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.

My love for horses began in my childhood years. We had Shetland ponies. My siblings and I had the responsibility to feed and care for them. I have lived most of my life here in Effingham County except when I was in Alabama at college. After college, I came back home to Effingham to teach and taught for thirty years. I taught children with disabilities for sixteen of those years. After retirement, I began to volunteer. I delivered meals on wheels for a while, but that was only one day each week. At church one Sunday, I heard that there was a need for volunteers with therapeutic riding. I had a family member who started therapeutic riding at that time and I saw all the benefits of that activity. From my love for horses and my love for children, this was an answer to prayers. I also became connected to a new family of friends. These friends are a big part of this new journey. The connections and choices that we have made together have made me a better person. Through these choices, we are building something that our community needs. I am so blessed to be a part of this journey.

My husband is so supportive of my new journey. We have 3 daughters, 7 grandchildren, and a great-grandson. My faith, my family, and friends (new and old) are the driving force in my life. Most important is my connection with God who is always there guiding me. I am a member of Bethel Lutheran Church and have taught Bible school for more years than I can remember. The memories I have with my children, grandchildren and many more are blessings in my life.

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!

Prior to my volunteer season of life, I was employed by Candler Hospital in Savannah. I left there in 1988 as their Director of Management Information to accept a position at Effingham Hospital as their Chief Operations Officer. My responsibilities included all non-patient care areas of the hospital. During that time, I was responsible for a major facility expansion. I became well versed in the unique requirements regarding buildings used in healthcare. After 12 years in that position, I left and consulted on several construction projects using that knowledge. In 2002 I formed my own construction company. It expanded into residential construction and renovation and enjoyed much success until I dissolved the company and retired (temporarily). I was then approached by a member of the Froebel Circle, the governing body of the Fresh Air Home on Tybee Island, to maintain their campus. This organization provides a safe 2-week vacation for children that would not otherwise have summer vacation. I accepted the position and worked there for several years.

After leaving the Fresh Air Home, I began volunteering at various organizations. I have been blessed my entire life and it is my desire to give back. I love kids and I love animals, so it is a natural fit to be on the board of an organization that serves individuals with challenges using horses, horse care and therapeutic riding.

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.