Community Outreach and Public Engagement

Piper Montgomery, Community Engagement Coordinator

Piper Montgomery is the heart and voice behind the beloved children’s book series Life with Theodore, which celebrates bravery, empathy, wildlife, and the healing power of animals. A lifelong animal advocate with over 25 years of experience in animal care, Piper began her journey as a Veterinary Technician, where she gained extensive knowledge in medical treatment and compassionate handling. Her dedication deepened as she became a nonprofit animal medic, delivering critical care to animals in need across underserved communities.

Today, Piper is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and the founder of Wildlife Wonderland, a rehabilitation center located in Concord, NC, devoted to giving injured and orphaned wildlife a second chance at life. She is an integral part of the Squirrel Friends Network, serving as the organization’s Community Engagement Coordinator. In this role, she develops and delivers educational programs about wildlife, conservation, and rehabilitation. Piper engages with schools, local organizations, and the public to raise awareness about native wildlife, ethical coexistence, and the importance of protecting our natural ecosystems.

She also represents the Network at community events, workshops, and outreach initiatives, helping to build strong relationships with educators, volunteers, and partner organizations. Her efforts help communicate the mission of Squirrel Friends and foster public understanding and support. In addition to her outreach responsibilities, Piper plays a key role in the rescue process by helping to connect injured and orphaned animals with licensed rehabilitators across the region. She is also actively involved in event and fundraising committee planning, contributing her voice and creativity to support the organization’s broader goals.

Alongside her loyal Basset Hound Theodore, a medical service dog and certified therapy dog, Piper continues to inspire children and adults alike to care for animals, embrace kindness, and stay connected to the wild, one paw at a time.

Life with Theodore, A Children’s Book Series

Life with Theodore is a heartwarming children’s book series inspired by the true story of an orphaned squirrel raised by wildlife rehabilitators. Authored by Piper Montgomery, the series gently introduces young readers to themes of empathy, kindness, and the importance of caring for wild animals. Through Theodore’s adventures, children learn what it means to coexist with nature and how even small acts of compassion can make a big difference.

Host an Educational Event

Interested in bringing wildlife education to your school, library, or community group? We’d love to be part of your event. From engaging storytime readings to interactive workshops on native wildlife and rehabilitation, we tailor programs to fit your audience.

Blogs by Piper:

Piper has a contributed to our growing collection of informative blog posts for anyone who wants to better understand how to responsibly coexist with wildlife. Whether you’ve found an animal in need or are passionate about protecting native species, these posts offer practical guidance, educational insights, and real-world advice from the field.