Get To Know Us!
Trustee
David Lomman
Over the last 40 years David has worked with thousands of people to help them overcome physical, mental and emotional health conditions keeping them stuck and in pain.
His passion with Natural Healing has allowed him to work with many different complex health conditions ranging from aches and pains to anxiety, depression and even PTSD; successfully helping clients live a better life than before.
His interest as a Tala Trustee is centered around this same concept - helping to sort out problems, find appropriate remedies, and nurse each of the animals back to as vibrant and healthy condition as possible given their circumstances and the resources available.
If you would like to learn more about natural healing options including preventative treatments and supplements, please email: DavidALomman@gmail.com
Trustee
Jean Quigel
Jean is originally from Rizal, Occidental Mindoro. Before coming to Puerto Galera, she managed her own poultry business there and raised her son MJ.
She has always had an interest in helping both humans and animals. While she currently works as a personal assistant for a local businessman, in her spare time she makes coconut cream for our rescue community and herbal capsules for those who prefer natural remedies.
She has three dogs - Brownie, Scrappy, and Una - and is responsible for Community Outreach and Education for our organization. She loves to cook, read, sing, and spend time walking on the beach and collecting coconut.
If you would like to learn more about our Community Outreach and Education programs or discuss opportunities for your local Barangay please email: Jean@TalaAnimalRescue.com
Trustee
Daisy Pleños
Daisy has spent the last three years as the on-site caretaker at Norbert’s Lodge at Sinandigan. Before coming to Puerto Galera, she spent the worked as an insurance agent and lived in Davao with her husband Arturo. Together, they raised four children, Cedie, Uro, Yumhi, and Fordi.
She has always loved animals and wanted to be involved in rescue and animal welfare efforts. And with Tala, she definitely got her wish! Today she cares for the majority of our rescues and works with pet owners to help us provide services throughout the community. She coordinates the distribution of foster supplies and also focuses on caring for our special needs kittens.
When she has spare time, she enjoys gardening, cooking, and a little online shopping. In the future, Daisy would like to expand Tala's rescue services to her home community in Davao.
If you would like to contact Daisy please email: Daisy@TalaAnimalRescue.com
Although Doc Laura is not a veterinarian, she has dedicated more than twenty years to animal rescue as an advocate, community leader, and foster mama.
After selling her horse farm in Ocala, Florida, USA, she landed in Puerto Galera to complete her doctoral research in Human Services, specializing in Higher Education. What began as a temporary stay quickly became a calling as she witnessed the tremendous need for animal welfare services in the community.
Combining her experience in rescue with her commitment to building sustainable support systems, she founded Tala Animal Rescue to create lasting changes for both animals and the people who care for them.
In her spare time, Laura enjoys scuba diving, tackling challenging puzzles, and engaging in meaningful conversations with interesting people.
To contact Doc Laura please email: TalaAnimalRescue@gmail.com
Dr. Laura McCormick
Founder and President
Trustee
Lea Marie Desuasido Mariano
Leng was born and raised in Manila before relocating to Mindoro in 2021 to seek a quieter life away from the city's fast pace, traffic, and constant noise. Before moving, she worked as a Graphic Designer for a humanitarian organization, where she combined creativity with a passion for serving others.
She grew up caring for small pets and was actually afraid of dogs for much of her childhood. Over time, however, her compassion for animals grew stronger as she learned more about their behavior and welfare; and after helping a neighbor's critically ill cat, Leng and her husband Johann became involved in fostering sick and abandoned animals.
Outside of caring for animals, Leng enjoys crocheting and volunteering as a life coach in church. She also hopes to pursue a degree in medicine in the future so she can continue serving both people and animals in even greater ways.
To contact Leng please email: Leng@TalaAnimalRescue.com
Treasurer
Brad Elliott
Brad is a Financial Controller currently living and working in Cedar City, Utah. He earned a BS in Business Management from the University of Utah and MBA from Western Governors. He has spent over 8 years working in the nonprofit sector; first with a children’s museum and then with an organization focused on women’s health.
From his initial visit to Puerto Galera in 2022 he saw a need to help the stray animals and wondered if there was something he could do to help. Today, as Tala’s Treasurer, he is responsible for the organization's accounting and bookkeeping - a very critical role as we aim to provide both transparency and accountability to our donors and our rescue community.
He is the proud father of amazing young women and now has 3 grandsons. He enjoys fishing, pickleball, and golf in his spare time. He is also father to Rusty, an energetic, 9-year-old mini dachshund who loves to cuddle.
To contact Brad please email: Brad@TalaAnimalRescue.com
Join Our Team!
Great organizations are built by people who are willing to work together towards a common goal.
Our Board of Trustees plays a vital role in shaping the future of Tala Animal Rescue and improving the lives of animals in Puerto Galera.
If you're passionate about animal welfare and can contribute your
leadership, skills, time, and resources - we encourage you to apply!