Volunteer Spotlight:
Taj W.

Tell us a bit about yourself! Are you a Nashville native? If not-what brought you to Nashville?

Not a native but a solid transplant. I moved to Nashville in 1981 from southern Ohio. I was young and wanted to escape the rust belt. I have an MBA degree and spent 34 1/2 years working in IT at Vanderbilt University. I'm married to Alex (36 years in May). We have two grown boys. Alex shares my love for animals and welcomes the steady parade of fosters (including a few fails). 

What do you do outside of Harmony Wildlife? 

I retired in 2023. We plan to do some traveling and are exploring a move to a warmer climate. I'm always up for an adventure or a challenge. Catch a wild goose that is injured? A literal wild goose chase! Contain and transport a bat? Skunk? First time for everything, just give me some tips and I'll give it a shot. I like to laugh and never take myself too seriously. 

Do you have any pets?

We are animal lovers. We've always had rescues. We lost our 18 year old cat and our 15 year old dog in October. We have just one dog, Gypsy, a 3 year old border collie mix and my mom's cat, Silver. We have never had so few animals! We have fostered both dogs and cats over the past 6 or 7 years and will foster again after we do a little traveling.

If you were a TN native animal which one would you be?

I'd be a hawk or owl or something that can fly and soar in the skies. I can imagine how much fun that would be. Who doesn't wish we could fly? 

What do you enjoy most about volunteering?

I like doing something where I have a positive impact and see results. With Harmony, things are never dull. Each transport is a new adventure. I love animals so it seems natural to help where I can. 

What made you interested in local wildlife?

I've always been the person who stops to move a turtle, frog or even snake out of the road. I brought an injured box turtle to Harmony and saw that you needed volunteers so I signed up. 

What is your favorite animal and why?

I love dogs and cats, but dogs are my favorite because they have such pure hearts. As wild animals go, I have a special fondness for opossums. 

What are your hobbies?

Genealogy, reading, gardening, scuba diving, boating and walking outdoors. I love to be outside. I'll take yard work over house work any day. 

What's next on your bucket list?

Travel both domestic and international. I'm also searching for my purpose in this next chapter of my life.