Heartland's Staff
Meet the dedicated team who carry out Heartland’s mission of inspiring compassion for animals, the earth and each other.
Staff Leadership
Emma Rosera
Program DirectorEmma joined Heartland in 2022 as an Experiential Therapist and now serves as Program Director, overseeing Heartland’s Therapy, Animal Care, and Humane Education programs. She is a Certified Social Worker with a background in child welfare and a certification in Animal-Assisted Therapy from Concordia University. Deeply committed to animal welfare, Emma believes that caring for vulnerable farm animals and supporting people in need are interconnected goals. She is passionate about Heartland’s mutually beneficial model, where rescued animals find safety and dignity while also helping people build trust, resilience, and compassion. She has a rescued racing greyhound, Solomon, who will sometimes accompany her to Heartland where he enjoys partnering with the other therapists as a therapy dog. At home, Emma’s lively household also includes three cats, a leopard gecko, and a collection of fish. When she’s not at Heartland, Emma enjoys camping and hiking with her husband and Solomon, sipping coffee and reading with her pets curled up nearby, and playing board games with family and friends. She is especially inspired by the unique healing connections that arise when people and animals are given the opportunity to thrive together.
Jen Korz
Executive Director, she/herJen has been dedicated to non-profit work for the entirety of her almost 30-year career. After earning her degree in Social Work, she advocated for a variety of vulnerable populations, eventually finding her ultimate passion working with and for the animals. After working many years in fundraising and advocacy for a nationally-recognized animal organization, she changed gears and served as part of the administration team at an arts-based early childhood education landmark in Madison, Wisconsin. Jen brings expertise and connections in development, project management and strategic planning, but considers her passion and conviction for the mission of Heartland as her most important assets. While Jen was raised on the east coast, her family has Midwestern roots and she has been a resident of Madison since 2005. In her spare time, she enjoys eating her partner’s vegan culinary offerings and spending time with their two daughters and three rescue dogs; Otto, Finn and Mowgli.
Will Huber
Director of Finance & AdministrationWill moved to Wisconsin from New York City in 2023. He was previously the Director of Finance & Business Operations at Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), where he worked for over a decade. Prior to that, he worked in a variety of roles in the not-for-profit and financial sectors. We are thrilled to have his business and operational acumen on board. Will graduated from McGill University in Montreal and went on to receive his M.B.A and M.S. in Accounting from Northeastern University in Boston. When not crunching numbers at the sanctuary, you can find him enjoying outdoor sports, looking for rare birds in the northern forest, or cozying up for some hygge time with his partner, Jeremy, and cat, Búho.
Farm Animal Rescue & Care Staff
Michelle Hogan
Animal Caregiver - Behavioral Health Lead, she/herMichelle moved to Madison from the Chicagoland area in December 2013 and started volunteering at Heartland doing animal care the following April. Michelle lives with her fiancé and their three dogs. They also foster for several organizations so they usually have a few foster animals (dogs, cats, and birds) at home, as well. Outside of Heartland, Michelle spends most of her time with her dogs, but also enjoys baking vegan desserts, reading too many books at one time, and listening to true crime podcasts.
Gia Arciero
Animal Caregiver - Physical Health Lead, she/herGia spent many of her childhood and early adult years on farms working with horses. She moved to Madison from Minnesota in 2015, and started volunteering at Heartland when she left her job in January 2021. She loved spending time with the animals so much that she decided to join the staff! She lives with her husband, dog, and cat in McFarland. When she's not out snuggling the chickens, she spends her time sewing, weaving, and trying any other fiber art that seems fun.
Emma Rosera
Program DirectorEmma joined Heartland in 2022 as an Experiential Therapist and now serves as Program Director, overseeing Heartland’s Therapy, Animal Care, and Humane Education programs. She is a Certified Social Worker with a background in child welfare and a certification in Animal-Assisted Therapy from Concordia University. Deeply committed to animal welfare, Emma believes that caring for vulnerable farm animals and supporting people in need are interconnected goals. She is passionate about Heartland’s mutually beneficial model, where rescued animals find safety and dignity while also helping people build trust, resilience, and compassion. She has a rescued racing greyhound, Solomon, who will sometimes accompany her to Heartland where he enjoys partnering with the other therapists as a therapy dog. At home, Emma’s lively household also includes three cats, a leopard gecko, and a collection of fish. When she’s not at Heartland, Emma enjoys camping and hiking with her husband and Solomon, sipping coffee and reading with her pets curled up nearby, and playing board games with family and friends. She is especially inspired by the unique healing connections that arise when people and animals are given the opportunity to thrive together.
Hannah Moore
Animal Caregiver - Environmental Health Lead, she/herHannah was born and raised in Madison, WI. She grew up in the city but has loved and cared for many feathered and furry companion animals her whole life and is an avid outdoors enthusiast. Driven by her love for animals, Hannah started volunteering at Heartland Farm Sanctuary in December of 2021 as part of the Animal Care team. Caring for the animals and ensuring their comfort, health and happiness has been incredibly rewarding for Hannah. She quickly began to realize the amazing mission, vision and values of HFS, and to appreciate the incredible humans involved. Hannah is honored to join the HFS staff and to contribute as much as she can to the organization! When not at Heartland, you may find Hannah glamping in the woods of central Wisconsin, exploring and appreciating nature, or putzing around her home in Stoughton with her wife, two dogs and three cats.
Katie Williams
Animal Caregiver - Generalist/Humane Education Lead, she/herKatie is Heartland's Humane Education Lead/Animal Care Generalist. She comes to Heartland with 15 years experience teaching kindergarten and early childhood education. Katie has a strong passion for teaching equity, compassion, inclusion and kindness. She loves all animals and the environment and is so excited to share that love with Heartland's community of people and animals. Katie spent summer 2021 volunteering at Heartland's camps and she fell in love with the residents (especially potbellied pig Jerry), the community and everything Heartland embodies. She quickly realized the positive effect Heartland can have on one's mental health. Katie lives in McFarland with her husband, their rescued basset hound, and their milk snake (who was also her class pet in her Kindergarten classroom). She feels the happiest when she is outside; especially camping, hiking or snowshoeing. Katie also loves watching The Office, eating french fries and playing board games.
Nicole Slania
Animal Caregiver - Generalist, she/herNicole started volunteering with Heartland Farm Sanctuary in 2014. She has served in various volunteer roles since then, including administration, animal care, special events, enrichment, and work groups. In February 2024, Nicole joined our staff as a member of our Animal Care team. Outside of Heartland, Nicole loves to be outside — hiking, playing volleyball or just going for a neighborhood walk. She also enjoys reading, road trips and a good cup of coffee. Adventures that her dogs can join are always the best (she has three!). She also volunteers with a local dog rescue by fostering and dog sitting, and strongly believes in the healing power of french fries.
Sara Runyan
Animal Caregiver - Generalist, she/herBorn in Illinois with a lifelong love of animals, Sara graduated from UW-Platteville, with a Bachelor’s in Agribusiness, and furthered her studies in her passion area of equines, getting an Associates Degree in Equine Science from Highland Community College. Having spent over 10 years in the equine field, Sara is looking forward to broadening her animal care knowledge and getting to know all the individuals (human and animal!) that contribute to the sanctuary. In her free time, you’ll most likely find Sara out in nature (hiking, kayaking and/or foraging) or in Madison with her dog, Bumi, and cat, Zuko, or out riding or playing at liberty with her horse, Poppy.
Sharon Larson
Animal Caregiver - Generalist, she/herGrowing up, Sharon was always passionate about helping animals in need, tending to injured wildlife or chasing down stray dogs, but never intended on having a job in the animal field. Instead, she spent many years as a dental assistant before visiting Heartland, the first animal sanctuary she came to know. ''Seeing the great life these animals were living, in the peaceful environment with their friends, made me see how special they are," Sharon writes. She later interned at another animal sanctuary, which led to a sense of contentment through the presence of animals and caring for them. Sharon also spent time working with exotic animals and horses before joining the Heartland team. When she's not working, she enjoys visiting and volunteering at other farm sanctuaries, finding new parks for her dog, thrifting, and reading outside.
Therapy & Education Staff
Emma Rosera
Program DirectorEmma joined Heartland in 2022 as an Experiential Therapist and now serves as Program Director, overseeing Heartland’s Therapy, Animal Care, and Humane Education programs. She is a Certified Social Worker with a background in child welfare and a certification in Animal-Assisted Therapy from Concordia University. Deeply committed to animal welfare, Emma believes that caring for vulnerable farm animals and supporting people in need are interconnected goals. She is passionate about Heartland’s mutually beneficial model, where rescued animals find safety and dignity while also helping people build trust, resilience, and compassion. She has a rescued racing greyhound, Solomon, who will sometimes accompany her to Heartland where he enjoys partnering with the other therapists as a therapy dog. At home, Emma’s lively household also includes three cats, a leopard gecko, and a collection of fish. When she’s not at Heartland, Emma enjoys camping and hiking with her husband and Solomon, sipping coffee and reading with her pets curled up nearby, and playing board games with family and friends. She is especially inspired by the unique healing connections that arise when people and animals are given the opportunity to thrive together.
Alissa Andrews, CTRS
Individual Therapy Program Manager + Experiential Therapist, she/herAlissa joined Heartland in 2022 as an Experiential Therapist and now serves as the Individual Therapy Program Manager. She holds a degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Alissa brings a strong background in mental health and respite services, blending evidence-based practices with a compassionate, person-centered approach. From her very first visit to Heartland in 2020, Alissa felt a deep connection to the mission and the healing energy of the space. She is dedicated to building a therapeutic environment where individuals and animals alike feel seen, heard, and supported. By combining her love for animals with her expertise in therapeutic recreation, Alissa helps clients engage in meaningful leisure activities that promote healing, self-expression, and personal growth. In her free time, Alissa enjoys spending time with family and friends, curling up with her pets and a good book, playing soccer, and exploring new places. She loves being outdoors— rain, snow, or shine — and embraces everything Wisconsin weather has to offer. A lifelong animal lover, Alissa is thrilled to be part of the Heartland community and its mission of healing, connection, and growth.
Solomon
Therapy Dog, he/hisSolomon is a seven-year-old, ex-racing greyhound who is elated to be joining the HFS therapy team in his retirement. Solomon hails from the South, but has learned to love the changing seasons in Wisconsin, and especially loves a good zoom in the snow. Since joining the team at Heartland, Sol has learned he's more than just the speed he can run, and has leaned (literally, if you've met him) into a role of dedicated comforter and supporter. In his free time, Solomon enjoys taking his human, Emma, on local adventures to breweries, coffee shops, and walking paths. His favorite thing about being part of the experiential therapy team is doing whatever it takes to make the kids laugh, and getting SO MANY snoot rubs.
Molly Linn-Miller, MS-ATR
Experiential Therapist, she/herMolly Linn-Miller has worked as a registered art therapist for 15 years. She provides art therapy support for a variety of ages and populations including children and young adults with autism, families living with cancer, and adults recovering from substance abuse. Molly also paints large scale children’s murals and likes to incorporate upcycled and natural materials into her artwork. She enjoys spending time with her two boys, her husband, and her rescue pup, a terrier-mix named Eddy. When not at the sanctuary or making art, you can find her cooking and eating with lady friends, hiking, or playing ultimate frisbee. Molly grew up in the country in a log cabin style home surrounded by horses, dogs, cats and a variety of wildlife that snuck into the home. She recently discovered Heartland, knowing it would be a perfect fit to combine her love of creative expression and animals to promote healing and wellness for all beings.
Madison Bohnenkamp, CTRS
Pathways Program Manager & Intake Coordinator, she/herMadison is Heartland’s Intake Coordinator and the Pathways Program Manager. The Pathways Program is a new initiative that creates inclusive ways for people to get more involved at Heartland, like volunteering, joining social groups, or helping at camp. Madison earned her degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Illinois State University in 2021 and has several years of experience in the mental health field, community programs, and working with children in many different settings. She lives in Madison with her husband and their two cats, Buddy and Tito. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, spending time with loved ones, and exploring new places. She is excited to combine her passion for working with children and her love of animals to help families feel supported and welcomed at Heartland.
Samantha Brennecke
Humane Education Assistant, she/herSamantha has worked in the animal rescue space for over six years. She holds a degree in Social Science Psychology and uses this knowledge to help others understand animal emotion and behavior. Samantha enjoys educating on empathy, compassion and kindness towards all beings. She lived in Australia for 11 years, and during that time worked with various non-profit animal rescue organizations. She has held multiple titles - animal foster, case manager, sanctuary operations coordinator and board member. No matter her position, her focus has always been the same - to provide care to animals and educate the community. She loves being outside and enjoys hiking, camping, laying in the grass with a good book. When she is not at Heartland, she runs a small business as a dog trainer.
Katie Williams
Animal Caregiver - Generalist/Humane Education Lead, she/herKatie is Heartland's Humane Education Lead/Animal Care Generalist. She comes to Heartland with 15 years experience teaching kindergarten and early childhood education. Katie has a strong passion for teaching equity, compassion, inclusion and kindness. She loves all animals and the environment and is so excited to share that love with Heartland's community of people and animals. Katie spent summer 2021 volunteering at Heartland's camps and she fell in love with the residents (especially potbellied pig Jerry), the community and everything Heartland embodies. She quickly realized the positive effect Heartland can have on one's mental health. Katie lives in McFarland with her husband, their rescued basset hound, and their milk snake (who was also her class pet in her Kindergarten classroom). She feels the happiest when she is outside; especially camping, hiking or snowshoeing. Katie also loves watching The Office, eating french fries and playing board games.
Toni Sobon, MFT- IT
Experiential Therapist, she/herToni graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Psychology and continued at Edgewood, earning a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is excited to join her therapeutic practice with her love for animals. In her free time, she likes to read, garden, and run. You may recognize Toni from her six-month internship with us earlier in 2024, and we're so excited to re-welcome her back as staff!
Colin Lynaugh
Humane Education Intern, he/himA life-long animal lover, Colin is overjoyed to be part of Heartland Farm Sanctuary as an intern. He was first introduced to the Sanctuary by his mom in 2022 and after going on a tour at the former location in Verona, Colin was hooked. He’s become an expert pig whisperer since then and especially loves Honey, the pot bellied pig. Colin has lived his whole life in Madison and resides with his family on the eastside along with his three cats, his dog, and multiple fish. Colin cares a lot about respecting animals and respecting nature. He takes time to learn to speak each animal’s language, honoring their unique needs, and sharing what he knows with others. In his free time, Colin likes playing video games, eating French fries, visiting his other animal friends at the Henry Vilas Zoo and petting pig’s bellies.
Hallie Wright, CTRS
Experiential Therapist, she/herHallie earned her degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2021 and has been practicing as a certified professional since then, recently working in an in-patient hospital focusing on spinal cord and brain injuries. Originally from northern Wisconsin, Hallie recently moved to Madison and lives with her dog, Stitch. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with Stitch, paddleboarding, reading, drinking coffee, and hanging out with family and friends. Growing up, Hallie was active in 4H and familiar with farm animals. She's excited to incorporate her love of animals while helping participants explore and grow to reach their goals!
Jamie Riley, BSW
Experiential Therapist, she/herJamie has been a resident of the Madison area for over 18 years and is proud to call it home. She is the mother of two children who keep her active and inspired. Jamie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and her Master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Outside of her professional life, Jamie enjoys spending quality time with her children and engaging in a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, soccer, and hiking. Her passion for both family and the outdoors reflects her well-rounded and energetic approach to life. As someone with a background in Social Work and Counseling, Jamie always believed in the power of empathy, safe spaces, and genuine connection. Jamie is excited about the opportunity to contribute to a team that celebrates imperfection, leads with kindness, and works every day to build a more compassionate and connected world.
Micaela Magel, MSW, APSW
Experiential Therapist, she/herMicaela holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. With a youth advocacy and humane education background, she combines creativity, compassion, and hands-on experience to foster healing and connection. Micaela has worked in various settings, from animal shelters to youth shelters, focusing on emotional learning, trauma-informed care, and creating inclusive, safe spaces. Whether leading group activities, working one-on-one, or designing programs centered around empathy and empowerment, she’s dedicated to helping people (and animals!) feel seen, heard, and supported. A Wisconsin resident since 2007, Micaela shares her home with her rescue dog, cat, and crested gecko. She deeply values the bond between humans and animals and is excited to bring that connection into her therapeutic work at Heartland.
Jenelle DeVries, MSW, APSW
Experiential Therapist, she/herJenelle attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and graduated with her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work. She discovered Heartland through a tour of the sanctuary during her undergrad internship and quickly resonated with the mission and creative approach to healing. A lifelong Madison resident, she enjoys cheering on the Badgers, figure skating on frozen Lake Monona, going on bike rides with her brothers – really anything outside. Since earning her APSW license, she is excited to continue creating spaces where therapy is accessible and affirming for all. With experience supporting neurodivergent individuals, Jenelle values strengths-based, individualized care and is committed to adapting interventions to meet diverse sensory needs and communication styles. She looks forward to collaborating with you!
Annie Engelhardt
Therapy Intern, she/herAnnie is finishing her final year in the UW Madison Social Work program and is so excited to be completing her internship at Heartland Farm Sanctuary! Annie moved to Madison in 2018 and absolutely loves it. She has worked in case management with families for the past 3+ years. Prior to that, she worked for many years directly supporting kids and teens with disabilities in community and school settings. Annie is passionate about disability justice. She lives with her wife, her cat Breadstick, and her Bearded Dragon, Levi, in Madison. She loves nature and animals and can often be found hiking or kayaking.
Development & Community Engagement Staff
Jamie Monroe
Content Creator, she/herJamie started volunteering with Heartland Farm Sanctuary in 2011 as an animal caretaker, and has served in various part-time and full-time roles at HFS since then, finally settling into Heartland's Content Creator position in May 2023. She's originally from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and graduated from Northern Michigan University, earning a degree in writing & journalism. Jamie currently lives with her partner and their rescued animal friends (including rescued chickens adopted from Heartland!) on Madison’s north side. When she's not at the sanctuary, you'll find Jamie deploying out to animal rescue cases across the country as an Animal Rescue Responder with the Humane Society of the United States.
Jen Korz
Executive Director, she/herJen has been dedicated to non-profit work for the entirety of her almost 30-year career. After earning her degree in Social Work, she advocated for a variety of vulnerable populations, eventually finding her ultimate passion working with and for the animals. After working many years in fundraising and advocacy for a nationally-recognized animal organization, she changed gears and served as part of the administration team at an arts-based early childhood education landmark in Madison, Wisconsin. Jen brings expertise and connections in development, project management and strategic planning, but considers her passion and conviction for the mission of Heartland as her most important assets. While Jen was raised on the east coast, her family has Midwestern roots and she has been a resident of Madison since 2005. In her spare time, she enjoys eating her partner’s vegan culinary offerings and spending time with their two daughters and three rescue dogs; Otto, Finn and Mowgli.
Alisa Magennis
Development Manager, she/herAlisa brings a unique blend of skills to Heartland’s development team, with a background in data analytics, economics, animal rescue, and experiential therapy. She leads with data-informed strategies, working closely with the Executive Director, to build community-centered relationships that sustain Heartland’s mission. Outside of her role at Heartland, Alisa is deeply passionate about nervous system regulation and shares accessible practices with individuals impacted by mental health challenges, including substance use disorder. She is committed to amplifying the voices of those most stigmatized and marginalized — believing that true healing happens when dignity, autonomy, and belonging are prioritized. Alisa also runs a small, therapeutics arts studio on Madison’s east side and volunteers as a yoga therapist at local mental health centers. A devoted animal caregiver and foster for over 15 years, she has a soft spot for dogs with behavioral challenges or working-breed dogs, neonate kittens, and injured wildlife. When she’s not working or volunteering, you’ll likely find her out on a trail, crafting something new, or road-tripping to connect with animals and nature.
Administrative & Operations Staff
Jen Korz
Executive Director, she/herJen has been dedicated to non-profit work for the entirety of her almost 30-year career. After earning her degree in Social Work, she advocated for a variety of vulnerable populations, eventually finding her ultimate passion working with and for the animals. After working many years in fundraising and advocacy for a nationally-recognized animal organization, she changed gears and served as part of the administration team at an arts-based early childhood education landmark in Madison, Wisconsin. Jen brings expertise and connections in development, project management and strategic planning, but considers her passion and conviction for the mission of Heartland as her most important assets. While Jen was raised on the east coast, her family has Midwestern roots and she has been a resident of Madison since 2005. In her spare time, she enjoys eating her partner’s vegan culinary offerings and spending time with their two daughters and three rescue dogs; Otto, Finn and Mowgli.
Thomas Gasper
Groundskeeping Assistant, he/hisThomas started volunteering at Heartland in February 2021 and loved spending time with the staff and animals. He is excited to join the Heartland team for the summer because he has always been intrigued by tractors and farm machinery. He is looking forward to caring for the grounds at Heartland and making friends with the animals and staff. Thomas loves biking, video games, and his dog named Bear.
Kes Allen
Grounds & Facilities Coordinator, they/themKes was most recently employed as an adoption counselor and merchandise coordinator at Dane County Humane Society, and currently volunteers with House Rabbit Society. Kes shares their home with two dogs, two cats, three rabbits and four chickens (and one spouse)! When Kes isn't working at Heartland, they love to knit, read, play video games, and participate in karate and theater.
Will Huber
Director of Finance & AdministrationWill moved to Wisconsin from New York City in 2023. He was previously the Director of Finance & Business Operations at Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), where he worked for over a decade. Prior to that, he worked in a variety of roles in the not-for-profit and financial sectors. We are thrilled to have his business and operational acumen on board. Will graduated from McGill University in Montreal and went on to receive his M.B.A and M.S. in Accounting from Northeastern University in Boston. When not crunching numbers at the sanctuary, you can find him enjoying outdoor sports, looking for rare birds in the northern forest, or cozying up for some hygge time with his partner, Jeremy, and cat, Búho.
Direct Contacts
Planned giving, corporate and business partnerships, fundraising:
- Jen Korz | Executive Director
- [email protected]
Sanctuary management and donations of barn supplies:
Social media and website:
- Jamie Monroe | Content Creator
- [email protected]
Administrative inquiries:
- Kes Allen | Administrative Coordinator
- [email protected]
- 608-440-1118
Humane Education Programs & Tours:
- Katie Williams | Humane Education Lead
- [email protected]
- 608-466-6242
Experiential Therapy Programs:
Animal surrenders and rehoming requests:
- [email protected]
- 608-424-8475