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, brings business, visual arts and arts educator training to her many roles here at the sanctuary, including Volunteer Director, Events Manager, Social Media, 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.
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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.
ANIMAL CAREGIVER TEAM
KAYLA CLAXTON
Shelter Manager
Kayla joined us after her wonderful work at Peace Ridge Sanctuary in Maine. Growing up with her twin brother around many rescue animals gave her a great start. She has experience with horses, bovines and all the animal species here at the sanctuary.
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Kayla adores hiking the Maine wilderness, her favorite music, and her daughter and family.
MICHAEL TUBERDYKE
Assistant Shelter Manager
Michael joined the Sanctuary in 2022, with a particular affinity for our big farm pigs, and has built a solid friendship with Danny Boy and Penny Blossom.
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He has a genuine love for learning and has enjoyed researching more about best care practices for all the rescues here at the Sanctuary!
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He is an amazing photographer and enjoys playing the piano too.
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ERIC HOFFMANN
Animal Caregiver
Eric joined 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 rescues have loved his expertise in their care.
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Eric is patient, and is always making sure every rescue is doing well. You can find him playing the guitar or enjoying time with his daughter when he is not here!
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TYLER CLAXTON
Animal Caregiver
Tyler joined the Sanctuary in 2022, and did you know he is one "day" younger than his twin sister Kayla?
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He loves his cats, and when not at the Sanctuary you can find him spending time with his friends and working out at the gym.
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JENNIFER D'ANGELO, CHES
Humane Education Director
Jenn has a lifelong love of animals instilled by her grandmother, who started the family on a mission of rescuing as many companion animals as they could. She loves spending time with all of the animals at the Sanctuary, especially the goats, sheep and of course, Maxine the llama. In her spare time, Jenn enjoys talking sports and spending time with her husband Brian and their beloved cats, Zoe, Griffin and Dewey.
BRENDAN LYNCH
Animal Caregiver
Brendan joins us after working at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary and also Julianas Animal Sanctuary in Columbia. In 2022 he also assisted with companion animal rescue in the Ukraine
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He has a twin brother, Sean, and they grew up here in MA, so coming back to the state is familiar territory for Brendan. He is a passionate vegan, and enjoys spending time with each of the rescues.
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