Kiersten Anderson
Kiersten Anderson has been called the "catalyst" of the VSPCA. In gathering a small group of Vincentians of like- mind in the summer of 2011, Kiersten (a current Peace Corps Volunteer in SVG) organized the first meeting of what is now the first and only animal welfare organization in the country.
As a recent Masters of Public Administration graduate of the Monterey Institute of International Studies, Kiersten joined Peace Corps with "the hopes of making a sustainable and meaningful impact in the community in which I serve." She feels fortunate to blend her life-long passion for non-human animal welfare with her valuable management and evaluation skills, gaining practical insight into the process of positive change and development.
Her goals for VSPCA are to establish a desired, effective, and powerful humane education and community outreach program in which youth and adults alike begin a transformation process towards "a kinder, more compassionate, and empathetic approach to all living beings." Kiersten wants VSPCA to be a credible and "go to" organization for both domesticated and livestock-animal needs, be they veterinary services, trainings and workshops, or advice and educational events. She also envisions a constructive dialogue among kids and their parents about the proper care and treatment of animals to begin. Ideally, Vincentians would also learn of the challenges and methods of prevention of over-population -turning to acceptance and regular practice of spaying and neutering their companion animals.
Like many of her colleagues, the idea of a holistic and flourishing animal rehabilitation facility is a dream she feels can be accomplished in the coming years. "I am inspired by various SPCAs, animal welfare organizations, and shelters across the States - many in my home state of California. Nature preserves, no-kill shelters, and sanctuaries for abused, unwanted, sick, and forgotten animals are replicable models. It will take a long time for SVG to get to this point, but the fact that we have begun that journey is beautiful, and we will surely arrive there one day... one animal at a time."
Kiersten wishes to look back on her 27 months as a Peace Corps Volunteer in SVG as one of "deep personal and professional growth." With a life-long commitment to VSPCA, Kiersten looks forward to seeing a better world for Vincentian animals through the continued efforts by volunteers to uphold the organization's purpose.
In her spare time, Kiersten enjoys spending time with her three rescued pups, (vegan) cooking, yoga, hiking, and reading. Her plans after Peace Corps remain open, but she is positive she has found her purpose in life!
As a recent Masters of Public Administration graduate of the Monterey Institute of International Studies, Kiersten joined Peace Corps with "the hopes of making a sustainable and meaningful impact in the community in which I serve." She feels fortunate to blend her life-long passion for non-human animal welfare with her valuable management and evaluation skills, gaining practical insight into the process of positive change and development.
Her goals for VSPCA are to establish a desired, effective, and powerful humane education and community outreach program in which youth and adults alike begin a transformation process towards "a kinder, more compassionate, and empathetic approach to all living beings." Kiersten wants VSPCA to be a credible and "go to" organization for both domesticated and livestock-animal needs, be they veterinary services, trainings and workshops, or advice and educational events. She also envisions a constructive dialogue among kids and their parents about the proper care and treatment of animals to begin. Ideally, Vincentians would also learn of the challenges and methods of prevention of over-population -turning to acceptance and regular practice of spaying and neutering their companion animals.
Like many of her colleagues, the idea of a holistic and flourishing animal rehabilitation facility is a dream she feels can be accomplished in the coming years. "I am inspired by various SPCAs, animal welfare organizations, and shelters across the States - many in my home state of California. Nature preserves, no-kill shelters, and sanctuaries for abused, unwanted, sick, and forgotten animals are replicable models. It will take a long time for SVG to get to this point, but the fact that we have begun that journey is beautiful, and we will surely arrive there one day... one animal at a time."
Kiersten wishes to look back on her 27 months as a Peace Corps Volunteer in SVG as one of "deep personal and professional growth." With a life-long commitment to VSPCA, Kiersten looks forward to seeing a better world for Vincentian animals through the continued efforts by volunteers to uphold the organization's purpose.
In her spare time, Kiersten enjoys spending time with her three rescued pups, (vegan) cooking, yoga, hiking, and reading. Her plans after Peace Corps remain open, but she is positive she has found her purpose in life!
