About Sowa
Sowa (སོ་བ) “so-wah”
is a Tibetan word that means “to heal, mend, and nourish” and that is exactly what we provide for our residents on both a physical and emotional level.
Each of our animals arrived at the sanctuary needing to be healed in some way, whether that be from neglect, abuse, a critical illness, losing their family, being abandoned, or dealing with complex congenital issues. Using both conventional veterinary medicine and alternative modalities including physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, reiki, and herbalism we create individualized treatment plans to help our residents regain their health and happiness. We have seen incredible transformations here at Sowa and are so honored to be able to provide a safe haven to so many brave, resilient, inspiring survivors.
Our Story
In 2015, Olivia was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, an autoimmune disease involving the colon. During an incredibly dark and difficult time, one of the things that brought her joy was looking at goats on Instagram. Seeing how happy the goats made her, her husband Jim suggested they rescue a couple of goats of their own.
Two years later, Olivia and Jim rescued Merlin and Kurloz as dairy culls, baby male goats who are typically sold for slaughter because they don’t produce milk. Merlin and Kurloz became a huge part of Olivia’s healing journey, always giving her a reason to get out of bed and smile no matter how bad she felt.
A year later Olivia and Jim rescued two more goats and then two more a year later. When it became clear that this was their true passion in life, they sold their house on 0.2 acres and moved to a 10 acre farm and became an official 501c3 nonprofit in 2020. Olivia feels an enormous debt of gratitude to the goats who have helped heal her and created Sowa as a way to pay it forward, both to other animals in need of a loving safe haven and to all the people whose lives have been changed through meeting and working with the animals.
Our Amazing Animals
Sowa Goat Sanctuary is home to over 70 rescued animals on 10 acres.
Although we started out rescuing goats, we are now home to sheep, pigs, a mini cows, chickens, turkeys, and livestock guardian dogs.
Our residents come from a variety of backgrounds including neglect and cruelty cases, slaughter auctions, farms that are unable to care for animals with complex medical or congenital issues, and abandonment cases. Each animal has varying degrees of trauma that we help them process gently and holistically. Watching them rediscover their joy and worth as they heal in our care is truly the honor of a lifetime.
Meet our Team
Jim DiNardo
Co-Founder and CFO
Jim grew up in Concord, MA and has spent most of his medical career at Boston Children’s Hospital as a cardiac anesthesiologist, caring for children having heart surgeries and procedures. He brings the same attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and warm, caring heart to his work with the animals as well. When he’s not at the hospital or on the farm, Jim loves biathlon, staying active, and learning about all things math and physics.
Olivia DiNardo
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Olivia has a nomadic past, spending her childhood all over the US and then Europe, but has been in MA since 2011. After nearly 2 decades in the medical field as an ICU nurse and then nurse anesthetist, Olivia followed her heart and left her medical career to live her dream of running the sanctuary full-time in 2023. When she isn’t at the farm, Olivia loves spending time in nature, reading, and working on creative projects.
Kelly Judge
Chief Operating Officer
Kelly grew up in Sharon, MA and is a lifelong New Englander. After a long career in the dog world, Kelly reached a point of burnout and stepped away from her career to focus on her health. During that time she started volunteering at Sowa and fell in love with the animals and the work. After being hired as a barn manager in 2023, Kelly quickly became an integral part of the sanctuary and was promoted to COO in 2025. When she’s not at the farm, Kelly loves live music, spending time with friends, and practicing reiki on both people and animals.
Renee Johnson
Lead Volunteer and Tour Guide
After a long and fulfilling nursing career, Renee started her retirement by finding ways to give back, including volunteering at the sanctuary starting in 2022. Her dedication, kind heart, and passion for the animals has made her a cherished member of our community. Renee loves sharing the sanctuary with others, both through her tours and training new employees and volunteers. When she’s not at the farm, Renee loves plants and yard work, doing Tai Chi, spending time with her grandson, and staying active.
Quick Links:
RENT OUR venue
Our animal sanctuary provides an inspiring backdrop for private events, small weddings, parties, corporate retreats, photography sessions, and more.
visit us
Step away from the noise and into a space where life moves slower, smiles come easier, and connection feels effortless. Visitors ages 12 and up are welcome to experience the sanctuary’s charm, meet our sweet animals, or volunteer.