It’s really coming from a place of privilege and honor that I’m a part of the SARA organization. I remember back in 2013 when I became a SARA teacher after going to many retreats, meeting Kathleen in 2009, and then Leah. We as SARA practitioners and members and teachers are shining stars of love and compassion, courage and boldness. It is our privilege to be able to do what we do in our communities; to serve, do good, to be examples, and to have the amazing resources, high ethics and professionalism that can demonstrate to others the value of our organization.

I think there’s something very important about a being a volunteer, and being part of an organization that is a non-profit. We are very privileged to be able to do what we do. Personally, I have gained so much in my own healing. I love both people and animals. I was a nurse for 20 years. It’s so gratifying facilitating this ability, these gifts that I have, and to share those with the animals, the professionals, and the shelter caretakers. It’s not always easy, but we can be those lights, those beams of hope for the people in the shelter that are in there, day in and day out. I think that’s where it’s completely given me so much open-heartedness, and of course, all the animals there.

I can’t say enough wonderful things about the treasures that we have with Kathleen and Leah. I know that with all of the growth that we’ve seen being 10 years into this that it’s a great opportunity for us to gather around and figure out how it is that we can revamp things a bit and come back to the mission and the purpose. I’m really grateful for us to be able to have some consistency so that all of us know exactly how we should use the resources and be consistent, because that’s what gives us our value and our professionalism.

I’m very proud and honored to be a part of SARA, and I thank you all so much. I’m gonna keep on keeping on.

Karren O’Sullivan
SARA Teacher