Meet Our Team!

Isabelle Gullö, Cofounder and Executive Director

A Swedish native, Isabelle has lived in Southern California since 1992. She received a journalism degree in 2001 and worked as a writer, editor and photographer for several years. After she rescued a rottweiler in need of a loving home, she decided to start volunteering at Santa Barbara County Animal Services’ Santa Barbara shelter. Together with other dedicated shelter volunteers, Isabelle quickly recognized the desperate need for community-based programs that reduce pet overpopulation and prevent suffering and pet homelessness. C.A.R.E.4Paws was created in 2009 with the goal to provide free and low-cost services to pet families in need so that animals can stay healthy and with the people who love them. Isabelle is proud of the impact C.A.R.E.4Paws has made over the last 16 years and feels grateful to work in a field she’s so passionate about. She also still loves writing and photography along with running, lake life and salsa dancing. She treasures time with her rescue pets and son, Julian, a dedicated animal advocate and C.A.R.E.4Paws volunteer.

Julia Black-Devre, Executive Assistant & Marketing Manager

A lifelong animal lover with a strong flair for design and dedication to helping pets and their people, Julia fits right in with C.A.R.E.4Paws. She coordinates all marketing projects and materials, provides key support to the Executive Director and leadership team, and helps execute community/fundraising events. Prior to C.A.R.E.4Paws, Julia worked as the marketing manager for Domestic Violence Solutions for Santa Barbara County and has been employed in the nonprofit sector for the past 13 years. Off the clock, Julia enjoys the outdoors, yoga, music and spending time with her adorable rescue pup, Happy, and wonderful husband, Dylan, a core volunteer with C.A.R.E.4Paws.

Libby Williams-Cabral, Assistant Manager

For as long as she remembers, Libby has held a deep passion for animals and the special bond connecting us with them. As a founding board member of Animals In Need Fund (AINF), which is now a part of C.A.R.E.4Paws, Libby has advocated for animals and pet families for 16-plus years. She has also worked as a veterinary hospital professional for many years, which adds invaluable insight and knowledge when it comes to facilitating low-cost veterinary care and spay/neuter appointments through C.A.R.E.4Paws’ many clinic partners. In her rare spare time, Libby channels her creativity through painting with watercolors and acrylics, finding joy and inspiration in the artistic process. Proudly embracing her “crazy-cat lady” status, she shares her life with her beloved feline companions (including many foster cats and kittens) and her extremely supportive husband, Darin. 

Samantha Ranis, Mobile Clinic Manager

Samantha Ranis is a SLO County native and has both of her grandmothers to thank for her passion for animals. Some of her favorite childhood memories come from spending time at either grandma’s house, where playing outside with the animals and bringing stray animals home was always encouraged. After more than 10 years working in “human medicine,” including in neurology, orthopedic surgery and dermatology, Samantha eventually found her true calling in veterinary medicine. Before becoming the manager for C.A.R.E.4Paws’ mobile clinic, she worked as both a veterinary receptionist and assistant, connecting daily with pets and their people. Helping others is what makes Samantha happiest, and she feels grateful to be part of an organization that shares that same mission. She holds a degree in Social Work and is currently completing another in Business, and she’s always eager to keep learning and growing. In her free time, Samantha enjoys getting outside with her pup, Guapo, discovering new places to eat and watching baseball, especially when she’s cheering on her son, Jaxson.

Dr. Meighan Gomes, Lead Clinic Veterinarian

Dr. Meighan Gomes earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, following a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Western Washington University. Her journey in animal care began with wildlife rehabilitation at a local humane society, which sparked her passion for animal welfare, advocacy and lifelong learning in service to animals in need.

She served as a relief veterinarian for C.A.R.E.4Paws for over two years before joining us full time in 2025 to lead our medical team. She is enthusiastic about our organization’s mission to keep pets with their families by expanding access to veterinary care, and is excited to help lead efforts that broaden our impact in the community.

Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, murder mystery novels and adventuring outdoors any chance she gets. She lives on a ranch with her family, where they care for a variety of beloved rescue animals.

Alejandra (Ally) Herrera, Lead Clinic Technician

Ally joined C.A.R.E.4Paws in the fall of 2023 as Lead Clinic Veterinary Technician for our Mobile Community Medicine & Spay/Neuter Outreach program. Prior to this, she gained significant experience from working for more than 18 years in the veterinary field. Throughout her career, she has acquired tremendous knowledge and skills working in both emergency and general practice hospitals. She’s committed to providing the best possible care to all of her patients along with sharing her knowledge of pet wellness with families. She’s the proud mom of two Siamese cats rescued from the streets of Nipomo. When not hard at work, Ally enjoys baking, gardening and spending quality time with family and friends.

Juancarlos (JC) Castro-Zepeda, Pet Wellness Clinic Coordinator

Before joining C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Mobile Community Medicine & Spay/Neuter Outreach team in the fall of 2024, JC worked with animals in various settings, including at Petco and Santa Barbara County Animal Services through LowKey Dog Training. He is passionate about animal health, nutrition and behavior—beyond dogs and cats, he enjoys working with reptiles, amphibians and small mammals. JC is committed to promoting humane treatment and improving the quality of life for animals, which goes hand in hand with C.A.R.E.4Paws’ mission.

Priscilla Hernandez, Community Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator

Priscilla is originally from Delano, a small agricultural town in Kern County, California. Growing up, her family always had animals around, so she spent her childhood playing with dogs, chickens and pigs. Today, she particularly enjoys spending time with her four-year-old dog, Lucy. As C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Community Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator, Priscilla aims to help the community access services to keep their pets healthy and safe. She has over 20 years of experience working with private and public institutions and nonprofit organizations to support underrepresented communities. Before joining C.A.R.E.4Paws, Priscilla served as the Volunteer and Program Coordinator at Unity Shoppe, where she specialized in developing and implementing programs and community collaborations that address food insecurity, homelessness, job readiness and senior support. She attended California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) on an athletic tennis scholarship and earned a Bachelor of Science degree. She also completed her teaching certification at Boston University and is a certified CPR and First Aid instructor.

Andrea D. Caplan, Pet Refuge & Foster Care Coordinator

Julie Crutcher, Grant Writer

Before working for C.A.R.E.4 Paws, Julie was the founding member of two animal welfare nonprofit organizations in Louisville, Kentucky, where she lived for 40 years. While there, she took an unconventional career path. The first 10 years were spent working at regional theaters, and she is a published playwright. She went on to teach high-school theater, while simultaneously working as the high school’s bookkeeper. Later, she became the finance director of Louisville Magazine. Julie’s awareness of the plight of animals at municipal shelters began when she adopted two kittens in Louisville. Walking back to the cat room and seeing the conditions there put her on a path to raising awareness for shelter animals. At C.A.R.E.4Paws, Julie wears many hats, but primarily serves as the grant writer. She also works at clinic events and helps with pet food distribution. Julie is a firm believer that a rising tide lifts all boats and is grateful to work in a community where animal welfare organizations collaborate and support each other. She also serves on the board of Shadow’s Fund.

Elizabeth Alvarez, Clinic Technician

Elizabeth works as a Clinic Technician on C.A.R.E.4Paws’ mobile clinic team. She attended the University of California, Davis, where she earned her Bachelors of Science in Biological Sciences. She began her journey with C.A.R.E.4Paws as a volunteer in 2023 and is an aspiring applicant for veterinary school. Elizabeth hopes to represent the Latinx Community in the veterinary field and advocate for C.A.R.E.4Paws’ message to help pet families in need. When she is not working at the clinic, Elizabeth enjoys horseback riding and spending time with her four dogs.

Patricia Abitia, Clinic Technician

Patricia (“Pati”) Abitia grew up in Tamazula in the Mexican state of Jalisco. One of Paty’s lifelong dreams was to be a veterinarian and, since she started working for C.A.R.E.4Paws’ clinic program in 2022, she feels that she has realized her dream. Paty, who has five children and four grandchildren, loves her family and believes in the power of being happy and making those around you happy. She feels that it’s important to leave a legacy and that her purpose is to create a better world for all of us who share it.

Esme Medina, Partner Services Coordinator

Esme has worked in the animal wellness industry since 2007 and with Santa Barbara County Animal Services since 2010. With her bilingual and organizational skills and compassionate personality, she has helped make a big impact within Santa Barbara County’s Hispanic community, especially, by providing critical information and sharing resources that help clients provide the best possible care for their pets. In her part-time position for C.A.R.E.4Paws, Esme schedules medical appointments with our partner veterinary clinics. She looks forward to helping and growing with our organization.

Andrea Miller, Data Coordinator

A lifelong resident of Santa Maria, CA, Andrea brings over 15 years of customer service and volunteer experience with local animal shelters to her work, reflecting a deep-rooted passion for community connection and animal welfare. Before joining our team, she worked as an analyst in the health and wellness industry, where she developed a strong foundation in data-driven solutions and operational support. Andrea is known for her compassionate approach and ability to connect with people and pets alike. At home, she’s surrounded by her beloved rescue dogs and husband. In her free time, she enjoys creating handmade dog clothing, playing video games and attending live concerts.

Julia Black-Devre, Executive Assistant & Marketing Manager

A lifelong animal lover with a strong flair for design and dedication to helping pets and their people, Julia fits right in with C.A.R.E.4Paws. She coordinates all marketing projects and materials, provides key support to the Executive Director and leadership team, and helps execute community/fundraising events. Prior to C.A.R.E.4Paws, Julia worked as the marketing manager for Domestic Violence Solutions for Santa Barbara County and has been employed in the nonprofit sector for the past 13 years. Off the clock, Julia enjoys the outdoors, yoga, music and spending time with her adorable rescue pup, Happy, and wonderful husband, Dylan, a core volunteer with C.A.R.E.4Paws.

Samantha Ranis, Mobile Clinic Manager

Samantha Ranis is a SLO County native and has both of her grandmothers to thank for her passion for animals. Some of her favorite childhood memories come from spending time at either grandma’s house, where playing outside with the animals and bringing stray animals home was always encouraged. After more than 10 years working in “human medicine,” including in neurology, orthopedic surgery and dermatology, Samantha eventually found her true calling in veterinary medicine. Before becoming the manager for C.A.R.E.4Paws’ mobile clinic, she worked as both a veterinary receptionist and assistant, connecting daily with pets and their people. Helping others is what makes Samantha happiest, and she feels grateful to be part of an organization that shares that same mission. She holds a degree in Social Work and is currently completing another in Business, and she’s always eager to keep learning and growing. In her free time, Samantha enjoys getting outside with her pup, Guapo, discovering new places to eat and watching baseball, especially when she’s cheering on her son, Jaxson.

Alejandra (Ally) Herrera, Lead Clinic Technician

Ally joined C.A.R.E.4Paws in the fall of 2023 as Lead Clinic Veterinary Technician for our Mobile Community Medicine & Spay/Neuter Outreach program. Prior to this, she gained significant experience from working for more than 18 years in the veterinary field. Throughout her career, she has acquired tremendous knowledge and skills working in both emergency and general practice hospitals. She’s committed to providing the best possible care to all of her patients along with sharing her knowledge of pet wellness with families. She’s the proud mom of two Siamese cats rescued from the streets of Nipomo. When not hard at work, Ally enjoys baking, gardening and spending quality time with family and friends.

Priscilla Hernandez, Community Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator

Priscilla is originally from Delano, a small agricultural town in Kern County, California. Growing up, her family always had animals around, so she spent her childhood playing with dogs, chickens and pigs. Today, she particularly enjoys spending time with her four-year-old dog, Lucy. As C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Community Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator, Priscilla aims to help the community access services to keep their pets healthy and safe. She has over 20 years of experience working with private and public institutions and nonprofit organizations to support underrepresented communities. Before joining C.A.R.E.4Paws, Priscilla served as the Volunteer and Program Coordinator at Unity Shoppe, where she specialized in developing and implementing programs and community collaborations that address food insecurity, homelessness, job readiness and senior support. She attended California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) on an athletic tennis scholarship and earned a Bachelor of Science degree. She also completed her teaching certification at Boston University and is a certified CPR and First Aid instructor.

Julie Crutcher, Grant Writer

Before working for C.A.R.E.4 Paws, Julie was the founding member of two animal welfare nonprofit organizations in Louisville, Kentucky, where she lived for 40 years. While there, she took an unconventional career path. The first 10 years were spent working at regional theaters, and she is a published playwright. She went on to teach high-school theater, while simultaneously working as the high school’s bookkeeper. Later, she became the finance director of Louisville Magazine. Julie’s awareness of the plight of animals at municipal shelters began when she adopted two kittens in Louisville. Walking back to the cat room and seeing the conditions there put her on a path to raising awareness for shelter animals. At C.A.R.E.4Paws, Julie wears many hats, but primarily serves as the grant writer. She also works at clinic events and helps with pet food distribution. Julie is a firm believer that a rising tide lifts all boats and is grateful to work in a community where animal welfare organizations collaborate and support each other. She also serves on the board of Shadow’s Fund.

Patricia Abitia, Clinic Technician

Patricia (“Pati”) Abitia grew up in Tamazula in the Mexican state of Jalisco. One of Paty’s lifelong dreams was to be a veterinarian and, since she started working for C.A.R.E.4Paws’ clinic program in 2022, she feels that she has realized her dream. Paty, who has five children and four grandchildren, loves her family and believes in the power of being happy and making those around you happy. She feels that it’s important to leave a legacy and that her purpose is to create a better world for all of us who share it.

Andrea Miller, Data Coordinator

A lifelong resident of Santa Maria, CA, Andrea brings over 15 years of customer service and volunteer experience with local animal shelters to her work, reflecting a deep-rooted passion for community connection and animal welfare. Before joining our team, she worked as an analyst in the health and wellness industry, where she developed a strong foundation in data-driven solutions and operational support. Andrea is known for her compassionate approach and ability to connect with people and pets alike. At home, she’s surrounded by her beloved rescue dogs and husband. In her free time, she enjoys creating handmade dog clothing, playing video games and attending live concerts.

Christopher Harris, President

Chris joined the board of directors in 2014 as treasurer and has served as board president since 2017. He is an audit and advisory partner with Hutchinson & Bloodgood LLP, who moved to Santa Barbara in 2012 after spending more than 12 years with PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP in Los Angeles. He received his Bachelor of the Arts in Economics and Accounting from Claremont McKenna College. He is a member of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Chris has a passion for serving the nonprofit industry both in a professional and personal capacity. In addition to his role with C.A.R.E.4Paws, he serves as board president at Alpha Resource Center of Santa Barbara, treasurer for the Santa Barbara Symphony, and vice president for the Santa Barbara Running Association.

Chris is a passionate cyclist usually found on the beach at sunset with his pup, Lulu.

Kathryn Courain, Treasurer

A partner at Avalan Wealth Management, Kathryn has more than two decades of experience assisting high-net-worth clients with their total wealth management needs, including perpetual trust planning, private foundation and charitable planning, commercial financing and tax planning. Kathryn grew up in Santa Barbara County and was an avid equestrian for more than 30 years. She has a passion for supporting animal welfare charities, especially C.A.R.E.4Paws with its focus on providing proactive, progressive and educational solutions to the problems facing pets and their owners.

Cindy Whelan, Director

Cindy grew up in Fairfax Virginia, outside of Washington DC, and moved to Santa Barbara in 2003 to marry her husband, Nick. Cindy has worked in the telecommunications industry for many years in a variety of sales and marketing roles. She grew up with cats, but discovered the joy of dogs when she met Lucky, Nick’s golden retriever. Cindy joined a golden retriever rescue in 2014, where she found Rusty, who became a beloved family member. Through rescue, her eyes were opened to the plight of dogs that were surrendered or abandoned and she become committed to helping animals in need. Cindy has volunteered with Santa Barbara Animal Services since 2019, and joined the C.A.R.E.4Paws team in early 2020.

Dr. Alex Gomes, Director

Dr. Alex Gomes was born and raised on the Central Coast of California. After graduating high school, he joined the United States Army, where he served two tours in Iraq and was honorably discharged. He then spent several years working in wildlife rehabilitation in the Pacific Northwest while earning his bachelor’s degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology. Next, he attended veterinary school at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. After graduating, Dr. Gomes moved back to the central coast to be closer to his family.

Dr. Gomes spends his time working as a general practitioner in Templeton, CA. He is also the regional representative for the Street Dog Coalition, a group providing no-cost preventative care and medical treatments to pets of the unhoused. His passion for providing veterinary services to underserved communities led him to cross paths with C.A.R.E.4Paws. For years, Dr. Gomes has aided as a traveling relief surgeon for our wellness and spay-a-thon events. More recently, he helped create collaboration between C.A.R.E.4Paws and the Street Dog Coalition to widen the availability of medical assistance for pets of the unhoused. His belief in C.A.R.E.4Paws’ values and mission statement inexorably drew him to join the organization’s board of directors. 

Laura Sanders, Director

Ron Guadagno, Director

Kathryn Courain, Treasurer

A partner at Avalan Wealth Management, Kathryn has more than two decades of experience assisting high-net-worth clients with their total wealth management needs, including perpetual trust planning, private foundation and charitable planning, commercial financing and tax planning. Kathryn grew up in Santa Barbara County and was an avid equestrian for more than 30 years. She has a passion for supporting animal welfare charities, especially C.A.R.E.4Paws with its focus on providing proactive, progressive and educational solutions to the problems facing pets and their owners.

Cindy Whelan, Director

Cindy grew up in Fairfax Virginia, outside of Washington DC, and moved to Santa Barbara in 2003 to marry her husband, Nick. Cindy has worked in the telecommunications industry for many years in a variety of sales and marketing roles. She grew up with cats, but discovered the joy of dogs when she met Lucky, Nick’s golden retriever. Cindy joined a golden retriever rescue in 2014, where she found Rusty, who became a beloved family member. Through rescue, her eyes were opened to the plight of dogs that were surrendered or abandoned and she become committed to helping animals in need. Cindy has volunteered with Santa Barbara Animal Services since 2019, and joined the C.A.R.E.4Paws team in early 2020.

Laura Sanders, Director