Check Out: Summer Farm Classes!
STAFF
Mary R.
Executive Director, Founder
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.
Wally R.
Full-Time Volunteer
Wally volunteers alongside his wife at the farm. As one who multi-tasks around the farm, Wally says he has the best of all jobs. Whether doing small repairs, milking goats or taking guests around, he enjoys it all.
Makayla M.
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 and time with her two kittens.
Megan M.
Barn Staff
Megan has been a part of the Critter Barn family since she began volunteering at 7 yrs old. Now she is a graduate of the Michigan State Animal Science Program and is currently attending Baker College to get her Vet Tech license. When not at work or school, Megan enjoys spending time with her dog Jersey and horse Maizee.
Breanna B.
Barn Staff
Breanna recently graduated from Unity Chrisitan High School. Working at Critter Barn is a great fit for her because she loves animals, kids, and being outside! Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her dog and chickens, gardening, going on hikes, and being with her friends and family!
Lisa W.
Barnyard Crew Coordinator
Lisa is the coordinator for our Barnyard Crew! When she was young, her family has a small hobby farm with sheep and horses which has driven her love of animals. Her background is in nursing, and she has worked in healthcare for the last 13 years but joined Critter Barn to pursue her passion. When not at work Lisa enjoys the beach, hiking, and arts & crafts.
Alisa C.
Office Staff
Alisa works at the Critter Barn in fundraising, grant writing and educational programming. She has trained in Europe in traditional milling and became the first Dutch-certified miller in the Americas. When not working and being a mom, you might find her up north, sailing, baking or cutting & stacking firewood for her antique wood-burning cookstove.
Shakira S.
Barn Staff
Shakira is from Central Iowa and graduated from Iowa State (GO Cyclones!) with a degree in Animal Ecology. She has a background working at the Zoo working with various animals. When she’s not at the Farm, she enjoys being outdoors, exploring local restaurants and being creative.
Tori W.
Barn Staff
Tori graduated with a double major in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and has enjoyed worked with children for the last 15 years. Tori joined the Critter Barn to continue teaching the future generation. In her free time, she spends time with family and friends and loves to travel.
Shannon B.
Barn Staff
Shannon is part of our barn staff here at Critter Barn. She is a graduate of the Animal and Ag Science program at Careerline Tech Center and has a passion for agriculture as a whole. Shannon loves cows, dogs and gardening!
Kelsey R.
Barn Staff
In the past, Kelsey has worked at a Horse Ranch and did Landscaping. Her favorite part of working at Critter Barn is getting to spend time with and take care of Petunia, the potbelly pig. When not at work, Kelsey enjoys spending time with her dogs and boyfriend.
Ben N.
New Farm Project Manager
Bio Coming Soon!
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Sara R.
Barn Staff
Sara loves working with the animals because of their interesting personalities. She loves the ducks even though they’re not always willing to be her friends. She is currently going to college for a degree in biology or animal science. Sara has a small pup that loves to be outside as much as her.
Katie W.
Teaching Staff
Katie is a Junior at MSU, studying zoology. She has a passion for working with animals and children alike, and enjoys every second spent outdoors. In her free time, she spends time horseback riding and hanging out with her many pets.
Morgan B.
Teaching Staff
Morgan is a student at Grand Valley State University pursuing a degree in special education. She has a passion for animals and working with kids. In her spare time she enjoys playing waterpolo for GVSU and hanging out with some of her own farm animals, including her goat Ruby-Sue and her sheep Daffodil.
David B.
Facility Staff
David is extremely excited to work for the Critter Barn because of his love for animals. Before working at the farm, David spent over 20 years working in construction. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his daughter, five cats and dog.
Jamie M.
Barn Staff
Bio Coming Soon!
Hannah B.
Barn Staff
Hannah has a passion for agriculture education. Working at the Critter Barn allows her to educate the community and continue to learn about all things agriculture. When she isn't working, she volunteers with the local FFA chapter and enjoys spending time with her family and pets.
Sue B.
Financial Secretary
Sue is excited to join the Critter Barn team as the financial secretary. Her background in customer service, finance, and office procedures brings lots of experience to the job. When not at work, Sue enjoys spending time with her four dogs and five grandkids!
Matt M.
Facility Staff
Originally from West Virginia, Matt moved to Michigan to attend GVSU. He graduated with a degree in Natural Resourse Management and Biology. He enjoys working alongside the Critter Crew as well as keeping the farm's grounds running. His free time is spent building electronics or spending time outdoors.
Kayleigh B.
Barn Staff
Kayleigh joined the Critter Barn to pursue her love of animals and teaching! When not at work, she spends her time working on art projects and hanging out with family.
