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 two horses, two dogs, four cats, three ducks, two snakes, 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, but namely horses. My parents first put me on a horse when I was two years old and I have been hooked ever since. I am an artist and enjoy drawing horses and other animals.

I currently reside in the suburbs of Chicagoland, and have lived here for the past 2 ½ years working full time in a cubicle. I enjoy mountain biking in the forest preserves here in Illinois and Wisconsin. On my off time, I work with our Board members remotely to establish Amanda's Foundered Friends. Together with my boyfriend, we plan on moving back to Colorado in the near future so I can continue to work on the Board, and he can volunteer his time in assisting with the rescue, as well as pursue our other interests in mountain biking. Like horses, Colorado holds a special place in my heart and I long to be amidst the great mountains again.

I have owned one horse in my lifetime, and unfortunately, I was forced to sell him several years back. Despite that I have gained much experience from volunteering my time at barns in the places I've moved to. I wish I could say that I own a few horses of my own now, but alas, I am deprived of such a privilege until the time comes when I'm ready for another one. In the meantime, I satisfy my thirst to be in their presence by taking riding lessons with Sara McKiness of Horse Logic. I also had the wonderful opportunity of taking a barefoot trimming class with Ida Hammer, a well known Natural Hoof Care Practioner, who learned under the influence of Pete Ramey and Jaime Jackson. I will be attending further advanced classes of hers in the future to expand my hands-on experience with natural barefoot trimming.

I consider myself very lucky to know Sheila and I am excited to be working hard and give my energy on setting up our rescue to give horses the chance to live long, happy, sound, and healthy lives.

I, Mitzi Calvert DeMont 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 graduating 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 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, but I have always loved riding horses since then. Dad sold both Peaches and Max, so 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. After graduating in 2000 from CMC. I went to work for a Vet for 3 months, then left and went to another vet for 3 months. I passed my Boards and now I am working for a nursing home, Mantey Heights Rehab and Care Center. I work in the laundry department. I still keep my continuing education up to date so I can stay certified. 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.