Karen Wadding and Kiki Miller, Pet Therapy Volunteers, Named Cape Regional’s Difference Maker Volunteers for Second Quarter of 2016

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE – Karen Wadding, a recently retired Lower Cape May High School Health and Physical Education Teacher, and Kiki Miller, Health and Physical Education Teacher at Cape May Technical High School, began their volunteer service in June 2009. Karen shares, “Volunteering and sharing the dogs is very gratifying. We have met a lot of really nice people, and it’s wonderful to know that we are making a difference in the lives of those people.” Kiki offers, “The dogs really enjoy the experience as well; they sense that it’s time for a hospital visit as soon as their therapy vests go on!” Their award nominators note that Kiki and Karen are most cheerful and helpful individuals at Cape Regional and that their pleasant demeanor always brings a smile to patients and staff.
Initially, Karen and Kiki began Pet Therapy at Cape Regional with “Maddie” and “Riley” and then in 2014, “Molly,” a deaf Black Lab/Boxer mix, joined the household and now is part of their pet therapy team!
In their spare time, Karen enjoys taking the dogs to visit area schools, volunteering, gardening and baking. Kiki enjoys volunteering, the outdoors, cooking and working out. Collectively, Karen and Kiki can be found entertaining their family and friends at their home in Dennis Township. They also love volunteering their time with the dogs at the Crest Haven Nursing Home. They are both supporters of local and national animal shelters and encourage rescuing shelter dogs for adoption—each one of their therapy dogs was a rescue.
During the award presentation, Joanne Carrocino, President and CEO, Thomas Piratzky, Vice President of Public Relations and Marketing, and Julie Paolella, Director of Volunteer Services, joined with the award winners’ fellow volunteers and staff members in honoring them with the Difference Maker Volunteer Award. Karen and Kiki were presented with flowers, Special Touch Volunteer pins, a gift card and commemorative plaque.
For more information on exciting, new volunteer opportunities at Cape Regional Health System, please visit our website at www.caperegional.com or call Julie Paolella, Director of Volunteer Services, at 609-463-2367.