Our Team
Erika Drake
“Karma Keeper”
(Pictured with rescue mini donkey, Duke)
President
The initial mastermind behind Winter’s Grace, Erika holds a master’s degree in criminal justice and has dedicated her entire career to the rehabilitation of individuals in violation with the law.
Having already rescued dozens of animals since a very young age, working in the criminal justice system, it was not un-common to come across abused or neglected animals. This fueled Erika even more!
By 2025 Erika had already rescued an unimaginable amount of domestic and exotic animals over her lifetime and recently began to rescue large farm animals as well. Realizing that the resources out there to help supply what these animals needed was limited, Erika decided to create an ALL-animal rescue. Thus, Winter’s Grace Animal Rescue was born.
Matt Tripp
“Chill Hound”
(Pictured with rescue baby Atlas)
Vice-President
Also in law enforcement, Matt has a background working in animal shelters and is all about providing loving homes for animals in need. When called upon, Matt has risen above and beyond picking up animals being surrendered as well as assisting with vet appointments. Matt and his wife, Bridgette welcomed Atlas into their home as a playmate for their fur baby diamond. He is adjusting well and is learning more and more each day what it means to be loved.
Elaine Wainright
“Heart & Hustle”
(Pictured with rescue pup Giz)
Vice-President
Some people volunteer in rescue. Others were simply made for it—and Elaine is one of those people.
A dedicated rescuer and animal foster mom, Elaine has selflessly given her time, creativity, and home to animals in need. She never thinks twice about stepping up wherever she can, even generously taking over when others are away while juggling her own salon.
She doesn’t do it for recognition—she does it because she truly cares, and it shows in everything she does.
Larry Kanniard Jr.
“Da Bad Guy”
(pictured with one of his rescue babies, Harley)
Board Member
Larry is a retired law enforcement officer in North Carolina who has always held a place in his heart for all creatures great and small. It would not be uncommon to find him feeding animals out of the back of his car if they were in need, even while on the job. He never hesitates to advocate for an animal in a powerless situation and is a force to be reckoned with.
In his free time Larry is a superhero in disguise, as he spends his time in the wrestling ring as the ruthless “Da Bad Guy” Vinnie Damoochie. Larry is determined to help KNOCK OUT animal cruelty and to help bring those animals in need to the safety of a new, loving home.
Amy Butler
“Country Steel”
(pictured with one of her rescue babies)
Board Member
Amy is a mother of three from Louisa County, Virginia where she lives with her husband and children. She is an extremely hard worker and dedicated to her family, not just her human family but her fur family as well. She has rescued several animals over the years including one of the two babies pictured with her. She is dedicated to finding homes for animals in need and is ready to help travel along this journey with us!
Marley Rawls
“Southern Sass”
(Pictured with rescue ambassador Harley)
Dedicated Volunteer/Rescue Groomer
Don’t let her age fool you—Marley has a heart for animals that’s impossible to miss!
A talented up-and-coming groomer, avid animal lover, rescuer, and foster alongside her family, Marley is always eager to jump in and help—no matter what the task may be.
Whether she’s caring for an animal, helping around the rescue, fostering, attending adoption events or continuing to grow her grooming skills, she brings enthusiasm and compassion wherever she goes.
Derek Page
“Blue-collar Calvary”
(Pictured with rescues Winter, Rez and Harley)
Dedicated Rescue Support Specialist
Not everyone who makes a difference in rescue is working directly with the animals. Some are the people behind the scenes who help keep everything running—and Derek is one of those people.
Since the early days of our rescue, Derek and his family have continually stepped up to help. From completing much-needed repairs and improvements, groundskeeping and hauling supplies, to helping care for—and of course spoil—our livestock and domestic animals, he has been willing to lend a hand wherever it’s needed.
There are so many things involved in running a rescue that we simply couldn’t do alone.
Kayla Bryant
“Rebel with Paws”
(Daughter of “Karma Keeper”, pictured with her rescue baby Merlyn)
Board Member
Although only in her early 20’s, Kayla has held a burning passion for rescuing animals for as far back as she can remember. Watching and experiencing the joy of rescuing an animal from unfavorable situations, has only strengthened her belief that every animal deserves a loving home. She herself has rescued animals abandoned in parking lots, animals abused and tossed into ditches and left to go blind, animals left in the heat inside of crates for dead. And animals whose owners just didn’t have the knowledge or desire to care for them anymore.
Kayla’s goal is to learn as much as she can with this experience and one day plans to take over as President and accomplish her dream of running an animal rescue.