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 volunteer-run by our incredible team of compassionate and dedicated leaders.

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

Animal Care & 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!

Aleesha Koslica

Secretary & Director

Aleesha has been volunteering with Solstice Sanctuary for the past few years, driven by her lifelong love of animals and a desire to make a difference. Professionally, she is the owner and Managing Broker of Mastermind, Realtors, and holds a Bachelor's degree in Biology. She is excited to give back in a new way by serving on the Board of Directors and helping the sanctuary continue its incredible work.

Holly Peterson

Sanctuary Experience 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.

Lauren Haak

Volunteer Coordinator Officer

Lauren has been around horses for over 10 years and has always found comfort, connection, and healing in the presence of animals. She is currently pursuing a future in equine massage and other healing modalities, with the goal of supporting the well-being of animals of all kinds. Having faced challenges that aren’t always visible to others, Lauren brings empathy, understanding, and a compassionate heart to both people and animals.

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 Volunteer 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!

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 Volunteer Team

Meet the Team