OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OUR VISION
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To provide hurting children a friend they can trust.
OUR MISSION
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To encourage mental, emotional, physical and social healing to hurting children and unwanted and rescued horses, and providing them a safe enviroment to share and experience Hope, Understanding, Guidance and Support.
Lisa Carter: PRESIDENT
Lisa Carter co-founded H.U.G. S. Ranch and serves both as the ranch’s executive director and the president of the board. She has 3 children. Lisa has a degree in Equine Management. She has managed multiple horse farms in North Carolina and has worked as a veterinary technician for 28 years. Lisa is certified in Equine-assisted Learning and has participated in clinics focused on helping children struggling with mental and social challenges. Lisa is passionately pursuing what she feels God has called her to do and feels strongly that the Ranch needs to be used for God’s glory.
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Dan Enck: FINANCIAL DRECTOR
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Dan Enck began his experience at H.U.G.S. in the spring of 2018 volunteering as a mentor. He has worked with teenagers as a youth group leader for more than 25 years. He also mentors teenage boys who do not have an active father in their lives. He enjoys helping others. On Saturday mornings he cooks for a Muskegon community breakfast for those seeking a warm meal. Dan enjoys spending time with his son, daughter, their spouses, and his three grandsons. He enjoys backpacking, camping, kayaking, canoeing, and riding his bike.
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Vicki Hooker: SECRETARY
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Vicki Hooker started her volunteering as a mentor in 2018. She has also been a feeder. Vicki has always enjoyed working with kids and has been on staff and volunteered at her church in children's ministry for 30+ years. She is married to her high school sweetheart and has two kids. She loves gardening, cooking, being on the lake, and spending time with friends and family.
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John Haller: PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
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John lives in Byron Center with his wife Connie. They have 3 children, 3 grandchildren, and 2 dogs. John retired from Gordon Food Service in 2017. He is active in his church and the Knights of Columbus organization. John likes to stay active by working outdoors, traveling, fishing, and playing golf. He enjoys working with animals and people helping their development and growth. Giving back to the greater Grand Rapids community through volunteering is very important to him.