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 Ocala County, Florida, our mission is to Rescue, Recover, Release injured, sick, and orphaned wild animals. Using compassionate methods, we ensure safe capture and transportation to licensed rehabilitators and veterinarians, providing these animals with the care they need to recover and return to the wild.
ROW proudly serves Marion County and The Villages, while extending assistance to surrounding areas when needed most. Our dedicated Wildlife Rescuers often travel long distances—sometimes over an hour each way—to save a single animal, demonstrating our commitment to making a meaningful difference, one rescue at a time.
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 founded Rescuing Ocala Wildlife (ROW) after moving to Marion County in 2022 and is proud to serve as Board President. She is passionate about humane education, conservation, and values cultivating a love for wildlife and the outdoors within future generations. Mikayla has experience in nonprofit animal welfare as well as veterinary medicine, and has now returned to to school to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She has always been particularly enamored with Florida's wildlife and their welfare and especially loves birds of prey. You can find Mikayla doing anything from field rescues to talking to the community about our wildlife, and loving every second 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.
Leslye Hardin
Secretary
Leslye is a Veterinary Hospital Manager in Asheville, North Carolina. She has studied both Veterinary Medicine and Business Management at Purdue and Kent State University. Leslye taught Animal Education and Environmental Awareness at Walt Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and she now enjoys spending time hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway and chasing waterfalls in Pisgah National Forest. Before hospital management, Leslye worked in shelter medicine and animal rescue for over ten years. Leslye believes a love for wildlife is essential to understand and appreciate our own place in the world.
Mary Campbell
Officer
Mary Campbell 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 wellfare with Open Hands Animal Rescue, which eventually led to her current role at the Humane Society of Marion County. In addition to her work there, Mary serves as a board member for Rescuing Ocala Wildlife, where she continues her advocacy for both wild and domesticated animals.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Mary enjoys spending time with her own pack of dogs and cats, often hiking, kayaking, and swimming with them. Her life is a testament to her unwavering commitment to animal welfare and the preservation of the environment.
Diana Reese
Officer
Diana Reese has dedicated her life to animal care and education, with a career spanning both the veterinary and medical communities. Her professional journey began in Lafayette, Indiana, working in veterinary care in her early twenties, before transitioning to the medical field in Columbus, Ohio. An orthopedic injury led to her retirement in 2000, but her passion for animals and wildlife conservation remained a driving force in her life.
Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Diana lived there until 2009, when she relocated to Southern California for 13 years. In February 2022, she settled here, in Southeast Marion County, where she continues her commitment to wildlife and animal care.
Diana’s dedication to wildlife rescue and education is evident in her work with the Audubon Society and Ohio Nature Education, where she focused on bat education and rescue efforts. While living in Southern California, she expanded her efforts to include bat rescue and safely relocating rattlesnakes near the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Preserve in Murrieta.
In addition to her hands-on wildlife work, Diana served as the Public Relations Director for the Southwest Riverside County Fire Safe Council from 2018 to 2022, where she supported community safety initiatives.
A lifelong animal lover, Diana grew up in a family that always had dogs and has shared her life with various pets, including cats. She currently cares for four donkeys and two dogs at her home, demonstrating her deep love and commitment to animals of all kinds.
Cara Sznurkowski
Officer
Cara Sznurkowski 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.