Volunteer Spotlight:
Naomi V.

Naomi is an avid animal enthusiast, butterfly whisperer, and aspiring naturalist. Originally from Illinois, Naomi and her family recently moved to Nashville where she is currently attending MTSU to obtain her bachelor’s degree in biology. Her ultimate goal is to be a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and educator. Naomi discovered Harmony while searching the internet and joined the volunteer team in the fall of 2022.

Why did you choose to volunteer at Harmony?

I’ve always been a huge animal lover, and in college I specifically became interested in wildlife rehabilitation. When I started researching local rehabs online, I found Harmony’s website and fell in love with the animals posted there and on Instagram! I couldn’t wait to start volunteering.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Harmony?

First and foremost, I want to dedicate my life to helping animals in whatever way I can, so to meet Harmony’s various patients and be able to help care for them is so fulfilling. I’ve learned so much during my time here and feel inspired to continue learning and doing as much as I can to help. I also adore the Harmony staff and other volunteers; they’ve become a second family to me, and my shifts are very much the highlight of my week!

What is your favorite animal and why?

I love all critters, but I do have a special place in my heart for butterflies, opossums, vultures, and barred owls. I’ve been raising black swallowtails since 2017 and monarchs since 2019; nearly 500 butterflies later, I’m quite obsessed with the little guys. Watson the barred owl was the first animal I got to regularly take care of when I began at Harmony, and I miss his grumpy little beak clicks! Frodo makes me a bit biased towards opossums, and feeding baby opossums is far too fun of a task. Finally, like opos, vultures are misunderstood, and I’ve always found them as beautiful as they are critical to keeping environments clean. 

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy spending a lot of time outdoors—mostly harassing cool insects I find while hiking and reading in pretty areas in my neighborhood. Raising black swallowtail and monarch butterflies is my passion during the summer. I also enjoy songwriting and playing guitar.

What is next on your bucket list?

Despite my love for nature, there are SO MANY national parks I have yet to explore. I would love to hike in the Smoky Mountains this year. My other big goal this year is to drive out to a certified Dark Sky area to see the Milky Way.

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

I’m a level 2 martial artist. I trained with my dad in Krav Maga when I was a teenager. I don’t currently take classes, but I still practice learned techniques at home (on Dad).