Sanctuary
Meet Our Team
The people who care for the animals, and for the sanctuary, every day.
Nicole Karuna
Founder and Director, Animal Care, Animal Exhibitor, LVT
Nicole (Karuna) has been an animal lover for as long as she can remember. She rescued her first baby bird when she was 7 or 8 years old and has been working with animals since then. Her life as a child revolved around animals. Bringing all kinds of critters into her parents home, volunteering for various organizations throughout her childhood and adolescence. She started working at an animal hospital at 16 years old (as soon as they would let her!), completed a bachelors in Veterinary Technology at Mercy College in 2004, and opened Animal Experiences in 2005. In 2009, Nicole made the move to Pine Bush with her sanctuary and life partner, Russell Lipensky. Together, the two turned Animal Experiences into the sanctuary Nicole always wanted.
Russell
Land Steward, Intuitive Bodyworker
Russell is our bodyworker extraordinaire as well as our land steward. He is an intuitive bodyworker and spiritual teacher. He has worked on thousands of people and animals around the world, helping people to understand how they create their reality, how to respond rather than react to our environment. He teaches through the human body, body language and in some cases teaches people through their animals ailments. His passion is serving mankind, reconstructing bodies, animal or human, allowing people or animals to live a better life.
Samantha Reinhardt
Animal Care Manager
I have been with the Happy Tales family for a few years now. I grew up on a small farm with my parents who both loved animals. It became clear to myself and others at a very young age that animals were my passion. As soon as I was old enough to work I got my first job working with ponies followed by miscellaneous other jobs all revolving around animals. As well as going to college and graduating as a veterinary technician, I am also learning the practice of Reiki in hopes of using it as another method of helping animals.
Kevin B. Faga, Esq.
Fundraising and Outreach Coordinator
A community-minded father of two animal-loving children, Mr. Faga actively supports Happy Tales Animal Sanctuary, through both awareness and fund raising efforts, and since 2006, has served as Legal Advisor to Hispanics Across America, The New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers, The Bodega Association of the United States and The Upper Manhattan Restaurant and Lounge Association.
Alyssa DeLucci
Creative Director
Alyssa DeLucci is an upcoming senior at Mercy College this year and in the process of applying to U.S. veterinary schools with hopes of beginning her doctorate schooling next fall. She has grown up around a variety of animals, and is interested in pursuing holistic medicine techniques and becoming certified in acupuncture for both large and small animals. When she has free time, she enjoys painting and drawing for businesses and simply for fun, which is how she became involved in the sanctuary.
And of course, our circle of supporters and volunteers. You are a vital part of our team and our Happy Tales Family. We couldn’t do what we do without your generosity, love, and support. We acknowledge and appreciate every single one of you!
Help the animals
Happy Tales Animal Sanctuary is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization run entirely on donations from the public.
Private tours are available by appointment.Animal Experiences