Dove Creek Equine Rescue names new executive director

Dove Creek Equine Rescue has named Shannon Williams its new executive director, replacing Laurie Higgins-Kerley after 14 years at the helm. Williams served in the United States Marine Corps and lived and worked in Amarillo. She brings 25 years of business experience in management and marketing, along with nonprofit work that included United Way of Amarillo & Canyon and Amarillo Area CASA. A full sponsorship averages $400 per month, while donations from $10 to $150 help cover each horse’s daily needs.

Higgins-Kerley remains founder and director of the Led By Horses program, and Ali McEwen is director of equine operations and volunteers. Its mission is restoring dignity, purpose and wholeness for unwanted horses and for humans seeking healing and direction. The nonprofit has spent 13 years reducing the unwanted horse population in the region.

In March 2023, the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries awarded Dove Creek Equine Rescue Accredited status, a designation that marked it as one of a small number of accredited horse sanctuaries in Texas. In March 2025, the rescue celebrated a $346,000 expansion in Canyon, and by August it was planning to widen healing programs for veterans, frontline workers and first responders coping with trauma, PTSD, loss and related challenges.

The rescue's contact page directs people who want to adopt a horse, volunteer, donate or learn about equine-assisted coaching to its ranch at 16201 Gordon Cummings Rd. in Canyon.