Founder & Directors
The South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center has been guided by dedicated individuals whose leadership and compassion have shaped who we are today. From our founder’s early vision to the directors who have carried that mission forward, each has played a vital role in building and sustaining our commitment to wildlife conservation, education, and care.
SPWRC
Carol Lee
Founder
The story of South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center began with Carol Lee in 1984, when she lovingly raised and released a young mockingbird that had fallen from its nest. That single experience sparked a lifelong passion.
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While working as a receptionist at a veterinary clinic in 1985, Carol began bringing home orphaned and injured birds to care for, and by 1987 she had earned her state and federal licenses to rehabilitate wildlife. In October of 1988, she purchased 1.6 acres of land at 95th and Indiana, where her dream for the center truly took flight.
More than just its founder, Carol was the heart of SPWRC—known for her kindness, determination, and gentle spirit that inspired everyone around her.
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After decades of tireless dedication, she passed the torch in 2016 to Gail Barnes, who carries forward Carol’s legacy of compassion and care for wildlife.
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Thank you Carol, we wouldn't be here without YOU!
Former Executive Director
Gail Barnes
After 23 years of dedication, Gail Barnes embarks on a well-deserved retirement, leaving behind an incredible legacy at South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Her leadership shaped SPWRC into a center for rescue, rehabilitation, and education, fostering a deep commitment to wildlife conservation, particularly for bats and raptors.
Since becoming a full-time volunteer in 2002, Gail obtained State and Federal Wildlife Rehabilitation Permits for her personal facility, NightWings, and later took on the role of Executive Director in 2016, strengthening educational outreach, expanding media presence, and securing SPWRC’s long-term impact. Her influence continues through projects like Titan, the Great-horned Owl mascot of Miller Elementary School, and countless animals she helped rehabilitate.
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Her passion has touched so many lives interns, volunteers, Texas Tech students, and participants in owl camps and environmental education programs. Gail’s deep connections with ambassador birds like Jasper, Titan, and Bu2 illustrate the emotional bond between animals and people, inspiring all who meet her. Gail, your unwavering commitment has shaped SPWRC into what it is today.
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Thank you for the countless lives you’ve touched.
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Current Executive Director
Sarah Hollers
Sarah’s journey with the SPWRC began in 2016, when she first joined as a volunteer. She returned in May to assist with baby season, ensuring young wildlife received the care they needed. She also helped launch the Into the Wild summer camp, a program designed to educate and inspire the next generation about wildlife conservation—a huge success thanks to her dedication.​​Sarah holds a B.S. in Natural Resources Management from Texas Tech University (Class of 2017).
After college, she worked as a Wildlife Officer with the City of Austin, gaining valuable experience in environmental management and conservation enforcement. Eventually, she returned to Lubbock to raise her three children and be closer to family. Interestingly, her husband, Jerrod, shares her passion for wildlife—he was one of Gail Barnes' first junior volunteers back in 2004!​
Sarah’s work reflects her deep commitment to wildlife, conservation, and education. She believes in second chances—for both people and animals—and is devoted to ensuring SPWRC continues its mission of rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife while fostering awareness within the community. Whether working hands-on with animals or leading outreach efforts, she brings warmth, expertise, and genuine care to everything she does.
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