Advisory Committee
Gladwin County Animal Shelter Advisory Committee Members shape the future of the Shelter, assist in the achievement of strategic goals, serve as Shelter representatives in the community, and support the efforts of Shelter staff as they work to fulfill the vision, mission, and strategic plan goals.
Rick Grove
County Commissioner Liaison
Rick Grove serves as the Gladwin County Commissioners liaison for the Gladwin County Animal Shelter Advisory Committee.
Bio Coming Soon!
Anna McNeill
Committee President
If you look back at old photo albums from my life, you will see a trend. This trend includes photos of myself sitting under a tree with an arm full of kittens that were found dropped in a ditch close to our home, to pictures of me being trailed by a young lamb in a cast, to more recent photos of me bottle feeding a baby raccoon at the ARK in St. Helen. From a very young age, I’ve had an affinity for caring for creatures of all shapes and sizes.
I’m a graduate of Gladwin High School, and went on to graduate from Central Michigan University with a BA in News Editorial Journalism in 2014. Through my career at the Gladwin County Housing Commission and volunteer efforts I enjoy doing what I can for the people and animals of my community. After college I have volunteered with the Clare County Animal Shelter, Gladwin County Animal Shelter, and for a wildlife rehab group in St. Helen, the Association to Rescue Kritters or ARK.
My English Setter mix, Meeko, and I enjoy spending time cuddling on the couch and binge watching Netflix, or out on the trails finding new adventures in Michigan. I’m excited to assist the shelter, it's animals, and be a part of creating a better community connection.
Elizabeth (Zelt) Farrow
Secretary
Being born and raised in Gladwin County, I have always been interested in giving back and being more involved in our community. My love of animals and past farm experiences made joining the Gladwin County Animal Shelters Advisory Committee was a perfect fit!
I am currently working at Burkhart-Presidio Insurance as a CSR/Insurance Agent.
I grew up working on dairy farms and I participated in 4-H, which helped spark my love of all things animals.
Along with working in Gladwin, I am a member of the Beaverton Police Department’s Reserve as an Officer. This helps me stay in touch with what is going on in our community. I believe joining the shelters’ advisory board will add a new layer to that connection and understanding.
If I am not on the job, I love cooking and baking! You can also find me on the golf course, hunting or fishing.
I am so excited to get more involved in my community and help better the lives of the animals in our county.
Lauren Essenmacher
Committee Member
I have been in Gladwin most of my life! Originally from Detroit, I moved to Gladwin in 1975. I was so fortunate to be able to move to the country which is when I bought my first horse! Growing up in Detroit we had a dog, two cats and several bunnies so I knew all too well I was drawn to animals. Since then I have rescued all of my dogs throughout my lifetime, my cats seem to find me, and have had upwards of 13 horses at one time. I am back to two horses (one is a rescue), a rescued donkey who was abused so he does get away with having bad days and a cat that just wouldn’t go away and two very spoiled and loved dogs. The most recent one is the picture of Bella who came to me with Heartworm and appeared to have had a rough beginning with the visible scars. With lots of love and training she is Heartworm negative and adapting to farm life – still learning each day and under foot all the time.
Retired after 40 years with the Gladwin City Housing Commission it’s time I work with another passion of mine – animals! I am excited to be a part of this Advisory Committee in hopes to make a difference in our community. With all of us working towards a common goal to find homes for lots of animals!
Pamela Cingano
Committee Member
My name is Pamela Cingano. I grew up on a farm in Beaverton, and it's fair to say that I have been around and loved animals all my life. Presently I have 3 horses, 3 barn cats, and 3 chickens. I am also proud to say I have 2 children and 4 grandchildren.
Along with my Animal Shelter Advisory Committee role, I also serve on the Gladwin County Community Foundation Board and the Foundation's Grant Committee.
My desire is to see Gladwin County people and government embrace a mind set akin to the education mantra of "No child left behind", with a County mantra of "No animal suffering". Through awareness, education, and a path of report, response, and resolution all of us can make a difference.
On the 6th day God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature".
Laura Nickel
Committee Member
Bio Coming Soon!
Marietta Sprott
Committee Member
Bio Coming Soon!
Nichole Plude
Alternate Committee Member
Bio Coming Soon!
Kenneth Roberts
Alternate Committee Member
I joined the Gladwin County Animal Shelter Committee as an alternate in the hopes of playing a small part in helping the animal shelter staff and the animals they work with.
Since 2016, I have called Gladwin County my home, after relocating from Macomb County. Which, is by far the best move I’ve ever made.
I am the Director of the Gladwin County Office of Veterans Affairs and I also volunteer for Hospice, helping veterans on Hospice.
When I’m not helping veterans, I enjoy time on my hobby farm, where I spends lots of time tending to my 6 Nigerian dwarf goats, chickens, ducks and two cats.
I’m most passionate about helping our veterans, but my second passion is improving lives for the animals who share our planet. My property is always welcoming to nature’s creatures, and I couldn’t see my life without the therapy I get from my pets.
I am looking forward to learning more about the animal shelter and what the committee can do to help.
My goal is to hopefully be an asset to the committee and what they do.