Our Team
Becca Cook (She/Her)
Animal Caretaker
Becca is an independent contractor who provides coverage for VAF. She has been working with us for two years. Becca is AWESOME with cats and dogs; she has been providing pet care for eleven years and has been full time for four years.
Jayden Toulouse (He/Him & They/Them. Q&T people can use the pronouns She/Her for me as well.)
Owner, Director of Animal Care, Dog Trainer
Jayden is the founder and owner of Visiting Animal Friends. Jay has a B.S. in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management from the University of California, Berkeley. He has 25 years of experience with animals. Leadership was developed in Jay at Greenpeace, Planting Justice, and Charlie’s Acres Farmed Animal Sanctuary, plus more. Jay received their certificate in Animal Behavior and Animal Welfare from the University of Edinburgh, as well as their Certificate in Dog Training from The Spirit Dog Academy. He has his certificate updated every two years in First Aid and CPR for dogs and cats. Jay plans and oversees the budget, manages all staff and contractors, maintains up to date records, plans the business’ strategic vision, chooses and facilitates strategic partner outreach, trains staff on skills including but not limited to animal care, animal photography, veterinary care, canvassing, public speaking, writing and editing, and works directly with pets and their parents for pet sits and training plans.
Eliot Wood (They/He)
Assistant Director
& Marketing Specialist
Eliot has a background in team leadership and is a brilliant, creative, and quick worker. He has a drive for excellent service, efficient systems, and management success. Eliot maintains the general email inbox, and the in-person communication that makes VAF’s team special through canvassing the neighborhoods of Oakland and manages our vital channels of media that VAF needs to reach families with animals looking for our leadership. Further, Eliot manages strategic partnerships with private and public institutions to further VAF’s long-term vision for a sustainable East Bay for our economy, our ecology, and the animals. VAF is so lucky to have him on as our primary marketing mind, leader in thought, and creative visionary of our organization. If you have a general inquiry or are interested in a strategic partnership with VAF you can write Eliot at info@visitingaf.org
K McQuesten (She/Her)
Administrator & Animal Caretaker
K has a background in communications, web, and software development and is retired staff from UC Berkeley. K lives in Berkeley and is a light in the life of many. She loves to spend her spare time when not creating effective systems for Visiting Animal Friends and taking care of fur babies, staying informed about world events and politics, and improving herself through personal finance focus groups. K is a trustworthy, reliable, and talented person with a great sense of humor and an eye for creative design, and problem solving. VAF is so lucky to have her on as our primary administrator and a part-time animal caretaker as well.
Tiffany Decker (She/Her)
Artist & Designer
Tiffany is VAF’s Lead Artist whose creative talents guide our communication campaigns to reach more pet parents. Tiffany (also goes by TiaDex) has 22 years of experience as a painter, 12 years as a set and prop designer, and 17 years as a vocalist musician. She is one of the most talented people we have ever met and anyone who gets to work with her is privileged to receive her wonderful, playful, and hilarious personality and sincere, beautiful, and magnanimous talents. You can follow Tiffany Decker on Instagram @Tia.Dex.