Our Board of Directors
Peppy Butler
Peppy lives with her family (husband Dave and girls Grace and Libby) on their farm just outside of Franklin, TN. She has never known a day without ponies and horses in her life because her mom was a rider too. Growing up she was a member of the West Tennessee Pony Club. Her daughters Grace and Libby are now members of the Middle Tennessee Pony Club where she enjoys volunteering much of her time. She served as the District Commissioner of Middle Tennessee Pony Club for many years and now serves as the Regional Supervisor of the United States Pony Club Midsouth Region, which currently includes 6 states hosting 52 active clubs and centers. She is also on the Board of Directors for the United States Mounted Games Association.
Peppy has known Carissa for several years and has seen the Freedom Reigns grow from Carissa's desire to help others to the wonderful reality that it is today. She understands first hand the benefits that spending time with horses has to offer and wants to help Freedom Reigns grow to be able to help as many young people as possible.
Lisa Giarratana
Bio coming soon
John Hall - Missions Pastor, New Song Nashville
John grew up in England and from the age of 7 began taking riding lessons which continued through his teenage years. He also took part in events and horse-trekking vacations so being around horses and taking care of them is very familiar. After he moved to the United States, he began to explore opportunities to engage in ministry especially in the areas of cross cultural ministry. He and his family lived in Mexico as missionaries before returning to the US and starting in full time ministry with New Song. He currently oversees local and global outreach and ministry development for New Song.
John is part of the Freedom Reigns team because he resonates with its mission of bringing healing to troubled and traumatized children and youth, through the creative interaction with horses. Caring for, learning about and riding horses is a wonderful environment for healing and mentoring to happen. It also creates a safe environment where part of the healing happens as the participants are taught to care for and appreciate the animals, all the while being loved, encouraged and equipped to heal and thrive. Freedom Reigns is a well thought out program, with a proven track record of results and integrity.
Wendy Crouch
Married 15 years, four children (Elijah-13, Joshua-12, David-6, Benaiah-2). Member of NewSong Nashville where we serve as lifegroup pastors. Les currently works at ECOLAB where he has served as a pest elimnation specialist for 12 years. Les enjoys all things theology and history, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.
Wendy stays busy homeschooling and enjoying cooking, exercising, and spending time with loved ones both family and friends. .
We are involved with Freedom Reigns because of the close bond they hold with Carissa Ramsdell and the firm belief we hold dear that this ministry holds a one-of-a-kind ability to reach many otherwise unreachable troubled children, teens, and adults. Les and Wendy have FULL confidence in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the giftings He has placed in Carissa Ramsdell. He does not waste ANY part of our lives and has uniquely gifted and equipped Carissa be a catalyst in accomplishing His redemptive plan in many lives currently and to come! We could not be more grateful to be apart of this beautiful ministry at this day in time!