OUR BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
Amy Perri
President
I have journeyed with Bryan and Tara since the dreaming, planning and inception of this beautiful little nonprofit, so it was inevitable that I wanted to be part of this special farm.
My post graduate school career started in a 501c3 as an Art Therapist and Director of Expressive Therapies for at-risk youth aged 12-18 in a therapeutic residential facility. Later, I advanced to the Director of Development position, focusing on fundraising, community events, marketing and working with the Board of Directors. In 1998 I moved to Pittsburgh, PA so my husband could pursue an MBA. This move presented me with a new opportunity in sales and marketing for Sprint. I had a seven year career with varying job titles and responsibilities (sales, sales operations and business director) in multiple cities across the US. Two beautiful babies and a move to the midwest brought another opportunity with flexibility. There I worked for Merck Pharmaceutical as a sales representative for four years. Another move, this time to the East coast and my family became my life’s work. My favorite and most joyous work of all!!! I believe these combined experiences can help to serve the farm and all those who come to visit these beautiful animals, that truly make a difference.
I currently live in Barrington, Illinois with my husband Rob. Kiddos are grown and the nest extends to Denver, CO where Addison now lives and works, and Boulder, CO where Gage is playing hockey and earning his degree in Business.
Kate Moynihan
Out of State Liaison
I’m a Yoga and fitness teacher living in Carlsbad, California. Yoga has taught me that there is no finish line; just a continual, beautiful journey of growth. I firmly believe that everyone already has everything they need to be magnificent; it’s only a matter of shedding our layers and becoming who we already are. By discovering and tapping into our potential, we not only elevate ourselves but uplift everyone around us.
I've known Tara since we were little girls, and in fact introduced Tara to Bryan back in 1997! I have journeyed with them while raising their 4 kids and my own 3, and have seen their passion for serving others over these many years. It’s a great honor to be part of a team serving those on a healing journey. Healing to me simply means becoming who we truly are, which is what the Farm provides for all who visit.
Rachael & Kyle Vermeulen
Family Outreach
We’re just a couple of adventurers raising our two incredible boys and soon to welcome our first daughter (March, 2026!) in the Rocky Mountains. Our journey took an unexpected turn when our son Caleb was diagnosed with Down syndrome and complex medical needs. What followed has been a wild, beautiful ride of embracing the unknown and finding joy in the little things God shows us along the way.
After relocating to Colorado in search of a better quality of life for our son, Caleb, we quickly discovered that 1 in 11 families here are navigating the challenges of raising a child with a disability. While we hoped to find more opportunities for connection and support, we realized that there were few places where families like ours could truly belong. We longed for a space where we could connect with others who understood the unique joys and struggles we face, but such a place didn’t seem to exist. There wasn’t a community where we felt fully supported, seen, or celebrated for who we were as a family. So, we did what any parents would do, we created that space.
Our nonprofit and ministry, A Little Extra Love, was born out of our own need for belonging. We wanted to create a community where families affected by disability could come together, share their stories, and find the support we were missing. A place where every individual, no matter their ability, could be celebrated and empowered to walk confidently in their purpose. And, most importantly, a place where families could experience God’s love and grace, not just survive, but thrive.
What we’ve learned along the way is this: when you don’t have the space you need, you create it. And God has taken our small dream and turned it into something that’s impacting families across the world. We’re so thankful for what He’s done and so excited for what’s to come. We’re also grateful and thrilled to be partnering with Bella Terra Farms, as the dream, vision, and mission of serving all those with disabilities, on a healing journey, and their families, perfectly aligns with our own.
Sadie Shaver
Treasurer, Therapist
As John Muir said, “Between every two pine trees there is a door leading to a new way of life.” I’d add that the same could be said about standing between two donkeys—nature and animals both have a remarkable way of helping regulate our emotions and enhance our sense of presence, connection, and transformation. Research continues to show that time in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and restore cognitive function. Whether we draw on these elements in my sessions with clients, or encourage others to explore them on their own, I believe they can be powerful tools for healing.
My goal is to create a supportive, understanding, and judgment-free environment where all feel safe to explore and grow. The vision and mission of Bella Terra Farms perfectly aligns with my own intentions of sharing nature, and sweet animals, as a conduit for healing and connection.
I met Tara at a forest bathing event where we quickly bonded over a shared love of nature—and donkeys. Not long after, I started volunteering at the farm and have loved being part of the community ever since. I’m excited to support the farm’s mission and feel lucky to be part of the board, as well as to offer therapeutic services through this healing environment.
Shannon Schur
Community Liaison
I am the co-owner Schur Success, and a devoted Auctioneer, serving many local and national nonprofit. I have served the Colorado Auctioneers Association as a Director, and eventually I became President and Chair of the Board. I have also served as Treasurer for multiple nonprofit boards over my many years in our community.
For me, it is not all about the work, though I still love it after all these years. I love serving our community in many capacities. I’m a Charter Member of the Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club. I love supporting local organizations and volunteers at Tri-Lakes Cares. I’ve served as Director and an advisory board member for the Youth Transformation Center for well over a decade.
When I met Bryan and Tara in 2025 at a Rotary meeting, I knew we would be fast friends. My husband Rich and I were the Auctioneers at their first annual Gala in April of 2025, and soon after I was offered a position on their Board. I am thrilled to be supporting their mission of serving those with disabilities, and all on a healing journey, through time in nature and with their adorable miniature animals.
Jean Benkert
Secretary
Hi Everyone, I’ve been a volunteer at Bella Terra Farms since May 2024 and now also have joined with the Farm as a board member. It's been a privilege to connect with everyone associated with this magical place!
I met Tara through her mom, Diane (one of my buddies at the Tri-Lakes YMCA). At the time I was recently retired and was on the look-out for a volunteer opportunity, but wasn't quite sure what that might look like. When I found out about Bella Terra Farms, it was such a perfect fit for what I was searching for that it could only be a heaven-sent sign to jump on board.
I had worked in the Leadership Development field for the past 33 years (all with the same small company) and the concept of Servant Leadership was a main focus of their philosophy - Tara and Bryan would appear next to that definition in the dictionary (along with everyone else who commits their time and resources to Bella Terra's vision).
From "kissin' kritters" to helping with visiting groups to the farm, I love jumping in and doing whatever needs doing. I continue to enjoy volunteering on the Farm most weeks, and especially love when I get to help out when groups visit the farm. Every person that comes fills my soul too!
On a personal note, my wonderful husband Tom and I have just celebrated our 40th anniversary and we have two daughters - both living in Colorado (yay). One dog and one cat complete our household. Life is good!
Bryan & Tara Wells
Co-Vice Presidents
When we moved to beautiful Larkspur, Colorado in the summer of 2021, we looked out on the “beautiful Land” (Bella Terra) that God had blessed us with, and we knew we were being called to share it with His precious children. Children of all ages, stages, needs, and all those on a healing journey (we humbly include ourselves in that).
We envisioned miniature animals, “underwhelming” to all those who would visit the farm, joining us to brush, hold, feel, hug, and kiss the critters, encouraging healing from the endorphins and “feel good” hormones that are produced when our sensory systems are being nurtured and nourished. The families, the weary moms & dads who arrived with their extra special children, are among those that seem the most blessed and relieved by the love of these precious animals.
We opened doors in March of 2023, and while our nonprofit status was being reviewed, we invited our friends, family, neighbors, and all those we met who are on a healing journey to come experience the love and connection that these critters and beautiful land provide.
In September of 2023, we were awarded nonprofit (501(c)3) status by the IRS, allowing us to begin fundraising to offset the farm’s running costs.
In the short time we’ve been open, we have been blessed to meet hundreds of beautiful souls on the farm, who attest to the healing powers of the animals and the beautiful land God has given us. We are full of gratitude for the life we live here in rural Colorado, loving on the animals every day, and sharing them with our community every chance we get.
