Adoniah leads the hands-on care at A & K Animal Rescue, making sure every animal is fed, loved, and thriving with daily attention and dedication.

Kosta helps care for the animals but takes the lead on the business side of A & K Animal Rescue, managing finances, merchandise, and planning to keep everything running smoothly.

Marcie runs the nonprofit side of A & K Animal Rescue, overseeing operations, fundraising, public communication, and long-term growth to help the mission reach more animals and families.

DT handles the daily feeding and care of all the animals at A & K, making sure every creature—from cows to cats—is safe, healthy, and well-loved, while also managing public correspondence alongside Marcie.

April Orr is a longtime Bakersfield resident and dedicated health professional. She owns and operates her own personal training business, specializing in strength training and fitness for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. Passionate about expanding her expertise, April is currently pursuing further education to become a registered nurse. Her work reflects a commitment to improving quality of life through movement and strength. Outside of her professional life, April is a proud mama to seven fur babies.

Lauren Forbin is a Fresno State graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science. An aspiring veterinarian, she is dedicated to turning her lifelong love for animals into a meaningful career. Lauren actively volunteers with the SPCA and local shelters, gaining hands-on experience while supporting her community. Guided by the motto, “Do what you love and love what you do,” she continues to build on her education and experiences as she prepares for a future in veterinary medicine.

Judy Goad is a proud wife, mom, and grandmother who treasures time with her family and considers herself truly blessed. A lifelong animal lover, she is a devoted dog mom to Toby, Molly, and Lucy. Growing up, Judy cared for a variety of pets—including dogs, a cat, a duck, and even a mischievous goldfish known for its daring jumps out of the bowl. Her favorite animal is the elephant, and one of her most cherished memories is having the chance to meet one up close and give it a gentle pat.

Dr. Albert is a third-generation Bakersfield native. She earned her undergraduate degree in Human Nutrition from Arizona State University and went on to receive her Doctorate of Optometry from the Southern California College of Optometry. Jackie practices with Empire Eye and Laser Center, where she specializes in postoperative care for cataract and LASIK patients. She enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, along with their beloved pets: Doc, a 90-pound bulldog; Cash, a playful poodle mix; and Toby, their affectionate tabby cat.

Valerie Anglen, a retired commercial designer born and raised in Bakersfield, is also a professional painter specializing in original acrylic abstracts. In addition to her own artistic career, she serves as the art teacher and mentor to her grandchildren, Adoniah and Kosta, who have become award-winning professional artists under her guidance. Valerie shares her home with two beloved cats, including one who is 22 years old, and recently adopted a rescue dog from A & K Animal Rescue. The pup now happily accompanies her and her husband on their daily adventures.

Kimberly Grimes is in her seventh year as a Physical Education teacher at Tehachapi High School. She previously spent nine years teaching students with moderate and severe disabilities and nine years as an elementary school teacher. Born and raised in Kern County, Kimberly is a proud mother of two accomplished children and a proud grandmother. She and her husband enjoy traveling the world and have visited 16 countries together. At home, she spends time with her dog, Eska, who is known for her striking crystal-blue eyes.