Melanie Sears

Founder and President

From a young age, Melanie felt a special connection with nonhuman animals. As a teenager she saw a video of cows in a slaughterhouse and decided she would no longer eat meat and from there began to think deeply about our species’ relationship with others. After learning about the industries behind eggs and dairy products, she decided to go vegan in February, 2008. Later that year, Melanie adopted Farley the dog and from there they began their nearly 16 year journey together which included volunteering and working at animal sanctuaries across the country, hiking on the Appalachian Trail, swimming together in both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, traveling near and far, and finally landing on the 5 acres in Swanton, OH which would become Farley’s Farm. Melanie’s education includes: B.A. in Psychology and minor in nonprofit administration from Eastern Michigan University, Masters in Special Education from Bowling Green State University, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)​​

Kira Graves

Secretary

Originally from Michigan, Kira grew up in a family full of cats and dogs, many of whom she brought home as strays herself. In college, Kira volunteered walking dogs at the Humane Society while studying in Nonprofit Administration at Eastern Michigan University. After graduating in 2012, Kira moved to Seattle where she discovered veganism and served on her first animal rescue board of directors. Kira believes that to serve others, especially innocent souls, is to serve oneself. Some of her dearest human connections have been by meeting like-minded people while volunteering, and that is how she came to work with Farley's Farm Sanctuary. A caregiver by trade, Kira is passionate about providing loving, patient care for animals and children alike. In her spare time, Kira enjoys going on camping and paddleboarding adventures with her dog, Bear, who she adopted in 2019 after volunteering at an animal rescue in Costa Rica.​

Meredith Panning

Treasurer

Meredith lives in Traverse City, Michigan with her two dogs and cat. Creating and supporting environments that serve as a sanctuary for both animals and humans is her passion in life. She graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Social Work Degree. Meredith works with kids on the Autism Spectrum and loves helping others achieve their goals and live a more peaceful and fulfilling life. Meredith has dedicated summer breaks and vacations to volunteer at farms across the country to gain inspiration, knowledge, and support other farms with missions that resonate with her own values. Through this she has enjoyed learning how to better take care of animals, grow lots of healthy food, practice sustainability, build farm infrastructure, and how to involve the community through education and other events. In her free time Meredith loves making vegan food to share with others, having art nights with friends, hiking, and spending time with animals.​

​

Beth Meyer

Advisory Board Member

Since 1983, Beth has been an integral player in the founding and continued operations of Bittersweet Farms, a nonprofit farmstead that provides residential, educational, social, and vocational opportunities for people with autism.  As a woman with autism herself, Beth is gifted in visual thinking and is highly skilled in maintenance, mechanical work, and overall operations of nonprofits and infrastructure. Beth has a very important and unique perspective which allows her to consider things the rest of the board may miss. We are very grateful for her input and sharing of her skills to benefit Farley’s Farm and the animals we rescue and care for!