SPCA of Texas Celebrates the Dedication and Compassion of November Volunteer of the Month

The SPCA of Texas is proud to honor a remarkable individual whose compassion, commitment, and unwavering spirit have made her a heartbeat of our organization. Our November Volunteer of the Month, Kellie Powers Lawson, is a woman whose care for animals radiates through every hour she gives and every life she touches.

Kellie began volunteering with us in September of 2023. In just two years, she has become a foundational support to our feline transport team, volunteering at least 60 hours every month. Her dedication extends well beyond routine shifts—Kellie is the person you can count on at every flight, every exam day, and every late-night moment of cat transport preparation. She is one of the first to arrive, one of the last to leave, and always steps in with enthusiasm and love.

Kellie doesn’t just work hard—she leads, teaches, and uplifts others. When new volunteer groups or student interns join the team, she is the friendly hand and warm voice guiding them. Kellie shows others how to assemble crates, organize exam areas, and prepare cats for transport safely and gently. She builds confidence in those learning, leads by example, and makes every volunteer feel welcome.

“Kellie is an integral part of our program,” wrote one of her nominators. “She is amazing… My team honestly could not do this without her. She should be Volunteer of the Year!”

Another nominator noted, “She fosters cats and kittens, transports cats, builds crates, participates in evaluations, and even brings food for volunteers during long hours. She is a great human.”

“Kellie is the heart and soul of our team—thoughtful, creative, organized, and deeply caring. She makes our program—and our lives—better,” one nominator wrote.

Kellie isn’t simply present, she is invested. She fosters kittens, contributes ideas to improve our systems, brings tools and supplies that help operations run smoothly, stays overnight during transport flights, cleans, supports vet checks, and jumps in wherever needed. Kellie thinks not only about cats, but about the people caring for them. From birthday gifts and organization tools to comforting encouragement, Kellie makes the work feel lighter and the team feel like family.

When asked for her favorite memory with SPCA of Texas, Kellie recalled a special cat named Mikey, a one-eyed kitten she fostered. After becoming extremely ill and returning for treatment, Mikey bounced back—and during a holiday adoption event at NorthPark Center, he found his loving home with one of the Center’s security guards. Moments like these fuel Kellie’s volunteer work—small victories that change lives forever.

She also shared the story of Ozzie Osbourne, who was found abandoned and living outside near the shelter. After finally being trapped on transport night, he received medical treatment and a chance to heal safely. Kellie helped provide a “catio” space, allowing him to recover while still being outside where he felt comfortable.

Kellie sees Ozzie as a reminder that every animal’s life matters.

For Kellie, helping is simply an act of love. “I’m just doing whatever I can to help,” she says. “I’ve loved being part of the team.”

She believes giving back is something everyone can do in their own way, and that volunteering with SPCA of Texas comes with community, connection, and purpose. She credits the staff and volunteers for inspiring her daily, calling them “rock stars.”

Kellie has witnessed firsthand the extraordinary impact of feline transport. The program is approaching 10,000 lives saved, relocating cats from overcrowded Texas shelters to areas where adopters eagerly await them.

“People are blown away when I explain it,” she says. “I’m very blessed to be part of this incredible team.”

Kellie Powers Lawson embodies everything volunteerism stands for—service, heart, teamwork, and hope. The SPCA of Texas is beyond grateful for her time, her kindness, her leadership, and her belief that every animal deserves a chance at safety and love.