Melanie Schneider

Mel has been a member of POA’s cat foster team since 2020 and a member of the board since 2023 serving as the Fundraising/Events Team Lead. She lives in Glastonbury with her husband and their three ‘foster fail’ kitties, Captain, Bolt, and Paloma. Mel works in Cigna’s Global Procurement organization focused on process/system design and change management. Her passion for animals and nature extends across all species, small and large. Being in nature is her ‘happy place’ and she regularly supports conservation efforts. She has been on two ecotourism trips through Tamandua Expeditions, one in the Peruvian rainforest and one in a South African conservancy. She is also pursuing a license to become a wildlife rehabilitator here in the state of CT through CWRA (Connecticut Wildlife Rehabilitators Association). Other hobbies include participating in sports leagues/classes that are fun and social (e.g. softball, volleyball, ultimate frisbee & hot yoga) and going to as many concerts as possible. Mel has been integral in helping rebuild POA's Events Team with representation spanning across all three shelter locations. Together, the team has hosted 3 successful galas, brought back the holiday fair, continued to support longstanding events like the annual kitten shower, and introduced many exciting new fundraising ideas and events. She is proud of all the team's accomplishments and looks forward to continuing to watch the team and organization grow and succeed.