Four years ago, I was an extra pair of hands for Robin's Nest Rescue's inaugural music festival. I was so impressed by the organization of that event and the level of planning and attention to detail, that I wanted to be more involved…and I hadn't even met all the animals then. Now, as then, it is a beautiful, natural, safe space for all beings. The respect, care, compassion, dignity and kindness received at Robin's Nest by both animals and human beings is beyond anything I've ever encountered. Making a huge difference to the lives of their rescues and gladly sharing up close, meaningful connections with visitors is the essence of Robin's Nest. It's the most magical of encounters!
Shelley moved to Ramona, California in 2008. She married her loving partner of 15 years in February 2022. Previously she lived in San Diego after joining her fiancé, and subsequently divorced husband, in immigrating to the US in 1980.
Shelley was born in the county of Lincolnshire, England. At the age of 10 yrs., her father relocated the family to Kuwait during one of his many overseas assignments. Those were among the most memorable, impressionable and formative years of her life, during which she attended a private American school and made friends with children of a variety of nationalities and cultures, learning state-mandated basic Arabic in the process.
Furthering her education in the UK, she attended De Aston school in Market Rasen, and Lincoln College of Technology, later part of the University of Lincoln. Shelley's career included a 15-year stint with Neiman Marcus, rising from PBX operator to Public Relations and Special Events manager, and assistant store manager. In that time, she developed events and fundraisers in support of many major San Diego non-profits including San Diego Symphony, San Diego Opera, The Olde Globe, The Whittier Institute for Juvenile Diabetes at Scripps Hospital and countless others. During this time, she served as a co-president of The Fashion Group, Inc.'s local chapter, and was a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
In 1997, she joined the San Diego Historical Society as Marketing Director, promoting four member museums, including two historic houses, and The Costume Council, one among seven auxiliaries. A major responsibility was the Society's annual fundraiser, the Designer Showcase, featuring historic home tours of significant local buildings interpreted in sympathetic furnishings to modern standards by San Diego interior and guest designers. The event partnered with KUSI-TV and San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles magazine to which its May issue was devoted. Additionally, she created the popular Ghosts and Gravestones trolley tours attraction with Old Town Trolley.
Laid off from the precariously funded non-profit sector, Shelley switched to the flourishing field of technology. Initially she accepted a temporary part-time position with a defense and technology contractor. Ultimately she was employed on a full time basis, remaining with the small business for 15 years, until leaving for another position. Regrettably, the onset of the COVID pandemic coincided with her new role, and circumstances prompted her into an early retirement.
Shelley is extensively traveled throughout Europe and the Middle East.
She has many years of experience as a professional and community service volunteer. Currently she is a registered Disaster Service Worker and an active member of the San Diego Central-CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) team.
Currently, acting as booking manager/promoter for Dirty Confetti country music band occupies her time, along with a myriad of projects and passions.
Shelley is a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Credentials
- Marketing Director, San Diego Historical Society / San Diego History Center (1997–2004)
- Public Relations Manager & Assistant Store Manager, Neiman Marcus (1981–1997)
- Administrative Operations & Events Management, Advanced Systems Engineering Group (2004–2019)
- 30+ Years of Leadership in Special Events, Public Relations, Marketing, Community Outreach, and Operations Management
- Special Events Producer for high-profile corporate, nonprofit, civic, and fundraising events
- Award-Winning Marketing & Community Engagement Professional
- Recipient, National Membership/Outreach Award, Fashion Group International
- Recipient, San Diego Ad Club Award for advertising campaign design
- Certified Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Instructor
- Public Information Officer (PIO), Ramona CERT
- Registered Disaster Service Worker & American Red Cross Shelter Worker
- HAM Radio Licensed Operator
- Notary Public
- ISO 9001:2008 Certified in Document Control
- Royal Society of Arts Business & Executive Administration Training, Lincoln College of Technology (UK)