Meet the team
HOW THE JOURNEY BEGAN
In 2021, two women (Angie and Macy) had similar dreams of a farm for animals and people needing rescue and a safe space to thrive. A logo was created within a month, and the name “Solstice Sanctuary” was born. Since its formation, the Sanctuary has been led by women and holds space for development and leadership among women.
The Sanctuary is 100% volunteer-run by our incredible team of compassionate and dedicated people.
Angela Axton
President & Director
Angie started a business with horses and humans in 2011, which has continuously evolved to now incorporate many modalities of healing. She is passionate about teaching others to love and heal alongside their animals. She is looking forward to watching the transformations in the beings that become part of the sanctuary. She has already witnessed numerous changes in human-animal relationships.
Megan Pirelli
Vice President & Director
Megan is thrilled to be a part of Solstice Sanctuary’s mission. Megan has a diverse nonprofit and for-profit leadership background and an MBA from St. Norbert College. She has a passion for creating a world where both humans and animals have an opportunity to heal and thrive. Megan’s love for animals started at a young age, and she grew up rescuing animals and continues to happily “fail-foster” with her fur babies.
Maddie Mitacek
Secretary & Director
Maddie has spent years caring for animals. She shares a special bond with animals that needs healing, which has propelled her into the desire of attending Veterinary School.
Maddie is committed to the Sanctuary and excels in caring for the goats and their needs.
Jackie Bell
Community Outreach Officer
Once a CPA, she left behind her office based career to connect with nature, focus on her gardens, and opened a houseplant shop along the way. As a local business owner who can easily be consumed with the day to day, Jackie is ready to use her skills for something outside of her business and help grow the community surrounding the Sanctuary. She's a dedicated dog mom who is excited to be alongside fellow animal lovers and learn how to care for the Sanctuary animals.
Check out Forrest Farms in Twin Lakes!
Jane Perrin
Inventory & Donation Officer
After retiring, Jane decided to use her knowledge of animals by volunteering with Solstice Sanctuary. As a lifelong learner, Jane was excited for the opportunity to learn more about other large animal breeds, holistic care, natural horsemanship, and how to support people in their healing journeys. As the Inventory Specialist, Jane is excited to use her organizational skills to ensure the Sanctuary residents have everything they need to live a happy life!
Bradley may
CSA Winner & Farm Operations Manager
Each year, Northwestern Mutual, through its Foundation and Community Service Awards (CSA) program, recognizes the outstanding volunteerism and leadership of its financial representatives and advisors nationwide. To honor each recipient’s dedication, philanthropic efforts, and commitment to driving positive community change, Northwestern Mutual donates to a nonprofit of their choice on the winner's behalf.
The 2023 CSA Winner was Bradley May, the husband of Sanctuary Founder Angela Axton. The winner received a $25,000 grant for their non-profit.
“Since 2021, I’ve dedicated myself to Solstice Sanctuary and its mission to support others and rescue animals,” said May. “This grant, through Northwestern Mutual’s Community Service Awards Program, will allow us to expand the program and help countless others, allowing them to heal and learn.” - CSA News Release.
This grant, provided by Northwestern Mutual’s Community Service Awards program, will allow us to expand and offer more education programs. It will also fund supplies needed to ensure the sanctuary continues running and growing.
The Team
Volunteers
We have many members helping the Sanctuary behind the scenes, and these are some of the most important contributions. These contributions help keep us up and running!
Their commitments are extremely important to us and the animals. Thank you for all that you do!