Despite being born and raised in the “Bluegrass State”, known for beautiful horse farms and the Kentucky Derby, I never dreamed I would be part of an endeavor that would combine the amazing bonding abilities of horses with activities to enhance and improve the lives of individuals living with challenges. While attending college in the midst of some of those beautiful horse farms, I became drawn to working with children with disabilities. As I also grew in my faith, I learned that whatever God has planned for my life (Ephesians 2:10) He would put a desire in my heart to do. I committed my heart to go wherever God sent me and do whatever He wanted me to do.

Since that time, my husband and I have lived in 5 different states, raised 3 daughters and I have spent 14 years teaching children with disabilities. I have worked in public and private schools teaching children with various challenges including autism, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, vision impairment, and developmental delay. There have been surprises along the way, including a move to Georgia and a return to teaching in 2006. That teaching job led to a connection with therapeutic riding and sparked a desire in me to learn and do more in this area, which has brought me to where I am today. I am beyond thrilled to be partnering with the dedicated group of people working to establish and develop Blue Sky Acres. It is a joy and a privilege to collaborate with others who are committed to hearing God’s heart and bringing His healing and purposes into the lives of others.

As a young girl, my desire was to become a nurse just like my grandmother and aunt. In 1966 I achieved that dream and became the third generation of Registered Nurses in our family. I worked for 20 years in this profession. After retiring, I needed something else to do, so I got my real estate license and worked in commercial real estate for a brief period.

In 1993 I started traveling with my husband, Woody, who worked for a large construction company in Atlanta, GA. The company hired me as his on-site construction office manager. For 12 years we traveled over the southeast United States building shopping centers and large box stores.

We built a home in Rincon, GA and settled down in 2007. Woody and I became members of First Baptist Church Rincon. I serve on several committees, one being our Missions Committee which I have a heart for as we serve and assist local ministries such as Blue Sky Acres.

I feel honored and blessed to be working with such a dedicated staff and board members who share their love for JESUS with others.

Certifications: American Red Cross Child & Baby First Aid/CPR/AED

I have spent most of my life serving children as well as adults. I served 10 years in the military and 28 years as an instructor in several federal prisons. As a parenting coordinator, I developed programs that focused on children’s relationships with incarcerated parents. I also created and developed re-entry programs that included social and skill development for successful transitions back into society.

I love people and my first passion is to serve others as defined in 1 Peter 4:10-11 I also love animals; especially horses because of their unique ability to bond with people. Blue Sky Acres is my dream come true because it allows me to work and enjoy two of my passions in life!

Certifications: American Red Cross Child & Baby First Aid/CPR/AED

Eight years ago, God gave me a very clear vision of starting an organization similar to Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in Bend, Oregon. Yes, like many of you, I cried my way through Kim Meeder’s book, Hope Rising, and could no longer ignore that still small voice in my head telling me to make a move. I stepped down from my position as Executive Director of a non-profit with which I served for 24 years to start planning the organization I felt God was calling me to…one that would promote hope and healing through the love of Christ in partnership with one of His most magnificent creatures, the horse. Having personally experienced the extraordinary healing power of animals throughout my own life, I was eager to help others experience their gifts. Several doors were shut along the way while God continued to prune me for His plan. The waiting was hard, but necessary. He has since introduced me to a wonderful group of like-minded Christians who share my vision, my passion for animals, and my desire to help hurting people…each one possessing gifts and specific areas of expertise I do not have. Through much prayer and guidance from our Master Planner, we incorporated Blue Sky Acres.

I feel incredibly blessed to work alongside such a talented staff, an extremely dedicated Board of Directors, and a host of volunteers who are committed to providing a safe place that promotes hope, healing and fun. It goes without saying that the highlight of our ministry is having the opportunity to share the love and grace of Jesus with those who may not know Him, to pray with and for the families we serve, and then wait on God to do the rest.

Outside of Blue Sky Acres, I share my life with my husband and best friend, Steve, our three grown children, two precious grandchildren and approximately 20 other furred and feathered family members, including two hilarious alpacas. I was a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for many years and have raised/rehabilitated a myriad of unique “personalities”. I have been a member of Compassion Christian Church for 33 years where I have served in many ministries including our Foster Compassion Ministry which focuses on supporting foster families through care teams. I served on the Rincon Pregnancy Care Center Board of Directors for six years and currently serve as Vice-Chair of the Effingham Family Connections Collaborative.

My career has taken me to several states helping different companies improve their operations and financial strength. After moving to this area, my family decided to settle in Effingham County. I have served on several boards over the years including the Savannah Area Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Rincon Planning and Zoning, Montgomery County (NY) United Way, and the Amsterdam Housing Authority. Additionally, I have served on the Twin Rivers Council Executive Committee Boy Scouts of America, Assistant Scout Master, Effingham County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, Deacon and Sunday School Teacher at First Baptist Church Rincon.

After learning a great deal about Blue Sky Acres from fellow Board Member Pat Bagley, I volunteered at Blue Sky Acres and saw first-hand how the organization functioned and the important work they are doing. When given the opportunity to serve on the BSA Board, I accepted wholeheartedly and I look forward to helping BSA in pursuing their vision.