A woman with short brown hair, glasses, and earrings, dressed in a navy blazer and patterned blouse, smiling in a bright room with large windows.

Nora Bennani, MD, Founder and Chair

Helping hearts heal—one patient, one paw at a time

A happy dog sitting in a sunflower field with tall sunflowers and green leaves.

Sunny

A black puppy with a collar sitting on a glass door, looking through at snow-covered ground outside, with snow on its nose and face.

Ash

Person sitting on a park bench in a wooded area with two dogs, one black and one tan and white, under a canopy of trees with blooming blue flowers along the path.
Two tabby cats lying on a beige carpet near a pet bed with a blue plush toy inside.

Daisy & Lily

Sunny’s Helping Paws was born from the heart of Nora Bennani, MD, a physician and researcher whose life’s work bridges science, compassion, and the healing power of connection. As a Hematologist and Associate Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Bennani has dedicated her career to caring for patients with lymphoma and advancing new therapies in cancer care.

Her journey with Sunny’s Helping Paws began with her own beloved pets who remind her every day of the comfort and unconditional love animals bring. Witnessing how patients often worry about their pets during treatment, Dr. Bennani envisioned a foundation that ensures no one has to face illness alone—or choose between their care and their companion.

Beyond medicine, she is an avid traveler and nature photographer who finds joy and balance in exploring the outdoors—values that reflect her mission to bring comfort, connection, and hope to both patients and their beloved companions. Her guiding belief? Healing happens best when compassion extends to every living being.

Our Board:

  • A bright yellow sunflower with a dark center against a blue sky with scattered clouds, surrounded by a field of similar sunflowers.

    Jessica Shelly

    VICE CHAIR

    Jessica L Shelly-Woods, APRN, CNP, is a passionate healthcare profession and animal advocate who believes healing happens best when patients are undergoing life saving treatments for cancer. Jessica brings both expertise and heart to every project. Jessica’s career has spanned clinical care, research, education, and leadership—always with a focus on compassion and quality.

    From mentoring nurse practitioner fellows to presenting at national conferences, Jessica is dedicated to advancing care for patients and supporting those who care for them. Jessica is looking forward to the work that this non-profit will do to meet the needs of patients and caregivers. Jessica brings warmth, knowledge, and a little bit of fun to every encounter. For Jessica, every wagging tail and gentle purr is a reminder that hope and healing come in many forms.

  • Close-up of a blooming sunflower with yellow petals against a blue sky with scattered clouds, surrounded by other sunflowers in a field.

    Don Lloyd Gawat

    SECRETARY

    Don has always had a deep love for animals. He has shared his home and life with cats, dogs, birds and fish.

    When Nora first told Don about her idea for Sunny’s Helping Paws and why she wanted to start this charity, her sincerity truly touched Don. He could feel her genuine care and compassion, and immediately knew he wanted to be part of this journey. Don believes in the beautiful purpose behind this mission and want to help make it a success.

  • A close-up of a sunflower in a field during sunset with a blue sky and scattered clouds in the background.

    Ben Oertli

    TREASURER

    Ben Oertli serves as the Treasurer for Sunny’s Helping Paws. He brings over a decade of accounting and financial experience as a Partner at Oertli & Pleschourt, LLP, where he has worked as a senior accountant since 2013. Ben earned his B.S. in Accounting and International Business from Saint Louis University.

    A sports enthusiast with a love for baseball and golf, Ben has also embraced life as a dedicated family man, enjoying time with his wife and three children. Inspired by his own “teddy bear” dog, Piper, and his work with senior clients, Ben was drawn to Sunny’s Helping Paws’ mission of providing care and companionship the pets while owners are dealing with their health needs. He’s passionate about giving back and helping strengthen the bond between all people and the Rochester community.

  • Close-up of a large, yellow sunflower with a dark center, standing tall in a sunflower field under a blue sky with scattered white clouds.

    Jilan Kubusek

    FUNDRAISING DIRECTOR

    Bio coming soon

  • Sophie Foxman

    COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING DIRECTOR

    Sophie has always been passionate about animals and the bonds we share with them. Her purpose-driven freelance work is rooted in empathy and a belief that kindness connects us all.

    After meeting Nora while traveling (and quickly discovering their shared love for pets) Sophie jumped at the opportunity to contribute to Sunny’s Helping Paws’ mission and vision.

    She can usually be found in her backyard, playing with Moose and Nova!

  • A young man sitting in a vehicle, smiling, wearing a plaid shirt, a red sweater, a dark jacket, and a flat cap, with his hand resting on his face.

    Andromeda Savage

    OPERATIONS MANAGER

    Andromeda Savage is the Operations Manager for Sunny’s Caring Paws, where he cares for the pets of those in need so they can focus on being healthy enough to return home to their pets.

    From growing up on a hobby farm where his family helped animals near the end of their life have a peaceful happy home, to his seven pets of his own, Andromeda has a lifelong passion for ensuring every animal has a safe and happy home to grow old in.

  • Close-up of a smiling middle-aged woman with short, light brown hair, wearing a maroon top, against a plain background.

    Carol Jennings

    BOARD MEMBER

    Carol Jennings is retired after almost 45 years working as a social worker for several large counties. During that time, she was involved with seniors and adults who had significant medical issues which gave her a lot of experience working with health care providers.

    Carol lives in Lakeville with her newly adopted girl kitty, Lumi. Being involved with SHP allows Carol to combine her love of animals and her experience working with people in medical situations to provide a much-needed service that has been long overlooked. 

  • Close-up of a bright yellow sunflower in a sunflower field under a partly cloudy sky at sunset.

    Michael Bennani

    BOARD MEMBER

    Bio coming soon