10/09/2026
It's hard to put yesterday into words, but I am going to try.
If you had told me 30 years ago that this is where my life would lead, I never would have believed you.
From studying animal and horse science in college, to spending more than 15 years as a teacher, to the long journey of becoming a mother, my life has certainly not followed the path I once imagined. There have been unexpected turns, disappointments, answered prayers, and blessings beyond anything I could have planned.
And then came Peyton. His autism diagnosis opened my eyes to a world I had never fully understood and to the challenges so many families face simply trying to find a place where they feel accepted and included.
Somewhere along the way, those experiences, my love for animals, and my background in education all came together to become Peyton’s Place.
Looking back, I can see God's hand in every twist and turn. What sometimes felt like a detour was actually preparing me for a purpose I didn't even know existed.
Yesterday wasn't just about cutting a ribbon. It was about celebrating a dream that has become a reality, a family that has grown through the journey, and the more than 300 families who have already walked through our barn doors.
I am so grateful for Chad, our kids, and everyone who has believed in and supported this dream. And most of all, I'm grateful for Peyton, who unknowingly inspired something that has become so much bigger than our own family.
Sometimes the road you never planned to take leads you exactly where God intended you to be. Thank you to everyone!
