Throughout her life, Jillian Reilly has always followed the mantra of “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” The self-described animal lover and people-person has found that ideal career as events manager at the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, a nonprofit located in Newtown that promotes compassion and healing through human-animal connection.
“I am connected to the ‘why’ behind the work, and also the amazing team here at the sanctuary,” Reilly said. “Each member is so devoted to what they do, and I’m inspired by them. It makes a difference when the work you do is both fulfilling and meaningful, which will help guide me in this role.
“As a fourth-grader who organized a pet food drive on my own, I wanted to give everything I could at a young age. Flash forward, my younger self would think I have the coolest job in the world. My love for nature stemmed early on as well, and today, my favorite thing to do is to be outside, unplugged and surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors.”
In her new position, Reilly coordinates and executes the sanctuary’s community events and volunteer-driven programs and is in charge of volunteers. “Being responsible for all aspects of volunteer engagement allows me to connect directly with the people who are the heart of our events and programs, and I’m honored to work with such dedicated individuals,” she said.
CVH Sanctuary President Jennifer Hubbard appreciates Reilly’s endearing qualities.
“Jillian brings energy, warmth, and a willingness to think beyond the expected,” Hubbard said. “She’s not afraid to work outside the box or think big about what the sanctuary can become. At the same time, she understands the heart behind why we exist.”
Hubbard established the nonprofit to commemorate and honor the life of her daughter Catherine, a 6-year-old victim of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting tragedy and passionate animal lover.
“The sanctuary was founded on Catherine’s belief that kindness matters and that compassion can be practiced,” Hubbard said. “Jillian carries a genuine connectedness to that purpose. Her warmth is authentic, and it translates naturally into how she engages with children, families, volunteers, and partners. That balance of vision and heart makes her an exceptional fit for this role.”
Reilly, who grew up in Newtown, is excited to help carry out experiences that bring people together to honor the sanctuary’s mission. “I’m grateful for the face-to-face interaction I get to have with members of the community and dedicated volunteers of the sanctuary,” Reilly said. “I bring my strong organizational skills and genuine love for working with others. I’ve always had a creative side to me, and I feel the sanctuary is the perfect place to allow it to shine.”
Hands-on experiences are central to the sanctuary and Hubbard fells Reilly is the right person to bring them to fruition.
“Jillian appreciates the importance of every touchpoint, from the moment a guest arrives to the moment they leave and she has a passion for the details others may overlook. Drawing on her background in event management, she knows how to create experiences that feel intentional, welcoming, and mission-aligned from start to finish,” Hubbard said.
Hubbard believes Reilly’s background reflects a commitment to service, community engagement, and thoughtful program execution.
“She approaches this role as a calling,” Hubbard said. “That alignment matters deeply to me. Her enthusiasm is genuine and contagious. As we continue to grow, expanding educational programming, strengthening environmental stewardship, and deepening community partnerships, Jillian’s energy and dedication will help ensure that Catherine’s legacy of kindness continues to shape both our programs and the people we serve.”
Reilly’s goal is to make every guest feel connected to Catherine’s mission by educating them about animals, nature, and the environment.
“I want to grow awareness and interest in these programs because even as adults we have more we can learn about the world around us. I learn something new at each of our programs,” she said. “You don’t have to be an expert to be part of this mission. Simply showing up, being curious, and caring makes a difference. I hope everyone who comes here feels appreciated, relaxed, and reminded of how powerful small moments of kindness can be.”
