Meet Our Board

Paris Miller

Founder, President

Paris Miller founded Project Canis in 2020 to help every shelter animal get a toy and ultimately find their furever homes. She works to support animal wellness in her career as an E-Commerce Account Manager for pet brands Zesty Paws and Solid Gold. She graduated from the University of Florida Honors program with a dual degree in Business Administration and Sustainability Studies and a minor in Nonprofit Organizational Leadership. Paris loves to foster and TNR cats in her free time and has her own foster fail, Cardi.
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Heather Martin

Board Member

​Heather Martin is the Chief Operating Officer of Heading Home and a nonprofit leader with 20+ years of experience in strategic operations, program development, and organizational leadership. She holds an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University. As a board member, she is committed to supporting Project Canis' growth and impact. When she’s not working, she’s likely searching for a tennis ball her rescue chiweenie, Solo, knocked under the couch.

Cara Laurello

Board Member

Cara has 30 years of experience in the fields of Ethics & Compliance, Legal, and Regulatory Affairs. In addition to Project Canis, she actively volunteers to support her local community.  Cara’s family wouldn’t be complete without their rescue dog, Cooper, who shares his personality and affection with everyone he meets.​

Nick Santaferrara

Treasurer

​I was born and raised in Syracuse, NY where I attended LeMoyne college in which I double majored in Finance and Applied Management Analysis with a minor in Economics.  After college I have spent 16 years in the corporate Finance world with companies such as UPS, DOT Foods, and WYNIT Distribution.  Along the way I also worked with the Syracuse SPCA for 4 years which really cultivated my love for working with animals and giving back.  Currently,  my time is spent as the CFO for M&S Fire Protection in New York as well as operating a consulting business.  In my personal time I love playing and watching sports, weight training, and of course spending as much time as possible with the handsome guy in the photo.....my pup, Rocket J. Squirrel!

Kate MacFall

Board Member

A 13-year resident of Florida and long-time animal advocate, Kate MacFall became the Florida State Director of The Humane Society of the United States in April of 2012. Kate is a great fan of "bully breeds" and has also been a strong advocate for Florida's greyhounds for many years.

Cherie Fine

Board Member

Cherie Fine is a partner in the law firm of Fine, Farkash and Parlapiano, P.A. She is a double gator and has been on the board of the local Humane Society for over 10 years.

Paris Osaze-Allen

Board Member

My name is Paris Osaze-Allen. I am 29 years old. I have a Bachelors in Criminal Justice and a Masters in Science Management. I manage a Hertz Car Rental in Jax, FL. I’ve been married for almost six years, and I have an eleven year old daughter. I have served on the board of Project Canis for the last three years. I have worked with animals as long as I can remember, starting as a pet sitter, to grooming, to working at an animal shelter, to volunteer work within many different shelters. 

Drew Wiltsie

Board Member

Drew Wiltsie is a recent University of Florida graduate with a degree in Finance. His love for animals led him to get involved in Project Canis and he is excited to bring joy to the shelter animals' lives. He has a Golden Retriever named Miles and an English Bulldog named Ryder. Project Canis gives him the opportunity to further his passion of animals.

Mike FitzGibbon

Director of Strategic Planning

Mike is a lifelong resident of Rocky River, Ohio. He has 30 years of experience in business ownership, consulting for nonprofit organizations, and volunteering primarily at the board level. Mike is the Executive Director of the World Group Foundation. Having received his BA in History from Miami University, Mike went on to get an MA in Classical Languages and Literatures at the University of Kentucky, and a PhD in Policy History from Case Western Reserve University. His areas of expertise include strategic planning, leadership, and revenue diversification for nonprofits. A lifelong dog dad, his best buddy is Marlen, a 12 year old golden retriever. Mike’s interests include reading, hiking, and snow-based activities.