Our Board of Directors

Dana was an actuary for 10 years and also worked as a policy analyst for a county human services agency before starting Heartland Farm Sanctuary.  She holds an MBA and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, both from the UW-Madison. She and her husband, Bob Cravens, have two young children.

Dana is a former anchor of Madison’s NBC15 Weekend News. These days Dana is the communications officer for the Wisconsin Department of Justice.   The Midwest is home for Dana, who grew up in Chicago. There she also earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Here in Madison, Dana also serves on the board of Wisconsin Academy for Graduate Service Dogs, or WAGS.

Susan was formerly the Barn Manager for Nevins Equine and Farm Animal Shelter, a program of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA), the only open admission equine and animal shelter in New England. Susan also has served as Shelter Manager at Ozaukee Humane Society and on the Board of Wisconsin Federated Humane Societies. These days she is involved in many aspects of dog rescue and advocacy. Susan recently was the barn manager and AAA Instructor for The Light Center, an animal assisted activity/therapy program in Illinois.

Bob is a research physicist at Tomotherapy, Inc., a radiotherapy device company in the Madison area.  He is married to Dana.

Michelle has been working in Wisconsin politics for over 13 years.  Her roles have included general consultant, campaign manager, and finance director of numerous local and statewide political campaigns, including Russ Feingold’s 1998 campaign.  She also has extensive experience in non-profit organizations serving as political director, major donor director, and executive director.