Our Team

Meet Our Dedicated Team

At CarolinaCritters, we are not just a team; we’re a close-knit family driven by a shared commitment to conservation through education. Beyond being co-workers, we find our strength and joy in our common passions: animals, kids, and the joy we bring by doing what we do!

Sana Raja

Her commitment is evident through active involvement in various aspects, such as assisting at shows, meticulously preparing meals for the animals, ensuring the cleanliness of bedding, and actively participating in educational efforts by demonstrating proper animal handling to children. Together, Sana and Abbu embody the essence of our organization’s values, contributing significantly to its growth and mission.

Hunter Handy

Hunter’s passion for wildlife and animals began at the age of eight with his first gecko, which he still cares for today. His love for nature has taken him on adventures across the globe, studying diverse ecosystems and rare species. An expert in wildlife conservation, Hunter has worked with renowned biologists, contributed to research on endangered species, and shared his insights through captivating wildlife documentaries. His dedication to inspiring others and his deep connection to the natural world make him an invaluable member of the Carolina Critters team.

Raja Mujtaba

Raja is the distinguished lead speaker and founder of CarolinaCritters, driven by an enduring passion for animals that ignited during his early years with the acquisition of two parakeets. What began as a modest endeavor soon blossomed into a comprehensive understanding of animal training, with Raja’s skills soaring in the small town of Boonton, New Jersey.

Dustin Everhart

Dustin Everhart has had a deep passion for animals and wildlife since childhood. Known as a curious and adventurous little boy, he was often seen catching bugs and lizards, carefully placing them in glass jars to observe their behavior. As he grew older, his fascination with the animal kingdom only intensified. In middle school, Dustin began training homing pigeons for racing competitions, a hobby he continues to enjoy today. His love for animals is boundless, and his home is a sanctuary for a variety of creatures, from chickens to rescued pets. One day, he might bring home a fish or a snake, and the next, it could be a turkey. You never know what new friend Dustin will welcome next! Dustin is excited to bring his lifelong love for animals and his extensive experience in caring for them to Carolina Critters Mobile Education. As an ambassador, he is eager to inspire and educate children, sharing the wonders of wildlife and the importance of conservation.

Morgan Owens

A renowned photographer based in Louisiana, has been captivating audiences with her natural light photography for the past six years. Specializing in heirloom portraits, she also runs a custom fine art printing studio, creating exquisite frames and designing unique clothing. Morgan’s creative journey began with wildlife photography throughout the United States. She has traveled extensively, capturing wildlife in remote locations and working with international conservationists. Her work has been featured in prestigious galleries and publications throughout Costa Rica. Highly involved in the conservation of endangered hyacinth macaws, Morgan has donated a generous portion of her business profits to help preserve these magnificent birds for future generations. Today, she collaborates with Carolina Critters’ photo department, bringing the beauty of wildlife to life through her exceptional photography skills.

Kobe Hazelwood

An adventurous spirit from a farm in Reidsville, NC, grew up with a knack for catching snakes in the creeks and woods. When he wasn’t out on daring expeditions, he was mastering the soccer field. His passion for animals, particularly reptiles and birds, led him to become an ambassador and inspire our youth. Kobe now owns an exclusive collection of exotic birds, from rare peafowl to majestic mandarin ducks, and a formidable array of venomous and nonvenomous snakes.

Hope Walker

Hope plays a multifaceted role within our organization, serving as a valuable member of the Board of Advisory while also taking the lead as the scheduler and event coordinator. If you’ve engaged in telephone conversations with us, chances are you’ve interacted with Hope, showcasing her integral role in communication and coordination. Beyond her responsibilities within the organization, Hope is the driving force behind a sanctuary in Tennessee, home to a diverse array of over 100 animals, ranging from water buffalos to spider monkeys. Her compassion extends to the care of rescue parrots, kangaroos, various reptiles, and more. In addition to her professional commitments, Hope is a devoted mother of two, exemplifying a remarkable balance between her professional and personal responsibilities. Her dedication and diverse contributions make her an invaluable asset to our organization.

Carolina Critters