Michelle established A Home for Hooves Farm Sanctuary soon after starting to volunteer at a local farm sanctuary in September 2017. Volunteering had a significant impact on her life and not only did it result in starting a sanctuary, but she also started following a vegan lifestyle after being a vegetarian for 6 years. Michelle is the proud mother of an amazing little human and is incredibly thankful for the ability to raise her around animals. She also works part time as the Team Leader of Operations Support for the Laboratories in Island Health and she is the Sanctuary Representative for P.E.A.C.E. (People Ensuring Animal Care Exists). Michelle is a strong advocate for animals and believes education is key when it comes to improving animal welfare, promoting health, and protecting the environment.
Kirsti England Director & Vice President
Kirsti has been volunteering with A Home for Hooves since the Summer of 2018 and been a member of the Board of Directors since November 2018. A former Teacher and Military Logistics Officer, she brings an assortment of skills and abilities to the farm. She currently heads up the construction/beautification department here, and in the summer months, leads public educational tours. She also provides individual support and care in her home to any animals that require some extra TLC before they take up permanent residency at A Home for Hooves. Outside of her sanctuary work she is an ardent environmentalist and animal rights activist.
Sarah Davis Director & Secretary
Sarah has been volunteering at A Home for Hooves since we started in 2017. When she started here, there were 6 animals calling A Home for Hooves home and now there are over 170! Sarah has been a lifelong animal lover. She was vegetarian for 20+ years before becoming vegan a few years ago in order to fully align her actions with her values. Prior to volunteering at the sanctuary Sarah did not have any experience with farm animals but she feels very privileged to be learning how to take care of them. She also enjoys the many perks of the job which include kissing goats, scratching pig bellies, and petting chickens. Outside of the sanctuary, Sarah works as a Registered Nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Victoria.
Ashlee Felgate Director
Since 2018, Ashlee has been a passionate volunteer at Home for Hooves Sanctuary, bringing a deep commitment to animal rights and advocacy. In 2019, she joined the board, where she plays a role in shaping the sanctuary’s direction and ensuring its mission to provide a forever home for its residents. A dedicated animal rights advocate, Ashlee believes sanctuaries serve as vital spaces not only for rescue and rehabilitation, but also for educating the public on animal right issues, with the aim of inspiring compassionate lifestyles. Ashlee’s journey into farmed animal care began with no prior experience, but has been fueled by a desire to learn and help the residents in our care. In addition to her work at the sanctuary, Ashlee is a nurse with Island Health and is currently expanding her education in the field. She is excited about the future of Home for Hooves, especially with the recent acquisition of a larger property that will allow the sanctuary to expand its projects, rescue more animals, and increase its impact on our community.
Stephanie Gordon Director of Fundraising
Steph joined A Home for Hooves as a volunteer in 2020 and became a board member in February 2021. A passionate vegan and animal advocate, she is inspired by the sanctuary's mission to provide farmed animals with a second chance at life and to raise awareness about their welfare. As Director of Fundraising, Steph collaborates with fellow board member Michelle to create impactful initiatives that engage the community in meaningful ways. She also leads the monthly sponsorship program, connecting donors with the unique stories of the animals they support, building personal relationships and illustrating the transformative effects of their contributions. Steph is dedicated to encouraging others to embrace the sanctuary's vision for a brighter future for farmed animals while promoting engagement and growth that benefits both the animals and the people involved. Through her work at A Home for Hooves, she aims to deepen understanding and compassion, cultivating a more connected and caring network of animal lovers.
Jay Muir Director of Animal Care
Jay has been volunteering with A Home for Hooves since September 2020. Jay started to attend veterinary school in the fall of 2022 at the University of Montreal, and he would love to eventually provide veterinary care to the animals at the sanctuary. Jay is a wildlife and portrait artist and has contributed several murals to the sanctuary. He is involved with visibility and activism for the transgender community of which he is a part of and he also enjoys hiking and trail running in his free time.