Monroe County Friends of Animals (MCFA)

Kari Fisher-Gibson joined the Monroe County Friends of Animals board in the spring of 2024, bringing her lifelong love of animals and dedication to supporting MCFA’s mission. Retired from a career in K-12 education, Kari now enjoys creative hobbies like working with clay, drawing, and painting. Her home is filled with rescued pets, including four indoor cats, (one who was a recent foster fail) two barn cats with their own temperature-controlled shelter, and 20 chickens. Known as a “get ‘er done gal,” Kari is a natural problem-solver who values the hard work and commitment of MCFA’s volunteers. Recently, she’s taken up drum lessons, embracing new challenges while continuing to enjoy working with the people and animals of MCFA. 

Thomas has been a resident of Tellico Village since March 2018. Before moving here,  he was the CEO of a large orthopedic practice in Northern Illinois.  Thomas holds a master's degree in health service administration and has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare community. Since relocating to Tennessee, he has been actively involved in Tellico Village Broadcasting, served on the Tugloo Park Committee, and has contributed to video work at his church.  Currently, he is the Membership Committee Champion at MCFA.  Although he does not have a pet, he often takes care of a good friend's yellow lab when she needs additional support.  Thomas is a dog lover and hopes to adopt a pet from the Center in the near future.  Thomas is a widower with two adult children, three grandchildren, and one granddog. 

 Edward Roeber, a committed board member of Monroe County Friends of Animals since 2011, served as MCFA’s president from 2014 to 2016. Leveraging his nonprofit healthcare administration background, Ed contributes expertise in business planning and finance to support MCFA’s mission. He was instrumental in developing the new shelter in Madisonville and personally dedicated six years to transporting animals to find new homes across cities and states. Ed’s family has adopted three dogs from MCFA, including Sonny and Cher, deepening his connection to the organization. Outside of his work with MCFA, he enjoys watching sports, especially football, basketball, and golf, and traveling. He finds fulfillment in working alongside the dedicated MCFA board. 

Marni Sorrick has been a dedicated general board member with Monroe County Friends of Animals since 2017. As the manager of MCFA’s thrift store, she led a team of volunteers to boost annual revenue from $295,000 in 2021 to an impressive $360,000. Known for her no-nonsense approach and ability to tackle any challenge, Marni is the go-to person for special projects. Outside of work, she enjoys caring for her two dogs, two cats, and seven geese and loves crafting—whether it’s knitting, quilting, or sewing. Marni treasures the friendships she’s made through her involvement with MCFA. 

Sabrina Huffstetler has been volunteering for approximately three years, serving on the Board for 1.5 years. As a Family Nurse Practitioner working in Monroe County, she was inspired to help after seeing so many needy animals during her travels. Sabrina finds joy in seeing animals adopted into loving homes and is deeply moved by stories of how they enrich the lives of their new families. A proud moment for her was being part of the team that opened the new animal center and walking Ms. Polly, the shelter's longest resident, into the facility on opening day. Along with her passion for animal rescue, Sabrina has discovered a hidden talent in photography, capturing the beauty and spirit of the animals in MCFA's care.

Thomas Smith, a board member of Monroe County Friends of Animals since 2020, brings a deep love for animals and a passion for MCFA’s mission. At home, he cares for two dogs and two cats, strengthening his personal commitment to animal welfare. Tom was a vital part of the building committee, helping bring the new animal center to completion—a goal he’s particularly proud of achieving. When not volunteering, Tom enjoys motorcycles and the satisfaction that comes from setting and reaching meaningful goals, making him a dedicated and purposeful member of MCFA’s team. 

Mikki Hooven has a lifelong passion and love for animals. She began her commitment to helping animals early, bringing home countless strays as a child (to the frequent dismay of her parents) and has continued to do so into adulthood (to the frequent dismay of her husband Bill) and adopted, fostered or rehomed dozens of animals in need. Since moving to Monroe County in 2005, Mikki and Bill’s menagerie has variously included dogs, cats, chickens, goats and horses. 

Mikki worked as a veterinary assistant from 2008-2016, which provided valuable knowledge and experience to care for any animals that may end up at their home; they currently have four geriatric dogs and a cat. Mikki’s other experience includes 20 years as a legal assistant, and she has served on the boards of directors of two other local non-profits since 2016 and 2018. She hopes that serving as a Board member for MCFA will allow her to do more to help the animals of Monroe County and utilize her experience and passion to help those without a voice. 

I am a former resident of New Jersey who moved to Tellico Village in March 2024. 

Prior to 2017, I was head of the High Net Worth and Small Business markets in the U.S. for AXA Financial (AXA/Equitable in the U.S.), one of the largest financial services institutions in the world. Between 2017 and moving to Tellico Village, I consulted to small businesses and their boards of directors to assist and guide the building of their marketing, merchandising, and customer service platforms. (I continue to do so on a very limited basis.)

I moved to Tellico Village soon after the death of my wife of 45 years; and have become engaged with the community through volunteering – T-BART, Kiwanis, my church. 

My wife and I had cats and dogs our entire lives and have been long-time advocates and financial supporters for animal welfare - local shelters and humane organizations, in particular. I was happy to “discover” MCFA. 

In October 2025, I joined MCFA and have been volunteering 6 to 9 hours each week cleaning cat kennels. However, I believe I can do more and want to do more to help further the work of MCFA (in addition to my continued financial support and labor in the kennel). Therefore, I am now offering to contribute my business skills as well as my “donor perspective” to MCFA.

Sandra Kinney holds a master’s degree in Public Administration and has more than 30 years of experience in higher education, working in technical and community colleges as well as research universities. Her professional background includes analytical services, research, grant writing, and grant reporting.

Before moving to Tennessee, Sandra was deeply involved in community and nonprofit service, including work with the Georgia Transplant Foundation, serving as President of the Alpharetta Arboretum and Community Gardens, Hospice Atlanta, and the Natural Resources Commission for the City of Alpharetta.

She currently serves as Director of Main Street Athens, where she focuses on event planning, grant writing, fundraising, and supporting downtown businesses. Sandra lives on a 26-acre farm with her family and a menagerie that includes three dogs, four cats, 20 chickens, and 16 geese. All of her dogs have been adopted from shelters or rescue organizations, including two senior “death row” dogs who were rescued just before euthanasia and went on to live long, happy lives as beloved family members.

My wife and I moved to Sweetwater in April 2021. I spent 40 years in the hospitality industry. This included sales and senior management positions with hotels, convention and visitor bureaus and performing arts centers across the country. I was blessed to have lived in 15 states where I was able to enjoy local cultures and activities. During this time, I served on several membership based organizations board of directors. The primary objectives were to raise awareness, grow membership, plan social events and program content. 

My wife Traci and I have been married for 35 years and have 2 sons Kory 32 and Konnor 28. 

Another passion I have is children. I am a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) working with Monroe County children. Our mission is to help provide guidance, open communication and social involvement to help provide a better life. 

Lastly, we had a Pomeranian named Aurora for 13 years. She was a member of the family and her passing was devastating. We now have a Golden Doodle, Bruno, 3 years old who is the love of our life and best friend.