Meet the team
HOW THE JOURNEY BEGAN
In 2021 two women (Angie & Macy) had similar dreams of a barn that had animals and people inside that needed to be rescued, within months a logo had been created 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.
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. She holds both her undergraduate degree and MBA from St. Norbert College. Megan brings a diverse background in nonprofit and for-profit leadership and a passion for creating a world where both humans and animals have an opportunity to heal and thrive. She currently is the Brand Content Director for Fork Farms, a Wisconsin based start up. Megan’s love for animals started at a young age with her very first horse at age 6. She grew up rescuing animals 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.
Founders
Dream turns Reality
The Sanctuary was founded by a group of women who all connected through their passion of helping those in need. Their relationship’s blossomed over the years with the commonality being horses and learning. The power that was cultivated between these woman was nothing short of amazing. To take a dream and launch the Sanctuary was a feat that we all still marvel at today.
We are forever thankful to Angie, Macy, Maddie, Katie and Rachel for what their presence has created.
The Team
Volunteers
We have many members behind the scenes helping the sanctuary and these are some of the most important contributions. These contributions help keep us up and running!
The team includes Brad, Haley, Emma, Ted, Vickie, Stephanie, Jane, John, Aleesha, Loreilai, Dawn, Ryson, Kathie, Faith, Tayler, Olivia, Letitia, Ivy, Ana, Nicole, Lauren, Mary and Martin, Dan and Paula.
Heartland Community Farms - Heather, Katie and Morgan.
Their commitments are extremely important to us and the animals. Thank you for all that you do!
Bradley may
CSA Winner
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 provides a donation on the winner’s behalf to a nonprofit of their choice.
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 provide more education programs and will fund supplies needed to ensure that the sanctuary continues to run and grow.