Meet the dedicated team who carry out Heartland’s mission of inspiring compassion for animals, the earth and each other.
Before his recent retirement, Steve was the Vice President – Board Relations and Corporate Secretary of CUNA Mutual Group. In this role, he was responsible for supporting CUNA Mutual’s board of directors and its subsidiary management processes. He received his law degree from the University of Wisconsin and, prior to joining CUNA Mutual, was a partner at Foley & Lardner, LLP and a senior attorney at Alliant Energy. Steve served on Heartland's Board of Directors for several years before switching over to join our staff as Administrative Director in the summer of 2023, and we are thrilled to welcome him back as Heartland's Interim Executive Director in 2026. Steve brings a deep understanding of Heartland’s programs and operations, as well as an impressive business background and invaluable experience. When Steve isn't at the sanctuary, you'll find him hanging out with his wife, Jacqui, and their dog, Oliver, in Madison.

Emma 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.

Annie previously served as Heartland’s Program Director before returning to higher education in 2022. Heartland remained close to her heart, so she’s grateful and excited to return to the Sanctuary in her new role as Director of Development & Community Engagement. Annie's looking forward to making connections and sharing all of the amazing things that are happening at Heartland. She has 25 years of experience working in higher education roles, with her most recent focus being teaching first year college students. With her background in educational psychology, she focused her courses around Humane Education and the ideals of compassion, empathy, belonging and connection. Annie and her husband are Wisconsin natives and she enjoys visiting new coffee shops, gathering with family and friends, hiking, kayaking, gardening, cooking and spending time with her furry and feathered family- two dogs, two cats, and chickens.

Will 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.

Emma 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.

Michelle 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.

Hannah 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.

Gia 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.

Katie 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 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.

Born 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.

Growing 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.

Born and raised in southern Wisconsin, Rachel has been working in agriculture for about 10 years and earned a bachelor's degree in animal sciences from UW-Madison. Before going on maternity leave in 2025, she was a volunteer at Heartland since 2018, fondly remembering the morning animal parades out to the pastures in Verona. During her free time she likes to go on adventures with her one-year-old son, Waylon. She also enjoys relaxing at home with her three Siberian Huskies and visiting her nephews and niece.

Emma 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 joined Heartland in 2022 and now serves as the Individual Therapy Program Manager. A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), she brings experience supporting individuals on the autism spectrum, those with global developmental delays, and individuals navigating anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Sessions with Alissa are rooted in a person-centered, strengths-based philosophy, where each experience is shaped by the client’s interests, energy, and goals. Whether it’s practicing patience during a game, building confidence through movement, or finding calm alongside an animal, she creates opportunities for real-life skill development in real time. Clients can expect Alissa to use both structured and unstructured recreational activities to build skills such as emotional regulation, social interaction, communication, and problem-solving in a natural and engaging way. With a strong background in mental health and respite services, she blends evidence-based practices with intuition, creativity, and genuine connection. Outside of her work, Alissa enjoys spending time with family and friends, curling up with her pets and a good book, and exploring new places. She loves being outdoors—rain, snow, or shine—and embraces everything Wisconsin weather has to offer.

Solomon 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 has worked as an experiential therapist at Heartland since 2022. She has her masters degree in art therapy and is a registered Art Therapist (MS-ATR). She has worked in the art therapy and expressive therapy field for over twenty years. Molly has provided 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 offers an expressive, person-centered approach that focuses on overall wellness. She uses a soft, flexible agenda to help meet participants where they are at through expressive art activities such as painting, clay, or sculpture. She also offers recreational activities such as mindful hikes, animal-centered interactions, or social-based games. Through these various activities, participants work to improve skills such as emotion regulation and coping with emotions, self-esteem, and social communication. Working at Heartland has been a perfect fit for Molly to combine her love of creative expression, nature, and animals!

Madison joined Heartland in 2022 and now serves as the Intake Coordinator and Pathways Program Manager. She earned her degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Illinois State University in 2021 and brings experience supporting individuals on the autism spectrum, those with global developmental delays, and individuals navigating anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Sessions with Madison are rooted in a person-centered, strengths-based approach, shaped by each participant’s interests, energy, and goals. Whether it’s using humor, coloring, spending time with animals, or engaging in structured and unstructured recreational activities, she creates opportunities for real-time skill-building, confidence, and connection. With a background in mental health and community programs, Madison blends evidence-based practices with creativity, intuition, and genuine connection. Outside of work, she enjoys being outdoors, exploring new places, and spending time with her husband and their two cats, Buddy and Tito.

Samantha 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 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.

A 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.

Toni 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!

Micaela Magel joined the Heartland Therapy team in 2025. She is an Advanced Practice Social Worker (APSW) who received both her bachelor’s and master's in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She is currently in clinical supervision, working towards her clinical licensure. She brings to Heartland a foundation of unique experiences, including working with refugees and immigrants, youth, domestic violence advocacy, civil liberties, housing insecurity, and humane education in an animal shelter. Micaela’s therapeutic approach combines a culturally responsive, strengths-based approach that acknowledges the whole person and their environment. She draws from a variety of experiential and traditional interventions that include imaginative and parallel play, arts and crafts, card/board games, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Further, she values focusing on emotional learning, trauma-informed care, and creating inclusive, safe spaces. She’s dedicated to helping people (and animals!) feel seen, heard, and supported.

Jenelle graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with bachelor's and master's degrees in Social Work. She discovered Heartland through a tour of the sanctuary and resonated with its creative and compassionate mission. Since joining Heartland in 2025 as an Advanced Practice Social Worker (APSW), she has enjoyed continuing to create spaces where support feels genuine and accessible. With experience supporting neurodivergent individuals of all ages, Jenelle is committed to adapting interventions to meet diverse sensory needs and communication styles. She has practiced in a variety of settings, including community-based behavioral support and clinical mental health. She values collaborating with interdisciplinary care teams to compare clinical viewpoints, align therapeutic approaches, and address goals holistically. In sessions, Jenelle draws from several evidence-based modalities including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), play therapy, and supportive psychotherapy. She maintains a client-led approach and loves incorporating the strengths, hobbies, and interests of clients into sessions. Outside of work, Jenelle enjoys hiking with her family, reviving her figure skating skills, thrifting with friends, experimenting with crafts (currently watercolor), and seeking out night sky events–especially the northern lights. She looks forward to meeting you!

Annie 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.

Jamie 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.

Alisa 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.

Annie previously served as Heartland’s Program Director before returning to higher education in 2022. Heartland remained close to her heart, so she’s grateful and excited to return to the Sanctuary in her new role as Director of Development & Community Engagement. Annie's looking forward to making connections and sharing all of the amazing things that are happening at Heartland. She has 25 years of experience working in higher education roles, with her most recent focus being teaching first year college students. With her background in educational psychology, she focused her courses around Humane Education and the ideals of compassion, empathy, belonging and connection. Annie and her husband are Wisconsin natives and she enjoys visiting new coffee shops, gathering with family and friends, hiking, kayaking, gardening, cooking and spending time with her furry and feathered family- two dogs, two cats, and chickens.
Becky was introduced to HFS when her daughter was a summer camp assistant in 2013. She comes to HFS after working 20+ years for non-profits as a HR Professional, Community Relations Manager and Healthcare and Aging Advocate. She loves leading tours at the sanctuary, caring for animals and bringing smiles to visitors. Becky's also a published author of a children's illustrated book (about woodland critters) and a middle-grade series (involving an unruly goat) co-written with her daughter, Madelyn. In her free time, she's a rescuer of senior dogs, an avid photographer, paddleboarder and navigator for family road trips.

Kes 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.

Thomas 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.

Andrea brings 10 years of accounting experience to the team and enjoys keeping things organized, accurate, and quietly running smoothly behind the scenes. She lives in Milton with her husband, three daughters, and a lively crew of pets, including two dogs, Felicia and Floyd, and a cat named Zazzy, who proudly runs the household. A lifelong animal lover, Andrea feels most at home around animals and in nature, whether that means spending time outdoors or caring for her four-legged companions. She is also excited to be graduating soon with her Associate’s degree in Human Resources, blending her love for people, processes, and precision. When she’s not working with numbers, you’ll likely find her crafting, especially making earrings or doing creative projects with her family. Andrea loves combining structure with creativity and believes that teamwork, kindness, and a little heart are the secret ingredients to keeping everything running just right.

Will 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.

Alex lives in Madison with her wife and two little boys, Waylon and Elton. Before Heartland, she was a preschool teacher with a primary focus in outdoor education. Alex has a masters in Education and a bachelor’s in 3-D design, she has always enjoyed creating art, woodworking and welding. When she isn’t working she is taping maple trees, gardening, sitting by a fire, seeing live music and spending time with friends and family. Alex is excited to be part of the Heartland community, and thinks this is the perfect place to keep her busy and grounded with all the projects a farm provides.