Our Team

Founder & Kale’s Mama

With a desire to build something meaningful, Talia brings big-picture thinking and copious amounts of compassion to the team. She sets the tone for everything we do; she aims to collaborate with local rescues from start to finish.

Talia loves to spend time with her family outdoors - including Kale of course, who brings insurmountable joy to every family outing. Talia’s passion for rescue animals started when she moved to Chapel Hill and met a rowdy group of women at her neighborhood dog park who all share the same vision.

Lead Caregiver & Kale’s Sister

Friendly, attentive, and always ready to help our rescue dogs, Lila ensures every interaction is a positive one. She helps connect dogs to the right humans, with clarity and care.

Lila is an 8th grader, mature beyond her years. She is an artist and cross country enthusiast, at the top of her class! When she isn’t helping our four-legged friends, she loves reading and hanging out with her friends.

Operations Director & Kale’s Nanny

Creative and strategic in equal measure, Jooles brings fresh ideas on the daily. She turn insights into action and helps our message resonate with the right audiences.

A professional nanny and household manager, Jooles has always had a deep connection to animals. She lost her first rescue dog, Tippy, in January 2025. Tippy’s unconditional love played a powerful role in helping Jooles heal and rebuild during a difficult period in her life, and continues to inspire her work today.

Brand Ambassador & Rescued Dog

DNA results show that Kale is mostly pitbull and chihuahua. He is as confused about his identity as you are. He is a goofy and loyal low rider, with a pinch of spice. When he gets spicy, his village is there to remind him to put is “hua” away.

Kale is an avid hiker and deer hunter. When he spots a deer, he turns into a wild mountain goat in order to catch them. He has yet to succeed in this endeavor, but always perseveres.

Kale welcomes his foster siblings graciously. He has become an amazing big brother — he shares his food and family, but he still needs to work on sharing his toys. Kale continues to spread joy everywhere he goes and can’t wait to meet future foster siblings.

HS Senior & Kale’s Intern

The resident animal whisperer in her own home, Maya brings her true love and dedication of animals to our team. She is part of our inaugural cohort of Kale’s Interns.

Maya is a senior in high school and has the biggest heart when it comes to animals big or small. She wanted to be involved in our rescue because she wanted to help dogs in need and make sure they find their happy and safe forever homes!

Maya’s family has four rescue animals, two dogs and two cats. Her rescue pitfalls are named Axel and Prudence, who are the sweetest dogs in the world!

HS Senior & Kale’s Intern

Seeing the difference a loving home can make for a dog makes her passionate about helping other rescue dogs find their home. She is also a member of our inaugural cohort of Kale’s Interns.

Bud, Nadia’s own rescue dog, showed her the importance of a safe and loving home for dogs with trauma. She has firsthand knowledge of adopting a dog who is shy and anxious due to their prior experiences. Bud demonstrated to her that in a home dedicated to a dog’s success, they can slowly get more comfortable and confident with time.

Nadia is a high school senior who has always loved animals, especially dogs. Outside of school, she plays tennis and enjoys spending time with her friends and family.