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      • Eastbourne Animal Center
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      • Foster
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  • Get Involved
    • Foster
    • Volunteer
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  • Donate
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    • Food Pantry
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Monroe County Friends of Animals (MCFA)

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Since 2004 - Celebrating 20 years!

About Us

OUR VISION:    

A community united in compassion, where every companion animal is given an opportunity for a better life.


The Monroe County Friends of Animals (MCFA) is a not-for-profit volunteer organization with 501(c)(3) status located in Monroe County, Tennessee. 


Our organization was created in 2004 by concerned citizens who recognized a dire need throughout the county for animal welfare. At that time there was no animal shelter, no place to go to adopt, no place to surrender animals that could no longer be cared for, and stray and abandoned animals loose everywhere in the community. 


Our Mission:

“Provide for and continuously improve the health, happiness and fortunes of the homeless and abandoned cats and dogs in Monroe County”

Partnering with the county, together we opened the first Animal Shelter for Monroe County. The County leased the site from a retired veterinarian and with a lot of volunteer help, converted it into an animal shelter. Since its formation, MCFA has supported the Monroe County Animal Shelter monetarily with the costs of operation shared. MCFA bore the cost of animal food, medicine, and medical treatment. The cost of staff salaries, rent and utilities was borne by the county. Through our generous donors, in 2024, MCFA opened a new facility, Eastbourne Animal Center, to replace the original animal shelter. The Eastbourne Animal Center (EAC) is solely owned and operated by MCFA. Learn More


Core Values

Humane Treatment

Humane Treatment

Humane Treatment

Excellence in animal welfare through compassion, dignity, and respect for all living things.

Accountability

Humane Treatment

Humane Treatment

Ensuring every action serves our mission through transparency, ethical practices, and stewardship. 

Community

Humane Treatment

Community

 Collaborating with the community to provide innovative support to enhance the lives of animals for generations to come. 

Meet Our Board Members

Kari Fisher-Gibson, President (Tellico Plains)

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 three indoor cats, 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 E. Flood, Vice President, Tellico Villiage

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. 

Ed Roeber, Treasurer (Tellico Village)

 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, Secretary (Madisonville)

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 (Maryville)

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.

Tom Smith (Coker Creek)

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. 

Alexis Smith Ellis (Tellico Plains)

Since January 2024, I’ve been a proud volunteer at the Monroe County Friends of

Animals Eastbourne Animal Shelter, where I’ve had the opportunity to support the

shelter’s mission firsthand.  As a full-time real estate agent serving Monroe and McMinn

counties, Alexis has built her career around helping people find the perfect place to call home. But her love for real estate matches her deep passion for animals. As a dedicated pet owner to

three dogs, a cat, and a flock of 18 chickens, Alexis understands the importance of providing a safe and loving environment for all animals. 

Eric Hazuda (Madisonville)

Bio coming Soon! 

Ronda Disch (Athens)

Bio Coming Soon! 


Monroe County Friends of Animals

Eastbourne Animal Center

130 Kefauver Ln Madisonville, TN 37354

Phone: 423-436-2900

info@mcfriendsofanimals.org

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