In addition to our incredible foster network,

meet our executive board!

  • Lauren Wylonis, MD

    FOUNDER and RESCUE DIRECTOR

    Dr. Lauren Wylonis is cofounder of Hope Wins Animal Rescue with her daughter Sydney and a CEO. She spent many years practicing as a forensic psychiatrist and has been on the boards of multiple organizations in medicine and in community nonprofits over the last three decades.

    As a lifelong animal rescuer and advocate, Lauren brings her lifelong passion for animals along with her organizational skills to Hope Wins to tackle the challenges of animal rescue and rehoming.

  • Sydney Zebrowitz

    CO-FOUNDER and RESCUE DIRECTOR

    Sydney Zebrowitz is the co-founder of Hope Wins Animal Rescue. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Sydney is passionate about rescuing animals, and began rescuing as a child. Sydney specializes in rehabilitating medical cases and socializing feral kittens.

    Her journey in animal rescue began with a commitment to helping the most vulnerable populations—those who are often overlooked or deemed too challenging. Sydney finds immense fulfillment in seeing transformations happen, whether it’s nursing a sick animal back to health or earning the trust of a fearful cat. Her expertise lies in patience, persistence, and compassion, which she believes are the keys to unlocking the potential of every animal.

  • Vivian Pilato

    RESCUE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

    Vivian Pilato is the Assistant Director of Hope Wins Animal Rescue. She is a business graduate of Drexel University, and works at a software company developing business and marketing strategies.

    Vivian is a lifelong lover of all animals and is passionate about adopting out at-risk dogs and cats. She has three rescued dogs and has a background working with traumatized animals.

  • Kate Stauffer

    MARKETING CONTRIBUTOR

    Kate Stauffer is the President of Lotus Social Media, LLC, a digital marketing agency that creates impactful, engaging content to help clients build a strong, authentic presence online. With a background in customer service and content creation, Kate brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to her work. She also works part time in the real estate photography industry, giving her a unique perspective on branding and visual storytelling.

    Kate is a lifelong animal lover with a special affection for cats. She is proud to support Hope Wins Animal Rescue by using her creative skills to help share the rescue’s mission, raise awareness, and celebrate the animals who have been rescued and given a second chance.