At Second Chance Ranch, every member of our team brings something unique to the table. From animal care and program development to operations and community outreach, each person plays a vital role in creating a safe haven where animals and people heal together.
Together, we’re united by one mission:
Rescue an animal, save a human life.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND SECOND CHANCES
From animal care to program development and community outreach, each role helps create a safe haven where animals and people heal together.
One mission unites us:
Rescue an animal, save a human life.
Meet the Founders
The Hearts making second chances possible
Scroll to Meet them
Life challenges have shaped me into a compassionate, powerful healer, teacher, and one who truly understands how to transmute pain into growth. Due to childhood trauma, that path led me to years of addiction, homelessness and incarceration. Now with 31 years of sobriety, healed trauma has transformed me into a Reiki Master Healer and Teacher with several accreditations. This has guided me to assist others with similar hardships. With those experiences a vision was placed within my heart. That vision is now Second Chance Ranch and all that it encompasses.
My approach is intuitive heart-led and deeply rooted in personal transformation. My life’s mission is to give back to humanity through animals and healing.
Brandi Freeman
In March of 2025 I attended a Reiki retreat to obtain my practitioner certification. I have many experiences as the recipient of this beautiful healing modality and am now blessed to give it to others. For many years, I have felt that I was meant to do something big, to help others. This practice gave me immediate fulfillment to know and feel that I have a gift that I can share. My awakening led me to leave my 20-year career in finance to pursue the mission here at Second Chance Ranch to help animals and humans come together and heal as one.
We lead this mission with love, light, kindness and most importantly, acceptance for those needing a helping hand in their healing journey. We rescue animals and they rescue us humans right back.
Natasha Russell
I bring clarity, structure, and purpose-driven leadership to support our mission. With a background in both healthcare and energy work, I approach people and systems with a holistic lens. My work is grounded in compassion, integrity, and a deep belief in the power of transformation.
I’m honored to serve a nonprofit that offers renewed purpose and meaningful companionship. We welcome individuals navigating trauma, addiction, PTSD, and other life challenges into a safe, supportive environment. Through healing resources and intentional connections — including opportunities to bond with animals — we foster emotional growth, restoration, and a path forward.
Desiree Steiner
I have always been passionate about mathematics, although accounting did not initially interest me during college. However, after graduating, my first role was in accounts payable, and I soon discovered that I genuinely enjoy the field. I am currently employed full-time as a bookkeeper and volunteer to provide bookkeeping services for another non-profit organization. When the opportunity arose to become one of the founding members of Second Chance Ranch, I embraced it enthusiastically because I am committed to helping others learn, grow, and thrive. I strongly believe in the importance of second chances for animals and individuals, shaped by my own experiences. I have had my own complications that touch on many aspects of the pillars here. If my employer had not given me an opportunity fifteen years ago,
I would not be where I am today because of my own second chance. I now can connect with and help to reshape individuals with similar experiences. I am excited for what lies ahead..
Cassandra Ligon
My experiences allow me to guide others toward their goals. I help individuals enhance their abilities for their highest good, working with both people and animals to promote healing. With my training experience, I have skills in conflict resolution, research development and I bring forth characteristics within people they often struggle to find. I can now apply this wisdom to complete this dream of helping human development through animals. My experiences have enabled me to share insights that have contributed to my personal and professional growth.
My contribution to humanity is guiding individuals to achieve their goals.
Lawanna Freeman
I bring extensive experience in holistic healing modalities, including Reiki Master teaching, meditation instruction, and Past Life Regression Hypnosis. My journey has been driven by the belief that integrating body, mind, and soul can create significant personal transformation and growth. Early in my career, I recognized my strengths and focused on developing child-centric programs, particularly those aimed at early literacy, such as teaching children to read from the age of three. Experiences with dysfunction have informed my approach, inspiring a commitment to self-awareness and human development.
Through my contributions at Second Chance Ranch, I continue to explore innovative opportunities for both organizational impact and personal advancement.
Wendie Kingsford
I am a native Bay Area Californian and grew up on our family ranch with my parents, three siblings, and our adopted brother Cody, with Down Syndrome. In my early adulthood, I spent several years at an elementary school assisting and developing bonds with the special needs of young people living with Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and Down Syndrome to reference just a few of my interactions. Working side by side with the teachers, I was able to integrate teaching structures and transform curriculums to fit their individual needs. Through these experiences, I discovered early on the importance of how these beautiful individuals crave patience, kindness and love. Currently, I coach baseball to youth of all ages. Both paths have allowed me to reflect on the blessings of my many gifts and understanding of these unique delicate souls on a new level. I am excited to see individuals flourish and prosper through the Harmony Program.
Matt Gilmer
Life challenges have shaped me into a compassionate, powerful healer, teacher, and one who truly understands how to transmute pain into growth. Due to childhood trauma, that path led me to years of addiction, homelessness and incarceration. Now with 31 years of sobriety, healed trauma has transformed me into a Reiki Master Healer and Teacher with several accreditations. This has guided me to assist others with similar hardships. With those experiences a vision was placed within my heart. That vision is now Second Chance Ranch and all that it encompasses.
My approach is intuitive heart-led and deeply rooted in personal transformation. My life’s mission is to give back to humanity through animals and healing.
At Second Chance Ranch, we
believe the bond between humans and animals has the power to heal, transform, and uplift lives. Our programs provide meaningful support for veterans, the unhoused, formerly incarcerated individuals, and those with disabilities—offering recovery, hope, and renewed purpose
mEEET THE FOUNDERS
Brandi Freeman
In March of 2025 I attended a Reiki retreat to obtain my practitioner certification. I have many experiences as the recipient of this beautiful healing modality and am now blessed to give it to others. For many years, I have felt that I was meant to do something big, to help others. This practice gave me immediate fulfillment to know and feel that I have a gift that I can share. My awakening led me to leave my 20-year career in finance to pursue the mission here at Second Chance Ranch to help animals and humans come together and heal as one.
We lead this mission with love, light, kindness and most importantly, acceptance for those needing a helping hand in their healing journey. We rescue animals and they rescue us humans right back.
Natasha Russell
I bring clarity, structure, and purpose-driven leadership to support our mission. With a background in both healthcare and energy work, I approach people and systems with a holistic lens. My work is grounded in compassion, integrity, and a deep belief in the power of transformation.
I’m honored to serve a nonprofit that offers renewed purpose and meaningful companionship. We welcome individuals navigating trauma, addiction, PTSD, and other life challenges into a safe, supportive environment. Through healing resources and intentional connections — including opportunities to bond with animals — we foster emotional growth, restoration, and a path forward.
Desiree Steiner
I have always been passionate about mathematics, although accounting did not initially interest me during college. However, after graduating, my first role was in accounts payable, and I soon discovered that I genuinely enjoy the field. I am currently employed full-time as a bookkeeper and volunteer to provide bookkeeping services for another non-profit organization. When the opportunity arose to become one of the founding members of Second Chance Ranch, I embraced it enthusiastically because I am committed to helping others learn, grow, and thrive. I strongly believe in the importance of second chances for animals and individuals, shaped by my own experiences. I have had my own complications that touch on many aspects of the pillars here. If my employer had not given me an opportunity fifteen years ago, I would not be where I am today because of my own second chance. I now can connect with and help to reshape individuals with similar experiences. I am excited for what lies ahead.
Cassandra Ligon
My experiences allow me to guide others toward their goals. I help individuals enhance their abilities for their highest good, working with both people and animals to promote healing. With my training experience, I have skills in conflict resolution, research development and I bring forth characteristics within people they often struggle to find. I can now apply this wisdom to complete this dream of helping human development through animals. My experiences have enabled me to share insights that have contributed to my personal and professional growth.
My contribution to humanity is guiding individuals to achieve their goals.
Lawanna Freeman
I bring extensive experience in holistic healing modalities, including Reiki Master teaching, meditation instruction, and Past Life Regression Hypnosis. My journey has been driven by the belief that integrating body, mind, and soul can create significant personal transformation and growth. Early in my career, I recognized my strengths and focused on developing child-centric programs, particularly those aimed at early literacy, such as teaching children to read from the age of three. Experiences with dysfunction have informed my approach, inspiring a commitment to self-awareness and human development.
Through my contributions at Second Chance Ranch, I continue to explore innovative opportunities for both organizational impact and personal advancement.
Wendie Kingsford
I am a native Bay Area Californian and grew up on our family ranch with my parents, three siblings, and our adopted brother Cody, with Down Syndrome. In my early adulthood, I spent several years at an elementary school assisting and developing bonds with the special needs of young people living with Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and Down Syndrome to reference just a few of my interactions. Working side by side with the teachers, I was able to integrate teaching structures and transform curriculums to fit their individual needs. Through these experiences, I discovered early on the importance of how these beautiful individuals crave patience, kindness and love. Currently, I coach baseball to youth of all ages. Both paths have allowed me to reflect on the blessings of my many gifts and understanding of these unique delicate souls on a new level. I am excited to see individuals flourish and prosper through the Harmony Program.
Matt Gilmer
Second Chance Ranch Oregon
4 Pillars
The foundation of our mission
Help Us Create Second Chances
Your support fuels healing. Every dollar provides safe shelter, care for animals, and life-changing programs for people in need. We accept your donations with love and gratitude.
We cannot do this work alone — we see and believe in a future full of possibility.
With your partnership, Second Chance Ranch can continue to grow as a sanctuary where animals and people heal side by side. Together, we are transforming lives one second chance at a time — creating a future where healing, hope, and purpose are within reach for all.
FOR HONOR
Healing spaces for veterans, especially those with PTSD, through animal companionship
FOR PEACE
Animal care programs that restore confidence and belonging for the unhoused.
FOR FUTURE
Rehabilitation for the formerly incarcerated through empathy and responsibility.
FOR HARMONY
Inclusive programs empowering individuals with disabilities through animal connection.
Second Chance Ranch Oregon
4 Pillars
The foundation of our mission
Rainbow bridge crossing
We honor the beloved animals of our founders, families, and friends who now watch over us from across the Rainbow Bridge.
At Second Chance Ranch, our love for animals runs deep. We honor the animals who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge, cherished companions of our founders, families, and friends. Their memory lives on in every life we rescue today
admin@thesecondchanceranch.org
541.680.8306
Springfield, OR
Celebrating God's Work, Within Our Work & Within Us.
Have questions, want to get involved, or simply learn more about Second Chance Ranch Oregon? Write to us below.
We look forward to making friends we haven't met yet!