Kim Tschirret
Founder & CEO

“My intention was to help kids but now Hope Reins has become so much more than that – it has become a community of healing – a safe place for people to come and truly be who they are.”

I didn’t even realize I was a session kid until we got further along in ministry. When I was a child, I didn’t have a Hope Reins or Jesus, but I did have a horse where I continually found comfort and safety. God always works in us in ways that apply to us and what I discovered with the growth of Hope Reins was true personal healing and unconditional love from a loving Father.

Read the rest of Kim’s story.


Barbara Foulkrod
Chief Operating Officer

“I love seeing the redemptive work of the Lord every single day at the Ranch.”

Hope Reins combines everything that I love: the redemptive power of the Gospel, family, community, horses and the outdoors. While I am passionate about everything out at Hope Reins, my favorite moments happen when I step back as the Lord showcases His healing power and hope-giving love. This showcase happens weekly during sessions but, honestly, it takes place every time the gate is open to volunteers, donors and community partners.

Read the rest of Barbara’s story.


Martha McNair-Russell
Director of Corporate Services

“I can truly say that I came to learn about Hope Reins through a Divine Connection.”

A consultant for Hope Reins invited me to become a part of their Diversity Task Force in 2021. I was able to connect and strategize with Believers who truly understand ‘Kingdom Ministry’. I observed and found out that Hope Reins operated in the spirit of excellence. Children are our heritage and there is no greater task in life that we as adults have than to support and shepherd our young ones. Hope Reins does this through ministry, mentor-support, and the love and nurturing process of equine therapy.

Read the rest of Martha’s story.


Hilary Schultz
Director of Programs

“I’ve bungee jumped from the third highest jump in the world over Victoria Falls!”

Hope Reins is a beautiful way to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I have one goal in life: to share the joy that I have in Christ. At Hope Reins, I get to live out Joy in Christ through the things I love most: kids, horses, people and beautiful outdoors! Tell me that is not a dream come true! When I was a little girl, I used to dream about what it would look like to use horses as a tool to help other kids. When I read a book about Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, I was completely inspired.

Read the rest of Hilary’s story.


Jennifer Shepard
Director of Operations

“I have my motorcycle license.”

It excites me how the Gospel is displayed in such practical and approachable ways to our kids, families and volunteers. Horses and horsemanship (speaking “horse language”) provide endless illustrations of the relationship that God seeks with each of us. Their honesty and unconditional acceptance help kids experience True Hope that leads to Real Healing.

I discovered Hope Reins shortly after moving cross-country, searching for purpose and needing healing in my own life. I found both in the beautiful people I met here and in the amazing ways God gave meaning to my story in light of Hope Reins’ vision and mission.

Read the rest of Jennifer’s story.


Christy Burkey
Director of Marketing & Communications

“I’m married to most awesome man alive and have three wonderful boys!”

Hope Reins has been a part of my life since its inception. It was over a bagel and cup of coffee that my sister, founder Kim Tschirret, first shared her vision for the ministry. Flash forward to today, and I can honestly say my job at Hope Reins has been the most rewarding and cathartic of my life.

I worked 17 years in Dallas radio and television broadcasting, busy building my resume upward and onward for my glory and the feeling of being accepted and relevant. It wasn’t until after my mother’s death that I faced my own emptiness and the emotional effects of growing up with an alcoholic father.

Read the rest of Christy’s story.


Josh Northington
Director, Hope Reins Academy

FUN FACT: I have run two half marathons and over a half dozen “mud runs” which were 6.2 miles each with 36 military style, mud-related obstacles.

I spent over 20 years as a Human Resources professional in the corporate world–and I loved every minute of it! Helping people excel and reach their full potential professionally was, and continues to be, my passion.

It was a privilege to design and facilitate multiple learning platforms and training series for hundreds of global leaders, managing fantastic people and projects while building a strong array of interpersonal, organizational, and detail-oriented skills. It was truly a blast!

But nothing has been more exciting or rewarding for me than taking these talents and helping Hope Reins expand its legacy of hope and healing in Raleigh, North Carolina into other states around our great country.

Read the rest of Josh’s story.


Shawnte’ Williams
Donor Relations Officer

“I know how to play 3 instruments.”

Hope Reins is a place of refuge, and I immediately fell in love with the beautiful 38-acre ranch and its mission. I come from a very close-knit family which is why the passion between the volunteers, staff and families we serve, is so palpable to me. Everyone is open and authentic — dedicated to serving the Lord while advocating for vulnerable kids and families. 

Read the rest of Shawnte’s story.


Lory Schuler
Development Relations Manager

“I have the most amazing family and best job in the world!”

When my husband and I stood in the middle of the Hope Reins parking lot for the first time, we felt the tangible presence of the Holy Spirit: “Possible” was the word I heard whispered to me that day. At the time, I did not know what God meant by that word, but in the following weeks, as I prayed for His clarity, I knew there was no other place I would rather invest my time and passion.

Read the rest of Lory’s story.


Jennifer Gerber
Development Strategy and Operations Manager

“Fun Fact: My favorite pizza is Margherita. I could eat it every day.“

My job is such a pleasure! I support our talented fundraisers and help positively impact the donor experience so Hope Reins can continue to serve every hurting child.

Read the rest of Jennifer’s story.


Elizabeth Love Kennon
Equine Manager

“I’m a ‘horse whisperer’ and a life coach.”

Hope Reins is the place where I can share the love and grace of God. Here, through the experience of connecting deeply with ourselves and others via extraordinary relationships with horses, God opens hearts, heals old wounds, and brings hope into our lives. I’m so blessed to be part of this process and incredible community.

Read the rest of Elizabeth’s story.


Brandon Wert
Ranch Manager

It was lucky for Hope Reins that one of Brandon Wert’s best buddies thought of him when he learned about the ranch manager position at Hope Reins. After 2 years working as teachers in the island country of Singapore with their teen girls, Jakelynn and Lucia, Brandon and his wife Jodi we’re looking for work in their new hometown of Durham, NC.

Even before leaving the country, the Werts knew they would return to Durham to live near close friends from their time in Chicago attending seminary. An added attraction to the area was Brandon’s participation in the launch of Farm Church, a Christ-centered congregation that meets on a farm and leverages the resources of a farm to address food insecurity.

Read the rest of Brandon’s story.


Rachel Tress
Equine Care Manager

“I grew up as a missionary kid in Australia.“

I first came to Hope Reins during a tour while working at a similar ministry in Pennsylvania. Little did I know that just a handful of years later, God would call me to pack up my bags and dog so I could continue my journey in Raleigh to help kids heal with horses and the love of Jesus!

Read the rest of Rachel’s story.


Angela Evans
Program Administration Mgr.

“Fun Fact About Me: I am a Hip-Hop Head. Especially Old School!”

Hope, Healing and Love. Faith and trust in God’s word as a promise for that healing. Horses, mentors, volunteers and families supporting children while shepherding them from trauma to resilience. That is Hope Reins. Service and community are my heartbeat. They drive me and wake me up in the morning. God prepared me for this role, but I didn’t know where he was going to place me. I am so grateful that he placed me here.

Hope Reins is healing me.

Read the rest of Angela’s story.


Ashlee Hilburn
Program Staff Manager

“Fun Fact About me: I have jumped out of a plane that was 13,500 ft. (almost 2 and a half miles!) above the Earth — with a parachute and skydiving expert, of course!“

There is nothing more powerful and life-transforming than the hope found in a relationship with Jesus! Hope Reins champions this truth by being a place where our kids and families can come to experience true Hope and real healing amongst a community overflowing with Christ-centered love and authenticity. What a beautiful ministry to serve in! I came to Hope Reins looking for a place to simply serve using the passions and gifts God gave me as I was completing my seminary education. After multiple Saturdays of raking the fall leaves at the ranch and a few conversations with friends already involved in Programs, I knew my heart was drawn to being a mentor for some of our precious kids and teens.

Read the rest of Ashlee’s story.


Matt Neeley
Programs Manager

“I lived and worked in Yellowstone National Park for a year!“

When I first heard about Hope Reins from a seminary friend, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. Hope Reins combines so many deep passions of mine like the gospel, helping others, horses, and the outdoors. Being a part of this organization, first as a Program Specialist and now on staff, I’ve seen the healing in others as well as myself. Hope Reins provides a safe space for anyone to find true healing in the gospel.

As Programs Manager, I shepherd our kids through group sessions and Kids Give Back.

Read the rest of Matt’s story.


Joanne Morin
Client Intake Manager

“Fun Fact: I used to enjoy the beaches in Nova Scotia by using a rope to climb down a cliff to swim in the water.”

Children’s health and welfare have always been a passion of mine, and the Lord has opened doors for me to serve Him in those arenas. This was just one more way! He orchestrated my steps to this beautiful ranch. As a lover of horses (minus much experience), kids, and Jesus, it was a perfect match for me!

Read the rest of Joanne’s story.


Suzanne Lewis
Marketing Manager

“Fun Fact: I lived in Kuwait for my middle and high school years and am so thankful for the opportunities to see different parts of the world while we were there!“

My family and I have been a part of the Hope Reins family for years. We found Hope Reins as a way to connect and serve when we relocated back to North Carolina after living in Florida for nine years. Having seen the power of horses to connect with children through an organization in Florida, we were instantly drawn to the mission of Hope Reins!

Read the rest of Suzanne’s story.
CONTACT THE STAFF

Special Friends

Allin Foulkrod and Creative Visions have been dedicated partners of Hope Reins since our inception in 2010. Allin’s talented creative team have masterfully produced our annual fundraiser Mane Event and other events with meticulous detail. When you have an important message to deliver to a live audience, you need to have the best working for you —you need Creative Visions.

Learn More

The Indie Image captures the essence of Hope Reins through the lens of a camera. Rebecca Mill, owner, is able to tell a thousand word story with her beautiful photography. All of the beautiful images on our website, in our newsletter and other printed collateral. She also volunteers with us as a session leader!

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XU Catering gets rave reviews every year at our annual Mane Event fundraiser in the fall. Everyone wants to know who our caterer is! Kenton Jenkins turns everything into an eye appealing and gastronomique fine dining experience. Amazingly gifted and highly skilled!

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Support Hope & Healing!

Would you consider becoming a ranch visitor, making a one-time donation, or joining our mailing list and donating your time toward our ministry helping hurting kids find true hope and real healing?