Rachel Herman speaks at AMC’s Vet Tech Conference in October 2023.

On Friday, October 13, our Founder and Executive Director Rachel Herman was the keynote speaker at Animal Medical Center’s first ever Vet Tech Conference. In front of a crowd of veterinary technicians from all over New York City, Rachel shared a video featuring PAWS NY client Ruth and spoke about the mission and the programs PAWS NY provides.

The following week, Carrie Nydick Finch, our Deputy Director of Programs and Strategy, spoke at the 2023 conference from The State Society on Aging of New York in Saratoga Springs, New York. The event, for professionals working in older adult services, was several days long and featured sessions related to health, caregiving, fighting discrimination, and aging in place, among other topics. Alongside Robin Strashun from our partner Search and Care, Carrie presented  a session called “Helping Older Adult Guardians and Their Pets Age in Place Together” on Monday, October 16.

Additionally on October 18, Adrianna Ruiz, PAWS NY Foster Administrator, gave a presentation at Mount Sinai West for social workers and mental health counselors who work at the institution’s outpatient treatment center. The focus of the presentation was on PAWS NY’s new Substance Use Recovery Program and sharing more information about eligibility requirements and how to refer individuals to the programs.

Panelists and moderator at the Animal Grantmakers Conference.

Rounding out our presentations in October, Rachel Herman took the stage again at the Animal Grantmakers Annual Conference in Philadelphia, where she was on a panel discussing Social Services for People and Their Pets. Moderated by Kate Atema, Director of Community Grants and Initiatives for PetSmart Charities, the panel also featured Katie Campbell, Director of Collaboration and Outreach at RedRover; Dr. Bryna Donnelly, Vice President of Pet Programs for Greater Good Charities; and Nathaniel Fields, Chief Executive Officer of Urban Resource Institute.

Last but not least, PAWS NY got into the spooky spirit at the 3^rd Annual Great Hill Dog-Tastic Parade and Costume Competition for Howl-o-Ween in Central Park. From Barbie to astronauts to dinosaurs to rainbows and Kinky Boots, the costume contest was awesome, and our own Adrianna Ruiz served as one of the judges.

The group, which meets regularly with their pups at Great Hill, also collected pet food to donate to the PAWS NY Pet Pantry and solicited donations during the event for our organization. Thank you for all your support!

Thanks again to everyone for inviting us to participate in these wonderful events! Have an event that you’d like PAWS NY to attend? Email Kimberly.Green@pawsny.org.

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Growing up in NYC, Adrianna has always been passionate about helping animals and worked at the ASPCA for many years. She is now working towards a master’s degree in veterinary social work, and two years ago, she rescued a petite pit bull named Pringlez.

Learn more about Adrianna and her favorite things to do in the city by reading her Q&A, and let’s welcome her to the team!

What has your career been like leading up to PAWS NY? In addition to this part-time role, what else do you do?

I began working with shelter animals when I was just 15 years old. From there, I worked across different sectors of animal welfare and ended up at the ASPCA for the past eight years. I also trained as a victim advocate and crisis counselor for New York Presbyterian Hospital’s Victim Intervention Program. I am currently entering my second year of graduate school at the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s online program, where I am working towards a master’s degree in veterinary social work.

What about this position and organization attracted you? Why are you excited to be on the team?

I have always been passionate about addressing the systems that prevent people from being unable to care for themselves and their pets. For years I’ve witnessed what people are willing to do to secure the safety of their pets, and I want to help break down the barriers that inhibit them from doing so. PAWS NY does just that! They are such a brilliant organization that makes a powerful impact on NYC’s most vulnerable communities. I love their mission and connect deeply with their core values. I am honored to be a part of this fantastic team, tiny but mighty!

Tell us about your pets, past & present.

My dad is allergic to cats and dogs, so growing up I had rabbits, and they were all lovely companions. We had Baby, a Dutch mix bun that loved to lick toes and eat dandelions, for 11 wonderful years. I even got a tattoo to commemorate her. After moving into a new place to live alone for the first time two years ago, I met the current light of my life, a petite pit bull named Pringlez. She came into the ASPCA as a cruelty case, emaciated and suffering from a traumatic brain injury from unknown trauma. Despite this, she smiled at us with her tail wagging. I instantly fell in love and officially adopted her on May 9, 2021.

Did you grow up in NYC? If not, when did you move here? Where do you live now?

I was born in Florida but came to New York to start preschool, so I consider myself a New Yorker. I grew up in the Bronx, lived in East Harlem for a bit, and now currently live in Brooklyn.

What is your favorite thing (or things) about living in NYC?

One thing I love NYC for is being the fashion hub of the world. It is impossible for me to walk past any thrift store without running inside. Shopping is one of my favorite things to do and I don’t think there’s a better place to do it than here.

What are your hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time?

I must be honest when I say that my pit bull, Pringlez, is my entire personality. Any free time I have I am spending it at home, just staring at her in all her glory. Since we live only a block away from Brighton Beach, we also like to go for walks on the beach together and chase the seagulls. I also love to spend time with my partner and friends. You can usually catch us bowling, eating sweet treats, or singing karaoke.

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