FURever As Friends is the dream of Sharon and John Bednar. Laurie Appel joined them as a founding Board member. Working together they have recruited dozens of teams of handlers and pets who carry out the mission of FURever as Friends. Our services are continually changing and expanding, so we encourage you to check our web site to learn where we are and what we are doing. If you want to join us in this exciting and inspirational community work, let us know!
We look forward to sharing our passion! Together we can spread the healing power of pets helping people – FURever As Friends!
FURever as Friends (FAF) is a Gloucester County, New Jersey based non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization made up of dedicated volunteers and loving, well trained certified therapy dogs, cats and rabbits.
We focus on serving community residents of all ages in Gloucester, Salem , Camden and Cumberland Counties. The services we provide are specifically designed to offer unconditional love via pet-assisted therapy to adults and children in a variety of different settings.
We look forward to sharing our passion! Together we can spread the healing power of pets helping people – FURever As Friends!
FURever as Friends (FAF) is a Gloucester County, New Jersey based non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization made up of dedicated volunteers and loving, well trained certified therapy dogs, cats and rabbits.
We focus on serving community residents of all ages in Gloucester, Salem , Camden and Cumberland Counties. The services we provide are specifically designed to offer unconditional love via pet-assisted therapy to adults and children in a variety of different settings.
Mission Statement:
Our mission at FURever as Friends, Inc. is to build upon the natural relationship between humans and domestic pets so as in order to enhance the lives of children and adults.
Specifically, our organization will focus on these five areas of emphasis:
Our mission at FURever as Friends, Inc. is to build upon the natural relationship between humans and domestic pets so as in order to enhance the lives of children and adults.
Specifically, our organization will focus on these five areas of emphasis:
- To develop social skills and build verbal communication in children or adults who may experience awkwardness or discomfort with human interaction.
- To increase willingness in children and adults to participate in activities that will promote movement and pleasure and decrease loneliness and isolation.
- To reduce anxiety and enhance relaxation for children and adults who may be experiencing situational or long-term stress.
- To use the “contact comfort” pets afford in order to reduce depression and physical discomfort.
- To build self-esteem and confidence in shy or insecure readers
Meet the Staff
Sharon Bednar- President & Founder
Sharon is one of the founders and serves as the President of FURever As Friends. She has been an MRI Technologist for over 20 years and currently owns a limited pet walking/sitting business. She is a dedicated volunteer at the Salem County Humane Society as a foster mom for pregnant dogs/cats, baby bottle kittens/puppies & special need pets. In 2012, Sharon received the Gloucester County Citizen of the Year award. She utilizes her own pets in her pet therapy efforts, who were themselves acknowledged for their outstanding work when they were honored and entered into the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association Hall of Fame in 2013. Sharon has received numerous recommendations, proclamations and letters from the county, state and U.S. Senate in recognition of her dedication to volunteering. She is also certified as a Canine Good Citizen (CGC/CGCA) Evaluator through the AKC and a certified dog trainer.
Sharon lives at home with 3 dogs (1 therapy dog), 5 cats (2 are therapy cats), 1 talking bird, husband John, and numerous foster pets.
Sharon is one of the founders and serves as the President of FURever As Friends. She has been an MRI Technologist for over 20 years and currently owns a limited pet walking/sitting business. She is a dedicated volunteer at the Salem County Humane Society as a foster mom for pregnant dogs/cats, baby bottle kittens/puppies & special need pets. In 2012, Sharon received the Gloucester County Citizen of the Year award. She utilizes her own pets in her pet therapy efforts, who were themselves acknowledged for their outstanding work when they were honored and entered into the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association Hall of Fame in 2013. Sharon has received numerous recommendations, proclamations and letters from the county, state and U.S. Senate in recognition of her dedication to volunteering. She is also certified as a Canine Good Citizen (CGC/CGCA) Evaluator through the AKC and a certified dog trainer.
Sharon lives at home with 3 dogs (1 therapy dog), 5 cats (2 are therapy cats), 1 talking bird, husband John, and numerous foster pets.
John Bednar- Vice President & Founder
John has been married to Sharon for 30 years and has lived in Gloucester County since 1997. John is a business professional with a Master's Degree holding various management level positions with several different companies.
He assisted Sharon in establishing and growing the New Jersey chapter of an out of state pet therapy organization. John provides ongoing care for the special need foster animals from the Salem County Humane Society. John is the proud father of three dogs, three cats and one very talkative bird,
In October 2015, John received the Presidents Volunteer Gold Service Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Certificate of Special Recognition, Letter from President Obama, State of New Jersey Senate & General Assembly Citation, State of New Jersey Joint Legislative Commendation and Volunteer of the Year Award.
John felt the manner and methods for delivering pet therapy services could be further enhanced by establishing a pet therapy organization based in his own community. With the assistance of his wife and other dedicated volunteers, John's vision is now a reality.
John has been married to Sharon for 30 years and has lived in Gloucester County since 1997. John is a business professional with a Master's Degree holding various management level positions with several different companies.
He assisted Sharon in establishing and growing the New Jersey chapter of an out of state pet therapy organization. John provides ongoing care for the special need foster animals from the Salem County Humane Society. John is the proud father of three dogs, three cats and one very talkative bird,
In October 2015, John received the Presidents Volunteer Gold Service Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Certificate of Special Recognition, Letter from President Obama, State of New Jersey Senate & General Assembly Citation, State of New Jersey Joint Legislative Commendation and Volunteer of the Year Award.
John felt the manner and methods for delivering pet therapy services could be further enhanced by establishing a pet therapy organization based in his own community. With the assistance of his wife and other dedicated volunteers, John's vision is now a reality.
Laurie Farnese- Founding Member, FAF/AKC Evaluator, Vet Records Coordinator
Laurie Appel, Psy.D is a NJ and PA licensed psychologist. Presently, she maintains a thriving private practice in Swedesboro, NJ and hosts the popular podcast “You Think YOU’VE Got Issues?” which explores a variety of topics such as relationships, parenting, self-esteem and general mental health issues. She is proud to have served as a consultant for the brave officers of the Philadelphia Police Department and for residential and rehabilitation facilities for teenagers and for older adults. With over 25 years of experience, she has learned a great deal from her clients about the strengths and resiliencies of people from all backgrounds. In her spare time, she loves to play piano, crochet and, especially, volunteer with her Golden Retriever, Oliver, for FURever As Friend’s pet-therapy program.
Laurie Appel, Psy.D is a NJ and PA licensed psychologist. Presently, she maintains a thriving private practice in Swedesboro, NJ and hosts the popular podcast “You Think YOU’VE Got Issues?” which explores a variety of topics such as relationships, parenting, self-esteem and general mental health issues. She is proud to have served as a consultant for the brave officers of the Philadelphia Police Department and for residential and rehabilitation facilities for teenagers and for older adults. With over 25 years of experience, she has learned a great deal from her clients about the strengths and resiliencies of people from all backgrounds. In her spare time, she loves to play piano, crochet and, especially, volunteer with her Golden Retriever, Oliver, for FURever As Friend’s pet-therapy program.
Phyllis McCarthy- Membership Dues Coordinator
Phyllis is an ASCP registered medical laboratory technologist and has been working in her field since 1985. After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in 1983 from the University of Delaware, Phyllis resided in Gloucester County. In 1987, she became a Salem County resident and together with her husband, she raised 3 wonderful children. Although the children are grown and live on their own, the nest is still feathered with multiple dogs and cats. Since 2009, Phyllis has been an active volunteer for the Salem County Humane Society, from where she has adopted several animals. The “Paying it Forward” theme is an important one to Phyllis and Furever as Friends has provided a wonderful way to implement that idea. The S.M.I.L.E. program has allowed Phyllis to help children now ,so that in the future they will do the same for others.
Phyllis is an ASCP registered medical laboratory technologist and has been working in her field since 1985. After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in 1983 from the University of Delaware, Phyllis resided in Gloucester County. In 1987, she became a Salem County resident and together with her husband, she raised 3 wonderful children. Although the children are grown and live on their own, the nest is still feathered with multiple dogs and cats. Since 2009, Phyllis has been an active volunteer for the Salem County Humane Society, from where she has adopted several animals. The “Paying it Forward” theme is an important one to Phyllis and Furever as Friends has provided a wonderful way to implement that idea. The S.M.I.L.E. program has allowed Phyllis to help children now ,so that in the future they will do the same for others.
Anne "Mitzi" Kowal- FAF/AKC Evaluator
Mitzi is a lifelong resident of Gloucester County and a recent retiree from the business world. During a difficult time in her life she adopted a beautiful puppy whom she named Angel. Mitzi likes to say we rescued each other. Angel brought so much healing and happiness into her life that she decided they needed to go out and help others in the community. So in 2014 they joined FURever as Friends and now visit libraries, schools, nursing homes, funeral homes and hospitals. You may even see them at a farm stand or two! Mitzi can't express how much her heart swells every time they visit somewhere and see all the joy they bring into people's lives.
Gardening is also a passion for Mitzi. She belongs to the Herb Society of America and the Certified Gardeners of Gloucester County. So besides seeing Mitzi with Angel, you may come across their path planting flowers and vegetables throughout the county or working in the butterfly house at Red Bank Battlefield in National Park.
Mitzi is a lifelong resident of Gloucester County and a recent retiree from the business world. During a difficult time in her life she adopted a beautiful puppy whom she named Angel. Mitzi likes to say we rescued each other. Angel brought so much healing and happiness into her life that she decided they needed to go out and help others in the community. So in 2014 they joined FURever as Friends and now visit libraries, schools, nursing homes, funeral homes and hospitals. You may even see them at a farm stand or two! Mitzi can't express how much her heart swells every time they visit somewhere and see all the joy they bring into people's lives.
Gardening is also a passion for Mitzi. She belongs to the Herb Society of America and the Certified Gardeners of Gloucester County. So besides seeing Mitzi with Angel, you may come across their path planting flowers and vegetables throughout the county or working in the butterfly house at Red Bank Battlefield in National Park.
Maria Gassner- Newsletter Coordinator
Maria is a retired special education teacher and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She currently works part time for a private organization providing behavior therapy services for children and their families. Maria earned a BS in special education from Millersville University and an MA in Applied Behavior Analysis from Rowan University. Her hobbies include reading, hiking, gardening, and playing with her grandchildren. In addition to Furever As Friends, Maria volunteers for Special Events 4 Special Kids and Night to Shine. When looking to adopt a new dog, Maria was interested in training it as a therapy dog to bring to her classroom of children with multiple disabilities. She found 7 month old Luna at the Voorhees Animal Orphanage. After months of training and settling in to her new home, Luna’s sweet disposition was revealed. Luna passed the AKC therapy dog test in 2018 and joined Furever As Friends. The children loved her! It is so rewarding to help children get over a fear of animals and ease their anxiety. Luna’s calm presence in Maria’s classroom decreased challenging behaviors in the students. Maria is an avid reader and shares this with children through the SMILE program. Luna is a quiet, furry friend to kids learning to read. Maria and Luna have also visited libraries, nursing homes, group homes, and community events for the past 5 years.
Maria is a retired special education teacher and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She currently works part time for a private organization providing behavior therapy services for children and their families. Maria earned a BS in special education from Millersville University and an MA in Applied Behavior Analysis from Rowan University. Her hobbies include reading, hiking, gardening, and playing with her grandchildren. In addition to Furever As Friends, Maria volunteers for Special Events 4 Special Kids and Night to Shine. When looking to adopt a new dog, Maria was interested in training it as a therapy dog to bring to her classroom of children with multiple disabilities. She found 7 month old Luna at the Voorhees Animal Orphanage. After months of training and settling in to her new home, Luna’s sweet disposition was revealed. Luna passed the AKC therapy dog test in 2018 and joined Furever As Friends. The children loved her! It is so rewarding to help children get over a fear of animals and ease their anxiety. Luna’s calm presence in Maria’s classroom decreased challenging behaviors in the students. Maria is an avid reader and shares this with children through the SMILE program. Luna is a quiet, furry friend to kids learning to read. Maria and Luna have also visited libraries, nursing homes, group homes, and community events for the past 5 years.
Joselyn Peoples- E-Card Coordinator
Joselyn received a Bachelor's Degree from Stockton University and later returned to receive a Master's Degree in Business Administration. She works full-time as the Director of Accounts Payable at Rowan University. She is a Gloucester County resident with her husband, Ryan and their Australian Cattle Dog mix, Patsy. They are expecting their first child, a baby boy in early May of 2024. Patsy joined the family two weeks into the pandemic and ever since that has been the star of the show in their home. Joselyn found FAF when she was looking for a way to get back into volunteering as she used to be more involved during her high school and college years, but also wanted to spend as much time as possible with Patsy. After going through a 6 week training program and passing the Canine Good Citizen test, Joselyn and Patsy officially joined FAF in November of 2021. They visit the Margaret Heggan Library twice a month and their favorite FAF events are the Swedesboro Christmas Parade as well as Read Across America. In Joselyn's spare time when she is not working, she enjoys hiking with her family, baking lots of sweets and scrapbooking.
Joselyn Peoples- E-Card Coordinator
Joselyn received a Bachelor's Degree from Stockton University and later returned to receive a Master's Degree in Business Administration. She works full-time as the Director of Accounts Payable at Rowan University. She is a Gloucester County resident with her husband, Ryan and their Australian Cattle Dog mix, Patsy. They are expecting their first child, a baby boy in early May of 2024. Patsy joined the family two weeks into the pandemic and ever since that has been the star of the show in their home. Joselyn found FAF when she was looking for a way to get back into volunteering as she used to be more involved during her high school and college years, but also wanted to spend as much time as possible with Patsy. After going through a 6 week training program and passing the Canine Good Citizen test, Joselyn and Patsy officially joined FAF in November of 2021. They visit the Margaret Heggan Library twice a month and their favorite FAF events are the Swedesboro Christmas Parade as well as Read Across America. In Joselyn's spare time when she is not working, she enjoys hiking with her family, baking lots of sweets and scrapbooking.
Nicole Collins- FAF hour Log Coordinator
Nicole Collins is happily married with three young children. She graduated from Rowan University with two Bachelor Degrees in Elementary Education and Mathematics/Science. Nicole works full-time as a Sixth Grade Math Teacher. Her hobbies include pilates, tennis, throwing clay, and hiking.
Nicole's family was over the moon when Malcolm, a 3 year old Lagotto Romagnolo, joined in. He enjoys taking walks with the kids and coming to work with Mom to see all of her students, plus the staff :). Malcolm has been the greatest addition to the School. He brightens so many faces as they greet him every morning in the hallway. The students really enjoy snuggling with him in the classroom. I mean, how could school get any better than that!
Nicole Collins is happily married with three young children. She graduated from Rowan University with two Bachelor Degrees in Elementary Education and Mathematics/Science. Nicole works full-time as a Sixth Grade Math Teacher. Her hobbies include pilates, tennis, throwing clay, and hiking.
Nicole's family was over the moon when Malcolm, a 3 year old Lagotto Romagnolo, joined in. He enjoys taking walks with the kids and coming to work with Mom to see all of her students, plus the staff :). Malcolm has been the greatest addition to the School. He brightens so many faces as they greet him every morning in the hallway. The students really enjoy snuggling with him in the classroom. I mean, how could school get any better than that!
Lisa Aliquo- Social Medis Coordinator
Lisa is a Learning Consultant who works remotely for GP Strategies with Leadership Clients. Originally from Long Island, NY, after graduating from University of Delaware and moving to three different states, finally decided to settle in New Jersey in 1996 with her husband. Lisa has two children, one of which is a FAF volunteer! She never thought she would own a dog (her son is allergic) until her daughter pleaded with her that she needed experience to be a veterinarian. Well, that didn't come to pass, but Flash, the 7-year-old Cockapoo became our new family member and has secured a permanent place in all of our hearts. People sometimes describe Flash as the mayor of the neighborhood stopping to greet each and every person he meets. Lisa's sister is a retired teacher and she used to take her dog to volunteer at her school, so she thought - what a great idea! Flash has visited rehab patients, local schools and libraries to let kids practice their reading since 2019. He is not one to sit still and excitedly greets each guest. He also has been known to do doggy tricks for Cheerios. It is truly amazing the impact that this program makes both on the animal teams and the people that visit.
Lisa is a Learning Consultant who works remotely for GP Strategies with Leadership Clients. Originally from Long Island, NY, after graduating from University of Delaware and moving to three different states, finally decided to settle in New Jersey in 1996 with her husband. Lisa has two children, one of which is a FAF volunteer! She never thought she would own a dog (her son is allergic) until her daughter pleaded with her that she needed experience to be a veterinarian. Well, that didn't come to pass, but Flash, the 7-year-old Cockapoo became our new family member and has secured a permanent place in all of our hearts. People sometimes describe Flash as the mayor of the neighborhood stopping to greet each and every person he meets. Lisa's sister is a retired teacher and she used to take her dog to volunteer at her school, so she thought - what a great idea! Flash has visited rehab patients, local schools and libraries to let kids practice their reading since 2019. He is not one to sit still and excitedly greets each guest. He also has been known to do doggy tricks for Cheerios. It is truly amazing the impact that this program makes both on the animal teams and the people that visit.
Jackie Davis- Volunteer
Jackie has been a commercial insurance broker in the Philadelphia Metropolitan area for more that 40 years. She earned the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter, CPCU, designation in 1991. She currently works for Hugh Wood, Inc underwriting new business for their Commercial Real Estate Program. From 2008 to 2014 Jackie moved her insurance career to a part time basis and opened a mosaic studio in Swedesboro. It was during this time that Jackie was introduced into the world of pet therapy and became active with her Golden Retriever Samson. When Jackie re-entered the corporate world full-time she had to give up her volunteer status. However, she never lost her desire to continue to give back and now is an FAF active team member with her Golden Retriever Carson. They are regulars at the Mullica Hill Library and Acenda Integrated Health along with any bookfair or special event they are able to attend.
In her spare-time she is either taking Carson on hikes at Timbercreek, having adventures with her grandchildren or working on her latest hobby, making chunky blankets.
Jackie has been a commercial insurance broker in the Philadelphia Metropolitan area for more that 40 years. She earned the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter, CPCU, designation in 1991. She currently works for Hugh Wood, Inc underwriting new business for their Commercial Real Estate Program. From 2008 to 2014 Jackie moved her insurance career to a part time basis and opened a mosaic studio in Swedesboro. It was during this time that Jackie was introduced into the world of pet therapy and became active with her Golden Retriever Samson. When Jackie re-entered the corporate world full-time she had to give up her volunteer status. However, she never lost her desire to continue to give back and now is an FAF active team member with her Golden Retriever Carson. They are regulars at the Mullica Hill Library and Acenda Integrated Health along with any bookfair or special event they are able to attend.
In her spare-time she is either taking Carson on hikes at Timbercreek, having adventures with her grandchildren or working on her latest hobby, making chunky blankets.
Dr. John Vinciguerra, VMD
Dr. John completed his undergraduate degree from Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Animal Science. He then attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia. Dr. John has been practicing small animal veterinary medicine in Southern New Jersey since graduating from veterinary school in 2003. He purchased Tri-County Veterinary Hospital in January 2007. Dr. John lives in Southern New Jersey with his wife, Sheri , two sons, John and Mateo, and his dog named Ruby. When he isn't working, Dr. John enjoys spending time outdoors on the farm with his family.
Dr. John completed his undergraduate degree from Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Animal Science. He then attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia. Dr. John has been practicing small animal veterinary medicine in Southern New Jersey since graduating from veterinary school in 2003. He purchased Tri-County Veterinary Hospital in January 2007. Dr. John lives in Southern New Jersey with his wife, Sheri , two sons, John and Mateo, and his dog named Ruby. When he isn't working, Dr. John enjoys spending time outdoors on the farm with his family.