meet our team

our founders

Angela Rafuse
Founder and CEO

My Grandfather’s Cat was founded in Halifax, Nova Scotia, by Angela Rafuse on May 18, 2021, her grandfather’s birthday.

She was inspired by her experience adopting her grandfather’s cat, Mackenzie, when he passed away. She started My Grandfather’s Cat at the age of 26 while living in her parents’ basement.

Angela has been named one of Atlantic Canada Business Magazine’s Top 30 under 30 Innovators, nominated for Forbes Top 30 Under 30 and named Animal Nonprofit CEO of the Year by the Canadian CEO Awards.

Mackenzie
Founding Cat

Mackenzie spent her life living in Chester, Nova Scotia. She enjoyed snuggling, kayaking, sunset walks on the beach, boat rides and bacon.

She gained more than 750,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok, and inspired people around the world to adopt senior cats from shelters.

She started going on adventures at the age of 15 when Angela adopted her. She passed away at the age of 17. She continues to inspire us every day and her legacy will live on through our work.

meet our board of directors

Philip Choi
Nonprofit Executive Director
Chair, Board of Directors
Andrea Daly
Lawyer
Vice-Chair, Board of Directors
Dr. Kayla Hyland
Veterinarian
Board Treasurer, Head of Veterinary Care Committee
Sarah Greening
Communications Writer
Board Director, Head of Marketing Committee
Dr. Sarah Squinas
Veterinarian
Board Director

learn more about our board of directors

Dr. Kayla Hyland
Head of Veterinary Care & Vet Care Committee

Based out of Guelph, Ontario, Kayla is a licensed veterinarian who received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Atlantic Veterinary College.

Kayla is a Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Veterinarian with specialized training in pet bereavement and pet loss.

The work of My Grandfather’s Cat is close to Kayla’s heart, so she volunteers her knowledge to assist with our adoptions, our resource guide and leading our vet care committee.

Scarlett Guevara
Pet Pantry Manager

Based out of Hamilton, Ontario, Scarlett is a compassionate animal-lover who dedicates her time to caring for animals. She has volunteered with countless rescues in her community, is a proud foster mom, and has two dogs and three cats of her own that she loves and cherishes.

In her current volunteer role, Scarlett oversees our Pet Pantry volunteer team, bringing her extensive knowledge to ensure seniors receive the food their beloved pets eat and the support they need.

meet our volunteer adoption coordinators