Meet The RES Team

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.

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

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.

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.

Paul is a financial professional with Burke & Herbert Bank who lives in Spotsylvania County with his wife and 4 children.  Paul has a passion for local nonprofits. He is vice-chair on the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank board of directors. He coaches Little League Baseball and Parks & Rec Basketball in Spotsylvania. He also serves on the Rappahannock Economic Development Corporation loan committee. Paul is fully invested the Rapidan Equine Sanctuary  mission, values, and vision brings his considerable financial expertise to supporting neglected horses while embracing the bonds they share with people.

Sheila is a lifelong animal lover and fundraising professional with 30+ years' experience leading development efforts. Having worked at Harvard Divinity School, The Wilderness Society, the Union of Concerned Scientists, and The Nature Conservancy, she now serves as Senior Director of Development for the Economic Studies program at the Brookings Institution.

Introduced to the equine community by her late niece, Maria, Sheila cared for Maria’s Belgian mare, Belle, until Belle's passing in 2025. The bond Sheila shared with Maria and Belle continues to inspire her work with RES, where Sheila honors their memory by helping give horses the safety, dignity, and love they deserve.

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.

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.

Paula Harkins brings more than 22 years of leadership experience in strategic planning, organizational development, and federal government consulting to her role on the Rapidan Equine Sanctuary Board of Directors. As Chief Growth Officer at Harkcon, Inc., she leads corporate strategy and business development initiatives that strengthen partnerships and expand mission support across federal civilian and defense agencies.

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A certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and published researcher, Paula is recognized for her ability to align people, processes, and performance to achieve meaningful results. Her career reflects a deep commitment to service, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Paula’s passion for animal welfare and belief in the healing connection between humans and horses inspired her to join Rapidan Equine Sanctuary’s board. She shares the organization’s dedication to compassion, integrity, and humane stewardship. Paula holds a Doctorate and Master’s degree in Education from Liberty University and a Bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University.