Our Mission
Rescue those that have been abused, exploited or discarded
Rehabilitate through patience, love, and respect
Educate individuals on leading a cruelty-free life through daily choices
How It All Began
From a Place of Pain to a Sanctuary of Love
When we first stepped onto the property in 2018, we had no idea what we were walking into—a former backyard slaughter operation, still filled with haunting reminders. But in the middle of it all, we found Arthur, a tiny piglet locked in a pen, alone and forgotten.
Saving Arthur changed everything. That day, Arthur’s Acres was born.
What was once a place of suffering is now a sanctuary built on compassion, where animals are safe, seen, and deeply loved.
OUR FAMILY
It takes a community of dedicated people to make Arthur's Acres what it is. Here at AAAS, our team volunteers their time to take care and run the sanctuary. Without their generous support, Arthur's Acres would not be where it is today. Thank you!
Todd Friedman
Founder
Todd didn’t make the connection right away. A vegetarian for four years, he knew there was no difference between the dogs by his side and the animals on our plates. But it wasn’t until volunteering at an animal sanctuary in 2013 that he fully understood the importance of becoming vegan.
In 2014, Todd began working in animal care, learning that what matters most is the animals—their wellbeing and happiness. He gained experience working with staff, volunteers, the public, and other sanctuaries, while discovering the joy and heartbreak of helping animals in need.
With the support of friends and family, Todd founded Arthur’s Acres Animal Sanctuary in the summer of 2018.
Christina John
Animal Care Director
Christina is our Animal Care Director here at Arthur's Acres. She went vegan after going on a tour at Farm Sanctuary in California. Since then, Christina has volunteered at several local animal sanctuaries. When she first started volunteering at Arthur's Acres, she instantly became a vital member of the sanctuary family - so much so that Todd couldn't get rid of her! She moved from her home in Long Island, NY and now lives here at the sanctuary!
Christina takes exceptionally good care of our animal residents and is extremely knowledgeable about treating chickens and pigs! When she isn't caring for our residents, she is spending time with her dog, Bentley.
Todd Defio
Full Time Volunteer
Todd is affectionately known as "TD" or "Todd 2" so that we are certain we are referring to the same Todd when we say "Todd"!
TD is a full-time volunteer at Arthur's Acres and has been living on site since the Spring of 2020. He first came to AAAS as a periodic volunteer and has since become an integral part of daily operations at the sanctuary.
While he has retired his weather career, TD is famous for his past meteorological interest and colorful weather reports. You can find TD doing anything from cleaning the chicken coop or the little pig's hallway to assisting on various construction projects around the sanctuary.
Bek Calo
Volunteer
Bek helps lead Arthur’s Acres’ communications, Village connection, local community projects, and events. She shapes every message, campaign, and relationship with care. She manages our newsletters, merchandise, and website, bringing the mission to life through storytelling, design, and community partnerships. From creating short films to packing your order by hand, Bek ensures every detail reflects the heart of what we do.
When she’s not in the Creation Station, she’s often baking, brainstorming with volunteers, or sneaking in belly rubs with Wilbur, Dorothy, Glinda (or anyone willing) with her loyal assistant Farm Dog Lyle by her side.
Rebecca Bose
Board President
A lifelong animal advocate, Rebecca has served as Curator of the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, NY for over 24 years. She holds a master’s degree in zoology, is a veterinary technician, and a certified Magnawave PEMF practitioner.
A hands-on volunteer, Rebecca is equally at home cleaning barns, photographing the sanctuary, coordinating in-kind donations, and providing weekly PEMF therapy to several residents. Having a Kunekune pig of her own, she holds a special place in her heart for pigs and is honored to help make a difference in their lives.
Wendy Murray
Board of Directors
Wendy has been a special education teacher at Ramsey High School for 28 years, dedicated to supporting students with learning differences. For over a decade, she also worked weekends and summers on an organic vegetable and garlic farm, blending her love for nature, animals, and sustainability.
A longtime vegetarian, Wendy went vegan the day she toured Arthur’s Acres — an experience that made a lasting impact. Weeks later, she became a regular volunteer and has been part of the sanctuary family ever since. She shares her home with three rescue cats and brings compassion, education, and service to her role on the board.
Jill Alibrandi
Board of Directors
Jill is a weekly volunteer and one of our Board members. She loves assisting with anything at the Sanctuary from cleaning the barns to helping with tours.
She has been an animal and environmental activist for many years and has her MS in Environmental Education.
Jill’s passion for all non-humans has inspired her passion for travel. She also volunteers with International Conservation organizations in India and Kenya that focus on saving wild animals and wild spaces.
Nikki Stella
Board of Directors
Nikki Stella, became inspired by Todd and all of the animals of Arthur’s Acres when she witnessed the incredible transformation of Penny Lane, from a starving pig – both physically and emotionally, to the healthy, happy and sassy star she is today.
Nikki, an experienced business executive, is excited to bring her business know-how to Arthur's Acres animal sanctuary's board.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Nikki's dedication to educating others about compassionate choices shines bright. Her role on the board promises to combine her business acumen with her passion for animal welfare, furthering the sanctuary's mission to educate and inspire for a more compassionate world.
Paul Spampanato
Board of Directors
Paul holds a Ph.D from St. John's University, focusing on animal studies in Literature. Inspired by his passion for animals and his vegan lifestyle, he hopes to spread the vegan message through his literary background.
Born and raised in New York, Paul became an animal activist in 2017 when he began volunteering at animal sanctuaries. Volunteering opened his world to so many amazing people that both inspired him and gave him hope that there is a brighter future for farm animals.
Driven by his love for all animals, Paul helps keep our data in tip top shape!
Katherine Keefe
Board of Directors
Katherine became a vegetarian when she was 14 after seeing and truly feeling for the first time the suffering of a creature raised and slaughtered for food. Throughout her life, she has always tried to help animals as an advocate and most often as a hands on caregiver.
When she began volunteering at a farm sanctuary, she took the natural step to veganism as the only way to not support cruelty in any manner. She continued that journey as an animal rights activist, as a caregiver, in hands-on rescue work, and as Shelter Director at two farm animal sanctuaries.
"I will use whatever strength I possess to help Arthur’s Acres offer sanctuary to animals in need and end the exploitation of animals everywhere."