Check Out: Derby Night
STAFF
Tony McCaul
Executive Director
Before joining Critter Barn, Tony worked with the Ottawa County ISD for 14 years as an Ag Tech teacher. Tony is a graduate of Michigan State University and Colorado State University with a Bachelors and Masters degrees in Agriscience, Agriculture Education, and Biology. Tony, and his wife, Katy, live in Zeeland with their two children and are actively involved in their church and community.
Makayla Brewer
Programming Coordinator
Makayla is a graduate of Grand Valley State University with a degree in Public and Nonprofit Administration. Her position at Critter Barn combines her passions for animal care, youth education, and nonprofit work. In her spare time, she enjoys the beach, time with her husband, and her two cats.
Crystal Morse
Education Coordinator
With over 30 years of experience as an educator, Crystal has dedicated her career to connecting children and families through hands-on learning. Specializing in designing and leading educational classes, seasonal camps, and immersive farm-based experiences, Crystal is excited to blend environmental education with creativity, curiosity, and care.
Grace VanKampen
West Michigan FFA Instructor
Grace is a recent graduate of GVSU, where she earned her teaching certification in biology and earth/space science. She owns a small flock of show sheep and a few beef cows, raising them to provide animals for local 4-H projects. When she’s not on the farm, she enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and cats.
Mary Gamby
Accommodating Programming Coordinator
Mary leads our inclusive programs at Critter Barn, creating meaningful experiences for people of all abilities. With a background in special education, she’s passionate about helping everyone reach their full potential. Mary loves connecting with people and making the farm a welcoming place for all.
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Kerri Bush
Ag In The Classroom
After 27 years of teaching upper elementary students, Kerri is excited to begin a new chapter as the Farm Bureau Agriculture in the Classroom educator for Ottawa County. Raised on a farm and surrounded by animals throughout her life, agriculture has always been an important part of who she is. She looks forward to helping students discover the importance of agriculture.
Tanya McDonald
Adult Volunteer Coordinator
Tanya joined the Critter Barn team as our Volunteer Coordinator, bringing years of experience working with volunteers of all ages and a lifelong love of animals and people. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Bill, and their son, John, traveling, exploring the U.P., collecting rocks, and finding learning opportunities wherever they go.
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Sierra Nienhuis
Lead Teacher
Sierra joined the Critter Barn team as our Lead Teacher, bringing her experience as a former teacher at Hudsonville Christian School. She and her husband, who works on their family farm, enjoy raising their daughter and spending time together as a family. Outside of work, Sierra enjoys photography, keeping things organized, and finding joy in the simple things at home and on the farm.
Dakota Lightner
Lead Livestock Supervisor
Dakota is a graduate of Michigan State University and a former FFA State Officer, bringing a strong background in agriculture and leadership to her role as Lead Livestock Supervisor. She is passionate about working with animals and helping others learn about agriculture through hands-on experiences.
Megyn Schout
Lead Livestock Supervisor
Megyn is our Lead Livestock Supervisor, bringing great energy, hands-on farm knowledge, and a passion for agriculture to everything she does. A former FFA student at Careerline Tech Center, she enjoys working with animals and sharing her love of agriculture, especially through her involvement with our 4-H club.
Kristin Dolce
Farm Staff
Kristin is part of our barn staff and education team at Critter Barn. She’s a Dordt University grad with a degree in Animal Science and a big passion for farming, animals, and kids. Kristin loves sharing her knowledge and helping others learn through hands-on experiences at the farm.
