My passion for animals started as a child raising my rabbits as pets to show at 4-H and taking dogs to dog classes. I came up with this idea with the late Alexis Gibson whose passion drove my passion as well to develop a new organization. She unfortunately passed in April of 2024 leaving a deep hole in my heart. She came up with our name and helped our mission. In her honor, I will continue to fight and save the unwanted. 

I have been doing animal rescue for 20 years. Whether I volunteered at a shelter, fostered for rescues, been a member on other rescue boards, volunteered at events or you name it I did it. I have learned a lot through my 20 year journey. I especially enjoy training dogs, teaching people and learning behaviors. 

Animal rescue is my passion and it is a big undertaking. I am happy to provide full circle care to our animals with our great team. 

My other passions include my career as a safety professional, my love for running, yoga, wine and volleyball. 

After a fulfilling career as a decorated veteran firefighter, I’ve carried my passion for service into a new chapter, rescuing dogs and supporting Tara, with her vision for Circle of Souls Animal Rescue.

For more than 30 years, I dedicated my life to protecting others and serving my community. Now in retirement, I’m grateful to use those same values of courage, compassion, and commitment to help dogs in need. Every rescue is a chance to give them safety, healing, and the loving homes they deserve.

Standing beside my fiancee Tara in this mission has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Together, we are committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and re-homing as many dogs as we can, while building a community that believes in second chances.

I invite you to join us—adopt, volunteer, or donate to help change the lives of these incredible dogs. With your support, we can give them the future they deserve.

Miranda Howell 

Secretary 

Board Member Medical/Events/Foster

Katie McCants

Board Member

Transport Team, Events Team, Grant Writing

Katie is a lifelong dog lover and advocate for those who deserve love, safety, and a second chance. 

By day, she serves as Vice President of Operations, but her heart is firmly rooted in rescue work and animal advocacy. 

She shares her home with her beloved 15-year-old best friend rescue dog Charlotte and her newest family member, Ellie—an energetic rescue from Circle of Souls. 

Katie is honored to join the Board and looks forward to combining her corporate experience with her passion for pups to help make a meaningful impact, one wagging tail at a time.

April Kelly 

Board Member / Foster

I live in Howard’s Grove with my partner Aaron and our amazing crew of pets. Animals have always been a huge part of my life, from rescuing and fostering dogs to caring for the many animals we’ve had on our small hobby farm, including chickens, ducks, cattle, and even a few rescues like llamas and donkeys.

We currently share our home with five beloved dogs —;Tank, Pearl, Nala, Kapone, and Reggie — all rescues or foster fails who’ve stolen our hearts. I also have several “grand pups” and “grand cats,” some adopted from Circle of Souls!

When I’m not caring for animals, I love camping, hiking, reading, and exploring new places.

Alandra Monk 

Board Member

Cindy Pfingsten

Events Coordinator 

Cindy is the dynamic events coordinator for Circle Souls Animal Rescue. 

Her firsthand experience with the rescue’s mission fuels her passion for supporting its life-changing work. 

With creativity and dedication, Cindy ensures every event is not just memorable but truly epic, helping raise awareness and support for animals in need. 

Her enthusiasm and organizational expertise make her an invaluable part of the Circle of Souls family.

Vicki Popp Vandenbush 

Greater Green Bay area Events Coordinator  

Foster / Application Processing

Volunteering has allowed me to make a tangible difference in the lives of numerous at risk animals. 

The experience and emotional rewards of seeing them flourish and the joys they bring to families is a true reward.  

Spending time with those that have experienced trauma, teaches you the importance of living in the moment.

Sherry Helmer

Application Processing 

Volunteer / Transport Day Team

My love for animals began many years ago.

I've always been drawn to homeless dogs in particular, even as a young child.

My adventure began with volunteering at our local animal shelter when I was a teen, to be coming lead dog caregiver for a number of years at the same animal shelter, to successfully owning and operating my own pet care business for the past two decades.

I find great joy in matching people with the right dogs and dogs with the right families.

It was one of my favorite responsibilities while employed at the Humane Society, I had great success with it and it's one of the reasons I am beyond happy to help this wonderful rescue.

Transport day is my favorite!

To meet these wonderful deserving dogs and know that they have bright futures ahead of them warms my heart