In the news

Local organization helps rescue pets in unique way

March 16, 2022  Marcos Santander

CAMDEN, Tenn. — One local animal care organization is helping rescue pets in a special way before finding their furr-ever homes.

“Our original focus was pets whose owners passed away, we wanted to give them sanctuary and we immediately filled up so we expanded quickly to accommodate just about any kitty or dog that had a need in our community,” said Dawn Harris, President and Founder of Revelation Gardens.

Harris says she noticed an increase in animals being surrendered and wanted to help pet owners avoid giving away their pets.

“We started Buddy’s Bowl which is a community outreach program to help pet owners have the resources they need to keep their pets. We don’t solve all the problems but I try and equip them by connecting them to resources in the community,” said Harris.

Harris says she had to think outside the box to raise money to help the rescues.

“I tend to be really creative, I try and create things, I up cycle. There are some wind chimes that were pet food cans so 100% of the proceeds from all sales support our rescues,” said Harris. 

She also says the organization prides itself in having the rescues free roaming.

“It helps them to be more socialized and ready to be in a home environment and they learn to interact and be safe and feel loved. We also show nature videos and we do a lot of enrichment activities and really help them heal and feel safe,” said Harris. 

She  says the organization is always looking for volunteers to help take care of the rescue animals.

If you would like to learn more about revelation gardens or help them, click here.Categories: Local News, Seen On 7

Camden Chronicle, August 15, 2019

CDA Entrepreneur: Dawn Harris of Tree of Life Education Center

“The CDA program taught me the importance of sound methods, evaluation principles, and organizational analysis, all of which underlie my business practices.”

Q: Can you tell me a little bit more about your business and what you do?

I see myself as a catalyst, an educator, and a coach supporting people on their life journey. Through a virtual retreat format, I weave together evidence-based methods such as mindfulness, art, music, and journal writing. Through probing questions and theoretical and empirical instruction, the client and I work together to develop a program in the online transformation rooms. The goal is for the toolkit we develop to be readily available and become second-nature, so that when life presents difficulties, they have the ability to stand firm amid the “storms of life”.

Q: How did you first get interested in the coaching business?

I was very involved in the environmental justice movement and I found myself becoming heavy-burdened, angry, and resentful. Through self-reflection, it became obvious that being on the front lines of the movement was not the best use of my gifts. I determined to develop a mechanism for supporting those who were weary of the fight and in need of rejuvenation through a grief and loss program.

This eventually evolved into a virtual retreat experience, inspired by nature, which incorporates personalized and pre-designed programs for addressing grief and loss, resetting our defaults, and providing rejuvenation and self-discovery.

Q: What have been some of your biggest successes so far?

My biggest success is that my ideas became a reality and the product is very good. I have seen transformation occur in people, which is an amazing reflection of the power of taking initiative and pursuing our dreams.

Q: How did the CDA program prepare you for that? What were your biggest take-aways from the CDA program?

I learned the importance of agency and working with communities in a collaborative approach. My business focuses on individuals, but the value of collaboration and developing agency still applies. It isn’t important how much I know or how right I am. What is important is that individuals have opportunity to access their own inner agency and power. We work together to develop the right program for their needs.

The CDA program also taught me the importance of sound methods, evaluation principles, and organizational analysis, all of which underlie my business practices (thanks Dr. Heflinger!).

In addition, the skills learned through my final project directly apply to what I am now doing. In that capacity I designed a distance-learning website and identified what has become my niche which is brain-based learning and application of neuroscience principles in my signature program, Reset Your Defaults.

Q: What advice do you have for CDA students and for others who want to get involved in your field?

Sometimes outcomes aren’t always clear. Keep pursuing your passions and you just might be surprised when everything lines up all of a sudden to bring together personal life experiences, academic knowledge, and professional expertise.