Our Staff
Ashley Boswell
Founder & Executive Director
Ashley holds a B.A. in Communications from UNC-Chapel Hill, a Masters degree in Counseling from Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C., and is currently pursuing her PhD in Christian Counseling. She has counseled youth and families in traditional settings and taught children with autism in public school. In 2004, Ashley founded Shepherd Youth Ranch, accomplishing her life-long dream of pairing horses with youth in need. She is certified in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning through EAGALA. Her background in riding is jumping, dressage, liberty and natural horsemanship. She is an official Level 4 graduate of the Parelli Natural Horsemanship program and serves as the Youth Programs Coordinator for the Parelli Foundation. In 2013, Mrs. Boswell received the Soroptimist Ruby Award at the Triangle Women of Distinction awards banquet for women helping women and girls in the community. Ashley’s compassion, servant heart and energizing spirit are evident in her relationships with children, parents and horses.
Anna Myers
Program Director
A graduate from the College at Southeastern, Anna’s experience is in nonprofit work, communications and programming. Anna is fortunate to have seen the incredible affects of horses on herself, her adopted sibling and others who entered her family’s home in significant life crisis. Anna is excited to live the culmination of all her passions as the Director of Programs at Shepherd Youth Ranch. She facilitates Trail to Success, Distinguished Riders, Shepherd Academy and Reins of Change programs.
Geri Bickers
Community Outreach Coordinator
Geri is thrilled to officially join the Shepherd Youth Ranch team! Geri’s welcoming smile helps those new to SYR find their “sweet spot” in volunteering at the ranch. Geri comes to SYR with 14 years experience coordinating volunteers and events as the Children’s Minister at North Raleigh Church of Christ. Now she joins our staff to help YOU find your place at the ranch that restores dreams as the Community Outreach Coordinator.
gbickers@shepherdyouthranch.org
Kelsey Coffey
Barn Manager
Kelsey graduated from Midwestern Baptist College with a degree in Christian ministries and focus in missions. The last several years Kelsey followed her passion to work with survivors of human trafficking around the U.S and the world. Her passion for helping people is unmistakable and her love for horses only bolsters it! Kelsey desires for others to see that when people and horses interact, healing can happen. She has seen firsthand how the Lord can use horses to transform lives, bring freedom, and heal the deepest wounds.
Ragan Raupach
Weekend Barn Manager
