BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MANDY LAVELLE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mandy was an outdoorsy tomboy growing up, who always tried to talk her parents into letting a random injured bird, salamander, or baby bunny into their home. She was often turned away, (which she now sort of understands why...) but her love for animals continued to grow. Mandy graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design from Fort Hays State University. After graduating, Mandy moved to the Kansas City area where she began fostering for several local organizations. It was through these organizations that she was able to help amputated, ill, and homeless dogs find their forever homes. Mandy married her husband Charles in 2015 and they moved from the city to Drexel, Missouri. Once settled into the country, Mandy began to see a need for rural animal assistance and supplies. Together, Mandy and Charles founded Lucky 13 Rescue in August 2016. Since then they have welcomed two children Lyza Jane and Cecil Wayne into the rescue world. They enjoy transporting foster dogs and playing with their own fur-brothers: Mister Hyde (RIP), Wiseguy, and Yeti. Mandy is currently the executive director for Lucky 13 Rescue.

LESLIE THOMAS-HOLT, PRESIDENT

From the time Leslie could talk, she spent each holiday making a wishlist of the pets she’d like as gifts from her parents (almost always a dog). At age 19, Leslie took matters into her own hands and made plans to bring home the love of her life, her first dog, Oakli, a Siberian Husky. A few years later, with the help of Oakli, Leslie began her journey as a foster for an animal rescue in Chicago and cared for two small puppies while interning in the city for the summer. Upon her graduation from Kansas State University in 2010, Leslie continued her foster journey and brought home another Siberian Husky, Owynn, from a Kansas City area rescue. Needless to say, Owynn never left and became a permanent family member. Leslie, Oakli and Owynn added a fourth member to their family in 2012, when Leslie married her husband, Brett. Together, the four fostered various puppies and adult dogs for local rescues and in 2013, another Siberian Husky joined the group when the family began fostering Mari, a young female that found herself at animal control. You know how the story goes, Mari quickly became a part of the family and was officially adopted a few weeks after the fostering began. The five continued to foster for several years in the Kansas City area and recently relocated to Colorado where they enjoy hiking, kayaking and other outdoor adventures. Leslie is a Senior Project Manager for a Healthcare Technology company and joins the board remotely.

JANESSA GILBERT, VICE PRESIDENT

Janessa’s love for animals started as a child while growing up on a farm in Southwest KS. From bottle feeding baby calves to raising a litter of raccoons there was no animal she couldn’t find a place for in her heart. She was introduced to the rescue world through a college friend and become hooked from her first outreach outing where she was able to free a pit bull from a chain. Janessa and her husband Bryon currently have three rescue dogs: two Labs (Maya and Kiley) and a Husky (Morgan). She recently became a mother and decided to leave the financial world to stay home with her baby boy, Kade. Who she hopes to pass along the same passion and love for animals as she has.

AMANDA KLAUS, SECRETARY

Amanda Klaus is a dedicated animal advocate and longtime supporter of dog rescue efforts. She brings strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a collaborative mindset to her role as Board Secretary. Amanda assists with meeting documentation, agenda preparation, and board communications to help ensure the organization operates smoothly and effectively.

At home, Amanda is outnumbered by dogs—in the best way possible. She shares her life with five dogs: four Cocker Spaniels and one Chihuahua, including two proud “foster failures” adopted through Lucky 13 Rescue. Her hands-on experience fostering and caring for rescue dogs, especially seniors, gives her a deep, personal connection to the mission.

Amanda is honored to serve on the Board of Directors and is passionate about supporting the rescue’s growth while keeping the focus on saving and improving the lives of dogs.

RACHEL DOWNTAIN, TREASURER

Growing up in Dallas, TX, Rachel began volunteering at a young age for the Texas Humane Society. That is how her family obtained their second family pet! She moved to the Kansas City area to attend college and worked at a vet clinic for five years while attending school. Rachel has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Therapy from the UMKC-Conservatory of Music and a Master’s of Science in Management. After doing rescue work for many years, she is thrilled to be working with animals and their people again at Lionsgate Pet Hospital. Rachel calls Overland Park home with her son Grayson and their rescue dogs Maple and Syrup. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, taking martial arts, sewing, and working on her house/yard.

KERRIGAN ARNOLD

Kerrigan Arnold is an Emmy-nominated lifestyle host and producer currently co-hosting and producing My KC Live! on KCTV5 in Kansas City, where she brings energy, curiosity, and a passion for local community stories. A Missouri native, Kerrigan earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Missouri State University before launching her career in lifestyle television. She got her start as the lifestyle producer for Ozarks Live! in Springfield, Missouri, quickly expanding her role to on-air duties and later serving as the morning lifestyle reporter. Kerrigan then moved to Indianapolis to create and lead Indy Now on FOX59, where she was the executive producer and helped shape the show’s direction. After three years in Indianapolis, she returned to Springfield to host Ozarks

Live! before joining KCTV5 in August 2024 alongside co-host Shane Konicki. Off camera, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, supporting local festivals and concerts, and hanging out with her two rescue dogs. Her upbeat presence and genuine engagement with the community make her a familiar and welcoming face in Kansas City.

CHARLES LAVELLE

Charles grew up on a farm with animals, ranging from horses, dogs, and cats. He enjoyed animals at a young age and continues to do so into his adulthood. Due to this, he shares the same passion as his wife Mandy. Together, they founded Lucky 13 Rescue in August 2016. Since then they have welcomed two children Lyza Jane and Cecil Wayne into the rescue world. They enjoy transporting foster dogs and playing with their own fur-brothers: Mister Hyde (RIP), Wiseguy, and Yeti. Charles currently owns a used car dealership in Drexel, MO. He enjoys listening to music, creating art, and hotrods.