Meet Our Team

Isabela Estrada

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. She would love to give a big shoutout to her dog Teddy for being the best boy in the world.

Leah Ungarten

Associate Director

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

Ingrida Boabonis

Finance Manager

My interests are quite diverse, and I find equal enjoyment in attending a ballet or a soccer match. Having grown up in Europe and lived in New Jersey for many years, I have a profound affection for animals, which prompted me to adopt a vegetarian diet in 2012 and a vegan lifestyle in 2018. My passions for mathematics and animals are equally intense, and I am privileged to apply my abilities to promote animal welfare, including the rescue of Rottweilers.

Lillian Withers

Operations Manager

Lillian Withers, a Gainesville native and Florida State University
alumna, holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences with 
​concentrations in environmental studies and law/policy. Driven by her passion for animals and commitment to her community, she finds no better way to contribute than by supporting Project Canis, dedicated to enhancing the lives of sheltered animals in Florida. She currently
has two adopted kitties of her own, Phoebe and Odin.

Nicole Heskin

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!

Fundraising Manager (open)

Sarah Strohminger

Marketing Coordinator

Sarah Strohminger holds a Master of Sustainable Development Practice from the University of Florida, and a BA in Liberal Arts from Flagler College. While her professional pursuits lie in equitable access to food and water, the first research paper she wrote in college was on "The Value of Pets." Sarah appreciates upcycling of all kinds and her two cats especially appreciate Project Canis's Braid toy!

Vincent Zou

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.