Kendel grew up in Texas and graduated from University of Oklahoma with a BA in English Literature. She migrated to Chicago, where she then went on to receive her MA in Romantic and Victorian literature, intending to continue on to a PHD. While volunteering at an animal shelter the summer after graduation, she fell in love with the nonprofit world and continued working in rescue, before serving as Director of Operations for a 501c3.
She then transitioned to the veterinary side of the animal field, working as a veterinary technician for a general practice and an after-hours practice before an unexpected life change brought her to the east coast and Massachusetts. There, she continued her work in animal rescue and veterinary medicine, coordinating shelter transports stateside and internationally. She worked alongside veterinarians as a scribe for an emergency veterinary hospital until deciding to try a new venture in animal research.
Kendel spent a year as a veterinary technician for a state research facility, which led to her application at Lewis and Clark. Witnessing firsthand the shortcomings of legislative and executive oversights for animals used in research showed her that there is much to be done in advancing protections for animals at a federal and state level.
Today, she continues to reside in MA with her two cats Raenel and Allison. In her spare time, she enjoys working in her garden and tending to her many fish. Her favorite activities include reading, baking, and grilling for her girlfriend’s greyhounds.