LEADERSHIP
Meet the team that keeps the mission going.
PetPALS of Southern New Jersey relies on the commitment and passion of its leadership and team. Our combined years of experience, differing points of view, areas of expertise and commitment to helping people and animals, provide an exceptional knowledge base to support our mission.
Together, we provide high quality care to our clients and their pets, and energize the programs and services we offer to help those in need. As a resource to our community, we are proud to have a strong and dedicated team looking out for pets and the people who love them.
Meet the 2025 Board of Directors
Carol Swanson, Esq.
President
Carol Swanson obtained her JD from The Law School of The University of Chicago in 1982. She joined the board of directors of PetPALS in 1998. At that time, as a managing attorney in a legal aid office, she fought in court to prevent the eviction of elderly and disabled clients who sought to keep their pets while not losing their housing. Since 2009, Carol has had her own law practice in Woodbury, NJ.
Natasha McLaurin, Esq.
Vice President
Natasha McLaurin serves as the Managing Attorney for South Jersey Legal Services, Inc. (SJLS), a non-profit organization providing quality legal services to low-income individuals in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Monmouth, Ocean and Salem Counties. Ms. McLaurin provides legal expertise and oversight for the Ocean County office of SJLS. She has held this position since 2014. Prior to working at SJLS, Ms. McLaurin worked at a private law firm in Haddon Heights, New Jersey where she was an Associate practicing all aspects of matrimonial law. Ms. McLaurin received her BA summa cum laude from Rider University in 2001. She received her Juris Doctorate from Temple University’s Beasley School of law in 2004. She was admitted to practice law in New Jersey and Pennsylvania in 2004.
Ms. McLaurin enjoys volunteering in the community. She currently serves as Chair of the Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Committee (HPAC) in Ocean County. She is also a member of the Human Services Advisory Committee (HSAC) and sits on the Board of Directors for Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity.
Kenneth Sell
Treasurer
A retired Postal Manager, Ken has volunteered with PetPALS since 2002. During his tenure, Ken has been a PAL to a number of PetPALS clients, fostered client pets, been involved with fundraising and tabling events. He has been Santa every year for Santa Paws pet pictures. He joined the Board of Directors in 2012 and in 2014 began serving as Treasurer.
Lynda Yamamoto
Secretary
Lynda Yamamoto obtained her JD from Rutgers University Camden in 2010. She successfully represented a number of private clients in the Appellate Division and the Supreme Court of NJ before joining South Jersey Legal Services as a staff attorney in Camden. Ultimately, Lynda’s passion is centered on the needs of our seniors, one of our most vulnerable communities.
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Lynda lives in Camden County with her husband, two of their three children, and their dog Kaiju.
Are You Interested in Joining the Board?
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The Board of Directors provides oversight and support for the organization. Some of the key qualities of a PetPALS Board Member include:
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A passion for PetPALS' mission and goals
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Specific experience and/or knowledge in at least one area: social work, veterinary care, legal, accounting, strategic planning, fundraising, finance, community relations or organizational operation
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Willingness to expand knowledge of board responsibilities through orientation and ongoing education
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Willingness to represent PetPALS to the community
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Typically 4 hours per month distributed among:
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Board meeting — preparation and attendance
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Committee meeting — preparation and attendance
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Special events and requests
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If you are interested, email info@petpalssj.com with a resume and a brief statement on why you would like to join. The Board will review all applications and contact parties directly.
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To learn of our other opportunities to help PetPALS, please see our Volunteer page.