STAFF
Mary Rottschafer
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.
Faith Timmer
Farm Staff
Faith is a Hope College graduate with a major in biology. She worked as a Zookeeper before coming to the Critter Barn and enjoys caring for animals, working and sharing with kids and adults alike. She is married to Nate. Their dog's name is Arya.
Bonnie Fraam
Guest Services Coordinator
Bonnie may be the first person you meet at Critter Barn as she is our Welcome Desk attendant. Her love of animals and children has made this job her all time favorite. In her spare time Bonnie plays golf, is a Hope College basketball fan, and an avid gardener.
Wally
Rottschafer
Full-Time Volunteer
Wally volunteers alongside his wife at the farm, while continuing professionally as a podiatrist. 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.
Mary Gamby
Special Friends Teacher
Our Special Friends program has been under the leadership of Mary for the past four years. With fifteen years experience in Holland Public Schools Special Education, she enjoys the healing benefit of visitors interacting with the animals and the farm environment.
Josh Hall
Farm Manager
For the past 20 years, Josh has called West Michigan home, and his enjoyment of the animals and the outdoors shows. Josh holds a Communication degree and encourages our Crew volunteers, teaches Critter Camp and manages our facility.
Makayla McKellips
Volunteer 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 dog Sadie.
Jackie Warner
Veterinary Technician
Jackie Warner is a recent graduate from Baker College in the Veterinary Technician program. Jackie has a passion for animals and their care. She has a small farm of her own at home, including 4 dogs, a bearded dragon, a spotted crested gecko, numerous fish, and three children.
Alivia Shumaker
Farm Staff
Alivia is studying Natural Resource Management at GVSU. She enjoys being able to learn and care for the different animals on the farm. When Alivia is not at the Critter Barn, she enjoys running, scuba diving, and spending time with her dog Harry.
Zach DeMol
Facility
Zach brings diversity to Critter Barn. He's earned his Eagle Scout Rank, is a certified scuba diver, studied welding and worked previously at Padnos. He joined our staff in 2017 and enjoys working around the animals. He even has goats and chickens at home!
David McCord
Graphic Design
David has been providing graphic design for the Critter Barn for over a decade now. Evidence of his work is all around the farm and in our printed and digital materials. David believes in Critter Barn's mission and is honored to be a part of it.
Annie Seyfried
Farm Staff
Anne is a biology major at GVSU, focusing on ecology with an animal emphasis in zoology. She has coached kids in gymnastics and cared for toddlers. She brings her passions for animals, teaching and children together at Critter Barn.
Deb Marcusse
Science Educator
Deb is a 7th & 8th grade Science teacher in Saugatuck. Volunteering at the Critter Barn is a great summertime opportunity for Deb to combine her love of animals and her passion for teaching. If you don't see her in the barn you'll find her working in our gardens.
Emma Boss
Farm Staff
Twelve years ago Emma started with Critter Barn as a weekly Crew volunteer. She has spent time in Uganda and Ethiopia, at the Yezalalen Minch School, focusing on children at risk, and has traveled with her father to Israel, Jordan and Egypt.
Lisa Bensinger
Operations
Originally a California girl, Lisa attended MSU prior to working in advertising in Chicago and starting her own marketing company at age 27. Lisa has taught yoga for 10 years and brings strong leadership, management, and flexibility to our farm operation.
Joyce Echavarria
Farm Staff
Joyce grew on a dairy farm in Northern Michigan, and spent her childhood interacting with sheep, horses, cats, cows, pigs and rabbits. Joyce, her husband Dale, and her 14 precious grandchildren checked out the Critter Barn, and it touched her heart so much that she joined our staff. She truly enjoys sharing the joys of animals and farming!
