Marla lives on 10 acres in Ellensburg, WA with her 14 animals - 8 cats and 6 dogs, including Josie, the ranch’s namesake. She got her love of animals from two of her aunts who were involved in rescue. Marla fostered for Mikey’s Chance Rescue in the Tri Cities and developed a love for special needs animals because they have resilient spirits and don’t let disabilities keep them from living their best life. Seeing a need for more rescues in her area, she started Josie’s Misfit Ranch. When she’s not rescuing animals, she works in corporate communications.

Rebecca lives in Selah, WA with her husband, 5 dogs, 3 horses, 2 pigs and a mini donkey. A former teacher and current corporate trainer, she is in charge of our education programs as well as serving as associate director. An animal lover from an early age, Rebecca has adopted from several of the local rescues, walked dogs at the Humane Society and has participated in many fundraising events for animals in need. Besides her full-time job at a large healthcare technology company, she also manages a concrete cutting business with her husband, Ron.

Sherri lives in Issaquah and helps coordinate efforts with adopters and trainers in the greater Seattle area, as well as serving as Board Secretary. She is a single mom of two grown children and has worked in the court system and law enforcement for over 20 years. She feels a strong connection with the elderly and is an advocate for our Seniors for Seniors program. Sherri has always had a love for animals, and currently is mama to Rosie, a 15-year-old chihuahua she rescued 13 years ago.

Jacobi lives in East Wenatchee with 7 cats and has two children and two grandchildren. A former volunteer and avid supporter of the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society, she also has extensive experience with non-profit organizations including serving as the accountant for the Pybus Market in Wenatchee and board treasurer for the Miss East Cascades Organization. In addition to serving as Treasurer, she also is in charge of business operations for the ranch

Katrina’s love for animals and helping others has spanned most of her life. She grew up with cats and has been working in social services & non-profits for the last 20 years. She brings her love of animals, compassion for people, and experience in non-profit work to Josie’s Misfit Ranch, where she plays a critical role researching grant opportunities. In addition to being a mother to a beautiful human baby, her three cats and two dogs demand her undivided attention and regularly compete for room on her lap.

Sonja Busby lives in Cle Elum with her husband and 2 dogs. She has always loved animals since she was a child. After working in insurance, she decided to follow her heart and became a Veterinary Assistant later in life. She loves meeting all the animals that come into Cascade Animal Clinic in Cle Elum and Valley Veterinary Hospital in Ellensburg. In addition to serving on the board, she also runs our medical committee. She is happy to be following her passion to help animals and help them live healthier, happier lives.

Tini has had a soft spot for animals since childhood, even walking all the neighbors’ dogs at age 8 in order to get her dog pets in. As an adult she has continued that love through dog walking, fostering and donating to rescues. Tini runs our adoption campaigns at the ranch and also helps with outreach. She has a special place in her heart for adult pitties who are all too often overlooked but who often make the very best companions. When she’s not squishing on dogs, Tini works as a litigation attorney for her own law firm. Her quirky foster fail Kona is usually with her at the office.

Cherie found her love for animals at a young age growing up in Kittitas County. Even as a child, she rescued and cared for homeless dogs and cats that were strays or from shelters. It wasn't until her adult life that she discovered her passion for German Shepherds because of their beauty, confidence, high energy, and sweet disposition. When not playing with her German Shepherds Onyx and Hawk, you can find Cherie at Central Washington University where she has dedicated the last 24 years serving students, currently as Director of the Student Union. She is our liason to the university and also runs our volunteer program.

Desiree is a native of Kittitas Valley and lives in Ellensburg with her husband, daughter and two dogs: Lola, a hilarious Pug; and Marley, a sweet Lab. In 2021, after living in Western Washington for 16 years and working in sales, Desiree and her family moved back to Ellensburg to focus on raising their 6-year-old daughter. Desiree has a huge passion for animal advocacy as well as supporting local non-profit organizations. She is also active in the school district and loves kids. She heads fundraising efforts for the ranch.

Makayla has been helping the ranch for two years, and takes care of the day-to-day operations while the board of directors do their day jobs. She manages most of our cat intakes and fosters, takes animals to the vet, and cares for fosters and residents at the ranch, not to mention keeps Marla on track. She has been around animals all her life and has a calm, special way with them - especially kittens!. She resides in Ellensburg with her husband, 5-year-old daughter (who also helps at the ranch), Great Dane Sonny, and cats Mack and Orca.

Leah takes care of all the supply ordering at the ranch and also manages some of our fosters as well as helping out at events. Her husband Jason is the ranch’s unofficial handyman and her daughters Anna and Molly also volunteer. They adopted Tupaq, a feisty and loving chihuahua mix who came to the ranch with multiple fractures but now lives the good life. They also are family to Embers, Scout, and two cats. Two of their animals are also diabetic, and Leah helps advise other diabetic pet parents on proper care.

Michelle was one of our first fosters, and quietly makes a big impact in multiple ways at the ranch, most notably as the manager of our Seniors for Seniors Program. She checks in with our senior humans and senior dogs to make sure everyone’s needs are being met, and helps with vet visits and care. She and her family adopted one of our misfits - Gidget - who joined their dog Larry and resident cats. They also previously adopted one of our favorite misfits - CJ - who suffered from a debilitating disease and crossed the rainbow bridge feeling all their love.