ABOUT US
Who
We Are
Rescuing Ocala Wildlife (ROW) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization powered entirely by volunteers and driven by a deep passion for wildlife. Based in Marion County, Florida, our mission is to Rescue, Recover, Release injured, sick, and orphaned wild animals. We are one of very few licensed wildlife rehabilitation centers in Central Florida that serves multiple species.
ROW proudly serves Marion County and The Villages, extending our reach to areas who are without other resources for wildlife in need.
We operate solely through individual donations, private grants, and the tireless efforts of our volunteers, without any city, state, or federal funding. Every dollar and resource is reinvested directly into our mission, ensuring the well-being and conservation of Central Florida’s wildlife. By fostering community support, promoting humane education, and inspiring coexistence with our wild neighbors, we strive to create a brighter future for wildlife and the communities we serve.
Board of Directors
Mikayla Frierson
President & Founder
Mikayla began her career in nonprofit animal rescue in 2016, which led her into veterinary medicine and ultimately into wildlife rehabilitation. After moving to Ocala from South Florida and recognizing the lack of local resources for wildlife in need, she founded ROW in 2022 to help bridge that gap. She is passionate about humane education and conservation, and she values inspiring a love for wildlife and the outdoors in future generations.
As a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, Mikayla emphasizes a clinical, evidence-based approach while maintaining deep compassion and empathy for every animal that comes through ROW’s doors. She is committed to using advanced technologies and current best practices to support the successful rehabilitation and release of wildlife, always prioritizing animal welfare and the best interest of each patient. Continuing education remains central to her work, allowing her knowledge and skills to grow alongside developments in the field. Deeply inspired by Florida’s native species, especially birds of prey, Mikayla can be found doing everything from field rescues to on-site rehab, to community outreach, and she truly loves every moment of it.
Teresa Boyda
Vice President
Teresa has always loved the great outdoors, growing up tent camping with her family and being a Girl Guide in Northern Ontario, Canada. Moving to Florida in 2000 with her husband and son, her affinity for the outdoors continues with regular camping trips to different state parks and remote recreation areas. She believes that being surrounded by nature, and its flora and fauna, rejuvenates and uplifts the spirit and restores the mind, body, and soul. With genuine love and compassion for others, Teresa volunteered for many years with fundraising events for organizations that support at-risk youth and their families in South Florida before relocating to Central Florida in July 2021.
Natalie Monroe-Heatherly
Secretary
Natalie is a veterinarian and lifelong animal advocate who believes that the compassion shown to domestic animals should also extend to the wildlife we share our surroundings with. After completing college and veterinary school in Tennessee, she moved back to Florida with a renewed appreciation for the state’s natural beauty and biodiversity, which fuels her passion for wildlife protection and public education. She is certified in veterinary acupuncture and practices integrative medicine, combining conventional care with Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and other complementary therapies, with a special fondness for senior patients. Natalie shares her home with her husband, Matthew, dogs Gypsy and Yuengling, cat Cocoa Bean, and their axolotl Mojito.
Angel Bale
Treasurer
Angel has a passion for wildlife rescue and environmental stewardship that began early in life and has continued to grow through her involvement in hands-on conservation work. She is deeply committed to protecting the natural world and supporting the people and organizations who make that possible. Angel is currently completing her Associate's degree with a concentration in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, which has strengthened her understanding of Florida’s ecosystems and the challenges facing native species.
Living in Florida has shown her the importance of community education and accessible outreach in shaping how people interact with wildlife, which is one of the reasons she was drawn to ROW.
As Treasurer, Angel brings financial awareness, organization, and a strategic mindset to support ROW’s long-term sustainability. She enjoys finding creative ways to maximize resources, strengthen partnerships, and expand the organization’s impact, particularly through public education and programs that help families coexist safely and compassionately with wildlife.
Mary Campbell
Officer
Mary is a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation and animal welfare, with deep roots in the Ocala National Forest. Growing up surrounded by nature, Mary has always been dedicated to preserving local ecosystems and connecting with her community to protect wildlife.
Mary holds an Associate's Degree in Veterinary Science from the College of Central Florida and is committed to lifelong learning about the diverse species that inhabit the region. She began her career in animal welfare with Open Hands Animal Rescue, which eventually led to her current role at Wildlife Works LLC.
Casey Fredette
Officer
Casey Fredette is a published author, wildlife rehabilitator, and educator with over 20 years of experience in animal welfare, conservation, and public outreach. He has held executive leadership roles at multiple nonprofit animal shelters and wildlife sanctuaries. Based in Crystal River, Florida, he specializes in manatees and Gulf Coast ecosystems. He holds a Master’s degree in Wildlife Conservation and Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science. Through his writing, photography, and educational work, Casey focuses on ethical wildlife interaction and fostering stewardship through understanding.
David "DJ" McGregor
Officer
DJ's love for wildlife began early through childhood camping trips, time spent outdoors, and moving to Tennessee at a young age—experiences that helped shape a deep respect for nature. Growing up catching and releasing snakes and responsibly raising reptiles
fostered a lifelong appreciation for wildlife and ethical animal care. In 2018, DJ became vegan,
guided by the belief that every animal deserves a chance at life. As an animal care volunteer and board
member, DJ brings compassion, hands-on experience, and a strong commitment to supporting
ethical rehabilitation, education, and giving injured and displaced wildlife the opportunity to heal
and return to the wild.
Cara Sznurkowski
Officer
Cara is a passionate environmental conservationist with a deep commitment to preserving and protecting Florida’s native wildlife. With a background in Environmental Science and advanced degrees from the University of Florida, including a Bachelor's in Entomology & Nematology and a Master’s in Forest Resources and Conservation, Cara brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Rescuing Ocala Wildlife Board of Directors.
Her professional journey has been marked by leadership roles in outdoor programming and conservation, where she has successfully managed initiatives that engage communities and protect natural habitats. Cara's dedication to wildlife preservation is complemented by her hands-on experience in environmental education, outreach, and strategic project management.
As a member of ROW’s Board of Directors, Cara is eager to contribute her skills to expanding the organization’s impact and fostering a strong connection between the community and Ocala’s diverse wildlife. Her passion for nature, combined with her collaborative spirit, makes her a valuable addition to the ROW team.
