I’m Kara—wildlife rehabilitator with a background in specialty costume fabrication for film, television, and theater in NYC. My rehab journey started during the pandemic, completely by chance. I was living in New Orleans but riding out the height of lockdown in a small RV in rural Alabama when an orphaned opossum found its way to me. That moment changed everything.

Back in New Orleans, word spread fast. People started calling me whenever they found an opossum in need. What began as one unexpected rescue turned into something much bigger. I moved back to New York City thinking my wildlife chapter might be over—but I quickly realized it had only just begun.

While still building props, sets, and costumes in Brooklyn, I began rehabbing wildlife out of my art studio. Vermin Sanctuary was born in the quiet, scrappy in-between hours—stitched together with the same resourcefulness and creativity I brought to every build.

Now based in Tennessee, Vermin Sanctuary is a licensed 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the rescue, rehab, and release of injured and orphaned native wildlife—especially raccoons, opossums, and other misunderstood species.

Every enclosure is built by hand. Every animal gets time, care, and a real shot at freedom.

And just like the animals, this sanctuary is evolving—bringing together creative work, community, and compassion through fundraising events, wearable art, and education that’s as wild as the creatures we care for.

This work is messy. It’s meaningful. And it’s mine.

If you’ve ever rooted for the underdog—or been one—you’re in the right place.