Our Founding Story
Winding Branch Ranch began when its founders recognized a critical gap in animal welfare. While companion animals often have established adoption networks, there were virtually no options for farm animals to be rescued, rehabilitated, and adopted into appropriate homes.
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What started as the rescue of a few animals on a small piece of land in the Texas Hill Country quickly revealed how many farm animals were falling through the cracks. Without a place to go, many were left without care, resources, or a path forward. Winding Branch Ranch was created to change that by providing rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption for farm animals, while also educating the community about humane, ethical, and sustainable farming practices.
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Today, the ranch serves as both a sanctuary and an educational resource, promoting conservation and sustainability through hands-on learning, and ensuring farm animals have real second chances beyond rescue alone.
Board of Directors
Kelly Butler
President, Board of Directors, Programming Committee Chair
Retired
Kelly Butler serves as President of the Board of Directors for Winding Branch Ranch, bringing more than 30 years of experience in animal rescue and volunteer nonprofit leadership. A retired technology executive, Kelly contributes strategic oversight, governance expertise, and operational discipline to support the long-term growth and sustainability of the organization. She is deeply committed to achieving the best outcomes for animals who call the sanctuary home and to advancing humane, ethical, and compassionate care of farm animals through education and community awareness.​
Joni Becks
Secretary, Board of Directors
Retired
Joni Becks serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors and brings a lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and community involvement. A former flight attendant, she dedicated 15 years to her local PTA, including two years as PTA President, where she championed parent engagement, school community, and student success. An endurance athlete, Joni has completed the Ironman Triathlon and enjoys running, tennis, and triathlon training. She also manages a hobby ranch with cattle, donkeys, goats, and chickens, grounding her work in firsthand experience with animals and rural life. She is a devoted stay-at-home mother of three and brings compassion, resilience, and balance to the board.​
Karen Bohanan
Treasurer, Board of Directors, Finance and Governance Committee Chair
Bookkeeper, Comal Independent School District
Karen Bohanan serves as Treasurer and Bookkeeper for Winding Branch Ranch, overseeing financial recordkeeping for programs, events, and day-to-day operations. She recently retired from USAA after 37 years in accounting and finance and continues her professional work as a school bookkeeper within Comal ISD. Karen brings extensive nonprofit treasurer experience, including service with The Bands of Claudia Taylor Johnson Foundation, the CTJ Band Parent Organization, and Ronald McDonald House. She is committed to strong financial stewardship and supporting the ranch’s mission to rehabilitate and rehome rescued animals.
Matthew Aversa
Board of Directors | Co-Founder & Executive Director
Executive Director, Winding Branch Ranch
Matthew Aversa is the co-founder and Executive Director of Winding Branch Ranch, leading organizational strategy, educational programming, and daily operations. With over 15 years of experience in public relations and nonprofit leadership, he focuses on humane, ethical, and sustainable farming education while guiding the ranch’s growth, rescue efforts, and community engagement.
Timothy Kessler
Board of Directors | Co-Founder
Talent Manager, TKO Media Inc.
Timothy Kessler is a co-founder and board member of Winding Branch Ranch, actively involved in growth strategy and hands-on animal care. With a professional background in television and media, Tim brings creative problem-solving and operational insight to the organization. At the ranch, he is often found repairing fences, feeding animals, or building new infrastructure. His dedication centers on creating a safe, enriching environment for rescued animals and the community that supports them.​
Samantha Trimble
Board of Directors
Lead Business Accountability Specialist, Vice President, Wells Fargo
Samantha Trimble serves as a board member of Winding Branch Ranch and volunteers as the Adoption & Surrender Coordinator, supporting responsible intake practices and successful placement outcomes. She brings extensive experience in financial oversight, compliance, risk management, and governance from her career in the financial services industry. Samantha is passionate about animal wellbeing and the education of sustainable farming practices, helping strengthen the organization’s operational integrity and long-term sustainability.
David Dobbins
Board of Directors, Development Committee Chair
City Commissioner, Spring Branch
David Dobbins is a board member of Winding Branch Ranch and a longtime advocate for animal welfare and community-focused nonprofits. He brings professional expertise in organizational leadership, systems building, and operations, with a focus on long-term impact and sustainability. In addition to his professional work, David has served in local civic leadership roles and has fostered hundreds of dogs. He is deeply aligned with the ranch’s mission to provide compassionate care, education, and meaningful connection between people and animals.
​Max Gonzalez
Board of Directors, Facilities and Operations Committee Chair
Commercial Banker, Karnes County National Bank
Max Gonzalez serves on the Board of Directors of Winding Branch Ranch, bringing financial expertise and community banking experience to support responsible growth and fiscal stewardship. As a commercial banker, Max works closely with local businesses and organizations, offering insight into financial planning, lending, and sustainable operations. He is committed to supporting mission-driven nonprofits and strengthening the ranch’s ability to serve animals and the broader community.​