MEET THE TEAM!
SANCTUARY FOUNDERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JOHN D. HALAMKA MD, MS
Co-Founder & Board President
John D. Halamka is the President of the Mayo Clinic Platform, leading a portfolio of new digital platform businesses focused on transforming health by leveraging artificial intelligence, the internet of things, and an ecosystem of partners for Mayo Clinic. He is a practicing emergency physician and has a certificate in Organic and Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts. He enjoys the hands-on side of being Facilities Manager. You can often find him out on a walk with one of the Sanctuary dogs. John has his Mayo ClinicPlatform Blog
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KATHY HALAMKA
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Kathy Halamka, BA, MFA, Secretary of the Board, brings business, visual arts and arts educator training to her many roles here at the sanctuary, including Volunteer Director, Events Manager, Social Media, Humane Education Coordinator, Fundraiser and Public Relations. You will often find her spending time with Handsome Paul the Turkey and her other Feathered Friends, taking new photos for the "Updates from Unity", or checking on her beloved ponies. She is lead blogwriter at UFS as well
David Wirbal is now retired from Fidelity Investments and founded Dudley Brewing. He is often known here affectionately as "Dud's Dad"after being instrumental in rescuing Dudley.
Ann Harrison Wehr is a professional skating educator, with a long track record of volunteering in many leadership roles here at the Sanctuary.
Tyler Wehr, is a talented chef and skilled in the vegan hospitality business. He has been a volunteer here since the beginning with Ann. A vegan cookbook is in the works!
Wendy Weitzner is a talented executive in healthcare consulting, and she brings prior board experience, leadership and planning skills to her role on the Board
Donna Schultz has been involved with the Sanctuary for a long time and was a special volunteer for Goldy. She has years of experience in hospitality planning and event services!
Our 100% donating and vegan board insures our non-profit fiscal responsibility and guides Unity Farm Sanctuary toward a meaningful future.
STAFF
KAYLA CLAXTON
Barn Staff
Kayla joins us from her wonderful work at Peace Ridge Sanctuary in Maine. Growing up with her twin brother around many rescue animals, she loves pretty much all species.
Her specialty is horses, but she has great experience with bovines and all the animals species here at Unity - except alpaca! She is looking forward to getting to know them better.
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MICHELLE MCISSAC
Barn Staff
Michelle joined the Sanctuary team in 2022. She has been a lifelong animal lover, and has rescue house bunnies at the moment.
Michelle has been volunteering at the Sanctuary with her son Jordan for some time, and she definitely enjoys brushing Dudley, hanging out with some special feathered friends and of course getting kisses from the horses. (and Star Doggo)
MICHAEL TUBERDYKE
Barn Staff
Michael joined the Sanctuary in 2022, with a particular affinity for our big farm pigs, and has built a solid friendship with Danny Boy.
He has enjoyed learning more about all the rescues here at the Sanctuary!
HANDSOME PAUL
Head Greeter
He heads up the "Celebration of the Turkeys" every year!
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MACKENZIE COMLEY
Barn Staff
Kenzie joined the Sanctuary in 2022, with a particular affinity for our horses. She is in her senior year at the Norfolk Aggie High School and has learned a tremendous amount there about many animals.
She is headed to college in the Fall of 2023 with a pre-vet (large animal) focus. Congratulations Kenzie!
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ERIC HOFFMAN
Barn Staff
Eric joins us from his great prior work in Maine at Peace Ridge Sanctuary. He had 60 farm pigs as part of his regular day up there! Our pigs have loved his expertise in their care.
Eric is patient, and is always making sure every rescue is doing well. Welcome!
TYLER GREENBERG
Special Projects
Tyler Greenberg is a rising senior at Holliston High School and joined us in 2020. He is a Fire Explorer with the Holliston Fire Department, plans on EMT school, and keeps the emergency alert audio band handy to stay up to date. Tyler brings prior experience of working with the practical equipment we use onsite (gator/plow, tractor, groundskeeping tools and more) and he enjoys tackling special projects here at Sanctuary.
PAUL HASWELL
Groundskeeper
Paul lives just a few minutes away from the sanctuary and joined the UFS team in Fall 2018. He is responsible for managing the orchard, sanctuary trails, and landscape maintenance. He has always had a great love for the outdoors, wildlife, and nature and brings that passion to his work here. He has worked at Wellesley College as a turf specialist for the past four years. In his free time, he loves spending time with his yellow lab, Maisy, and going to the Cape. His not-so-secret favorite animal at the sanctuary is Star the Donkey.