark: Early on I needed to move out of our house and strike out on my own. I got an entry-level job with Food Lion and eventually became a customer service manager. I found training, mentoring and supporting younger employees personally rewarding. I could make a big difference in their lives. Here at RappCats I have to give thanks to our former president Pat Snyder. She was a real “spark” who inspired me to continue to grow professionally and personally and reinforced my desire to be there for those in need. I’d rather give back to people in the moment than worry about my future.
Proudest Achievement: Coming in here every day and helping provide for the cats. The work can be tiring, but knowing they’ll eventually find a good home makes it all worthwhile. Many arrive with medical problems and nursing them back to good health is especially rewarding. I’m grateful to the number of veterinarians and specialists around the region who generously donate their time and expertise to diagnose medical issues and provide medicines at low costs.
Biggest Challenge: In my younger years I had some pretty big personal challenges which caused me a lot of anger and grief. I found the strength to overcome those difficulties which formed a strong foundation for rebuilding my life. I don’t regret that past because it has shaped me into the person I am today. Still, there are always challenges. I remember a store manager at Food Lion who went out of her way to undermine me. That went on for a couple of years and was a setback for my self-confidence. Even today, I sometimes find it hard to appreciate my worth and accept praise and guidance, but I keep on my path.
Why it Matters: We take in between 150 and 200 cats annually. About 98% are placed in homes within a year. No cat is turned away and those few who are not adopted will always have a home with us. Finding foster homes is almost always a positive outcome, not just for the cats, but for those who take them in. Community support for our efforts is strong. Our volunteers and donors are always willing to step in and lend a hand, especially when we put out a call for a special need. But we can always use more help. Volunteering at the shelter or providing transportation to medical appointments is fun and rewarding. I’ve developed many close relationships not only with volunteers but with adopters, too. Ones I will treasure forever.
Favorite Rappahannock Treasure: Growing up here I have a deep connection to our landscapes, views, and the county’s sense of remoteness. What we have is so special. It’s as if we are untouched by the outside world. The best welcome sign in the county is Massies Corner. You know you’ve reached home when you take in that view.
