This month, in partnership with AdventHealth for Women, we’re recognizing some of the women in our community who are selflessly giving to others while raising families, supporting their loved ones and/or building their careers. Whether they know it or not, their stories inspire other women near and far.

Meet Lauren Frey Hamner

A Winter Park native, has nurtured her three daughters in the same community she calls
home. Lauren grew up on Genius Drive amidst peacocks, steeping her childhood in the wonders of nature. From a young age, she dedicated herself to rescuing and caring for a myriad of injured or orphaned animals, instilling a deep compassion that runs in her family. Since its establishment
in 2019, Lauren has been the driving force behind All Paws on Deck Animal Rescue of Winter Park, serving as its Founder and President. Her tireless advocacy in the animal community has been an inspiration to many as she gives voiceless creatures a voice and a safe haven. She actively leads the team of volunteers at All Paws who foster animals in their homes until a fur-ever family is found.
Lauren also serves her community as a Speech-language Pathologist in the local public schools, where she provides therapy for students and special education.

What is your WHY?

My “why” is a lifelong love of animals, creatures big and small. My mom and dad were very tolerant, and when we were younger, we raised orphaned raccoons. We lived near a bunch of orange groves, so there were always possums, and we also have peacocks, which we still have to this day. I have three sisters and two of them help me run the rescue, so we’re like-minded with a deep love for animals. Providing animals with a home feeds my soul.

Have you drawn inspiration from other women? Tell us about someone who has inspired you?

Before I started our own rescue, I was fostering in different groups. There’s a wonderful friend named Patti Boyle, and she runs Buddies for Life. She mentored me and taught me so much. I learned so much from Patti and she’s always supportive, helping us to connect with the resources like rescue vets. The prices of spaying a dog privately could be $300.00, which we can’t do, so Patti has been an invaluable mentor. She’s been active in this work for 15 to 20 years and could have stopped a long time ago but hasn’t.

What are you most proud of?

My daughters. They’re kind, compassionate, smart, wonderful girls. I’m so very fortunate. They’re doing good things in this world already and will continue to do so.