About Us
Welcome to Cottontail Cottage, we are a state licensed wildlife rehabilitation center specializing in the care and rehabilitation of rabbits and bats. Our mission is to provide a safe haven for these unique animals, offering them the medical attention, nutrition, and enrichment they need to recover and return to their natural habitats.
Not only is Cottontail Cottage a care center, it's also a dedicated space for training wildlife rehabbers who need hands on experience to learn.
When Cottontail Cottage was created by founder Briggitte Dix, she knew she wanted to create a space that could be used for teaching the next generation of state licensed wildlife rehabbers who are so desperately needed in New York state. We offer volunteer programs for state licensed wildlife rehabbers who want to get hands on experience before rehabbing on their own and for those who want to volunteer long term with our facility as an alternative to rehabbing on their own.
We hope to offer comprehensive online learning programs in the future.
Our Focus
At Cottontail Cottage, we understand the vital roles that both rabbits and bats play in our ecosystems. Rabbits are essential for maintaining healthy vegetation, while bats are crucial for pollination and insect control. Unfortunately, both species face numerous threats, including habitat loss, disease, and human interference. Our center is committed to addressing these challenges through rehabilitation, education, and advocacy.
In addition to our rehabilitation efforts, we are dedicated to educating the community about wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting rabbits and bats. We offer workshops, school programs, and community events to raise awareness about these animals, their habitats, and the environmental challenges they face. By fostering a greater understanding of wildlife, we hope to inspire others to take an active role in conservation efforts.
Our Team
Our team consists of licensed wildlife rehabilitators, our partnering veterinarians, and passionate volunteers who share a deep love for animals. Each member brings specialized knowledge and skills to ensure that every rabbit and bat receives the highest level of care. We work tirelessly to provide a stress-free environment, recognizing that every animal is unique and deserves individualized attention.
Briggitte Dix
Founder & Executive Director
Class II NY State Licensed Rehabber
Rabies Vector Species Licensed Rehabber
I grew up in the foothills of California where I loved observing our local wildlife and experienced how misunderstood they can often be. Before creating cottontail cottage I had the opportunity to work with pigs, chickens, horses and goats at a rural farm sanctuary and then moved to an island where I was assigned to patrol 5 miles of coast line for sea turtle conservation. After moving to New York, I decided to take the NY state rehabbers licensing exam, and found out how difficult it could be to get hands on wildlife rehab experience. So I attended conferences, and learned as much from other rehabbers as I could before creating Cottontail Cottage to help teach and encourage the next generation of local wildlife rehabbers.
Stephanie Gomez
NY State Licensed Rehabber
I grew up in the foothills of California where I loved observing our local wildlife and experienced how misunderstood they can often be. Before creating cottontail cottage I had the opportunity to work with pigs, chickens, horses and goats at a rural farm sanctuary and then moved to an island where I was assigned to patrol 5 miles of coast line for sea turtle conservation. After moving to New York, I decided to take the NY state rehabbers licensing exam, and found out how difficult it could be to get hands on wildlife rehab experience. So I attended conferences, and learned as much from other rehabbers as I could before creating Cottontail Cottage to help teach and encourage the next generation of local wildlife rehabbers.
Stephanie Gomez
NY State Licensed Rehabber
I grew up in the foothills of California where I loved observing our local wildlife and experienced how misunderstood they can often be. Before creating cottontail cottage I had the opportunity to work with pigs, chickens, horses and goats at a rural farm sanctuary and then moved to an island where I was assigned to patrol 5 miles of coast line for sea turtle conservation. After moving to New York, I decided to take the NY state rehabbers licensing exam, and found out how difficult it could be to get hands on wildlife rehab experience. So I attended conferences, and learned as much from other rehabbers as I could before creating Cottontail Cottage to help teach and encourage the next generation of local wildlife rehabbers.
Stephanie Gomez
NY State Licensed Rehabber
I grew up in the foothills of California where I loved observing our local wildlife and experienced how misunderstood they can often be. Before creating cottontail cottage I had the opportunity to work with pigs, chickens, horses and goats at a rural farm sanctuary and then moved to an island where I was assigned to patrol 5 miles of coast line for sea turtle conservation. After moving to New York, I decided to take the NY state rehabbers licensing exam, and found out how difficult it could be to get hands on wildlife rehab experience. So I attended conferences, and learned as much from other rehabbers as I could before creating Cottontail Cottage to help teach and encourage the next generation of local wildlife rehabbers.
Stephanie Gomez
Assistant Director
NY State Licensed Rehabber
For as long as I can remember, I have always had an incredible love for all animals. Being highly allergic to most still never stopped me!
I discovered this love through watching my grandmother and aunt care for animals the way that they did. They were both like animal whisperers.
As a child, I learned how very important it was to be gentle and kind to wildlife and how to coexist with them.
I have since found ways to spend time with animals by volunteering for many organizations.
I always knew that I had missed my calling and chose the wrong career in life but I found a way to get involved regardless. Which is why I decided to become a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. I saw a great need within the community and beyond to help wildlife. I feel so blessed to work amongst some of the kindest humans who have such big hearts like myself.
Angelina Pil
Director of Animal Care & Conservation
NY State Licensed Rehabber
Angelina is currently completing her undergrad studies at Wellesley College, you can find her caring for animals at Cottontail Cottage, helping write grants and answering some of the hundreds of calls that come through our hotline every month.
Meghan Raquet
Education Programs Manager
NY State Licensed Rehabber
Meghan is passionate about educating the public about wildlife and is the person behind our in-person and online educational programming. Meghan acts as a satelite nursery for Cottontail Cottage in Rockland County and stays very busy answering some of the hundreds of calls that come through our hotline every month.
Peggy Webber Reed
NY State Licensed Rehabber
Valued member of the CTC rehab team since 2022
Jackie Franks
NY State Licensed Rehabber
Valued member of the CTC rehab team since 2024
Natasha Burathoki
NY State Licensed Rehabber
Valued member of the CTC rehab team since 2024
Cameron Scansaroli
Assistant Rehabber
Valued member of the CTC rehab team since 2023
Cara Scansaroli
Assistant Rehabber
Valued member of the CTC rehab team since 2023
Judy Eisele
NY State Licensed Rehabber
Valued member of the CTC rehab team since 2024
Jen Bevarelli
NY State Licensed Rehabber
Valued member of the CTC rehab team since 2024
Christine Seddon-Grofik
Assistant Rehabber
Valued member of the CTC rehab team since 2023
Meet our Ambassador Animals
These special residents play a crucial role in educating the public about wildlife conservation and rehabilitation. Our wild ambassadors are unable to return to the wild due to injury or permanent disabilities, while our domestic ambassadors are all rescues that at one point were abandoned on the street. Our adorable team of ambassadors help us raise awareness and inspire compassion for their species by sharing their unique stories and fostering a greater understanding of the challenges they face.
