Our Team
The Milk and Honey Staff and volunteers work day in and day out to make a difference in each and every one of our animals lives. It's because of them that we can do what we do.
Founder & CEO
Sansa
Carissa Silet
My love of plants and animals has always been a part of me, and I was able to nurture that throughout my time in undergrad, graduating with both a B.A. in Zoology and a B.A. in Botany. I realized through the skills I had gained, the jobs and internships I experienced, and the difficult relationships I navigated, that I was uniquely qualified to rehabilitate animals and connect with them on such a deep level. So here I am, with passion and purpose, as founder and CEO of Milk and Honey Sanctuary Co.!
Volunteer - Marketing
Mac
Mark
I have a M.S. in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University and 30 years in marketing and management. I deeply believe that all living beings deserve respect, dignity, and love. What you do makes a difference, even if it only makes a difference to one.
Volunteer - Events
Atlas
Annie
Pets have been a part of my family since I was a child, and I've raised my own kids around animals knowing how important that was for me growing up. I find joy in bonding with animals and providing them with the best life possible, and I believe every animal deserves to be given the opportunity to be loved.
Volunteer - Operations
Ophelia
Maggie
I have very fond memories of keeping reptiles as a child and how much fun I had caring for and interacting with them. As I grew, I came to realize just how complex and special each animals care can be, and have made it my goal to reshape and nurture each reptile, amphibian, or invertabre that comes into my care. I am honored and thrilled to be a part of a team so adamant on helping every creature thrive!
Volunteer - Educational Outreach
Blake
Holly
I graduated from Illinois State University with a B.S. in Elementary Education. I currently work in public education and have been able to see the positive impact that animals have on children and adults alike. Animals teach us valuable lessons about empathy, resilience, and unconditional love. With a passion for both education and animals, I am excited to be a part of the team at Milk and Honey!
Volunteer - Social Media
Marbles
Emma
Animals have always been a safe space for me. Growing up I relied on my relationship with pets and connecting with wildlife to get through times that felt impossible. It’s my turn now to pay it forward. Going to school for pre-veterinary medicine and getting to work in the veterinary field has showed me both the beauty and ugly of the reality some of these beautiful creatures live in. I’ve made it a goal to help educate people on proper care of all species and pride myself on being a voice for those who can’t speak. Milk and Honey gives the opportunity to give all creatures, great and small, a deserving safe space.
Volunteer - Radiology Vet
Reggie
Emily
Animals have brought me my joy and my purpose for as long as I can remember. My husband Mike knows Luigi and Reggie (my cat and dog) will always come first, along with our toddlers. And his (our) dog Ellie will always…be tolerated (and loved)! I am grateful to be part of their lives and for all that they have taught me!
Volunteer - Events
Ellie & Reggie
Mike
I have over 15 years of operational experience in the veterinary industry and am currently VP of Real Estate Operations at a large veterinary hospital network. My deep passion for the well-being of all animals drives me both personally and professionally!
"I have always had an affinity for connecting with animals. Between working in the veterinary field, pet and wildlife rehab, general animal care in all different fields, etc., I connect with them in a way the people around me never seemed to. I find myself gravitating towards the difficult cases, the ones that have complicated backgrounds or the ones that are simply misunderstood. It's difficult, but it's the most rewarding feeling when that breakthrough happens.
My own macaw, Joe, is a difficult little man, but the day he rolled over on his back and laid in my lap I couldn't contain my excitement. I wanted to shout it to the world that Joe had his moment! The moment he decided he was comfortable, his breakthrough. Every animal deserves that celebration and the effort that goes into creating that breakthrough. I want endless "Joe rolling over" moments for every animal that finds themselves at the sanctuary.
Milk and Honey was created for these moments, for letting everyone know how far our animals have come, and for fostering environments where victories like these are possible. M&H is also meant to make space for our human friends to come witness these moments for themselves, and see what it's like for animals with such confusing, difficult pasts to let their personalities shine and begin to thrive.
Involving humans in this process is a critical part of Milk and Honeys' mission; people need to be able to connect with animals in order to begin to understand them and care for them as individuals. I created Milk and Honey with a passion for connecting with animals and I'm hoping to help other humans connect with them in the way I have. It's one of the most beautiful things in the world to see animals get to thrive and be themselves.
If you want to join our mission through donation, shopping, sharing, or volunteering, we welcome you with open arms! I do as much as I can, but I wouldn't be able to do this without our team and our supporters, so thank you!"
With Love,
Carissa
