WHO WE ARE
Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose goal is to rehabilitate orphaned or injured wild animals and release them back into their native populations.
Much of the wildlife that arrives at the sanctuary is the result a direct conflict with humans; such as being hit by cars, attacked by cats/dogs, or being taken away from their parents by well-meaning, but unknowing humans.
Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary specializes in the rehabilitation, care, and treatment of small mammals, songbirds, waterfowl, raptors, shorebirds, and reptiles.
Possumwood Acres welcomes any and all community involvement from a single visit to actively volunteering. We look forward to welcoming you to the Possumwood Acres Family.
OUR TEAM
Toni is the one on the left.
Toni O’Neil
Founder, Executive Director
As Executive Director, Toni O'Neil, provides wildlife education programs for local residents or school children using non-releasable raptors and animal ambassadors. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology and founded Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary in 2003. Toni is a regular speaker at the annual Wildlife Rehabilitators of North Carolina (WRNC) Symposium every January and serves on the Board of Directors for WRNC as well as an instructor for local community colleges.
Toni O’Neil holds a B.S. in Zoology from the University of Maryland and has been rehabilitating since 1991, holding both state and federal permits. She specializes in songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl but absolutely adores opossums. She has held administrative and board positions with various wildlife organizations throughout NC, and has been a wildlife instructor for many years. Toni created and taught the Basic and Advanced Wildlife Rehabilitation courses through Coastal Carolina Community College in Jacksonville, NC, but retired after 15 years in 2020. She continues as an instructor for the Wildlife Rehabilitation certificate program offered through the Animal Behavior Institute, Inc. (ABI) and assists with the internship program taught at Possumwood Acres.
She believes in a strong state-wide networking system to assist wildlife rehabilitators at all levels, encouraging them to participate and become involved in reaching out to others. She believes that communication between rehabilitators is vital to further education, sharing ideas, and keeping up-to-date on the changes in wildlife medicine. Since 2003 she has been the Founder and Executive Director of Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary in Hubert, NC, and enjoys working closely with the coastal residents of Onslow County. Toni works closely with the Wildlife Rehabilitators of North Carolina (WRNC) since its beginning in 1999 and has been a member of the Board of Directors for over a decade, and currently is the Vice President. She has been a presenter at the annual WRNC Symposium and teaches beginner, intermediate, and advanced-level sessions.
Belle Arshall
Raised in Onslow County, 1 of 7 children and she is 2nd youngest!
AA degree from Coastal Community College and BS Degree from Lees-McRae in Wildlife Biology with a concentration in Wildlife Rehabilitation.
Belle has one cat, likes to paint and draw, loves Indy music, bird watching and potatoes made anyway!
Leah Doane
Leah is a graduate of lees McRae college and has her degree in wildlife biology with a specialization in wildlife rehabilitation.
When not working you’ll normally find her taking care of her many animals at home.
She strives for the health and wellbeing of animals in all environments and is very passionate about conservation efforts.
OUR LEAD VOLUNTEERS
Bob Wallace
Senior Volunteer
Grew up in Chapel Hill, NC and graduated from Chapel Hill High School, 1968.
Attended Appalachian State University, BA in history, Masters in Library Science. U.S. Navy - 1970-76. Librarian at Stafford High School for 33 years, and Dixon High School, 2014-2018. Volunteer at Rikkis Refuge, Orange, Va. for 8 years, prior to coming to Possumwood Acres. Passions are canoeing, kayaking, hiking and working with the animals at Possumwood.
Kim Cote
Lead Volunteer
I am number 7 of 8 kids and grew up in New Hampshire, Military life brought us to North Carolina in 2014 where my husband retired after 22yrs in USMC. We then decided we were going to reside here permanently.
I have been in nursing most of my adult life (with humans) but I have always had a passion for working with animals. I went to Coastal Community College and took some vet assistance courses and thought I'd be working with domestic pets but when I saw Possumwood Acres was looking for volunteers. I immediately fell in love with the baby squirrels and its my calling now! I started with volunteering, did the internship and finished my apprenticeship October of 2023. Baby season is my favorite and I am the crazy one that goes in 3 days a week at 5:30 a.m.
Lesley Ruble
Lead Volunteer
I was born a long time ago, had a pretty boring childhood. Grew up, got married, had two wonderful sons and retired from too many years at a customer service management job. Love nature, hiking, being on/near the water.
Now I fill my time scrubbing poopy cages, giving unappreciative sea birds and dirty possums much needed baths, collecting bite/scratch scars like brag-worthy battle wounds, and dose daily life- saving meds to animals who most likely want to kill me.
And I love it. my motto : you haven't lived properly until you've volunteered with wildlife.
Hannah Karabelen
Noah Curran
OUR INTERNS
Matthew Yaley
OUR BOARD
Christine Hladky
President
Christine works at New River Air Station. She holds a Masters degree in Human Resources from Western Carolina University. She volunteers at the facility weekly providing animal care, helping with volunteer coordination and focusing on fundraising through social media. Christine is very eager to work and helps out wherever she is needed.
Michelle Cox
DVM Director
Dr, Michelle Cox is the owner and veterinarian at Island Pets Veterinary Hospital. Since she believes in giving back to her community, through Island Pet Veterinary Hospital she and her team provide care and services at a discounted rate for Island Cat Allies and Protectors of Homeless Pets rescue groups and has been known to sponsor fundraisers for animal and human victims of natural disasters.
Dave Wunder
Director
Debbie Morton-Cannon
Vice President
Debbie is the owner and manager of Webb Apartments and Webb Mini Storage. She is a long term member of the Board and has generously supported Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary with resources and her time,
Debbie supports the Executive Director..
Ron Paquet
Director of IT & Treasurer
Ron is a retired retail Jewelry store owner, goldsmith and musical Instrument repair technician. Ron's technical skills and business experience make him a great asset to the Possumwood Acres Board of Directors where he has acted as interim Treasurer and is currently the director of IT and Merchandise. He has been instrumental in operations management, product development and works with his family to create and sell merchandise to support PAWS.
Robyn Kelly
Director
Robyn is a small business owner, graphic & web designer, animal lover, donut hunter, music buff, traveler, hard worker, tenderhearted, strong-minded, mover/shaker. I'm a wife and a mother: 1 by birth, 2 by gift, 2 furry.
Roger McKamey
Director