Kimmy Chandler, Founder of FLUFF Animal Rescue began saving lives at an early age.  “Finding homes for unwanted and abandoned animals has always been a passion,” says Chandler.  Since the age of 15, Kimmy has been a teacher to students of all ages-both inside and out of the classroom and has been caring for stray and resident animals as a display of her belief that “It is our job to care for God’s creatures”.  In 2016, Chandler was able to realize her full potential as a teacher and animal rescuer, and during an afternoon luncheon with her immediate family, a new community non-profit rescue was born.  Then 6-yr-old daughter, Alex coined the name “FLUFF”, and both Alex and the rescue have grown substantially over the past 5 years.  “We have seen many faces come and go since our inception, but I am confident with a solid team of animal lovers by my side, the animals will always win”. 

 Marilyn is a native to Pinellas County. I have known Kimmy, the president of the board for 23 years, and have always admired her passion for rescuing animals. I am finally blessed to have the opportunity share her passion. I have finished two careers, 27 Years as a carrier in the United States Post Office and 21 years in the Army National Guard with 2 deployments. I am excited to have this opportunity to make a difference and save lives. I offer financial investments as well as my experience in organization, administration and financial management to the rescue and re-tail store operations. My goal is to facilitate an efficient and purposeful use of resources and offer bookkeeping and accounting support as well as office management whenever possible.  I am thankful to be an important part of the FLUFF team.

Krissy is a dedicated dog trainer and companion, and has been our sole adoption counselor at FLUFF Animal Rescue, where she connects families with their perfect furry companions. With a deep passion for animals, she strives to find every rescue a forever home and interacts with the animals on a personal level, assessing their needs and responding always in a positive manner. Outside of her rescue work, Krissy is the proud owner of The Meditating Mutt, LLC, where she employs positive reinforcement dog training techniques to help pet owners build strong, loving relationships with their canine companions. Through her dual roles, Krissy embodies a commitment to animal welfare and the happiness of both pets and their owners

Brooklyn brings a natural touch to the FLUFF team.  She has a beautiful heart for seeing the best in everyone and everything!  She is able to capture an animal's heart with one click of a camera, and reaches deep into their souls to connect with them on a personal level. Every animal knows that Brooklyn sees the best in them, and they respond to her with love! Brooklyn came to FLUFF as a volunteer at the age of 15 and 4 years later, is a very special part of our FLUFF team!

Sharon came to FLUFF as a foster mom, and always keeps her home open for a dog in need.  In addition to offering her home, Sharon donates her talents and experience in HR and administrative duties to assist FLUFF in the office.  Sharon has recently taken on the big role of Cat intake and foster coordinator, and she and her daughter, Heather assist as many cats and kittens as possible!

Kelly is originally from Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. Her life-long dream was to live near the beaches, she now resides in Seminole, Florida with her husband and 3 dogs, and is fulfilling her dream of living in paradise. Kelly has 25+ years of experience in Administration, previously working for 2 of the largest Real Estate companies in Minnesota. Kelly came to FLUFF as a volunteer-pursuing her passion for animals.  Kelly began helping behind the scenes, and has become an integral part of the FLUFF team.  As adoption coordinator, Kelly received and approves hundreds of adoption applications, placing our rescues into the most loving homes!  Now, she oversees the process, coordinates all intake and medical for the rescue.  In her spare time, Kelly is also a foster mom and administrative assistant to both the rescue and retail operations, making her an integral part of our FLUFF team!

Joyce Conner, mom and best friend to Founder, Kimmy Chandler is a rock to the FLUFF organization.  Since the onset of the organization, Joyce has been a silent leader, supporter and a friend to FLUFF and all who interact with FLUFF.  Her integrity, strength and wisdom are a constant source of support for FLUFF, and her quiet leadership on the Board of Directors remains a constant anchor for the organization.  Her love for the animals is great, but her love for the people is greater.  We are blessed to have her as an integral part of FLUFF!

Like clockwork, the animals anxiously await Jeannie's early morning arrival.  Jeannie, a talented artist and business owner, came to FLUFF as a volunteer to assist with the care of the animals and to help fundraise for them.  Jeannie became a staple for FLUFF when she took over the full-time demanding position of AM animal care Leader.  Jeannie's hard work and love for the animals shows in everything she does, and her care and concern for their welfare is her greatest asset to FLUFF.  She joins the team of "foster fails" this past year by fostering-then adopting one of our sweet mama dogs, who needed round the clock care while nursing her pups!  Jeannie is here for the animals, and they know it!

Emily has been volunteering with FLUFF for the past 3 years, and her heart for the animals shows in everything she does.  Emi gives generously of her time to ensure that all of the animals are cared for and supports the Animal Care Team by stepping in and stepping up whenever and wherever she can!  Emi is a true animal lover and is a true asset to the FLUFF team!

With over 45 years in animal care, Joanne "Jo" Contessa has dedicated her life to supporting animal well-being. Beginning in Virginia, Jo gained extensive experience in the equine world, including boarding, training, and rehabilitation, which led her into a career as a veterinary technician and assistant. For fifteen years, she also ran a pet-sitting business focused on in-home medical and hospice care.

After moving to Florida in 2019, Jo joined FLUFF Animal Rescue in 2020, where she shared her skills in animal care. By 2022, she was also working at Bluff’s Animal Hospital as a veterinary technician. In 2024, Jo deepened her role at FLUFF as part of their Medical Team, expanding her contributions to rescue and rehabilitation.

Today, Jo balances her pet-sitting business with her roles at Bluff’s and FLUFF. She lives with her mom, two cats, and occasional foster felines. In her free time, she enjoys music, art, cooking, and nature, with animal welfare remaining her core passion.

Jessica is a dedicated wife and mother whose journey with FLUFF Animal Rescue began as a foster caregiver. Initially drawn to the organization's mission of saving animals, Jessica quickly became an integral part of the team. Starting with the Events Team, her passion and commitment led her to take on various roles within the organization,  Jessica is a multitasking staff member contributing her skills to the Medical Team and the Events Team. In her spare time, Jessica finds joy in outdoor activities such as tending to her yard and volunteering at a local farm.  Jessica likes unwinds by the pool, cherishing moments with her family and beloved pets. Speaking of pets, Jessica shares her home with 2 rescue dogs, a Pitbull a pit-mix and a rescue cat, all of whom hold a special place in her heart.

Jessica deeply appreciates the organization's tireless efforts to save and improve the lives of animals in their community. Her dedication, enthusiasm, and love for animals shine through in every aspect of her work with FLUFF.

Dana joined the FLUFF team recently as a volunteer and a foster mom.  After adopting her first foster ("foster fail"), Dana became more involved with the care and handling of the rescue animals.  After a very short stint as a volunteer, FLUFF is blessed to call Dana a "staff" member, as she pours her heart, time and talents into the animals daily.  Dana will be moving to our customer relations position and you will be seeing more of her smiling face at our Rescue Reception desk.  Dana has all of the answers, or knows where to find them!  Dana's organizational and leadership skills make her an important part of the FLUFF team.

Laurie Elmer, is a Florida native who traded the corporate hustle for a life filled with furry friends and creative adventures! Laurie's journey led her to become the proud owner of Urban Dog Studio, Tampa Bay's go-to spot for creating amazing pet and human portraits. As an unabashed animal lover and a devoted dog mom, Laurie's passion for pets knows no bounds. She's married to a veterinarian, making their household a haven for all things fluffy and four-legged. She's the co-host of "Let's Bark About It Tampa Bay," a weekly podcast that interviews industry experts and business owners to deliver information on topics ranging from how to keep your dog safe and healthy to where to go for the best pup cups in Tampa Bay, all with the goal of helping dogs live their best lives.

Laurie is also the co-owner of Studios@5663, a hub of creativity and a haven for pet friendly events that sparkle with innovation

Jacqui is our most recent hire and what a wonderful addition she makes to the entire FLUFF team!  Jacqui writes a successful recipe blog and shares her writing and editing talents with FLUFF by managing our social media platforms, starting a TicTok account to help the fur-babies get adopted.  In another role, Jacqui is an adoption counselor, making matches and growing families!  She also generously assists in the animal care role whenever needed.  We are grateful for Jacqui and her mom Jeannie, another animal-loving mother/daughter duo, making a difference and saving lives!