Meet Our Team

Paris Miller

Founder, Executive Director

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 Zesty Paws. 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.

Hallie Bell

Associate Director

Hallie Bell, a graduate from the University of Florida, received her Bachelors in History in December of 2023. In 2019, she welcomed Zeta, a six-year-old red border collie mix, into her life, having adopted the canine companion from a local shelter. Over the past five years, Hallie has dedicated her time to working with animals, gaining invaluable experience in various local animal shelters and dog boarding facilities located in the Gainesville and Sarasota areas. She firmly believes in the significance of toy enrichment for the overall health and well-being of shelter dogs. Her passion and commitment to the welfare of dogs have led her to contribute to the ongoing efforts of Project Canis.

Claudio Herrera

Finance Manager

Claudio Herrera, a Florida Native, studied at the University of Florida earning a Bachelor's in Business Administration. Since his childhood he was always drawn towards animals and eventually had a pet of his own. He was an odd mix of a Black Lab and Chihuahua named Hercules. Through Project Canis he deepens his adoration of pets and is grateful for the chance to give back.

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.

Danielle Gallardo

Communications Coordinator

Danielle studied communications in Colombia before moving to the USA in 2019, where she immersed herself in fundraising work. Finding fulfillment in assisting those in need, she discovered one of her passions. With a lifelong affinity for animals, spending time with and aiding creatures in need comes naturally to Danielle. Her passion for animal welfare runs deep; she firmly believes every animal deserves love and care. Growing up with dogs around, Danielle now has a dog named Nash, who teaches her that every day is a great day. She is also looking forward to starting fostering in the near future. Joining Project Canis signifies more than just a role for Danielle - enabling her to positively impact the world around her. 

Isabela Estrada

Outreach Coordinator

​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.

Taylor Carlson

Senior Marketing Analyst

Taylor Carlson is currently pursuing her MBA at the University of Miami after graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in General Business with a specialization in International Studies. Her background in animal welfare began when she started volunteering at an animal shelter in high school. Taylor has volunteered over 500 hours and has fostered 13 animals at the local Humane Society in Gainesville. By being involved with Project Canis, Taylor will use her passion for animal welfare to help even more animals.

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!