Shannon had been operating in the greater animal rescue world for over twenty years. Throughout she’s always had her pulse and eyes on the injustices happening on the larger farmed animal side of things and was seeing far less human resources, energy, awareness, and legislation concentrated into this side of animal rescue and welfare. In 2016 a move with her family to a 40 acre land parcel helped fill the massive needs of the greater farmed animal welfare world. In the years since, she has either re-homed (with the help of sanctuary partners), or taken in over 200+ animals. Her work continues to grow and evolve with Saoirse Pastures…

Deanna Nassar has spent the last twenty-six years as a public school teacher. Always knowing that the injustice toward the vulnerable needs a voice. Volunteering with animals is soul filling in a way that inspires her to keep speaking the truth of the connection between energy of all living beings. She has followed her true passion volunteering with Saoirse Pastures.

Originally from Canada, Nikki Fortier is a philosopher whose research focuses on ethics and gender. She defends the view that pleasure and pain lie at the heart of morality and that preventing suffering is among the most important things we can do in our lives. This conviction informs her longtime veganism and her involvement with Saoirse Pastures, where she began volunteering in 2023, often with her baby in tow. She enjoys playing with her young children and exploring the outdoors with them, nurturing their respect for the natural world and the animals who share it with us.

I am a mother, wife, nurse and animal lover. One day, I hope to do more. Whether through volunteering, fostering, or starting a pet-centered business. In the meantime, working with Shannon at Saoirse Pastures fulfills this wish.

Eleanor Henderson is a writer, professor, and vegan of 25 years. She began volunteering at Saoirse Pastures in February 2024 after her son, Henry, introduced her to it as a student at Lehman Alternative Community School.  A professor of fiction, nonfiction, and Vegan Studies at Ithaca College, she encourages students to explore the relationships between human and nonhuman animals through research and writing, and to study veganism as a site of social change. She has also supervised writing interns from Ithaca College to produce content for Saoirse Pastures.

Our volunteers are the heart of our operation! As a volunteer run organization the dedication that each person brings is remarkable and inspiring. We have volunteers who have been with us for years and some just for a summer or semester. We love you all and thank you for your hard work, reliability and compassion!

Savannah Pig Rescue, Chicago Pigland Rescue, Rossmill Farm, Begin Again Horse Rescue, Garnseys Feral Acres, Lollypop Farm Sanctuary

Katie Keery, Kathy Zoner, Mitch Kline