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.

A woman in a red sweater holding a small brown and black goat on a wooden table outdoors, with a red and green building in the background.

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.

A woman standing next to a brown horse with a white face on a sunny farm with blue skies and trees in the background.

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.

A young woman in a red plaid shirt and denim shorts standing next to a brown horse on a grassy field with a wooden fence and green plants in the background.

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.

A woman kneeling outdoors on snowy ground, holding a small tan dog, with a large tan dog sitting beside her, in a wooded area during winter.

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!

A smiling woman with short gray hair wearing a pink sleeveless top and light blue pants standing outdoors with a gray and white horse in a green field. The woman is holding the horse's bridle, and trees are visible in the background under a bright blue sky.

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!

Jenn Miller

Sanctuary Relations Officer

Our volunteers work tirelessly to provide for the needs of our animals. But--who fills their cups? It's important to us that our humans feel just as loved and nourished as those they watch over.

So we have Jenn: writer, teacher, wife, mom, yoga instructor, and Dudeist Priestess. (Yes! That's totally a real thing!) Her job is to promote harmony, peace, and inclusivity by being a listening ear and friend to all.

A man holding a horse's halter and standing close to the horse, which is facing him outdoors near a building.

A man and a horse touching noses in a close-up shot.

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.

Group of five women in warm clothing standing outdoors during at a construction site, smiling, with a barn in the background and a man shoveling dirt.

A person hugging a palomino horse while another horse with a paint coat looks on in a barnyard.

Join Our Team

A woman standing next to a brown horse with a white stripe on its face on a farm. The woman is smiling, wearing a light blue hoodie, black pants, and brown boots. The farm has wooden fences, green grass, and barn buildings in the background under a clear blue sky.

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!

Holly Peterson

Volunteer Coordinator Officer

Holly serves as the Volunteer Schedule Officer at the sanctuary. Professionally, she works as a Specialty Treatment Coordinator and has always had a deep love for animals. Growing up in Kenosha County, she spent much of her time owning, caring for, and showing horses, which sparked her lifelong passion for animal care.

She and her husband have two sons who keep them busy with sports and school activities, along with three adopted dogs and a cat who complete their family. Outside of volunteering, Holly enjoys cooking, crafting, motorcycle rides, and spending time outdoors. Her work at the sanctuary allows her to give back and stay connected to the animal-loving community she values deeply.

Meet the team