Meet The RES Team

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

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.

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.

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.

Mark Reid brings over 30 years of leadership experience in planning, operations, and human and organizational development. 

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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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A Marine Corps career, Aikido, and farming led Mark to join RES's team, inspired by the sanctuary's values of integrity, courage, compassion, education, and fun. 

Mark is also serves on the board of Downtown Greens, working with two nonprofits that share a binding devotion to improving communities by helping people reconnect with the natural world. 

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.

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.

Rapidan Equine Sanctuary is a young nonprofit and we welcome board members who can help shape what comes next. We especially need energetic, creative people who can open doors to donors, businesses, foundations, community leaders, and opportunities we haven’t discovered yet. If our mission and values resonate and you can bring useful experience, strong connections, and a commitment to working and playing hard, we’d love to talk with you! contact@rapidanequinesanctuary.org