Our Amazing Team

Cassandra’s passion for animal welfare began early, growing up she volunteered at her local Humane Society and worked part time at a veterinary clinic. Her passion led her to Northern College, where she graduated as a Veterinary Technician in 2006. That same year, Cassandra moved to Barrie and founded Precious Paws Rescue after several years experience working with many different animal rescue organizations.

Cassandra’s career path included working as an Animal Control Officer for the City of Toronto, working in Emergency Veterinary Medicine, managing a busy Veterinary Practice and, today, a full-time role in Philanthropy within post-secondary education. Over the years, Cassandra has guided Precious Paws through tremendous growth, helping to shape it into the compassionate, community-focused organization it is today.

Cassandra is especially passionate about Precious Paws’ Loved At Home program, with a focus on keeping more pets with the families who love them through community outreach as well as offering remote mobile clinics in northern Ontario First Nations.

Today, Cassandra balances her role as Founder and Board Chair with life at home alongside her husband Gerald, their three active young boys, three dogs; Cooper, Amara, and Piper, and of course, Pete the Cat.

Mary-Lou’s love for animals started at a young age with her very first pet, a bunny named Snowball. Supported by her parents, she grew up surrounded by a variety of animals—rabbits, birds, fish, ducks, and two beloved Black Labs, Coal and Blue. Her passion for rescue work also began early; at just 10 years old, she contacted the Orillia SPCA to help a mother cat and her kittens she found in an abandoned house.

In 2008, Mary-Lou first connected with Precious Paws Rescue after spotting a car magnet ad and signing up to foster. Less than a year later, she welcomed her first foster pups into her home. Since then, she has been a dedicated supporter, lending her skills and energy to help the rescue grow. A chef by trade, Mary-Lou has used her talents to plan and execute delicious fundraising events and even launched our annual fall auction, which continues to be a key fundraiser for the organization.

In 2016, Mary-Lou joined the Precious Paws Board of Directors, where she has played an important role in guiding the organization’s growth and supporting its mission. For her, the most rewarding part of rescue is seeing the joy when families meet their newest four-legged member for the first time—moments she describes as nothing short of magical.

At home, Mary-Lou shares her life with her dogs, Joy and Mavis, and her cats, Pink, Marigold, and Maude. Her dedication, creativity, and compassion have made a lasting impact on Precious Paws and the many animals and families we serve.

Norman has been a dedicated volunteer with Precious Paws Rescue for over 15 years and joined the Board of Directors in 2019. Over the years, he and his family have fostered dozens of dogs for Precious Paws, as well as countless cats and kittens through partnerships with other rescues. Their home has been a safe haven for a wide range of animals - from cats and dogs to rats, a tree frog, and even two wasps - reflecting Norman’s deep compassion for all creatures.   When he joined the Board as Treasurer in 2019, Norman played a pivotal role in helping Precious Paws achieve registered charity status, a milestone that strengthened the organization’s foundation and positioned it for continued growth. His leadership and professional expertise have been instrumental in guiding the rescue through this important step and beyond.   With 35 years of military service, more than 15 years experience serving on the boards of registered Canadian charities and a Masters in Business Administration degee, Norman brings a wealth of governance, financial, and leadership knowledge to Precious Paws. His contributions have supported the organization's growth, sustainability, and long-term impact, ensuring that Precious Paws can continue helping animals and the families who love them for years to come.   At home, Norman and his family share their lives with three adopted cats, while continuing to open their doors to animals in need. His commitment to both the operational and hands-on aspects of rescue makes him an invaluable part of the Precious Paws leadership team.

Amanda’s lifelong connection to animals was shaped by growing up in a family of animal lovers and spending much of her time in Northern Ontario, where her passion for the outdoors and animal welfare first began.

Her journey with Precious Paws Rescue started more than 13 years ago when she became a sponsor of the organization’s annual golf tournament. Inspired by the mission and impact of the rescue, Amanda quickly became more deeply involved - taking on roles as a foster, leading fundraising initiatives, and now overseeing both our foster and adoption coordinator teams. Her dedication, leadership, and hands-on approach have made her an integral part of the team, and she is proud to serve on the Board of Directors, helping to guide the organization’s continued growth and impact.

Professionally, Amanda brings strong business and management expertise to the Board. After a successful career in real estate, she transitioned to managing a diverse portfolio of real estate investments and assets. Her professional background, combined with her commitment to animal welfare, brings valuable skills in strategic planning, organization, and leadership to Precious Paws Rescue.  

Amanda calls Simcoe County home, where she lives with her husband, children, and their Saint Bernard. Dogs have always played a central role in her life, and today she finds great joy in watching her children build the same meaningful connections with their own pet and foster dogs.

Doug’s love for dogs started at a young age when his family brought home their first boxer, Casey. Over the years, several more family dogs followed, and in 2008 Doug adopted his first dog of his own — Pumba, from Precious Paws Rescue. Since then, he has continued to open his heart to rescues, adopting two more dogs in 2015 and 2017, and most recently welcoming another Precious Paws dog in 2025.

A graduate of Georgian College’s Business Administration program, Doug built a 29-year career in the casino industry before retiring in 2025. Looking for meaningful ways to give back, he began volunteering with Precious Paws in 2020 and later became a foster in 2023. Doug finds great joy in working alongside fellow volunteers and considers his involvement with Precious Paws one of the most rewarding chapters of his life. Today, he enjoys retirement with his two dogs, Jackson and Barney, and spends as much time as possible camping and exploring the outdoors with them in his travel trailer.