Dawn Chippewa
president
I am a country-raised girl who grew up on a small farm with horses, dogs, and several other animals. Horses and dogs are the animals I credit for my ability to relate to others and whom I believe helped me become the adult I am today. I am retired from twenty-five years in the gaming industry, eleven of which were spent as a Security Supervisor. I then spent two years as a company trainer, ending my career as a Hotel Manager for the remaining twelve years. Before this career path, I was a reserve police officer for almost eight years. When I started my gaming career, I also switched services to the fire and rescue service. I became a fire and rescue volunteer for our fire department, becoming an EMT and a firefighter. I spent twenty years moving up the ranks, retiring from the fire department as Captain. This is where I met and married my husband, Phillip, between us we raised 7 children—6 girls and 1 boy, who have blessed us with 23 grandchildren to date. Good fortune has blessed me with an opportunity to follow my dream of opening a horse therapy ranch where I can help those in need. My husband and I purchased an older ranch, giving us the space to pursue my dream. We have several horses that will be used for programs for children and adults to enrich their lives with motivation, emotional support, and to learn about animals and how to care for them. I hope to have this ranch open to police, fire and rescue, and veterans, whom I see as being my biggest supporters and helpers in carrying out our mission. I have had many already reaching out to offer support and assistance, and am looking forward to our future partnerships.
Phillip Chippewa
Vice President/Safety coordinator
Aanni, I am a proud member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. I was blessed to have been raised in my culture by my parents. I am a proud father of 6 beautiful daughters who have blessed me with 23 wonderful grandchildren and a great stepson. I worked for Leelanau Sands Casino and Turtle Creek Casino, mostly in security and maintenance for 35 years before retiring in 2019. I was a volunteer with the Grand Traverse Band of Fire and Rescue for over 20 years as a firefighter and medical first responder. I was blessed with the opportunity to give my wife her dream of working with horses again and helping others.
Chris Bussey
Treasurer
After a lifetime of loving horses, Chris feels fortunate to be part of an organization that connects people and horses in a therapeutic way. He has experience in business and finance and is a former member of the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce. Born in Grand Rapids, he has lived his life in Northern Michigan. Chris is looking forward to the wonderful things ahead for Serenity Ranch, LLC, and enjoys being part of the team.
alisha mocere
Secretary/DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPY/VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR/RANCH HAND
Alisha was born in California, having moved to Michigan when she was five years old. She’s had a love of horses for as long as she can remember. She started riding to help with her anxiety and depression and has always dreamed of having her own ranch. Alisha graduated with honors from NMC with an Associate’s degree in Science and Arts with a focus on Social Work. She is currently attending Ferris and working on her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Clinical Social Work. After she finishes her schooling, she plans to couple her knowledge in social work with equine therapy, focusing on veterans with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Alisha hopes to give veterans a safe place to come where they can get the help they need and also learn valuable skills that will help them succeed in everyday life.
lilli duncan
Social media manager/Volunteer
Hi my name is Lilli Duncan. I am a current student at NMC. Once I am finished with my prerequisites, I will be transferring to MSU to attend their School of Veterinary Medicine. I grew up on a farm until moving to Traverse City and have missed it ever since. I started coming out to Serenity Ranch as a way to get back to that farm life. I have always loved horses, and the herd at Serenity Ranch has helped with my anxiety and the stresses of college.
HannaH campeau
FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR/volunteer
BIO COMING SOON
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