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BOARD MEMBERS
Brian Geerlings
Board President
Meet our Board President, Brian Geerlings. Brian is a nutrient specialist. Retired now from Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch, Brian finds time to assist with various projects at the Critter Barn in addition to his leadership as president.
Chris Machiela
Vice President
Meet our Board Vice President, Chris Machiela. Chris and his sons raise livestock, hay and have been active in 4H and livestock shows. Chris has supplied hay to the Critter Barn for years and has seeded and harvested hay at Critter Barn’s New Farm fields. He works for the Ottawa County Drain Commission.
Brian Terborg
Board Member
Brian Terborg is the CFO of Zeeland Farm Services, a major supporter of Critter Barn. He served for 8 years as our treasurer and continues his involvement as a director. Brian and his wife have a son and a daughter.
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Corey Niemchieck
Board Member
Corey is the Founder of Storytelling Pictures, a film production company, that is committed to telling the stories of others. His work can be seen in many of Critter Barn's videos. When not producing stories, Corey enjoys hanging out at the beach with his family, hiking, writing music, and playing the piano.
Carol Schoenborn
Treasurer
Meet our Treasurer, Carol Schoenborn. Carol’s family operates Schoenborn Family Farms LLC in Holland. Their family has been friends of the Critter Barn for over 25 years. Carol’s husband, Mark, is the President of Ottawa County Farm Bureau. They support Critter Barn’s efforts to educate the public about farming and food production.
Doug Slenk
Board Member
Doug and his wife have five children who are frequent visitors to Critter Barn. Their daughter Anna is a member of Critter Barn’s Barnyard Crew. Anna volunteers weekly with Miss Lisa, and loves being a volunteer. Doug is in his third term as a board member and is employed at Tramec Sloan in Holland
Ellen Bacca
Board Member
Bio Coming Soon!
Mary Rottschafer
Executive Director
Mary worked initially in music and elementary education after graduating from Hope College in 1974. Her passion for teaching and working with animals continues to grow because of the profound effect the whole farm experience has on children and youth.
Pat Mitchell
Board Member
Pat is the Director of Quality for Coastal Container and also runs his own farm, Shamrock Acres, with his wife Linda where they raise registered Dexter cattle and Katahdin sheep. Pat has been on the Critter Barn board for 8 years, and served as Board President for 5.
Laurie Wright
Board Member
Meet Laurie Wright, DVM. Laurie is the Program Director of Veterinary Technology at Baker College in Muskegon. Baker’s Vet Tech students have participated in animal care and education at Critter Barn since 2004.
Phillip Preston
Secretary
Phillip is employed at Greenstone Farm Credit Services as a Crop Insurance Specialist focused on fruit and specialty crops. He is a beekeeping hobbyist and has kept honeybees for 20+ years. He and his wife have 2 amazing young daughters.
Paul Pyle
Board Member
Meet Paul Pyle. Paul is the Facilities Director at Engedi Church. He was a full time 6th generation dairy farmer for 20 years and currently raises dairy heifers and crops. He has 5 kids who love the Critter Barn!