Thanks to the wonderful staff, Brook Hill Farm is able to provide rehabilitation focused services and safe haven for unwanted horses, while maintaining a unique opportunity for personal growth and equine education for area youth and adults.
Jo Anne Miller Executive Director
Jo Anne began her career in education, moved into corporate management, and took the job as the Executive Director in 2010. During her spare time, she moonlights as an adjunct professor of Equine Science at Randolph College. She holds certifications as a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. Jo Anne has spoken at many national and international industry conferences and provided webinars in both Equine Welfare and Equine Assisted Therapies, as well as serves on many national and international committees.
Tracy Russler Assistant Director
Growing up on a farm, Tracy is a natural fit for the Assistant Director position. With a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, she is in charge of the day to day operation of the farm, maintaining the website, creating databases, and assisting the staff where needed. She has her certification from PATH International as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. The staff could not function without her!
Anna Baucum Supervisor
Anna comes from Alabama and worked at another stable prior to joining our staff. She has her degree in Psychology with a focus in counseling, and serves as Brook Hill Farm’s youth support during their riding lessons and in the classroom. She also works closely with the veterinarian and is in charge of all medical treatments at the farm. None of us could do our jobs without this wonderful asset to our staff, as we rely on her in so many places!
Jane Burks Licensed Counselor
Jane joins our staff as our licensed counselor. Retired from Bedford County Schools, and a past adjunct professor at Liberty University, she works with our youth in the United Neigh School.
Gayann Sperrazza Educator
Originally from New York, Gayann is a licensed educator with a Masters in Special Education, and is retired from Bedford County School System. She has been helping the farm since 2019, and now is the teacher in our United Neigh school!
Dawn Zurlo-Havey Instructor/Educator
Originally from New Jersey, Dawn is a graduate from Centenary University with a degree in Education. As a CTRI, Dawn is joining us to help with our education programs incorporating riding. Her positive attitude and skills are a wonderful addition to our staff.
Brandon Harrison Instructor - Barn
Brandon joins us having completed his Biology/Equine Science degree from Randolph College. While he was in school he was a valuable part of our volunteer team. We are so excited that he is joining us, helping with horse care and teaching. He is currently an instructor in training, and will complete his CTRI testing this fall.
Jordan Altman Barn Manager
After graduating from the United Neigh program, Jordan joined our staff to help in the barn taking care of the herd. She is currently attending Post University online and working on her Bachelors in Equine Studies.
Dr. Martha Moses Veterinarian
Dr. Moses, of Ecclectic Equine Services, has been a valuable part of the team since its inception. A graduate of Virginia Tech, she brings her veterinary, acupuncture and chiropractic skills to help in healing the horses.
Richard Nunnaly Farrier
Richard joins the team bringing consistent, quality hoof care to the horses. He is a graduate of the Eastern School of Farriery, and he did his internship with the best – Bud Caudy. He started his own business in 1994, and has been a reputable farrier in the Lynchburg area ever since.
Shawn Thacker Equine Dentist
Shawn joins Brook Hill Farm with his dental expertise. He completed his training at the American School of Equine Dentistry in Purcellville, Virginia. He is both a dentist and a farrier, and is a valuable part of the team.
Jay Miller Farm Support
With his wife in charge of the program, it naturally has become Jay’s job to look after the property and fields. He also assists in the general care of the horses. We cannot thank him enough for helping with all of the work that he does during his retirement!
In Memory
Dr. Ronald Fessler Retired Veterinarian
Doc is one of the main reasons for the success of Brook Hill Farm’s rehabilitation program. He is a graduate from Iowa State and has been a part of Brook Hill Farm from the beginning. He was a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, and the Virginia Association of Equine Practitioners. In 2018, he was awarded the top AAEP/Merck Animal Health National Award in recognition of his involvement with Brook Hill Farm. Every horse that has come through the program owes their recovery to the brilliance of this man!
Bud Caudy Farrier
Bud Caudy was a part of Brook Hill Farm since its inception. Bud completed his training at the Oklahoma Farriers College and had been a farrier for over 35 years. He was a member of the American Farriers Association and the Brotherhood of Farriers. The old saying no-hoof no-horse rings true – but with Bud on our staff, even the worst case foot scenarios would improve! Our horses and staff miss him terribly!
