Volunteer Spotlight:
Maddy Olivieri
Harmony Wildlife loves Maddy!
Originally from New Jersey, Maddy was a competitive figure skater during her childhood. In 2018, she graduated nursing school and moved to Nashville. Now, she's a full-time RN working in plastics and reconstructive surgery.
An aspiring singer/songwriter, Maddy lives with her boyfriend, a one-eyed dog, and a mouse adopted from Harmony Wildlife!
Why did you choose to volunteer?
I have always loved animals. When I was little, I dreamed of being able to communicate with animals like Eliza Thornberry and aspired to be a veterinarian when I grew up. I ended up choosing the career path of human nursing instead. However, not long after I began working, I felt like something was missing. While in college, I half joked that my dream job would be working at a wildlife sanctuary. It wasn’t until 2022 when I was doing some soul searching that I decided to investigate volunteer opportunities at wildlife rehabs. I had no previous experience in wildlife rehabilitation but was eager to learn more about it. After doing some research I found Harmony and am so grateful to be a part of this organization!
What do you enjoy about volunteering?
What I love most is simply helping animals and gaining knowledge. My favorite thing to do are the baby feedings. I’ve learned so much about animal care during my time here and I truly enjoy the opportunity to show animals the love and care they deserve, even if they try to bite me sometimes ;). I also love the people I have met and get to work with at Harmony. They make it even more fun!
What is your favorite animal and why?
My all-time favorite animal is the grizzly bear. This began in high school when I happened upon Brutus the Bear on YouTube. Then I got to see a grizzly bear in the wild in Yellowstone, which was a dream come true. Bears are such big, fluffy, intelligent, cute, yet powerful creatures. I just love them so much; I even got a tattoo of one. At Harmony my favorite animals are probably the raccoons. They are so curious and cute. I’m looking forward to eventually getting my rabies vaccine so I can work with them more!
What are your hobbies?
Singing/songwriting is one of my big passions. I’m currently working on recording my first album! I also love to practice yoga. This past year I chose to study Yoga and received my 200 hour yoga teacher certification. I also love skiing, hiking, and traveling.
What is next on your bucket list?
I have a lot of places to travel to on my bucket list. I try to cross at least one place off every year. Last year we got to explore Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula and this year we’re headed to Banff and Jasper National Parks in the Canadian Rockies! A few places high up on my bucket list are traveling to Switzerland, New Zealand, Yosemite, and the Grand Tetons!
What is one thing about you that most people don’t know?
When I was in high school I had the opportunity to model and was in Seventeen magazine.