Education: Working towards B.S. in Social Work and certificate in addictions counselling through Bemidji State University

Interest: Canine and feline behavior, animal rescue

Makena is from Hazel, South Dakota, and grew up with a variety of animals on a hobby farm - potbelly pigs, miniature donkeys, fainting goats, guinea pigs, and of course cats and dogs. She still shares her home with many pets, which include four cats, Gatsby, Machiavelli, Simon, and Garfunkel. She also has a German Shepherd mix, Eska. Makena has a passion for animal rescue, and has fostered over 45 pets from Homeward Animal Shelter, and "only" foster failed 3 times. In Makena’s free time, she enjoys reading, going to thrift stores, spending time outdoors with Eska, and listening to true crime podcasts.

Fun Fact: Tim Burton is her (distant) cousin!