Meet Our Vet!

Debbie grew up in Orlando playing in the woods across the street from her home. She always knew she wanted to work with wildlife, but wasn’t sure how to make it happen. In early 1990, she took a job with Orange County Animal Services. During torientation at the shelter, she was told that she might at some point be working directly with Carmen Shaw (Founder of Back to Nature) She knew the name because she had spoken with Carmen after seeing an article in the newspaper about the oil spill and that Carmen was going to Alaska to help. Debbie spent the next nine years volunteering most evenings after work and almost every weekend. It was then that a rare opportunity presented itself for Debbie to be paid staff. She left the position with the county and followed her heart to the refuge. “I have practically grown up with the animals at the refuge and they are my family, as well as the volunteers, Carmen and her family. Carmen took me under her wing all those years ago and has entrusted me with her life’s work. What a privilege and a blessing it has been! I am looking very forward to the next chapter in our book for the refuge, and it is going to be an even more amazing journey than it has already been!”

All her life, Stacey has had a true passion for all animals. To her parents’ dismay, she brought home any orphan or injured animal that crossed her path. In August 2010, a 3 day old squirrel did just that and it brought her here to Back to Nature. Stacey was familiar with our refuge having brought her 2 boys here ever since they were young. A stay at home for the past 18 years (her kids now in high school) and wanting to give back to her community, she became a volunteer the very next day. After 4 months, the rare opportunity for a staff position became available and Stacey ecstatically accepted. “That I can actively impact these animals’ lives and learn so much from these caring and passionate people is truly an answered prayer! I look forward to being a part of the team that helps takes the refuge to the next step in its growth.” She now uses her experience in Marketing and Promotions to bring new and creative ideas to the center. As well as daily animal care specialist, she is also our new raccoon rehabber at the refuge. Stacey grew up in Cocoa, Fl and now lives in Oviedo with her husband Michael and her boys, Blake and Kyle, who are also volunteers at Back to Nature.