Meet Kayla
Connected from the start
My connection to animals has always been one of my most defining character traits. Since I was a small child, my life revolved around them. I would beg my parents to buy me nonfiction books about different animals from the school book fair, constantly request trips to the zoo, and spend as much time as I could in nature with the wildlife. As a teenager, I got my first job at a boarding facility in Detroit, and I have worked with animals ever since.
Taking the next steps
I attended the University of Michigan, where I studied neuroscience, with a focus on evolution and animal behavior. I graduated with a bachelor's in 2020.
This experience greatly deepened my understanding of the brain, shaped my perspective on how animals think, and helped me learn how to effectively interact with them
Coming together
After graduation, I moved to Phoenix and began work in rescue. Immediately I recognized how much this work aligned with my morals and personal aspirations. I feel so grateful to have found a career that has such a positive output in the world.
Working at Sky Sanctuary means...
Working at Sky Sanctuary means leading with compassion.
We specialize in caring for vulnerable animals with complex needs. I view the opportunity to provide that high level of dedicated care as a privilege.
What is your spirit animal (or spirit dog)
My spirit dog is a Jack Russell terrier.
I have a soft spot for the breed because of my childhood pet, Taffy. I relate to their curious, adventurous, and often stubborn nature.
I could share one message with the world about rescue dogs, it would be this:
That patience is the greatest gift you can give. Rescue dogs have often experienced unimaginable trauma that can be difficult for them to process.
When we meet them with compassion instead of expectations and take the time to learn how to communicate with them, the result is completely transformative.
