Board of Directors

  Melinda Robidoux a University of Hartford alumna who currently serves as the CCO for USI Securities and Investment Advisors.   

A resident of Wethersfield for the past ten years, Melinda has held various roles within the community ranging from small business owner of Circa Antiques & Collectibles to serving on the town's tourism & cultural commission.

Founding Member since April 2022

Maggie Bochenek, a finance graduate of Central Connecticut State University, Maggie currently resides in New Britain with her two cats Misia & Milo. For the past two years she's worked for the Travelers Insurance Company as an Internal Auditor. Inspired by "OW Kitten Rescue" stories posted on social media, Maggie reached out and began fostering kittens of her own! Shortly thereafter, she reached out to Melinda wanting to do more.  Putting Maggie's professional experience to work, she was asked to join the Leadership Team ensuring all books and records are properly maintained.

Membership effective January 2026

  Raymond Robidoux, University of Hartford Alumnus and longtime resident of Newington, Raymond enjoys working at The Charles Restaurant in Old Wethersfield as well as volunteering at Hartford Hospital. Following a life altering motorcycle accident in 2020, Raymond was looking for something to occupy his time while in recovery. With a degree in finance and inspired by his mother's dedication to "OW Kitten Rescue", Raymond was quick to offer support in compiling financial records for the rescue.  

Founding Member since April 2022

  Angela Mull,   

Angie Mull, lifetime resident of Wethersfield and proud employee of the Town of Wethersfield working in the Parks and Recreation Department. Angie joined "OW Kitten Rescue" as a busy mom of two, who was looking to do something for herself.   

She first began as a foster, then assisting with the trapping of kittens and quickly became a member of the "Angel Squad" caring for the most vulnerable bottle babies. As the rescue grew, she was asked to oversee the adoption process - a role that would leverage her broad experience in public relations.

Member since May 2023 

  Kate Lavoie, a proud UConn alumna has lived in Wethersfield for the past eleven years. With two decades of experience, she serves as the Public Sector Practice Leader for OneDigital Connecticut.    

Kate’s community involvement began unexpectedly after adopting from “OW Kitten Rescue” an experience which evolved into becoming a foster of multiple litters. From there, she began hosting lemonade stand fundraisers and building cat shelters. Her blend of professionalism and passion for service made her a natural fit for a community leadership role.

Member since September 2025

Jill Sylvester, a graduate from Central Connecticut State University and former elementary school teacher. Now a stay-at-home mom and an active member of the Newington community. Building on her prior rescue experience Jill joined "OW Kitten Rescue" In 2024, as a foster, favoring the “spicy” kittens and pregnant mamas. Since joining, Jill has advanced her participation by leading the Street Team and collaborates with members of the public to trap kittens & cats in need. Now appointed as “Rescue Manager,” she hopes to continue these endeavors to make a positive impact on the lives of our community cats.

Member since September 2025

  Beth Funk, a Business Management graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University, has called Wethersfield home for the past eleven years with her husband and two daughters. For the past decade, Beth has worked as a Transmission Compliance Analyst for a local electric company.  Beth’s journey with "OW Kitten Rescue" began "with a simple call for help — a stray momma cat and her kittens had made her backyard their temporary home. What started as a single rescue effort quickly grew into an ongoing passion. Since then, Beth has become deeply involved in the organization and now more permanently, manages the rescue’s social media and marketing efforts.

Member since July 2024