Congratulations to Mark Owens, our volunteer of the month. Volunteer Services Manager Michele Gingras remarks, “Mark is here every Saturday morning like clockwork…he’s quiet and flies under the radar!”

Why we love him: Mark is here every Saturday morning to sidewalk in adaptive riding lessons with his client, Paul, with whom he’s developed a friendship. They competed together in a 5k race!

Road to The Shea Center: “I had a goal to combine my passion for animals with my desire to give back to my community. I discovered Shea after doing some internet research, and luckily, the organization turned out to be a perfect fit.”

Years of service: Mark started volunteering in February 2022.

Lessons learned: “The Shea Center hosts an incredible team of staff and volunteers dedicated to improving the lives of those in need. I am fortunate to have a small part in that.”

Favorite Shea Center memories: “Witnessing the antics of Paul and leader Nolina during lessons. They are truly a comedic duo that never fails to put a smile on my face.

When not at The Shea Center, he can be found doing this: “Attending a Masters level program for School Psychology at CSULB.”

He finds his bliss doing this: “Reading a variety of books on my Kindle.”