Board of Directors
Melody Gillespie
PRESIDENT
Melody is a lifelong animal advocate and community leader in Montague County. She brings over 30 years of nonprofit and education leadership experience, including volunteer coordination, local outreach, rural program development, and school-community partnerships.
As founder and board president of MCares, Melody has led the effort to establish the county’s first animal shelter. Her professional background in education, real estate, and small business gives her strong organizational, communication, and planning skills. She is passionate about creating sustainable rescue solutions, expanding access to spay/neuter services, and building humane education programs for underserved communities.
She is also our New Tenant Coordinator.
Penny Nault
VICE PRESIDENT
Penny is a seasoned risk management professional with a strong commitment to animal welfare. With extensive experience in policy analysis, operations, and risk oversight, she brings valuable organizational and compliance expertise to the MCares board.
Penny has been an active animal advocate for many years, volunteering in various capacities including animal care, fostering, and rescue coordination. Her blend of professional discipline and compassion for animals makes her a key leader in helping MCares operate safely, efficiently, and with high standards of care.
She is also one of our Adoption Coordinators.
Rachel Howard
TREASURER
Rachel brings over 20 years of experience in accounting to her role as Treasurer of MCares. Her professional background includes financial management, bookkeeping, and compliance for both corporate and nonprofit sectors.
A lifelong animal lover, Rachel has been actively supporting animal rescues for the past 10 years and has been fostering dogs for over seven years—with a few cherished “foster fails” along the way. Her combination of financial expertise and deep compassion for animals ensures that MCares remains both fiscally responsible and mission-driven.
She is also one of our Adoption Coordinators.
Kenny Hopkins
SECRETARY
Kenny Hopkins is a respected leader in Montague County with a strong passion for animal welfare. A dedicated dog lover, Kenny brings valuable expertise in fundraising, community engagement, and digital strategy.
As the owner of a digital media company, Silver Bullet Web Solutions, Kenny supports MCares with vital technical skills to grow its online presence and connect with supporters. His leadership and creativity make him an integral part of the board.
He is also our Communications Coordinator and also assists in fundraising.
Joy Story
DIRECTOR
A North Texas native, Joy Story brings professional expertise in office and veterinary clinic management to the MCares board. With a strong background in administrative operations and hands-on experience in animal care, Joy offers valuable insight into both the business and medical sides of animal welfare.
Coming from a family of lifelong dog and cat rescuers, Joy has a deep-rooted passion for animal advocacy. As a dedicated dog mom and long-time supporter of rescue efforts, Joy is committed to helping MCares improve the lives of animals in Montague County.
She is also one of our Office Coordinator as well as one of our Medical Liaisons.
Jennifer Duncan
DIRECTOR
A lifelong resident of Montague County, Jennifer Duncan brings a wealth of experience with both domestic pets and farm animals. As a professional groomer, dog handler, and trainer, she offers hands-on expertise in animal care and behavior.
Jennifer’s breed-specific knowledge and deep understanding of animal needs make her an asset to the MCares board. Her lifelong commitment to animal welfare and local roots strengthen the organization’s connection to the community it serves.
She is also our Animal Care Coordinator.