Kim Tschirret
Founder & CEO
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
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
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 Headquarters for Hope
Hilary Schultz
Director of Headquarters for Hope
“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: toshare 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!
Read the rest of Hilary’s story.
Jennifer Shepard
Director of Operations
Jennifer Shepard
Director of Operations
“I have my motorcycle license.”
I discovered Hope Reins shortly after moving cross-country in 2010, searching for purpose and needing healing in my own life. I found both in the beautiful people and horses I met here and in the amazing ways God gave meaning to my story in light of Hope Reins’ vision and mission.
As Director of Operations, I have the privilege of ensuring that a child will find all they need at the Ranch to engage in healing and building resiliency. This includes our amazing horses, the best group of volunteers on the planet, and the beautiful Ranch which becomes a safe haven of hope.
Read the rest of Jennifer’s story.
Christy Burkey
Director of Marketing & Communications
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.
Ashlee Hilburn
Director of Programs
Ashlee Hilburn
Director of Programs
“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.
Read the rest of Ashlee’s story.
Michael Ulasi
Ranch Manager
Michael Ulasi
Ranch Manager
“Fun Fact: I used to keep honey bees in my backyard and would love to keep them on a farm one day.”
I came to Hope Reins as a Program Specialist after hearing that it was a special place from several friends. Hope Reins is a place where the redemptive Love of Christ is exemplified so evidently.
Read the rest of Michael’s story.
Jennifer Gerber
Development Strategy and Operations Manager
Jennifer Gerber
Development Strategy and Operations Manager
“Fun Fact: My favorite pizza is Margherita. I could eat it every day.“
I ended up at Hope Reins by accident. Looking back, it was clearly God putting me here on purpose.
Initially, I was working for a development consulting firm and was placed at Hope Reins when they were looking for a contract person to fill operational support on the development team. A few months into my contract, the leadership team saw the potential and need for my skills in a long-term role. I will be forever grateful to them for that decision!
Read the rest of Jennifer’s story.
Lory Schuler
Development Relations Manager
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.
Mitzi Bissette
Development Relations Officer
Mitzi Bissette
Development Relations Officer
“Fun Fact: If I could switch my bowling score and my golf score I would be a pro at both!”
Hope Reins is an inspiring place. The first time I stepped onto the property for a tour I felt a palpable peace and comfort. Everyone I’ve met has a spirit of peace and love to fulfill the mission of Hope Reins. God was calling me out of my previous non-profit work, but I wasn’t sure what he was calling me into. A few months of praying and seeking counsel, an opportunity with Hope Reins opened. I am excited to be a part of the team.
Read the rest of Mitzi’s story.
Elizabeth Love Kennon
Equine Manager
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.
Rachel Tress
Equine Care Manager
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.
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.
Joanne Morin
Client Intake Manager
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.
Matt Neeley
Programs Manager
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.
Whitney Drummond
Programs Staff Manager
Whitney Drummond
Programs Staff Manager
“Fun Fact: I was a trick rider growing up (also known as Vaulting). It is basically gymnastics but on
horseback and was an absolute BLAST as a kid. “
Hope Reins combines my three greatest passions: Jesus, Horses and Mentoring young people. I believe, with my whole heart, and have experienced that there is no hole too deep and no situation too grim for Jesus to pull us out of. Our families that come to Hope Reins need someone to believe with and for them that their situation can be redeemed and it is my honor and joy to be one of those people.
Read the rest of Whitney’s story.
Suzanne Lewis
Marketing Manager
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.
Kami Recla
Manager, Headquarters for Hope
Kami Recla
Manager, Headquarters for Hope
Kami brings a depth of understanding and empathy for our kids and families, unlike any other board member. In 2016, her beloved husband, Major Benjamin Recla, died by suicide while serving at West Point. The family was devastated.
“I just picked a spot on the map,” says Kami, a North Dakota native, and she and her two young kids, Austin and Lauren, left New York bound for Raleigh, North Carolina.
Read the rest of Kami’s story.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.
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!
