About Us

Athea Pagano is the founder of Elevation Animal Rescue and serves as the board president. Ms. Pagano is a paid employee as she is in charge of the daily operations. Athea is a certified humane education specialist and has worked in many facets of the animal care field over the past 22 years including but not limited to; running the animal care department of a non-profit municipal shelter, adoption counseling, behavior modification, public services, as well as veterinary medicine. Ms. Pagano brings an immense amount of passion combined with integrity and invaluable knowledge pertaining to the ever evolving animal care field. Her duties in detail are listed in our By-Laws in attachment part II, Line 5. Ms. Pagano is responsible for running the day to day operations of the mobile spay and neuter clinic, including hiring, training, record keeping, scheduling, inventory, and will actively work as a surgical assistant. She oversees all programs and continually manages the policies and procedures. As President Ms. Pagano attends meetings of our board of directors and votes on board decisions; oversees the day to day operations of the rescue to ensure all activities are in accordance with section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Ms. Pagano works 40hrs/week.

Christa Pera is a volunteer and she serves as the media and marketing director. As a director she attends the meetings of our board of directors and votes on board decisions. Mrs. Pera brings over 20 years of experience in multiple fields. Personal relations and communications are the passion that drives her ambition. She brings insight and the ability to help implement and assess the needs and services via various mediums and enjoys her rewarding work for this rescue. Her duties are described in detail in our By-Laws, attachment part II, Line 5. As Media Director, Mrs. Pera is responsible for ensuring all information is posted to the corporation’s website and any social media sites accurately and in a timely manner. This includes the current status of all dogs in our care, news, events, educational materials, contact information, TNR program information, mobile spay and neuter clinic schedule, and the notification of upcoming sponsored free public spay and neuter days. Mrs. Pera has been a part of the day to day operations since inception. Christa Pera works approximately 5hr/week.

Dr. Barbosa is a volunteer and serves as the Vice President. Her duties are described in detail in our By-Laws, attachment part II, Line 5. Dr. Barbosa performs the duties of the board president in the absence or disability of the board president.  Dr. Barbosa first entered the wildlife field as a research assistant at the Long Marine Lab while completing a bachelor’s degree in marine biology at UC Santa Cruz. She then obtained her veterinary degree and a Masters of Preventive Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis. Following a small animal internship at PetCare and then a marine mammal medicine and pathology internship at The Marine Mammal Center, Lorraine has spent her time working with both small animals and wildlife. As a veterinarian at California Wildlife Center, she provided clinical, surgical, and rehabilitative care for a variety of avian, terrestrial, and marine mammal species. In addition to clinical work, Lorraine has also enjoyed collaborating on several marine mammal field research projects in Central and South America. In 2017, she became certified as a Diplomate of the American College of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, and in 2018 she began working as a staff veterinarian for the Oiled Wildlife Care Network.  Dr. Barbosa has been involved in the development of the rescue’s programs since its inception. She directly oversees the medical policies and procedures of the mobile spay and neuter clinic.  Her hours worked are on an as needed basis.                 

Daniel Morris is a volunteer and serves as the Secretary. He attends the meetings of our board of directors and votes on board decisions. His duties are described in detail in our By-Laws, attachment part II, Line 5. Mr. Morris is responsible for recording all minutes and actions taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors, maintaining such documents and ensuring all required documents are kept up to date in accordance with federal, state and local regulations. As a full-time Bio Tech Company, which is Mr. Morris’s full time professional career, he brings an invaluable set of skills. He has extensive experience in communications, committee procedures, organization, record keeping and meeting critical deadlines. His experience includes but is not limited to the following; good documentation practices (GDPs), reading and writing S.O.Ps, and ensuring current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs). Mr. Morris works on an as needed basis. 

Angela Pierucci is a volunteer and serves as the Treasurer. She attends the meetings of our board of directors and votes on board decisions. Her duties are described in detail in our By-Laws, attachment part II, Line 5. Mrs. Pierucci is responsible for maintaining the financial records of the corporation via accounting software; providing reports to the Board of Directors on the corporation's financial status; and serves as the chief fundraising volunteer. Mrs. Pierucci has been involved in the day to day financial operations of the corporation since the inception. Having previously owned her own business, she is

knowledgeable in all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, marketing, negotiating, and getting the most from a dollar. She enjoys spending time researching various avenues for the corporation to raise funds to accomplish its mission and objectives in accordance with all federal and state regulations. Mrs. Pierucci works 15-20 hrs./month.