Lauren Hellendall was born and raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and moved to Washington, DC to attend college. After completing a degree in Environmental Studies, Lauren lived in DC, working in veteran’s advocacy, and then in volunteer administration at the Smithsonian Office of Visitor Services. In 2021 they returned to North Carolina, venturing westward to Asheville, and began to re-engage themselves in their long standing passion for animal welfare. Since 2021 Lauren has worked in operations at Asheville Humane Society and volunteers at various animal welfare organizations in and around Asheville.

Lauren lives in the Oakley neighborhood of Asheville with their two cats, Basil and Blanche, as well their two rabbits, Bart and Beverly.