Board Members: Amanda's Foundered Friends Horse and Equine Rescue

Hi! My name is Sheila Campbell, president of Amanda's Foundered Friends Horse and Equine Rescue. I am a proud Colorado native, and a certified veterinary technician, and have worked in veterinary hospitals on and off for the past 11 years. I have always had a deep love for animals of all types. When I was young I was scared of horses, until at age 9, a friend that showed horses in 4H finally convinced me to climb on her trusty old show horse Blackie and ride around their round pen. I was scared, but she convinced me she would be right behind me riding double and that nothing could go wrong. I nervously climbed aboard, and instantly I was hooked. Luckily my parents and I had just moved to my dad's family farm in beautiful Collbran CO, and my parents could support my new fascination and get me my first horse. I haven't been without one in my life since.

I currently have one horse, two dogs, four cats, one snake, and several fish. Many of these are rescues from various places, most often from vet hospitals I have worked in. I have always had a fond place in my heart for animals in need, and horses have been a part of my soul since my first ride on Blackie. It seemed only natural to combine the two, and rescue horses that would otherwise end up living out a life of misery, or being euthanized. I sincerely thank everyone that has helped my dream become a reality!

My name is Dana Lysons and I have been best friends with our President and Founder, Sheila Campbell, since the 5th grade. Like her, I share a great passion for animals, most especially horses. My parents first put me on a horse when I was two years old and I have been hooked ever since.

I moved back to Colorado in May 2011 and intend to make it my permanent home. I enjoy horse back riding, mountian biking, hiking, rafting, and anything else outdoors and in nature. I work for a small graphic design and print studio here in Grand Junction, Colorado and during my free time, I work with Amanda's Foundered Friends, drawing, and building my art business.

I currently have one horse; a 25 year old registered paint mare that I hope to ride on the trails this spring and summer. Over the years, I have volunteered my time at ranches and barns to be around horses and care for them in exchange for riding lessons. I had the wonderful opportunity of taking a barefoot trimming class with Ida Hammer, a well known Natural Hoof Care Practioner in Illinois who learned under the influence of Pete Ramey. One of my goals is to earn an Equine Science Degree as a Natural Hoofcare Practioner.

I bring to the rescue my experience as a graphic and web designer where I assist Amanda's Foundered Friends with print marketing material. My extensive administrative experience also helps with organizing events, and general office duties. I reside on the rescue property, so I also contribute to caring and loving on the horses. I consider myself very lucky to know Sheila and I am excited to be working hard on running the rescue to give horses the chance to live long, happy, sound, and healthy lives.

I was born in Monroe, Louisiana and I lived there until 1983. When I was almost 6 yrs old, my family moved to Colorado. Dad's work promoted him to start another shop in Grand Junction. I went to elementary and middle and high schools there and graduated in 1996 from Fruita Monument High School. That fall after graduating I started College at Colorado Mountain College with the hopes of becoming a Veterinary Technician. I have loved animals all of my life. Even in Louisiana we had cats, dogs and other pets. I am very fond of cats, but I love all animals. Right after we moved we had a horse named Peaches and she gave birth to a colt we named South Star Max. We would only get to ride Peaches if our dad walked her on a lead, and have always loved riding horses since then. Our family sold both Peaches and Max, and unfortunately we never got another horse. I have always dreamed of one day having my own again. In college I joined the Vet Tech program and that is where I met Sheila Campbell. We became roommates in college and after graduating in 2000 from CMC, I went to work for a Vet for 3 months, and then went to another vet for 3 months. I passed my Boards and now I am working in the laundry department for Mantey Heights Rehab and Care Center. I still keep my continuing education up to date so I can stay certified as a vet tech. I have 2 cats and 3 dogs and a 28 gallon fish tank now at home with my parents. I would have more animals but don't have room. Love all animals! Want to help out some horses in need.

For the rescue I help with networking, organizing events, and general accounting. I visit with the horses and help with their care as well.