Let's start from the top, shall we...

I learned of Harmony House ten years ago when looking for a cat to join the family and was shown Sansa, now Lolita. I started volunteering later that year and was hooked - I loved the place, the people, and the mission.

It was suggested I join the board in February 2020 - great timing, right? Honestly, it was. My skills were very useful as we navigated what adoptions and other processes would look like in the unknown of the Covid pandemic. It wasn't easy but we survived it and came out on the other side with some valuable lessons learned on how to reduce barriers to adoption in very difficult circumstances that we continue to practice to this day.

Let's fast forward to last July with the untimely passing of our previous president Ann. Ann dedicated so much of her time to Harmony House and we had to start figuring out everything she did. We also needed a new president to lead the organization through this difficult transition and guess what - yet again, my skills were needed.

This has been a humbling experience. I knew I had much to learn and that others on my board and our shelter staff knew much more than me in their respective areas. I've learned on them hard and appreciate all of their experience and knowledge as I've been getting my footing. I've traveled to conferences to learn from the best, networked with other rescues throughout the country, and have started us on our transition towards what Harmony House will look like in the future.

I've heard from many of you since I became president and I hear your excitement as we try new things and we start building up what we'll become. That gives me so much energy every day as I see things falling into place and how much everyone wants to be involved.

I would love your support as I celebrate another birthday and ten years with Harmony House. I'm excited to continue my work and have you by my side.