The Board of Directors

Carey was traveling around North America in her campervan, searching for her next home when she ended up in Oaxaca. There, she adopted a neglected and abused dog and received assistance from Rebecca and FOMAR. After witnessing the dire situation for animals in Oaxaca, she felt inspired to get involved and joined Friends of Megan to help.

Having grown up on a hobby farm in Minnesota, Carey has always had a deep love for animals. Before arriving in Oaxaca, Carey lived in Oakland, California, where she operated a dog walking and pet-sitting business while also teaching yoga. She has experience in business consulting and holistic health practices and is currently working on her next project.

Judith, a retired attorney, is now a self-employed artist living in Harrisonburg, VA, who often paints at Casa Raab. Judith is the President of Friends of Megan. She and her husband, Tom, have spent an extended, wonderful time at Casa Raab every year since 2010. Zia, their very alert terrier, came home with them as a tiny pup in 2011. Zander went home with Judy and Tom in 2012.

Melinda is an RN who retired to Oaxaca with her husband Gene in 2014. Melinda—a friend and neighbor of Rebecca’s and regular dog-walker at Casa Raab—was elected to the Board in 2017. Every day, Melinda sees firsthand what it takes to rescue an animal, and uses the daily dog walk to become acquainted with these animals and to love and care for them. Luke, Gene and Melinda’s dog, are regular fixtures in the broader FOMAR family. Rebecca is a continual source of inspiration and Melinda is excited to be working with her.

Sherie (she/her) is a new board member of Friends of Megan Animal Rescue. She is passionate about building awareness and raising funds to support the vital care and protection of animals in Oaxaca.

Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, Sherie spent 17 years as a school social worker and LGBTQ+ Coordinator before following her heart to Oaxaca, Mexico.

​

Now living in San Agustín Etla with her five beloved dogs—four of whom are rescues—Sherie runs Amores Perrijos Dog Hotel, a dream venture that combines her love for animals with community care. She also volunteers with Brigada Peluda, a grassroots organization offering low-cost sterilization clinics for cats and dogs in need.

Tom, a retired public relations executive, is Treasurer and Second-in-Command Pooper Scooper. As well as keeping our finances on track, Tom is always elbows-deep helping on the ground when he is at Casa Raab. He made his first rescue in 2010 and hasn’t stopped since.

Alie is fortunate enough to be part of the Raab family, married to Tony and Rebecca’s nephew Zack. She has a vested interest in the Casa Raab community and splits her time between it and Bellingham, WA. Inspired by Rebecca’s work, Alie joined the FOMAR board in 2024 to help spread awareness and raise funds for this wonderful work and amazing animals.

Volunteers like Joanne Moeschl and other neighbors and friends who share Rebecca’s love of animals frequently assist. Even Casa Raab’s guests often enjoy pitching in. Like any organization, FOMAR’s strength is its people. While Rebecca is undoubtedly our linchpin, everyone who volunteers to help our important mission becomes a valuable member of the team.