RESCUE REHABILITATE REHOME REFUGE

Sharlene is fulfilling her lifelong mission as founder and president at Graceland Meadows. Her earliest memories are of dogs … as well as one particular day at the beach with her dad where they rescued a seagull. The feeling she discovered nursing that bird has guided her since. She’s passionate about helping others and advocating for those who need it.  Sharlene studies animal behavior and welfare and supports animal and environmental causes.

A purpose-driven, entrepreneurial minded director, she has deep experience in marketing and communications, business development and alliances, and community building.  She worked 25+ years for one of the world’s largest technology companies, developing a tenacious work ethic and well-rounded business perspective that she now focuses on growing her animal rescue nonprofit and community engagement.   Sharlene has also served as a longtime caretaker and advocate, managing human and animal care throughout illness and end of life.

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 dance and music. She loves animals - especially dogs, horses, and chickens.  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 Farm Kitchen Tea Towels for Graceland Meadows, and wants to be a vet 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.