IT TAKES A VILLAGE

It takes a community of dedicated people to make Arthur's Acres what it is.

Here at AAAS, our team volunteers their time to take care and run the sanctuary.

Without their generous support, Arthur's Acres would not be where it is today.

Thank you.

Todd Friedman

Founder

Todd didn't make connection immediately. Already a vegetarian for 4 years, he understood there was no difference between the dogs by his side and the animals we put on our plate.

However, it wasn't until he volunteered at an animal sanctuary in 2013, when he had a first hand experience with farmed animals that Todd understood the importance of becoming vegan.

This realization led Todd to an animal care role in 2014. In that time, he learned what really matters: the animals, their care and their happiness. While working at the sanctuary, he learned how to work with staff, volunteers, the public and other sanctuary organizations to do the very best for both animals in his care and the others out there still in danger.

Most importantly, he learned the joy and heartbreak of opening his heart to animals in need, thus finding his true passion in life.

With the help of friends and family, Todd founded Arthur's Acres Animal Sanctuary in Summer of 2018.

Cerri McQuillan

Cerri began her journey in animal rights advocacy in 2009 when her eyes were opened to the horrors of the animal agriculture industry. She quickly transitioned to a vegan lifestyle to solidify her commitment to animal rights.

After volunteering at farm animal sanctuaries and shelters for a number of years, Cerri become a full time animal caregiver in 2014. True to Cerri's nature, she wore many hats, taking on a barn manager role, while leading a adoption program which specialized in the placement of farmed animals into loving homes.

When Cerri is not at the Sanctuary, she is the co-owner of A Cake's Tale, a 100% vegan bakery. You can also find her promoting cruelty free food at the renowned Garden Cafe, of Woodstock NY.

Dawnell Meyer

Born and raised in Ohio, Dawnell began her animal care career in her home state in 2006. She moved to NY in 2009 to further her skills and has worked in animal care ever since. . Dawnell is a keen observer with a gentle disposition, just a few of the many reasons why she is so successful in her field.

Dawnell now shares her knowledge and talents with multiple sanctuaries in an effort to help rehabilitate as many animals as possible from the cruel practices of the industry.

When Dawnell takes time to herself, you'll find her on her motorcycle exploring the NY countryside or hanging out with her two dogs, Baxter and Maisy.

Katherine Keefe

Katherine became a vegetarian when she was 14 , after seeing and truly feeling for the first time, the suffering of a creature raised and slaughtered for food. Throughout her life she has always tried to help animals, as an advocate and most often as a hands on caregiver.

When she began volunteering at a farm sanctuary she took the natural step to Veganism as the only way to not support cruelty in any manner. She continued that journey as an animal rights activist, as a caregiver, in hands on rescue work and as Shelter Director at two farm animal sanctuaries.

"I will use whatever strength I possess to help Arthur’s Acres offer sanctuary to animals in need and end the exploitation of animals everywhere."

Sam Homan

Sam a native Irishman came from a butcher background. Not only did he deliver meat for 2 years, he has also personally slaughtered turkeys, and studied French classical cuisine in college.

In spite of all of this, Sam considered himself a animal lover, yet it was only until he entered into a relationship with a girl who led a vegan lifestyle did he quickly see the reality of the industry. He immediately transitioned to a vegan lifestyle, gaining knowledge in the vegan culinary world, and volunteering his time at animal sanctuaries.

In 2018 he founded A Cake's Tale, a vegan cake design business in Woodstock, NY.

Ashley Nester

After years of finding herself uninspired and unfulfilled in the corporate world, Ashley decided to make the leap and follow her true passion — animals.

With nearly a decade of marketing and communications experience, she has spent the last few years working for small nonprofit organizations dedicated to animal rights and companion animals.

In her free time, Ashley enjoys hiking, riding her bike, and spending time outdoors with her rescue dog, Luka.

Tony Hoppe

Retired police officer, vegan animal rights activist Tony

Hoppe went vegan while on the force, about 3 1/2 years before retiring, after 20 years vegetarian. He went vegan on the spot when he heard about the dairy industry during a tour at a local animal sanctuary.

Tony noticed that he got healthier after going vegan, his doctor told him that he has the best "cholesterol profile" he's seen and by going vegan Tony also says that the cliche about having his actions aligned with his values and ethics proved true.

Tony now travels the country advocating for farmed animals.