Meet The RES Team
Executive Director
Kim Reid
Kim brings more than 25 years of experience with animals to her role at Rapidan Equine Sanctuary. A graduate of North Carolina State University in Zoology, she's worked as a zookeeper, lion trainer, wildlife rehabilitator and educator, veterinary assistant, and horse trainer.
Kim runs Feather in the Mane Farm, where she boards and trains horses, including several rescues. Being a Marine Corps spouse and mother of two instilled resilience and compassion while her work with animals built an unwavering belief in the transformative power of trust between humans and horses. The quote inscribed on a beam in her barn, perfectly captures her philosophy: “You don’t train a half-ton flight animal; you prove to him he can trust you more than his own instincts.” This quiet wisdom and dedication guides Kim’s every interaction, striving for healing and hope at RES
President/Treasurer
Ed Sierra
Ed's deep expertise in business operations, education, and organizational leadership is a welcome addition to the RES team. Serving as Deputy Chief of Staff at Marine Corps University, he helps guide education, history, and heritage programs across the Marine Corps’ global learning enterprise. Ed also teaches business, management, and finance at the University of Maryland Global Campus and the College of Southern Maryland.
Ed brings to RES a passion for learning and individual and organizational growth, helping ensure the sanctuary thrives in its mission of giving horses a second chance.
Secretary
Emily Aylor
Emily’s love for horses began in her teens when she rescued an off-track Thoroughbred, sparking a lifelong commitment to animal welfare. Growing up in a military family and later marrying a Marine gave her a strong sense of resilience and service—values she carries into her work with RES.
Emily enjoys time with her rescue pony, Spice, and Italian Greyhound, Sir Archibald, while also staying active as a substitute teacher, swim team volunteer, and mom of two. Serving with RES allows Emily to give back to the community that has supported her family and her passion for animals.
Director, Safety and Facilities
Chuck Espinosa
Chuck Espinosa, a Professional Mechanical Engineer and retired Navy Commander, resides in a vibrant community adjacent to RES. Passionate about equestrian life, Chuck is the proud owner of two horses, Dorado and Liberty, and loves riding horse trails with his wife, Karen.
As Vice President at a leading mechanical equipment sales firm and former Nuclear Air Craft Carrier Chief Engineer, Chuck applies his engineering and leadership skills to RES, where he finds solace and purpose in supporting equine welfare.
Board Member At-Large
Mark Reid
Mark Reid brings over 30 years of leadership experience in planning, operations, and human and organizational development. Currently serving as Chief of Staff for Marine Corps University, he's led infantry units, training commands, and Pentagon staffs tasked with no-fail missions which demand clarity of purpose, high standards, and disciplined follow-through.
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Mark is settling into a quieter life in the rolling hills of Fredericksburg where he helps Kim run Feather in the Mane Farm and teaches Aikido, a self-defense and philosophical practice focused on using centeredness and connection to redirect energy and neutralize attacks.
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The Marine Corps, Aikido, and farming (and his two daughters) keep Mark grounded in RES's values of integrity, courage, compassion, education, and fun, proving daily that purpose-driven organizations succeed through commitment and results. This led Mark to join groups like Downtown Greens and RES, two nonprofits that share a binding devotion to improving communities by (re)connecting people with the natural world.
Board Member At-large
David Brown
David L. Brown is an attorney with Davies, Barrell, Will, Lewellyn & Edwards, PLC in Culpeper, Virginia. Prior to joining the firm in the fall of 2024, David spent over 24 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He primarily served as a judge advocate (military attorney) and held assignments throughout the United States, at the Pentagon, and in Germany, Japan, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He retired on December 1, 2024 as a lieutenant colonel. David is a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, the Duquesne Kline School of Law, and the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s School. He is happily married to his wife, Ashley, is the very proud father of four children, and resides in Culpeper.
Board Member At-Large
Carly Pleines
Carly has been involved with equines everywhere from rescues, therapy programs to show barns, for almost 30 years. A Massachusetts native who's called Fredericksburg home for five years, Carly coaches high school lacrosse in Stafford, serves on the Friends of the Rappahannock Board of Directors, and spends time with her adopted mustang mare, Artemis. Carly holds a degree in Environmental Studies from Lynchburg College and is the Hydrogen Science Manager for a large nonprofit Environmental Defense Fund, where she manages complex science projects. Carly is grateful to serve RES, to give back to the equines who have given her so much throughout life.
Board Member At-Large
Jamie Deets
Jame is an experienced leader with over 30 years of service as a Marine, bringing his extensive expertise in leadership, team building, and community outreach to the RES team. With a deep background in leading and building high-performing teams, Jamie now shares his knowledge by teaching leadership and ethics to members of the Marine Corps' civilian workforce at Marine Corps University.
Throughout his career, Jamie has excelled at forging strong relationships and collaborating with both organizations within the Marine Corps and the local community. His ability to connect people and create partnerships will be instrumental as he fosters meaningful community outreach between the Quantico military community and the Fredericksburg area.
Passionate about supporting others, Jamie is excited to contribute to the welfare of both the animals and the staff who make RES their home. He looks forward to leveraging his experience to make a positive impact in his new role.