PROJECT CANIS
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Meet Our Team

Isabela Estrada

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Executive Director

​Isabela Estrada (she/they) graduated from the University of Florida with a BFA in Acting and a minor in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. Growing up around animals has inspired her love for them, in turn causing her interest in Project Canis. Isabela has a history of working with animals, beginning in middle school when they volunteered at an equine therapy center. She believes in the power of giving back and is proud to continue that work with Project Canis. Isabela originally worked with Project Canis as Outreach Coordinator for 4 years, but has recently stepped into the role of Executive Director. They would love to give a big shoutout to their dog Teddy for being the best boy in the world.

Leah Ungarten

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Associate Director

Leah grew up in South Florida and moved back to Gainesville in December 2022. She has a bachelor's degree from UF and is currently finishing up her Masters Degree. Leah has always grown up with animals and currently has two dogs, Obi, 8 years old, and Kneesaa, 2 years old. Over the last 14 years she has worked with many non-profits and animal rescues and is excited to work with Project Canis.

Wendi Mucke

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Operations Manager

Wendi Mucke (she/her) attended the University of Florida in the 1990s, where she studied Special Education with a focus on children with unique needs. With a longstanding career in healthcare operations, Wendi has always been driven by a deep desire to support those who need it most. Her work is guided by compassion, efficiency, and a belief in meeting people where they are. She is excited to bring her experience and heart to her new role as Operations Manager. Outside of work, Wendi's 3 year-old Doberman, Gunnar— is one of her most enthusiastic cheerleaders! 

Ingrida Bobanis

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Finance Manager

Ingrida's interests are quite diverse, and she finds equal enjoyment in attending a ballet or a soccer match. Having grown up in Europe and lived in New Jersey for many years, she has a profound affection for animals, which prompted her to adopt a vegetarian diet in 2012 and a vegan lifestyle in 2018. Ingrida's passions for mathematics and animals are equally intense, and she is privileged to apply her abilities to promote animal welfare, including the rescue of Rottweilers.

Patricia Fortunato

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Fundraising Manager

Patricia Fortunato is a leader in content, communications, grants, and philanthropy with experience spanning nonprofits, startups, academic medicine, and health care. She has dedicated her career to eliminating disparities in social determinants of health and advancing health justice. Patricia is committed to advancing inclusion and accessibility, and advocates for service, emotional support, and therapy animals for neurodivergent and disabled people. She joins Project Canis as Fundraising Manager, leading grants and philanthropy in support of organizational advancement.

Nicole Heskin

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Communications Coordinator

Nicole Heskin is a passionate animal welfare professional. For over 6 years, she has had the privilege of working in animal shelters across the U.S. on program development, leadership, outreach, and shelter medicine. She is driven by her strong belief in the welfare and well-being of animals and the people who care for them. She holds a Master of Education and is working on her 2nd Master's in Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management at Colorado State University. Nicole resides in Minnesota with her husband, 2 German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and 11 guinea pigs. She is excited to be part of Project Canis and assist in ensuring every shelter pet has a toy!

Daisy Dean

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Outreach Coordinator
Daisy Dean graduated from the University of Nebraska-Omaha with a Bachelor's of Business Administration with concentrations in Marketing and International Business. Post-grad, she worked for a nationally recognized non-profit where she gained experience in non-profit communication, design, and community development. She has a knack for creative storytelling and creating engaging content. Daisy has three cats, Cheddar (12), Felix (4) and Frankie (4), that she rescued from the streets as kittens. She is dedicated to the well-being of animals of all kinds, which led her to join Project Canis.

Vincent Zou

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Marketing Coordinator

Vincent Zou brings a rich blend of creativity and strategic expertise to Project Canis. With a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Business from the University of Nottingham and a Master of Science in Marketing from SKEMA Business School, Vincent is an expert for elevating online presences through innovative strategies and compelling storytelling. Passionate about animals, he joined Project Canis with dedication to create impactful campaigns that help improve life for shelter animals. Among other languages, Vincent also speaks fluent Cat.

  • Volunteer
  • About
    • FAQ
    • Staff
    • Board of Directors
  • Support
    • Donate
    • Become a Member
    • Sponsor
  • Merch
  • Contact Us
    • Service Hours Form
    • Follow Us