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.
Kayla Bryant
“Rebel with Paws”
(Daughter of “Karma Keeper”, pictured with her rescue baby Merlyn)
Vice-President
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.
Our Team
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 two 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!