Meet our Team

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Second Chance Rescue prides itself on offering an infinite amount of chances to animals in need. No matter their condition, our staff takes them in, provides top-notch care, and works round the clock to ensure every animal's life meets our standard of joyful. 

However, every last bit of this would be next to impossible without our amazing staff that keeps our sanctuary up and running. Would you like to meet them? We thought so.

First, we'd like to introduce our Executive Director, Sidney Lewis. She shared with us that her passion for animal welfare started at an early age and continued as she progressed through high school and college. 

"When I was little, my mom and I were constantly rescuing orphaned kittens. By high school, I had filled our house to the brim with animals: dogs, cats - one time I even rescued a mockingbird! In college, I spent my time volunteering at the local shelter and interning there as well. I am so grateful my passion for animals gets to continue through my work with Second Chance."

Our executive director's first head shot!


Social media and website design is a lot to keep up with. Luckily, we have been blessed with the phenomenal Caleb Gordon to keep everything updated and running smoothly. 

His motivation? It's all about the stories. 

"I've always been the kind of guy that really cares about stories. Working at and for an animal sanctuary brings me in contact with incredible stories of survival and overcoming. These animals have been through so much, and it is my honor to share their stories with the world through our social media outlets and website."

Caleb doing what he's best at! 


Our care team is next in the line up. We have two veterinarians, Patrick Wales and Opal Fern. Dr. Wales specializes in exotic animals, like parrots, snakes and lizards. Dr. Fern works with our traditional pets. 

When asked what made their work at Second Chance so meaningful, both had a lot to say.

Dr. Wales said, "I've just always had a love for animals. Whether it was pulling over to help turtles cross the road or saving toads from traps - I've always wanted to help. My work with the sanctuary helps me do just that."

Dr. Fern shared, "when I was in college I got into a bit of a dark place. My counselor recommended I begin volunteering at the local shelter and that's where I found my calling. Ever since then, I've wanted to be there for animals in need." 

Dr. Fern with her favorite rescue, Pudge 

Dr. Wales with one of our many reptile residents

In addition to our vet staff, there are several other members of our rehabilitation team. You've already met Daniel Marsh, our aviary caretaker, so we'd also like to introduce Suzy Lee (reptiles), Baker Sheldon (dogs and cats), and Julia Crown (our "everything and anything" gal). 

Baker Sheldon with his personal cat, Chester

Suzy Lee and her son, Brandon

Daniel Marsh 

Julia Crown and our one resident baboon

When asked what made this job so special, each of them echoed that it was the animals. Crown, our longest running caretaker, said seeing each animal move from despair into joy is what keeps her going.

"It can be hard and taxing at times, because it seems as if there is always a new animal being abandoned, always someone being an irresponsible pet-owner. However, when you meet these animals they are on the brink of death. We bring them back to life and get to know them personally. Everyone on the rehab team is a close friend of mine, and I think I can speak for all of us when I say that's what's special about the job." 

Finally, we couldn't do this without YOU! Any maintenance, grounds work, repairs, and odds and ends are completed entirely through our amazing volunteer network. Without you, none if it would be possible. 

Thank you for being a member of our team and helping us give second chances to the animals that so desperately need them. 








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