Thanks to the wonderful staff, Brook Hill is able to provide rehabilitation focused services and a safe haven for unwanted horses, while maintaining a unique opportunity for personal growth, academics, and healing for area youth and adults with certified professionals.
Jo Anne Miller Executive Director
Jo Anne began her career in education, moved into corporate management, and formally took the job as the Executive Director in 2010. She is a retired adjunct professor of Equine Science at Randolph College. She holds a degree in education and 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 Equine business, Equine Welfare and Equine Assisted Therapies, as well as serves on many national and international boards and 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 and is on the board of the Therapeutic Riding Association of Virginia. 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 as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning 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. This year she was chosen by the Humans and Horses Research Foundation to serve on the Equine Well-being committee as a junior member. None of us could do our jobs without this wonderful asset to our staff, as we rely on her in so many places!
Georgia Fauber Head Cheerleader
Georgia joins us to help with program development and to help let the community know we are here! Having been here over 25 years, people know us nationally, not locally. Georgia has joined us to fix that!
Gayann Sperrazza Educator
Originally from New York, Gayann is a licensed educator with a master’s in special education and is retired from Bedford County School System. She has been helping the farm since 2019 as our official teacher and now is a volunteer and a constant visitor when she is not traveling with her husband!
Lisa Dunn
Office Assistant
Lisa brings with her the mindset that if something needs to be done, she’s the one to make it happen. Her upbeat, adventurous outlook and strong organizational skills make her an invaluable addition to our team.
Jordan Altman Barn Manager
Jordan started with us in the United Neigh Program and decided that she wanted to work at the farm! As a current student at Post University studying equine science, she is a perfect fit for our barn manager. She also does all of our social media and always has a camera in her hand!
Brandon Harrison Instructor
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 a CTRI, and the favorite instructor of so many of the youth!
Sharra Houston
Volunteer Coordinator
Sharra is a familiar face, as she graduated from the United Neigh Program many years ago! After college, she pursued a career in law enforcement, specifically animal control. Wanting to get back to working with horses, Sharra joins us as our Volunteer Coordinator, excited to learn the many different jobs at the farm. We are so excited to have her back – her enthusiasm and knowledge is invaluable!
Dr. Martha Moses Veterinarian
Dr. Moses, of Eclectic 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 Brook Hill Horses
Richard Nunnally 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.
Stephanie Surprenant Equine Dentist
Stephanie joins Brook Hill Farm with her dental expertise. She completed her training at the American School of Equine Dentistry. She owns ProFloats and works alongside our veterinarian, Martha Moses.
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
Jane Burks Licensed Counselor
Jane joined our staff as a licensed counselor. Retired from Bedford County Schools, and a past adjunct professor at Liberty University, she worked with our youth in the United Neigh School. Jane made an impact on everyone around her and helped so many of our youth.
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!