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 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 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. 

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. 

Bio coming Soon! 

Bio Coming Soon!