Who We Are
We are advocates and strategists. Thinkers and doers. A passionate team with full hearts, helping hands and the vision to rescue horses in Colorado and beyond.
FACING THE CHALLENGE.
FACING FORWARD.
To rescue takes passion. To imagine a better world takes courage. Every day, we choose to keep our eyes, minds and gates open to what’s possible for the betterment of horses everywhere. Because, simply said, the status quo is no longer an option.
We are Colorado Horse Rescue, and we believe that it’s up to us — all of us — to create new traditions in the best interest of horses, humans, and the partnerships we share.
Our Team
BILL FRIEDEMAN
VP OF PHILANTHROPY
In Bill's 30 years of diverse philanthropic experience, he's mastered the art of enduring relationships and enabled donors to critically impact various nonprofits throughout the country. Bill and his wife, Laurie, have 3 children, 5 grandchildren, and 2 rescue dogs. He enjoys nature photography and hiking.
BRETT SANKO
EQUINE TRAINER
After eight years in the US Army, Brett transitioned to the service of animals. Brett initially joined the team as a training apprentice after falling in love with his rescue Quarter horse, Amira. Brett looks forward to one day riding off into the Colorado sunset with her and his two rescued shepherds, Luna and Bella.
CARLY TERWILLIGER
EQUINE SPECIALIST AND TRAINER
Carly traveled a winding road from Vegas 4-H kid to CHR team member. She studied language and literature, but always felt irresistibly drawn back to horses. After 6 years as a volunteer, she now pours her heart and talents into keeping the herd healthy and helping CHR’s more quirky souls tell their own inspiring tales.
DANA WILLETT
VOLUNTEER MANAGER & EQUINE SPECIALIST
As a former business leader turned "glorified ranch hand," Dana brings serious animal rescue passion to CHR and heart for end-of-life care. Her small nearby farm houses geriatric mare Shakti, donkey Rubius, noisy chickens, feral rescue cats, and a pair of saved-from-the-puppy-mill Bernese Mountain dogs.
GRACE DEGNAN
Companion Connection Program Manager
Self-described horse girl Grace followed her passion all the way to Colorado in 2015 to study Equine Science at Colorado State University. Despite her devoted love for spunky minis and ponies, this California native has shared her life for over ten years with a Painted Quarter Horse named Bandit.
JOSE Cataño
RANCH MANAGER
Jose started at CHR in 2009 and is the resident "jack of all trades." He takes every new to-do in stride, and his work ethic and heart of gold are unparalleled. You can't miss him driving the hay truck or filling waters with his trusty Malinois, Samantha, in tow.
KATHERINE GREGORY
CEO
With 20+ years of corporate experience, an MBA from Kellogg, and a heart so big she’d give you the boots off her feet, Katherine leads CHR with confidence and compassion. Even though her favorite colors are black and gray, she’s the proud mom of a beautiful yellow gelding named Prince Caspian. Also, human daughter Cora.
MEGAN GOHEEN
MARKETING ASSOCIATE
Megan, a Midwest native, merges her lifelong passion for horses with her love of graphic design, photography, and videography at CHR. Volunteer turned staff member, her dedication to rescue horses is unwavering. You can find her painting, hiking, skiing, and exploring the charm of mountain towns.
RACHEL CORBMAN
Equine Services Director
Driven by creativity and opportunity, Rachel has an endless passion for serving the equine community. A lover of hotter horses, Rachel enjoys the bond she shares with her Thoroughbred gelding, Ransome. You can also find Rachel playing in Old Town Erie and spoiling her other four-legged family member, Lab mix named Archer.
SHARON GILBERT
Riding Connection Program Manager
Sharon strives to fill her world with caring people, loving corgis, and extraordinary equines. With 30+ years among both horses and non-profits, she truly loves the CHR mission. Life with her husband and corgi, Gypsy, includes long strolls, relaxing with a hot drink and a romance novel, and living a cozy cottage life.
TAUREN FEUERSTEIN
Donor Relations Manager
Tauren grew up in Midwestern suburbs and has a B.S in Equine Science from CSU. She eagerly joined the CHR team in 2022 get back to her first love: horses! She is quick to laugh and even quicker to give a hug. When she's not wordsmithing grants, she's likely gushing about her husband, Keaton, and young son, Kade.
TERRI GOON
Database Manager
As she herself has aged (in Terri's words!), Terri has developed a special place in her heart for the elderly animals of this world. She added Mandy, a CHR senior to her life in 2016 connecting her to this place in more ways than one. Data, which she has always found fun to poke through, is just the latest and greatest!
Board Of
Directors
Donnell Heistand – President
Molly Vaughan – Treasurer & Secretary
Dan Burak – Member
Jim Czpiel – Member
Justin Davis – Member
Dr. Tanja Hess – Member
Julie Oelman – Member
Diana Rothman – Member
UNITED, WE INSPIRE.
Changing the world is never easy, but together, we can make it happen. See who’s forging ahead alongside CHR.
A YEAR OF ACTION
Potential: unbridled. Check out our 2022 Annual Report to see the strides made by the Rescue this past year.