RESCUE REHABILITATE REHOME REFUGE

Sharlene is Founder and President of Graceland Meadows. When she was ten, on a day at the beach with her Dad, she rescued a seagull entangled in fishing wire. The feeling she discovered, as she nursed that bird for hours, has guided her. She’s worked since to help others and be an advocate for those who need one.  Graceland Meadows is her lifetime goal. 

Sharlene has lived with and studied dogs her whole life, and supports animal and environmental causes. Her fur baby, Rocco, is a cancer survivor and inspiration for Graceland Meadows. 

She is an IT professional with deep experience in global marketing, communications, and market strategies.  She’s been fortunate to learn from innovators, growing up in a leading global company that transforms the world of business. 

Sharlene is hard-wired to embrace challenge as opportunity. She goes by a few principles: help those less fortunate, never be afraid to imagine, honor curiosity and creativity, and find experiences to learn and grow. 

A longtime caretaker and advocate, Sharlene’s come by the hard-earned know-how to steer quality of life and complex healthcare throughout illness and end of life.

Her resolve and passion makes things happen.

Recent learning: Animal Behaviour & Welfare, The University of Edinburgh / Animal Care & Handling, New York City Health Department / Animal Behavior Consulting Principles & Practice, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants / Animality Horizons, Learning Animals 

Enver grew up on a farm and vineyard with dogs, horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, and birds. Most recently, Enver nursed an injured, abandoned baby golden eagle.  He taught it to hunt for food, and successfully released him to the wild, where he’s doing great.

By profession, Enver works in maintenance and operations; for years, at one of NYC’s most beloved parks.  He keeps Graceland Meadows in great condition and handles facility improvements and additions. He is OSHA certified and his skills are critical to keeping operating costs low. 

Enver is never happier than when he’s outdoors, working with animals, the land, and building things. 

Sean brings to Graceland Meadows a wealth of business sense, creative expertise, and experience in highly regulated sectors. He is an innovative and strategic graphic designer / art director whose design and creative career spans print, multimedia, and web for some of the world’s leading companies. He specializes in tech, life sciences, retail, and business-to-business marketing. Sean blends innovation and a deep understanding of the business with practicality, creating uniquely targeted campaigns that drive long-term business results. Sean has a talent for building collaborative environments. 

Evaline is a student and does ballet and flute. She loves animals - especially dogs, horses, and unicorns.  Evaline is full of energy and curiosity. She’s nursed her Grandma, and her doggy with cancer, and is a gentle, patient caregiver. She feeds the animals, is companion and playmate for them, and keeps watch on those who are unwell. Evaline does TikToks and Farm Kitchen Tea Towels for Graceland Meadows, and wants to be a vet and a YouTuber when she grows up.

London is a student, soccer player, and plays violin. From a young age, he’s nursed his Grandma, and saw his dog through cancer. When London was just a tot, he got locked out of the house in his backyard.  Rather than become upset, he climbed a tree, and waited contently in the company of the birds and squirrels.  He has a way, as they say, with animals. London is full of energy and keeps everyone laughing, and senses when the animals need quietude. London performs animal care and volunteer coordination.