Meet The Team
President / CEO
Danielle Giroux
Dani has been dedicated to saving the most vulnerable animal lives in our community for 10+ years. Through her volunteer work at various municipal shelters and non-profit organizations, she discovered her passion in life. To increase her life-saving impact Dani formed the 501c3 nonprofit organization, The Runaways Animal Rescue.
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Vice President / Social Media
Alyssa Giroux
Alyssa has been in rescue for over 12 years. She is experienced with dogs, cats, rabbits, and chickens! She is passionate about rescuing any animal in need and bringing awareness to animal abuse and exploitation through education and activism.
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Chief Financial Officer
Genesah Duffy
Genesah proudly served in the United States Navy. While in the Navy she spearheaded operations in quality assurance functions and designed tracking systems that resulted in 100% accountability of $8.5 million in inventory. After the Navy, she pursued a career in Aviation. She has held roles as an Operations Manager, Sr. Director, Chief Pilot and is currently an Airline Pilot for a Major Airline. Her years of experience in leadership roles and overseeing large working budgets has made her a strong asset to the team as Chief Financial Officer
Secretary / Grants & Partnerships
Erica Grant
Erica is a life-long animal lover and has supported and volunteered at various animal rescues in Florida, and previously New York. Erica discovered Runaways Animal Rescue on social media in 2021. She went to the rescue in person to meet Dani and to better understand the work Runaways was doing to save animals. After that, there was no turning back. Erica volunteers, fosters, and supports their grant writing efforts to make sure as many animals in need can be rescued. Erica has worked in the healthcare industry for 29 years and currently has 3 fur babies, Buddy, Sukhi and Pumpkin and one Runaways foster, Papa Elf.
Board Member / Veterinarian
Dr. Chris Banks
Dr. Banks was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee. After graduating college, he moved out west to work as a large animal veterinarian in Montana. Two years later, he moved to Brandon, Florida to complete an internship in equine medicine and surgery. Shortly after completing the internship, he developed an interest in small animal medicine and surgery. Dr. Banks’ professional interests include surgery, endocrinology, and oncology. Outside the clinic, he can be found spending time with his wife, Sasha, and two daughters, Charlotte and Emmylou. He also enjoys spending his days off on the water fishing.
Board Member
Doug Rusinek
Meet Dug, the rebellious soul with a heart for felines. At 39, this cat aficionado doesn't just rock four cats at home; he owns Felinious, a fierce apparel brand defying cat clichés. With designs blending punk and retro vibes, he storms music festivals, punk rock fleas, and cat conventions around the US, unleashing unique creations.

Beyond the threads, Dug is a punk with purpose, fostering over 60 kittens and focusing on adventure training kittens when possible. As a board member of Runaways, Dug brings a love for cats, an impeccable eye for branding, and little bit of edge, challenging norms of what people expect from cats and saving lives with style.
Board Member
Madai Henderson
Madai's was taught from a young age to have a deep compassion for animals. Alongside her parents, she participated in the rescue of various animals, ranging from raccoons and birds to dogs and cats in critical situations. Into her adult life, she continued volunteering her time at local animal shelters and wildlife rehabilitation centers. Believing in the importance of advocating for those without a voice, Madai focuses on generating creative ideas to support the mission's funding. She aims to raise awareness about the significance of adoption over purchasing pets and holds a special place in her heart for senior animals.
Shelter Manager
Larissa Condarcure
After retiring from the United States Army in 2014, Larissa decided to follow her other passion in life animal rescue. She has worked with a wide variety of animals from cats, dogs, raccoons, birds of prey, and other wildlife. In 2017, Larissa helped with relief efforts in Puerto Rico after hurricanes Marie and Irma. There she assisted with the rescue of 170 cats and dogs.
Office Manager / Co - Foster coordinator
Alex Shaw
I have always loved and been passionate about all animals. Especially the smaller guys who have less of a voice like rabbits and Guinea pigs. I started fostering with the Runaways in 2020 and that is what led me to taking care of kittens. I try to focus on some of the more in need kittens to rehabilitate, so they can find their forever homes!
Dog Care Specialist
Michael Bailey
Michael has always had a strong passion for animals. Since he was a child he would always gravitate towards animals anywhere he went. He came to The Runaways in July of 2022. He is responsible in the care of the dogs needs. Since joining the team he found what he wants in a career.
Co-Foster coordinator
volunteer position
Monica Kivlen
Monica has been a veterinary technician for over 6 years. Her skills and knowledge are crucial to helping animals in the facility and in foster homes. She has been fostering animals for 5 years and understands the ups and downs and joys fostering can bring. She is the proud mom to 3 dogs and 6 cats.
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Volunteer coordinator & Onboarding
Volunteer position
Linda nowicki
Linda has worked with various rescues throughout Florida for 30 years. Her love of animals comes from her mom who always allowed the kids to bring home strays. As a mom herself, she has brought home over 50 animals for her kids to foster. She believes fostering teaches empathy, humanity, responsibility, and reminds us all how important it is to take time to play. She joined Runaways in 2021.
Dog adoption coordinator
Volunteer position
Kathy Nerad
I have been in banking 20 years and always love volunteering for different things in my community. My husband and I saw Runaways back when you were still renovating , while we were riding around on Our golf cart - I came by one day in 2021and signed up to volunteer and just fell in love with it. I started by doing dog care once a week and now I volunteer as much as my free time will allow.
TNVR Coordinator
Volunteer Position
Christina Miller
Christina grew up around animals her whole life! After noticing a large feral cat population in her community she got involved in TNVR. She has developed strong relationships to help people and the colonies. Christina, using her healthcare background, fosters critical and medically needy kittens. She has certificates in TNVR and surrender prevention.
Board of Directors
If you are interested in joining our board please email runawaysanimalrescue@gmail.com