Meet the Team

Ray Bullard

Founder & Executive Director
What started as a deep appreciation for reptiles turned into a full-blown mission to educate, rescue, and advocate. Ray founded Ray’s Reptile Rescue in 2021 to give misunderstood cold-blooded creatures a second chance—and a safe place to land. From snakes to tortoises, Ray has worked hands-on with dozens of species, ensuring each one receives the specialized care they deserve.

Beyond the day-to-day animal care, Ray leads public outreach programs, community events, and educational efforts and runs the social medias that make reptiles more accessible (and a little less scary!) to the public. Whether it’s organizing fundraisers, hand-feeding a stubborn monitor, planning the next big event, mentoring volunteers, or proudly showing off Bonnie the boa, Ray’s never far away.

Outside the rescue, Ray works full time as a plumber with ATX Plumbing and Septic, using his trade to help fund and support the animals he cares so deeply about. Whether he’s fixing pipes or feeding pythons, Ray is always working hard to keep things flowing smoothly—for homes and for herps.

Amanda Rouse

Vice President
Herpetology Specialist & Animal Care Coordinator
Amanda brings an incredible depth of knowledge and dedication to Ray’s Reptile Rescue. Certified in Reptile Husbandry and Captive Management and a Master Herpetologist, Amanda ensures that every animal in our care receives species-specific, evidence-based support.

Before joining the world of Ray’s Reptile Rescue, Amanda served as an Army Combat Medic and later worked as a NICU LPN, showing the same calm, capable energy with babies—human and reptile alike. Her passion for cold-blooded critters and her background in medical care make her an important member of the team.

From overseeing complex care plans to mentoring volunteers, Amanda is always ready to jump in—usually with a snake hook in one hand and a thermometer in the other.

  • Tatianna Medrano

    Board Member


    Tati brings heart, dedication, and a lifetime of animal experience to Ray’s Reptile Rescue. A former veterinary technician and lifelong animal lover, she’s passionate about giving every creature the care and respect it deserves.

    She generously volunteers her time across multiple animal-focused organizations and is always ready to jump in wherever she’s needed. When she’s not volunteering her time, Tati works for Texas T Granite, a proud supporter of our mission, and helps bridge our community outreach with local businesses. Her compassion, knowledge, and drive make her an irreplaceable part of the rescue family.

  • Joy Shoopman

    Board Member

    Joy is a vital part of the Ray’s Reptile Rescue family, known for her unwavering dedication, quick wit, and deep love for animals of all shapes and scales. A former veterinary technician and lifelong animal enthusiast, she brings knowledge, compassion, and a helping hand to every corner of the rescue.

    Joy works alongside Tati at Texas T Granite, one of our proud local supporters, and together they’ve built a home full of love—and animals! Whether she’s cleaning enclosures, snapping photos, or just offering support, Joy is always there when we need her most. Her energy and heart shine through in everything she does.

  • Dr. Celeste Hill

    Board Member/Veterinarian

    Dr. Hill is the trusted veterinarian behind the health and well-being of our cold-blooded companions. With extensive experience in exotic animal medicine and a true passion for all animals, Dr. Hill plays a vital role in ensuring each animal at Ray’s Reptile Rescue receives the expert care they need.

    From routine checkups to more complex medical treatments, Dr. Hill’s calm demeanor, skillful hands, and deep knowledge help us provide the highest standard of care. We’re incredibly grateful to have such a dedicated and knowledgeable professional on our side.

  • Lonnie Miller

    Board Member

    Lonnie, known affectionately around here as Earl, is Ray’s right-hand man and has been since the very beginning. Best friends since kindergarten, he’s more than just part of the team—he’s family. With a background as a skilled construction specialist with a get it done mindset and a heart full of love for animals, Lonnie is always the first to step up, especially when the job gets dirty.

    From building enclosures to midnight trips to pick up rescues, he’s been there through every challenge and every success. Earl has supported the rescue since it was just an idea, and his loyalty, hard work, and constant encouragement are a huge part of why Ray’s Reptile Rescue exists today.

  • Jennifer Coleman

    Jennifer is the founder and Executive Director of Big Country Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and a full-time registered nurse whose compassion extends well beyond the patients she cares for. Her dedication to wildlife rehabilitation and education makes her an invaluable ally in the world of animal rescue. Whether she’s in the field, coordinating care, or offering support behind the scenes, Jennifer’s drive and heart are unmatched.

    A steady force in both life and rescue, she’s not only a leader in wildlife advocacy—but also Ray’s partner and greatest supporter on this mission of compassion and community.