Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristy Olson.
Hi Kristy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I have loved and been connected to animals since I was born. I rescued my first animal when I was 13 years old. Helping others both humans and animals has been a substantial part of my life. Throughout my childhood I rescued any animal I saw in need and it continued into my adulthood.
I became heavily involved in educating and advocating for responsible pet ownership and resources within Mankato and surrounding areas in my early teens. Soon his bloomed into nationwide advocacy and I began voicing the needs of those animals who had no voice. Over time, a non-profit rescue that I designed with the support of compassionate powerful driven humans was born and has been growing for over 9 years.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road, in fact, it has been a brutal journey and still is. Our biggest challenges involve lack of time, high medical costs, securing a location, and simply the need for more active volunteers. Every single person involved with MSAR is unpaid!
We all have full-time jobs and other obligations (I work 6 days a week 8hrs a day). Our devoted volunteers strive to weave MSAR into their daily lives giving what they can when they are able. We are a person-centered organization that operates at a level that is attainable for our members.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have a dual Bachelor of Science degree in chemical dependency counseling and ethnic studies. I currently work for the State of Minnesota.
Prior to this, I operated a state-licensed Minnesota family childcare business for 24 years. I specialize in creating programs that mirror the needs of our animal-loving community while facilitating volunteer opportunities for everyone. I am most proud of my daughter Autumn Olson she has inspired me to be what I dream of and that nothing is impossible despite any challenge.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I am a very safety-minded person and risk-taking for me is a challenge.
My goal is to ensure that harm reduction measures are always in place and that I operate in a manner that is productive at all times. Our energy is a precious resource therefore I always choose wisely.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mendingspirits.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mendingspirits/
