STAFF SPOTLIGHT For those of you who do not know her, Janine Wagner joined Aquinas in May of 2023 and is an integral part of our Advancement Team. Her friendliness and unwavering support to both the faculty and staff, as well as the students who greet her and grab a piece of candy, extends beyond the Aquinas walls and into the lives of feral cats. Janine is an animal rescuer, a compassionate individual dedicated to assisting and caring for God’s creatures, and has been saving the lives of Rochester’s stray cats for the past 30+ years as head of Janine the Bean Rescue, Inc. From a young age, Janine felt a deep-seated need to help animals, and this drive has defined her life’s purpose. Her approach to animal rescue is one of unconditional love and selflessness. She opens her heart and home to new family members without hesitation, often going to great lengths to ensure their well-being. She has comforted and cared for animals that others might shy away from, embracing those that were once vicious and afraid. For Janine, animals are not just pets; they are friends and companions deserving of love and respect. Despite the challenges she faces, including the pain of witnessing abuse, Janine remains hopeful. Each cat that gets adopted into a new home fills her with hope, reaffirming her belief in the goodness of humanity. She is part of a quiet but determined army of animal rescuers, making a difference in the world every day. For Janine, there is nothing more necessary than helping an orphaned animal and nothing more rewarding than saving a life. It comes as no surprise that her dedication to providing crucial assistance and support to others at Aquinas is reflected in her community efforts. Joby Knapp, Executive Director of Advancement works closely with Janine every day, stating, “Some people’s glass is half full, and some are half empty. Janine’s glass is overflowing! She always has a smile on her face and a kind word to follow. Her positivity is truly inspiring and we are blessed to have her on our team here at Aquinas.” Janine’s efforts have saved thousands of freezing and starving cats over the years. Before her day begins at Aquinas, she wakes up at 5:00 a.m. and spends the first half of her morning on the streets within the Beechwood community near the Public Market, feeding and providing affection to all those who roam. Not only has she dedicated her early mornings seven days a week to caring for these abandoned cats, but in years past, she has also spent over $10,000 of her own money annually to feed, shelter, medicate, foster, and spay or neuter them. Today, with the support of other families and generous donations, she continues her mission to help these animals in need. Janine has been featured on 13WHAM News, in the Democrat and Chronicle, and other various Rochester media and publications throughout the years hoping the spotlight will shine light on her real mission: saving the lives of animals. It is a great honor to acknowledge Janine, not only for her dedication to our school but also for her commitment to aiding the selfless and defenseless. Janine’s work and character truly embody our school’s mission to instill Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge in all students. On behalf of our AQ school family, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Janine for setting a wonderful example for our students as we prepare them to become responsible and caring citizens. Janine Wagner: Animal Rescuer “Rescuing one cat won’t change the world… but it will change the world of one cat.” 28 AQUINAS LANDMARK | WINTER 2025 For more information on how you can get involved, please visit www.janinethebeanrescue.org or email janinethebeanrescue@gmail.com. It is a job that never ends and Janine is always looking for help from others who share her passion for animals. “Every little bit helps,” Janine expresses. “Whether people can donate food, supplies, or their time, it makes a di erence. And to all those who can adopt a cat, well, you’re a hero in my book.”
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