Ashley has dedicated over a decade of service to Horse Haven of Tennessee, beginning her journey as a passionate volunteer. Her commitment to the mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming horses quickly grew, leading her to take on increasing responsibilities within the organization. Today, she is honored to serve as Executive Director, guiding the organization in its mission of healing and trust-building—both for the horses and the community.

With a degree in Business Management from the University of Tennessee, Ashley brings strong leadership and strategic vision to Horse Haven. She is deeply committed to ensuring that the organization remains a place of hope and recovery for at-risk horses while fostering meaningful connections with supporters, volunteers, and the community.

Her hands-on experience, combined with her educational background, continues to drive Horse Haven's success and her unwavering passion for the organization’s mission.

We are thrilled to introduce our new Equine Operations Director, Brandon Libbrecht! With a lifelong passion for horses, he has dedicated years to caring for his own rescues and is now ready to take his experience to the next level. Currently, the proud owner of four rescue horses—soon to be six—he is excited to channel his love for equine welfare into Horse Haven of Tennessee.

Joining one of the top horse rescue organizations in the region, he is committed to giving his all for our equine friends. He’s eager to learn, grow, and contribute to Horse Haven’s mission, ensuring the well-being of every horse in our care. We are excited for the future with him on our team!

With a robust background in office management and a Business degree complemented by minors in Communications and Human Resources, Kelly Hargett brings over a decade of experience to her role as Office Manager. Her expertise in efficiency, organization, and deadline-driven project management ensures smooth operations and a productive work environment.

Kelly’s passion for supporting the community and helping others shines through both professionally and personally. She co-owns a small business specializing in custom laser engraving and woodworking, demonstrating her commitment to craftsmanship and entrepreneurship.

As a dedicated team player, Kelly is instrumental in fostering a positive office culture. Her ability to balance professional excellence with a genuine care for her colleagues and community makes her an invaluable asset to the team.

Lori Stresemann is the Volunteer Coordinator at Horse Haven. She and her husband Craig have been married for 32 years and live in Knoxville with their two dogs. Lori retired from State Farm in April 2021 after 32 years, having worked in claims the entire time. She has always loved animals and previously owned a mini-farm in North Carolina with horses, goats, dogs, cats, and chickens. In her spare time, Lori loves to read, hike, bike, and kickbox. She also occasionally joins her husband for a round of golf. Lori is excited to become more involved with Horse Haven by taking on the responsibility of Volunteer Coordinator.

Kristen grew up in the city, but now she's living her best life in the country. She joined Horse Haven in 2018 and quickly became a shift lead and a member of the facilities team. She also performs in Dancing for the Horses. When she's not at the barn, Kristen works as a client services assistant at Mountain Commerce Bank during the day and pursues her passion for music at night by singing with The Deltas Band. Kristen also loves photography, spending time outdoors, and working in her garden. Kristen is so grateful for the opportunity to continue to be a part of this great organization.

Dr. Meggan Graves grew up riding Hunter Jumper horses and showing Suffolk sheep with 4-H in Cookeville, Tennessee. Upon graduation from veterinary school from the University of Tennessee in 2001, Dr. Graves went into large animal practice where she served clients in coastal South Carolina, Georgia, and later West Tennessee. She opened her own private practice in western North Carolina in 2008, providing emergency relief services for seven large animal practices in the area. She then joined the Field Services team at the University of Tennessee in the fall of 2013. Dr. Graves offers emergency relief services for large animal practitioners in the Knoxville area, while teaching and mentoring veterinary students and interns. She lives in Blount County with her husband and four sons, as well as her donkeys, mules, goats, chickens and dog.

Nina Margetson’s passion for horses began at the age of five. However, it was not until the establishment of Horse Haven of Tennessee (HHT) that she fully realized her calling. Her journey extended beyond the aspiration of owning a horse; it evolved into a profound commitment to advocate for equine welfare and give a voice to these animals.

In 1999, Margetson founded HHT upon recognizing a critical gap in the attention given to equine welfare issues in Tennessee. She initially served as the Executive Director, a role she held until 2016. After a brief hiatus, she rejoined HHT in December 2020, serving as Interim Director and Associate Director alongside the current Executive Director.

Nina is honored to have been invited to join the Board of HHT and is enthusiastic about contributing her experience and insights to the organization’s future endeavors. As HHT approaches its 25th anniversary, she hopes to see the organization secure a permanent facility to call home.

Nina has been married to her soulmate for 48 years, and together they have resided in South Knoxville for 44 years. They are the proud parents of two daughters and five grandchildren. Nina’s long-time equine companion, Paco, passed away in 2022 at the age of 35, but his pasture mate, Crackers, continues to bring joy and mischief.

Coming Soon!

Jimmy Carter grew up in Chattanooga and Knoxville, Tennessee, and graduated from Karns High School. He attended The University of Tennessee Knoxville where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Jimmy attended Lincoln Memorial Duncan School of Law and graduated in May 2013 as part of the inaugural class. Upon graduation he was awarded the President Abraham Lincoln Pro Bono Award. Jimmy lives in Knoxville with his wife, Kristi, and their two sons, Gavin and Grayson. Jimmy enjoys attending UT football and basketball games with his family and spending time outside with his sons at his parent's farm.

Kim has a wonderful husband and they have two children. Kim is Co-Owner with her husband & Director of Operations at PRO TOY Auto Repair Facility, located on Pellissippi Parkway between Lovell Road & Hardin Valley on Braden Dickey Lane.

She has served on the HHT volunteer team many years ago and competed in the 2014 Dancing for the Horses competition. Her love for horses remains and she is blessed to own her very own small farm which includes horses, dogs and cats.

Kim feels honored to be a part of Horse Haven of Tennessee and their mission to help abused equine.

Jim Tedford has had a lifelong love of all things equine. He was given his first horse at the age of nine and never looked back. After losing his long-time companion, an appendix Quarter Horse named Murphy, in October of 2022, he sought out volunteer opportunities at Horse Haven to give him his horse “fix”. His weekly shift at the barn is a highlight of his week. Professionally, Jim has been involved in animal welfare work for more than 39 years. He has led animal sheltering organizations in Tennessee, Louisiana and, New York State and served as a regional director for The Humane Society of the United States. Since 2015 Jim has served as President & CEO for The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, the national professional association for leaders in animal welfare. Jim and his wife share their “empty” nest in Maryville with two Jack Russell terriers, a Cairn terrier mix and a 34-year-old macaw…all adopted from shelters and rescue groups. The Tedfords love hiking, camping, paddling and anything else outdoors.