Board of Directors
Jo Bighouse, Founder & President is the chief volunteer officer of Serenity Farm Virginia and ensures the supervision and administration of the animal sanctuary’s business and affairs. In conjunction with the rest of the Board, Jo creates, communicates, and implements Serenity Farm Virginia’s vision, mission, and direction while evaluating the overall success of the organization. Jo is the owner of Professional Bookkeeping, LLC. She has 23 years’ experience as the administrator of Paxton Child Development Center in Leesburg, Virginia where she created an on-site rescued animal petting farm for the children. She is the former owner of Midas Touch Naturally Healthy Pets, a store specializing in natural and holistic products for pets and people. During her 20-year tenure as a volunteer for Golden Retriever Rescue Education and Training, Jo was a board member, merchandise coordinator and foster home. Professional memberships include The National Association for the Education of Young Children and The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement.
Tony Reynolds, Secretary is responsible for the proper management and utilization of important records including meeting minutes and the organization’s by-laws. Tony retired from a senior level sales and marketing career and now works as a part-time editor for a small independent publishing house. Prior to moving to downtown Berryville, Virginia, Tony cared for numerous animals, including horses, ponies, goats, and dogs on his small farm.
Leigh Carley: Treasurer is the lead director for oversight of the financial condition and affairs of Serenity Farm Virginia including audit or financial review results. In conjunction with other directors, the treasurer oversees budget preparation, monitors the spending of the organization, and ensures that appropriate financial reports, including an account of major transactions and the financial condition of the corporation, are made available to the Board of Directors on a timely basis or as may be required by the Board of Directors. Carley holds a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, bringing over a decade of experience in the mental health field supporting both children and adults. Her deep compassion for all living beings extends to animals, and she shares her life with a variety of them on her small farm in Berryville. Carley is excited to bring her background in care, advocacy, and community work to the board of Serenity Farm Virginia.
Gwen Tugman, Member at Large has volunteered with shelters all of her adult life. She worked through high school and college at veterinary hospitals. She has spent many hours walking dogs at local shelters and working with shelter staff to enrich the lives of the animals. Her particular interests are in humane education, animal behavior and improving the lives of animals in shelters through enrichment activities.
Dara Bailey, Member at Large is a former art director with the U.S. Eventing Association in Leesburg, Virginia. She operates her own graphic design business and does freelance work for organizations and nonprofits in Loudoun and Clarke counties. She has been an animal lover and caretaker of many dogs and horses since childhood.
Marie Davis, Member at Large has been a volunteer at Serenity Farm Virginia since 2023 and became the Volunteer Coordinator in 2024. Marie received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from James Madison University. She has held positions as Project Manager, Governance Coordinator, and Editor. She currently works as a Peer Support Specialist at Winchester Community Mental Health Center. She lives in a little red cottage on a 180-acre farm in Clarke County with her tuxedo cat, Lucille.
Kate Rice, Member at Large has been sharing her creative talents with Serenity Farm Virginia since its founding in 2000. Her photographs grace our publications, while her artistic touch can be seen on our Petunia t-shirts and the beautifully painted rain barrels at the sanctuary. Kate’s artistry is also showcased in the unique bench, VIP wall, and Hay for a Day wall that welcome visitors at the sanctuary’s entrance. She holds a Bachelor of Art in Art with a minor in Marketing from Davis and Elkins College.
Holistic Healing Advisory Committee
The committee is comprised of veterinarians and healers with the knowledge, compassion, and experience to help us provide the best possible environment at the sanctuary. Thank you to each of these members for furthering our mission of creating a natural, healthy, and peaceful sanctuary for animals and people:
Jenn Taylor, Willow Ridge Reiki and Healing Arts
Keith Taylor, DVM, Animal Medical Centers of Loudoun
Eka Kapiotis, The Dream Weaving Way
Pam Grasso, DVM, Animal Medical Centers of Loudoun
Mary Pat Corrigan, Blue Moon Wellness
Legal Advisor and Consultant
Claudia Greves, Esq., Hawk Family Law, PLLC