Why we love her: Pascale has been a dedicated sidewalker and helps in the barn. She recently earned her horse leading certification.
Path to The Shea Center: Pascale had been a long-time volunteer for local non-profits, including the local chapter of the American Red Cross. She was looking for a volunteering opportunity to give her some time away from caring for a family member in hospice. “I was looking for something to bring me complete joy (and distraction) for a few hours a week. I never realized how much The Shea Center could help others, let alone me.”
Years of service: Pascale became a Shea Center volunteer three years ago as her schedule permitted.
Favorite Shea Center memories: “I will always remember one of my first sessions with a quiet and shy boy. He struggled with self-confidence and was frightened of everything including small animals (cats and dogs). Imagine being in a new environment and being asked to ride a horse? Every time he was asked to do something he said “I CAN’T, I CAN’T”. We asked him to repeat “I can” instead. With the help of our amazing occupational therapist, Karen Yamasaki, I watched him gain confidence and I continue to see him grow at The Shea Center.”
Lessons learned: “No matter how fragile and unpredictable life can be; people are resilient.”
When not at The Shea Center, she can be found doing this: “Managing an international nonprofit organization that is dear to me. It was created to meet the needs of people diagnosed with a very rare and incurable head and neck cancer. I’m honored to work with patients around the world that are looking for resources and support when diagnosed with this type of cancer. I’ve learned a lot about building a nonprofit. With that said, I’m in awe of how The Shea Center has grown over the years and how it adapts to a changing environment such as COVID.”
She finds her bliss doing this: “I love being around animals; it’s my therapy while caring for a parent. Before and during COVID I fostered dozens of bottle-fed kittens until they were ready for adoption. When time is available, I’ll sign up for more hours at The Shea Center. And now, I’m enrolling in riding lessons; another thing to eliminate from my bucket list.”
