Familiar Faces – Q & A
Matt Gentile
New Title: COO
Total Years at RCHS: 7 years
Pet(s): Rainie (Dog) Dexter (Cat) Zaida (Cat)
You recently returned to RCHS. What did you miss about it the most? I missed the welcoming atmosphere and the chance to work with such dedicated staff and volunteers. The joy of helping animals find their forever homes and seeing the positive impact on both the pets and their new families is incredibly rewarding.
What is your favorite RCHS memory? One unforgettable memory was when Chimi, a dog I had grown very fond of, found his forever home after spending months at the shelter. Though he was a scruffy little loner who only warmed up to certain people, I had a special connection with him. His new family was overjoyed to give him the love and care he needed, and witnessing Chimi’s reaction was truly special.
What do you like to do on your days off? I enjoy spending time outdoors camping and hiking, relaxing by the beach, enjoying new restaurants and unwinding at home with my fiancé and our pets.
Any favorite foods/desserts? I’m a big fan of burritos and sushi. Warm chocolate chip cookies are my absolute favorite.
Kelly Peters
New Title: Vice President, Community Impact
Total Years at RCHS: 12 years
Pet(s): Molly (dog), Misty (dog), Melvin (cat), Marcel (cat)
You recently returned to RCHS. What did you miss about it the most? Being around people who love animals as much as I do! It makes all the difference when you surround yourself with colleagues and community partners who are passionate about animal-welfare. Born and raised in Encinitas, RCHS has always been a part of my life. It is my second home, and I am so happy to be back.
What is your favorite RCHS memory? When I ran the foster care program, I took home a momma (Polly) and her seven newborn puppies. They were discovered in a box that had been left in an alley. Polly was not producing enough milk, so I bottle-fed her babies around the clock for several weeks. I then enlisted the help of some amazing foster volunteers, so I could get some sleep 🙂 It was tiring, but worth every moment being able to care for and help them find forever homes.
What do you like to do on your days off? My husband and I love to travel, so we do that whenever possible. But when home, I enjoy going to concerts, hosting game nights, reading, watching documentaries, snuggling with our fur babies, and walking down to Encinitas Hwy 101 for drinks/food (there are so many amazing restaurants!)
Any favorite foods/desserts? Soup dumplings and the green beans from Din Tai Fung. Anything with dark chocolate and peanut butter – Nina copied me below!
Nina Jimenez Taylor
New Title: Sr. Director, Strategic Communications
Total Years at RCHS: Volunteering or working at RCHS since 2009. A long time!
Pet(s): Levi (dog), Heidi (cat)
You recently returned to RCHS. What did you miss about it the most? Working for the animals and leveraging my broad expertise in marketing, communications and media to make a tangible difference.
What is your favorite RCHS memory? Adopting my dog Levi. He was a RCHS rescue transport from Mississippi and it was love at first sight. There was also the time when I was a little girl growing up in North County. I had become very attached to a stray dog that was hanging around the neighborhood. I even named her “Anonda.” Unfortunately, we could not find her owner and my parents would not let me keep her. It was RCHS that helped us find her a new home. Now I get to do this every day.
What do you like to do on your days off? Anything active, run, hike, pickleball, enjoy nature, travel to far away places. I recently walked part of Spain’s Camino de Santiago.
Any favorite foods/desserts? Anything with peanut butter and chocolate.
