Volunteer Spotlight:
Ellen & Rich

Ellen and Rich married in 1967 and have raised two sons together. Rich's profession as an electrical engineer led them to various locations across the United States and overseas. Throughout their journey, Ellen pursued her nursing education, successfully obtaining her master's degree while balancing the responsibilities of raising their two sons. Following retirement, they continued their passion for exploration, traveling throughout the USA and abroad, often exploring with trail guides and bicycles. They eventually settled in Tennessee after moving from Florida, where they found Harmony Wildlife and began volunteering in August of 2022.  If you ever get a chance to visit Harmony, you will see a mural painted on the building designed by their oldest son.  

Why did you choose to volunteer at Harmony?

Ellen:  I love wildlife and since I can’t adopt a wild animal, this is the next best option.

Rich:  I enjoy doing laundry and dishes so it was a perfect fit.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Harmony?

Ellen:  I enjoy helping during baby season; feeding and caring for all the babies. 

Rich:  If it makes my wife happy, it makes me happy.

What is your favorite/funny wildlife story?

Ellen: Dressing in a gilly suit to feed three baby great horned owls.  I also enjoy observing “teenage” raccoon antics during their cleanings.

What are your hobbies?

We both enjoy reading, bicycling and traveling.

What is next on  your bucket list?

Traveling to Australia

What is one thing most people do not know about you?

Ellen: I was an ICU nurse and a MaryKay Consultant.

Rich: I worked on the B1 program that was part of the Rockwell Stealth Fighter Plane.  I also worked on the space shuttle programs out of Cape Canaveral.