Meet Our Models

Adam Ylitalo is a 2004 Baylor grad and is currently a Urologist at Baylor Scott and White – Hillcrest. He has served as Chief of Surgery and Chief of Urology at Hillcrest and is currently President-Elect of the medical staff. He and his wife, Kelly (Baylor grad in 2004 as well) have two great kids and live with their Westie poodle mix, Tucker, and FFR Alumni, Zoey. He and Zoey will be walking the runway together, helping other homeless animals find their forever homes.

As the President of Sales at Texas Office Systems, Alex Farmer is responsible for leading the sales team to meet and exceed sales goals. Alex is vital in developing team members, creating and executing sales strategies, and providing high level customer service. Helping manage his family’s business has been a goal for Alex and hopes to ensure the longevity and success for years to come. In his free time, Alex enjoys golf, fishing, and watching sports. Alex also enjoys spending time with his wife, Shannon, children, Madison, Taylor, Stephen, and Jaxon; as well as their fur-babies Molly, Pearl, and Sophie. He is walking today with Tucker, his mom’s adorable Boston Terrier.

Amy Hunter Roberts is the proud owner of Jeff Hunter Toyota. Alongside her husband and son, they currently have three rescue pups. Amy has been a long time supporter of Fuzzy Friends Rescue, having even served on its board. Amy is a strong believer in rescuing animals and the “Adopt don’t Shop” mindset!

Caroline Wolf is a multi-time All-American; Caroline still holds the Texas A&M University record for high jump! She also produces a Crime/Comedy podcast called “Bloody Happy Hour” where she provides macabre, comedic commentary with a glass of wine in hand. Now a year ago, Caroline pivoted her career and took on the role of Broker Relationship Specialist at Neighborly. She is modeling today with her little Yorkie, Parker.

Charla Holmes is the “Official Photographer of Fuzzy Friends Rescue” and has been a big supporter of the cause for many years! When she’s not behind the lens, you can often find her relaxing with friends and family along the Frio River in Concan, Texas. Charla is being escorted by Baylor, beloved Standard Poodle of Jeanelle Kramolis. She is thrilled to be modeling in the Pooches on Parade – Paws in Wonderland – Champagne Brunch & Runway Show. With your help, Charla can reach the top model award while providing lifesaving funds to animals requiring serious medical treatment. Don’t forget to click below and vote for Charla Holmes and help save a life!

Charles Opheim bought a house in Waco now over two years ago, after dividing his time between here and Dallas, where he had lived for more than 30 years. In Dallas he worked as an engineer, but also did product design and had several creative pursuits, which he is building now in Waco. “Waco has been an amazingly welcoming and embracing community, my neighborhood particularly so. The last year brought us all closer. I am an accidental dog owner, and currently have two rescues, one of whom found his way to me through Fuzzy Friends Rescue,” says Charles. He is modeling with a FFR pup who is looking for a great forever home!

Chelsea McLeod is a lifelong animal advocate and dog mom to four rescue pups! She’s a Central Texas native and works as a Speech-Language Pathologist in acute and long-term care rehabilitation. Chelsea also works with her husband, Matthew, as the Director of Philanthropy and Community Outreach for the McLeod Company, a leading real estate brokerage and investment company. Chelsea fully embraces the mission of Fuzzy Friends Rescue having saved, rescued, and rehomed numerous of her own “fuzzy” friends.

Colton Burch is the vice president of Consignment Furniture Showroom. Colton is the proud daddy of Sam Jam, a long-haired Chihuahua. He is walking today with Oscar, who was adopted from Fuzzy Friends Rescue!

Courtney Restivo Wollard is a lifelong Waco resident who works as the Public Health Planner in the Emergency Preparedness Program at the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District. She is a graduate of Reicher Catholic High School and graduated with both her Masters of Public Health and Bachelors of Science in Education from Baylor University. She is married to Kyle Wollard, and they have three rescued fur babies – Bentley, a Cairn Terrier/Poodle mix, Mally, a Labrador Retriever, and Pepper, a Staffordshire Terrier mix. Courtney is modeling today with her Fuzzy Friends Rescue pup, Bentley!

Esme Sawyer is originally from San Diego, California she is married to John Sawyer of Waco, Texas and they have three children Tyler (24) Dalton (20) and Brooklyn (12). Esme has been involved in numerous business start ups with her husband and was a Multi-Franchise Owner of “Subway" located in Tulum, Mexico. She has served on numerous Executive boards for charities in Waco, Texas and Tucson, Arizona. Esme is walking her friend’s Shih Tzu, Lily.

Fran Shelton is the co-owner of Shelton’s Spanos Warehouses. She is an active community volunteer with a heart for animals and has served on the Fuzzy Friends Rescue Board of Directors. Fran is modeling with adorable little Corkee, a Fuzzy Friends Rescue alumni.

Jennifer Heinz is a Waco native and is employed by Baylor University in the Health, Human Performance, and Recreation Department. She is a committed community volunteer, the Debutante Season Coordinator for the Hedonia Club, and is proud to be the wife of Jeff Heinz. Today, Jennifer is being escorted by handsome Golden Doodle Thurber, proudly owned by Jackie and Rondy Gray.

Leah Stewart is the co-owner of the Olive Branch Bakery & Café. She has been an animal lover her entire life. Leah fosters for the Humane Society of Central Texas whenever she can and believes in the cause and mission of Fuzzy Friends Rescue. She will be modeling with a FFR resident in hopes of helping it find a forever home.

Is a proud Wacoan born and raised. Currently a student at TSTC studying Instrumentation Engineering. Proud big brother to Tucker Stevens the golden retriever!

McCall Harrell is a native Wacoan and works as a realtor along side her husband, Hunter, at their family brokerage, HARRELL Real Estate Services. Together, their love for animals has influenced their ongoing support of Fuzzy Friends Rescue. McCall enjoys spending time with her precious French Bulldog, Hank, whom she rescued and loves dearly! She will be walking the runway along side her mom’s dog, Abby!

Melissa Nemmer was born in Waco and has lived most of her life here. She is the mother of two grown daughters who both live in Nashville. Melissa is also the mother of two pups, a Golden Retriever named Samson and Winnie, an Aussiedoodle. She also has two kits – Cry Baby and Maverick. She has an active role in her family’s business here in Waco, Nemmer Electric. She was born with an extraordinary love for all animals and her childhood dream was to be a veterinarian. She wanted to rescue all the dogs and cats from the animal shelter to save them from euthanasia. Today she is modeling with her precious Aussiedoodle, Winnie.

Missy Balusek is a native Wacoan, daughter of Carol and Noley Bice, graduate of Baylor University, attends Truett Seminary, retired police officer, chaplain for both Gentle Transitions Hospice and Waco Police Department, published children's book author, and stylist for Cabi clothing designer. Missy is married to Randy Balusek and proud mom to Blake Balusek. She’s also mom to two dogs, two tortoises, two turtles, three ducks, one chicken, one goldfish, and an axolotl. Today Missy is modeling with Harper Lee, who was adopted from Fuzzy Friends Rescue!

Mosie Holley is the Chief Financial Officer at Central National Bank. She is involved with Festival on the Brazos and Meals on Wheels, amongst other community organizations. Mosie is the mother of three daughters and grandmother of three. She will be modeling with a Fuzzy Friends Rescue resident who will be looking for their forever home!

Nell Hawkins stays busy as a longtime community volunteer and philanthropist. Her love of animals has prompted her to be a faithful supporter of Fuzzy Friends Rescue. Nell is walking with her sweet little Annie, a Maltese-poodle-Shih Tzu mix.

Newman Richards is a Waco native. His wife Brooke is on the Fuzzy Friends Rescue Board of Directors. They have a son, Newman, and two dogs—Bobby, a Gordon Setter, and Birdie, a German Shorthaired Pointer, who he will be walk with! The Richards are a pet-loving family that loves Fuzzy Friends Rescue and its mission.

Newman Copeland Richards is in the 5th grade at St. Paul’s Episcopal School. He is an avid outdoorsman…loves fishing, hunting, shooting and archery. Hobbies include riding his dirt bike at the ranch and playing with his dogs, Birdie and Bobby. Favorite sports are basketball and tennis, and he loves all things Baylor! He will be modeling with his dog, Bobby.

Shane Turner has dedicated over twelve years to revitalizing Downtown Waco which started with the purchase and renovation of the historic Hippodrome Theater. “Mr. Waco” is walking with his dog, Winston, a Sheepadoodle.

As the Director of Sales at Texas Office Systems, Shannon Farmer strives to help customers optimize their business for success. Shannon collaborates with customers internal teams and suppliers to evaluate costs against expected market price points and set structures to achieve profit targets. Prior to this role, Shannon enjoyed a 20+ year career in healthcare as a Registered Nurse. Graduating from the University of Texas at El Paso with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, she gained the knowledge and experience to serve many of Central Texas mothers and babies. In her free time, Shannon enjoys running, reading, and baking. She also enjoys spending time with her husband Alex, and children, Madison, Taylor, Stephen, and Jaxon; as well as her fur-babies Molly, Pearl, and Sophie

Tammy Shefa is the owner of Glam, she has been a makeup artist in Waco for over 13 years. Tammy is a community volunteer and avid animal lover. Tammy and her husband Barry are both modeling today with their dogs Chanel and Ty. She currently serves on the Fuzzy Friends Rescue board of directors.

Barry Shefa is employed by McLennan County Hospitalist Service and has practiced medicine in Waco for fifteen years. He is married to his wife of fifteen years, Tammy, and they have Chanel, a Yorkshire Terrier who was rescued from a dire situation. Today, Barry is escorting Ty, a Havanese / Yorkie mix that he and his wife adopted from Fuzzy Friends Rescue!

Michelle is a sophomore in high school. She enjoys dance, guitar, and video games. She also enjoys all things art. Michelle is on the school newspaper staff and her favorite class is chemistry. She has a love for all animals, but especially cats. Michelle truly believes that the unconditional love of a pet makes the world a better place. Today she is modeling with Piper.