Meet The Team
Madonna Burkit
Executive Director
Madonna perceiving God's call, achieved her Master's Degree in Humane Studies from Madonna University in June of 2019 and then retired from DTE in August after 19 years. Madonna's professional and technical career with DTE included planning major capital projects for 9 years. Since 2010, Madonna has and still participates with the DTE Monroe Area Task Force serving the community, non-profit organizations and obtaining DTE Foundation grants for various non-profit events while networking with various leaders in Monroe County area. These experiences, connections, and accumulated knowledge has prepared her to step into the role of the Executive Director steering the ship of the Humane Society of Monroe County, MI and pick up the baton towards building a new shelter facility on N. Monroe St. in Frenchtown Township.
Candace Buttrick
Shelter Manager
Candace started working at HSMC as a kennel tech in December of 2017. In May of 2018 she was placed in the position of shelter manager. Before coming to HSMC she got her degree in Captive Wildlife Care and Education, Since graduating she has traveled to several states where she worked as a Zoo Keeper, Kennel Tech, and Operations Manager at a large animal shelter before settling here in Michigan. What Candace loves most about HSMC is forming relationships with all the animals and watching the timid ones blossom into amazing and loving animals.
Kasey Perkins
Shelter Assistant Manager
Kasey was hired in May of 2019. Kasey has volunteered at a wildlife center in Ohio which is where she learned many of her skills she uses at the HSMC Shelter. Kasey enjoys working for HSMC for the fact she can give a voice for those who don't have one.
Taylor Eads
Marketing/Event Coordinator
Taylor started working at HSMC in December of 2020. Taylor has a Bachelor's Degree in Broadcasting and is pursuing a Master's Degree in Marketing from Arizona State University. She adopted her 2-year old cat, Drake in May of 2020 and they have an inseparable bond. Taylor is excited to work for HSMC to help animals find a forever home.
Kaitlyn Evoe
Kennel Tech
Kaitlyn started at HSMC in March of 2020. She had experiences growing up that have benefited her working at the shelter. Something she really enjoys doing is interacting with the animals and being a family for them.
Chris Marlow
Kennel Tech
Chris started at HSMC in January of 2020. He previously worked at an animal rescue center in the Amazon Basin of Peru for 2 1/2 years, primarily working with prrimates. Chris enjoys building relationships with the dogs he works with.
Robert Yates
Kennel Tech
Robert was hired at HSMC in April of 2012. He is a gulf veteran in Germany for 8 years previously. He enjoys finding the cats and dogs forever homes.
Teresa Alcalan
Thrift Store Associate
Teresa has worked in the Thrift Store since February of 2020. Before this job, she worked at Meijer for 30 years and retired in 2017. She has a shih tzu/bichon mix so dogs are her favorite, but she loves all animals. Teresa loves helping take care of the dogs and cats we get from the shelter each week. We also help giving lower income families dog/cat food twice a month, which is very rewarding for Teresa.
Camren Fountain
Thrift Store Associate
Camren was hired in July 2020. He also decided to go back to college and receive his Associates of Science. He enjoys working with the community.
When it comes to animals, Camren loves both cats and dogs but absolutely adores reptiles! He has a 5 year old bearded dragon named Al, an 8 year old corn snake named Vyle, a 4 year old Red Foot Tortoise named Gus, and a Chillian Rose Hair Tarantula named Patricia (she is 10 years old!). Did you know female tarantulas can live up to 30 years?