Meet the Staff | Healing Species

Meet the Team

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

With a shared vision and unwavering commitment, we strive to overcome challenges and achieve our goals. Each member brings unique strengths and perspectives, creating a dynamic synergy that fuels our progress. We celebrate our successes. Always moving forward with determination and resilience. Together, we are not just a team, but a family, united by our passion and purpose.

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Founder and CEO

Cheri Thompson

Attorney Cheri Brown Thompson graduated from The University of South Carolina School of Law in 1999 and passed the Bar Exam on her first attempt. Her passion for Criminal Law and love for animals inspired her to create the Healing Species Compassion Education and Violence Intervention Curriculum for youth to break the cycle of violence and bullying. Healing Species has positively impacted many lives and received several national and local awards.

Associate Director

Madison Mole

Healing Species is so fortunate and grateful to have Madison join our team! Madison has a background in both vet medicine and working with children with special needs! She serves in her local church with both middle school youth and young adult women. The highlight of her day is always coming home to her beloved Great Dane, Penelope Ann!

Sanctuary Manager and

Classroom Instructor

Alyssa Bukzar

Alyssa is a dedicated dog trainer with 10 years of experience, having grown up with dogs and developed a strong understanding of their behavior. All her pets, including rescue dog Trapper—who was a former bait dog—have shaped her approach to training. Trapper's journey has taught Alyssa valuable lessons in empathy and second chances. She is committed to helping dogs overcome their pasts and foster trust and love in their relationships.

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Lead Classroom Instructor

Camille Thackston

Camille is a retired educator who has dedicated her career to teaching in the Midlands of South Carolina. Her diverse roles include serving as a teacher, science specialist, professional development specialist, and literacy consultant and coach. In her current position as a Classroom Consultant for Healing Species, she combines her two greatest passions: educating children and advocating for the welfare of dogs in need through compassion, education, and understanding.

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Classroom Instructor and Volunteer

Joanna Hinds

Joanna is a Clemson graduate starting her master's in education. She also helps with all dog care each summer, & in our school classrooms/Compassion Education and Violence Intervention Programs when available.

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Animal Care Provider and Volunteer

Cameron Thompson

Cameron, the son of Cheri Thompson, is an adept dog whisperer who dedicates his weekends to assisting with dog care at the Sanctuary. Despite the demands of his full-time job during the week, he remains committed to this compassionate endeavor. Cameron exemplifies devotion as a friend, son, and employee.

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Animal Care Provider and

Teen Volunteer

Caelyn Appell

Our little "can do" volunteer adds so much to our team, that we just had to include her here. Not quite a teen, but a tween, you'd never know it. Fearless, strong, and willing to sweat, but with an actual heart of pure gold, her absolute purity, devotion, and complete love of every single dog warms the soul daily. She brings the ray of light we all need, exuberance, enthusiasm, joy, love, efficiency, & ability that any team would cherish.