About Us

Hi! I’m Dawna.

I’m the founder and Executive Director of Nickel City Cats. I created NCC because I wanted to do something practical about the cat overpopulation crisis in our community and build the kind of rescue I would genuinely want to be part of—and, well… here we are!

Before 2020, I wore a lot of hats. You may have known me as a caterer, or from desktop publishing, graphic design, roller derby, film, retail, theatre, hairstyling… the list goes on. And then COVID hit. I got pulled into the world of cat rescue, and my life took a 180° turn.

I educated myself in veterinary techniques specifically because I wanted to become a better, more knowledgeable rescuer. I care a lot about doing things properly, but I also know that rescue can be messy, unpredictable, and occasionally completely ridiculous.

I LOVE learning, and I’m always looking for ways to improve what we do. At the end of the day, everything comes back to the same goal: giving these cats the best possible chance at healthy, happy lives.

Meet Kate:

Hi everyone! I’m Kate, the VP Nickel City Cats!

If you’re wondering who I am, there’s a good chance you’ve seen my name pop up here and there, but not nearly as often as some of the other NCC team members. That’s because I do most of my work *behind the scenes*. I’m usually busy working away in the background, helping with whatever needs to be done; supporting our team, writing emails, reading excel sheets, poking Dawna with a stick, and making sure things keep moving along.

Every once in a while, I’ll make a rare appearance in the chats, answer a question or two, offer my two cents… and then apparently disappear back into the shadows for another few months. You may even wonder, “Does Kate still exist?” — I promise I do! I’m just usually lurking quietly in the background. Even though I may not be one of the people you see regularly in the chats, I’m always around. If you have a question, need some help, or aren’t sure who to reach out to, please don’t hesitate to ask. I may not always be visible, but I’m never too far away and I’m always happy to help however I can. Being part of Nickel City Cats means being part of something I truly care about. There is so much that happens behind the scenes to help cats in our community, and it takes an incredible group of people working together to make it happen. From our volunteers and fosters to adopters, donors, supporters, and everyone who shares a post, offers advice, provides supplies, or simply takes the time to care — *every single person makes a difference.* Our goal is always to help the cats who need us, and I’m incredibly grateful to be part of a team that works so hard to make that possible. So, even if you don’t see me very often, know that I’m here — quietly doing my thing, occasionally emerging from my hiding spot to answer a question, and always cheering on the amazing work being done for the cats of Sudbury. *Thank you for being here. Thank you for supporting NCC. And most of all, thank you for helping us help the cats!*

Hi everyone! I’m April — I’m the lady many of you have probably spoken with on the phone when you’ve been looking to foster with our rescue or hoping to adopt one of our beautiful cats. My love for animals has always been a huge part of who I am, so it really wasn’t a surprise when I crossed paths online with Dawna. As I learned more about her vision, her passion for addressing cat overpopulation, and her incredible dedication to helping cats throughout the Sudbury area, I was completely hooked. I knew I had found my place. There is so much heart behind this rescue, and that is what I love most. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the love of a cat, and I really appreciate how understanding and unbiased we are when it comes to an adopter’s circumstances. We try to remove unnecessary barriers and look at each situation individually, because sometimes the perfect home doesn’t look like what you expected it to. One of my favourite parts of being involved is connecting with people in our community through those phone calls. Every conversation is different. Sometimes I’m talking to someone who is ready to open their home to a foster cat, sometimes I’m helping someone find their new family member, and sometimes it’s simply about listening and figuring out how we can help. And behind every one of those conversations is a cat who matters. I absolutely love Dawna’s vision for the future of this rescue, and I truly believe there are amazing things ahead. I’m also incredibly grateful for the friendships I’ve made along the way and for the opportunity to work alongside such a wonderful executive team. I’m so proud to be a small part of something that is making a difference for the cats of Sudbury. It really is all heart.

### Rebeka Robin
*Marketing & Outreach Coordinator | Intake & Rescue Team*

I’m Rebeka, and I’m proud to be part of the Nickel City Cats team as our Marketing & Outreach Coordinator and a member of our intake and rescue team.

My role with NCC is a little bit of everything. I help tell the stories of the cats in our care, manage our outreach and social media, connect with families looking for help, support our foster families, assist with intake, and help connect people with the resources they need. But more than anything, I see my role as being an advocate—for cats, for their families, and for the kind of rescue community I believe we should be building.

For me, rescue has never been just about saving cats. *It’s about helping people, too.*

I believe deeply in compassion, inclusivity, and meeting people where they are. I never want someone to be afraid to reach out for help because they think they will be judged for their circumstances or for how they got there. Whether someone needs help getting their mama cat spayed, has a litter they can no longer manage, needs to surrender a cat, or simply doesn’t know what to do next, I believe the first thing they should be met with is understanding.

I’m especially passionate about NCC’s commitment to being a *barrier-free, compassionate rescue*. I believe that when we remove judgment, people are more willing to ask for help—and when people feel safe asking for help, we have a much better chance of helping the animals they love.

I don’t believe rescue should be about deciding who is “good enough” to deserve help. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, kindness, and respect. Circumstances can change, life can get complicated, and sometimes people just need someone to say, “Okay. Let’s figure this out together.”

That philosophy is a huge part of why Nickel City Cats means so much to me. I love being part of a team that believes we can do things differently—that we can care deeply about animal welfare while also caring deeply about the people behind the animals.

At the end of the day, I believe *compassion changes outcomes*. A little understanding can prevent a crisis, open a door, and sometimes completely change the course of a life.

And while I spend a whole lot of my time advocating for cats, I’ll admit that I’m actually much more of a dog person.

Somehow, though, the cats won me over—and now here I am, happily fighting for them every day.

Meet Isabelle!

Hi everyone, I’m Isabelle! I’m so excited to be part of the executive team at NCC and to have the opportunity to introduce myself. At home, I’m a busy mom to three teenage boys, three cats, and one dog—so life is always full! My full-time job is as a Reading Interventionist, where I get to support students and help them build confidence in their learning. When I’m not working or cheering on my boys at their extracurricular activities, you’ll most likely find me helping out with the rescue. Whether it’s caring for cats, helping with adoptions, or simply doing whatever needs to be done, I’m always happy to lend a hand. I’ve always had a soft spot for animals, and being part of a team that gives cats the love, care, and second chances they deserve is incredibly rewarding. I’m looking forward to continuing to support the rescue, our amazing volunteers, and—most importantly—all of the cats who come through our doors.

Hi, I’m Melyna!

I started fostering with the NCC team in April and joined the executive team in June. I’ve fostered on and off with various rescues over the years, and in my younger days, I worked at the SPCA while dreaming of becoming a veterinarian. Unfortunately, science wasn’t quite my forte, so I eventually found my way into a career helping people instead. My love for animals, however, has never gone anywhere!

I was drawn to NCC because of its non-judgmental approach to animal ownership. I strongly believe that you don’t need to have perfect life circumstances to love an animal and provide them with a safe, happy and loving home. When animals feel loved, safe and stress-free, they have the opportunity to thrive—and that’s something I truly believe in.

At NCC, my role mostly involves keeping the behind-the-scenes admin side of things organized. I’m the one logging adoptions, keeping our cat and foster rosters up to date, making sure information matches and that everything is properly documented. Rescue truly is a team effort, and I’m so grateful to be a small part of it. Thank you to everyone who opens their homes, hearts and lives to help these animals.

Meet Jaya!
Hi everyone! I’m Jaya, and I’m proud to be part of the Nickel City Cats family. I’ve always had a huge soft spot for cats, and getting involved with rescue has given me a chance to turn that love into something meaningful. Through Nickel City Cats, I help with fundraising, awareness, and supporting the cats and families who need us. I love getting creative with fundraisers and finding new ways to bring our community together to help cats in need. When I’m not volunteering with Nickel City Cats, I’m busy being a mom and spending time with my family. Between mom life, my creative projects, and my love for animals, life is always busy—but I wouldn’t have it any other way! I’m so grateful to be part of such an amazing organization and to play even a small role in giving cats the second chances they deserve.

My name is Kaitlyn

I joined a cat rescue “just to have fun fostering some kittens” and somehow end up on the executive team.

When I’m not busy being a full-time mom to my very busy, very hectic 17-month-old son (who apparently has no interest in the concept of sitting still), I can usually be found somewhere in the chaos of Nickel City Cats.

I joined NCC at the beginning of summer a simple goal in mind – fostering some cute-ass kittens. Lo and behold, I found my people — and quickly discovered just how passionate I could become about rescue.

There’s still lots to learn (because apparently cats come with approximately 47,000 rules and exceptions), but I am happy to learn, grow, and occasionally question my life choices alongside the amazing people at Nickel City Cats.

At NCC, we believe rescue is about education, not failure. Every person we educate is another opportunity to make a difference, and every little bit of knowledge shared can create a bigger impact for cats in our community.

That’s why I am proud to be an executive member — helping wherever I can, learning along the way, and doing my best to make a difference for one cat, kitten, and slightly chaotic day at a time.

Meet Annette and Justin!

We’re busy parents who love our family, our kitties, and our community. We’re so happy to be part of the NCC family and to have the opportunity to help cats in need. Meet the dynamic duo: Justin, the big tough guy who insists he’s in charge (the cats disagree), and Annette, the chaos coordinator who somehow keeps the whole operation moving! Between busy schedules, family life, and a house full of kitty adventures, there’s never a dull moment—but we wouldn’t have it any other way!

Meet Will & Kathryn! 🐾

We are compassionate animal lovers who are proud to be part of the NCC Executive Team. We’re here to support NCC in finding and implementing ethical, effective solutions to feline overpopulation and the health problems cats face as a result of it — and by fostering, of course!

We try to help out however we can, whether that means delivering supplies, wrangling cats, running IT services or providing administrative support. We believe it takes a community to make a difference, and we’re incredibly grateful to be part of the NCC family, working alongside so many wonderful people toward healthier, happier lives for cats.

Meet Marc

Hi, I’m Marc! I joined Nickel City’s Cats (NCC) as a foster in July 2026, and it didn’t take long for me to realize that I wanted to do even more for this amazing organization. I’ve always considered myself a helper, so whenever an opportunity to lend a hand comes up, I’m always happy to step in!

Whether it’s delivering supplies to fellow fosters, helping with pick-ups and drop-offs for appointments, rescuing kittens, or pitching in with the many day-to-day tasks that keep things running, I’m always ready to help wherever I’m needed. Being part of NCC has given me even more ways to make a difference for cats and the people who care for them.

I’ve lived with cats my entire life, and whenever I’m out and about and spot a cat, my first instinct is to make a new friend. My sisters have even nicknamed me the “Cat Whisperer”! I truly believe cats are incredible creatures, each with their own unique personalities and quirks, and I feel lucky to be able to help them.

When I’m not busy helping out with NCC, you can usually find me gaming or spending time with my wonderful wife, who is also my biggest supporter. I’m excited to continue growing with Nickel City’s Cats and doing whatever I can to help make life better for our feline friends, one paw at a time!