Anne Mendes

Animal Care Volunteer

Anne began volunteering with us in May of 2025. As she approached retirement from her career in Human Resources, she wanted to remain active, give back to the community and help a variety of animals.

As an Animal Care volunteer, Anne assists in cleaning the habitats of our animal ambassadors and prepping their meals. While supporting our Animal Care team, Anne has enjoyed getting to know our Therapy Animals and seeing their wonderful personalities.

Anne is inspired by the passion each staff member at Nova’s Ark has for both our participants and Animal Ambassadors. She admires their commitment to our unique grassroots charity and finds immense joy in witnessing how our participants thrive through their interactions with our Therapy Animals.

Participant smiling with bouquet of flowers.

Unlike everywhere else I’ve been, at Nova’s Ark, I do not feel out of place. It gives me something that I feel like I can’t find anywhere else. I meet people that I otherwise wouldn’t meet and I feel like a lot of those who have helped me through my struggles I’ve met here.
Bridget, Participant since 2010

Nova’s Ark is special to our whole family. When Daniel first started here, he could only speak one-word sentences. Now, he can talk your ear off and is very independent. Daniel being at Nova’s Ark takes a lot of pressure off of our family because we know he is safe, happy and learning. No matter the weather or if he is tired, Daniel doesn’t want to miss a day.
Daniel’s Mom, a participant since 2014

From the moment our son started attending Novas Ark, we felt such positivity, hope and inspiration. Everyone in the Nova’s Ark family has been so caring and accepting of our whole family. Nova’s Ark has gone above and beyond to help us on our family’s journey and we are beyond thankful. We are so lucky to have found such a supportive environment for our children and our family.
Parent, Shannon K.

Everyone Can Make A Difference

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Anne Mendes

Animal Care Volunteer

Everyone Can Make A Difference

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