Our Team
Tara Wells
Tara’s dream began in 10th grade when she started volunteering then working for a clinic in her town that provided occupational, physical, and speech therapies for children with special needs. She went on to work as a teacher’s assistant in the special needs program at her high school. After earning her BA in Psychology from UC Santa Barbara, she began teaching special ed in an early intervention program (pre-preschool). In all, Tara was blessed to work with these Extra Special kids for 9 years before taking a long pause (about 21 years!) to raise her own 4 children.
Her family also adopted and cared for a slew of furry (and sometimes not-so-furry) pets over those years, having always had a passion for all fuzzy, furry, creepy, crawly, cuddly critters. Her family’s “city farm” included cats, dogs, bunnies, tortoises, a guinea pig, and a few other stray and sometimes wounded critters over the years.
Because of her deep love for children, Tara volunteered in most of the classrooms, schools, and activities her own kids attended. By divine “coincidence”, she was also blessed to love on many Extra Special kids through the children of friends, and her kids’ friends, who have special needs over her “stay at home” and volunteer years.
After moving to Colorado in 2021, Tara’s dream of supporting the most Extra Special among us, including all those who need healing in any capacity (which is truly just about every person on the planet!) along with her passion for all things furry & cuddly, culminated in developing Bella Terra Farms. She truly cannot wait to meet you and share these beloved critters with you when you come for a visit!
Bryan Wells
Bryan’s 35 years of experience as a firefighter with Los Angeles County Fire Department has uniquely equipped him for the “helping fields”. His desire to serve and actively support his community has provided him with extensive knowledge and a passion to develop a non-profit “helping” farm.
After marrying Tara in 1999 and starting their family of 4 kids, Bryan spent many of the last 21 years volunteering in his kids’ activities. He was a leader and Cubmaster for the Cub Scouts, and a leader and volunteer in the Boy Scouts as well, as their 3 sons were all actively involved. Their oldest son earned his Eagle Scout in 2019, with Bryan there to guide him, and many other young men, along the way.
Bryan has always had a passion for the outdoors, so moving to rural Colorado has provided him ample opportunity to be close the the beautiful land (“Bella Terra”) that he has always loved. Like Tara, he also has a deep love for animals & nature, so forming and building an animal-based therapy farm was a natural next step for him. Be sure to climb on Bryan’s vintage Fire Truck and put on some old fire gear when you come for a visit!
Together, Bryan and Tara continue to raise & guide their 4 children (who also help on the Farm), care for the critters, and pursue their dreams of making the world a better place, one healing journey at a time.
Michelle Callaham
Michelle is the first official volunteer to join our team on the Farm! She is a physical therapist who also has a passion for all things fuzzy and furry. Her natural love for animals, combined with her desire to help people heal and strengthen their bodies, makes her a dream addition to our team.
Michelle’s childhood was spent on her grandfather’s ranch in Texas, so her knowledge and experience with animals, organic gardening, and living an active, healthy lifestyle is an incredible asset to the Farm. She has also been on her own journey of healing in her physical body for the past year, so her compassion and understanding for anyone on a healing journey (in body, mind, or spirit) is next level.
Michelle earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Therapy from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 1994. She has been helping others to heal and recover for the past 27 years. Her gentle, warm, friendly demeanor will make you feel immediate comfort, combined with her wisdom on how to move and heal your own body. She looks forward to meeting you on the Farm, and introducing you to our many soft, sweet critters!
Elyse Wells
Elyse is the youngest of the Well's’ kids, and spends much of her time with the animals on the farm (those that live both outdoors on the farm, and the smaller critters that live inside their home!). She is a student at Palmer Ridge High School, and has a deep love and passion for both animals and children.
Elyse has a special gift for caring for the critters, especially the babies, the more vulnerable ones, and the animals that need special care and nursing after an injury, surgery, etc. She has a unique propensity for caring for others, and her warmth and compassion shows in all of her interactions with the critters, and of course all of the human guests who come to the farm too!
If you have questions about any of the animals, their daily care, their specific needs, or any other other inquiries about the farm, Elyse is a great resource. We hope you get to meet this sweet, warm, fun volunteer when you come for a visit to the Farm!
The Furry Friends of Bella Terra Farms!
Bella, our miniature Highland Cow mix
Meet sweet angelic Bella, the namesake of our farm! Her soft fur, her dreamy eyes, her kissable snout…. Bella is an ideal therapy animal in all ways! (We are 100% biased though, and say that about all our critters). Born on September 6, 2022, she is still quite the baby!
Bella was one of the very first furry babies that Bryan & Tara purchased as a therapy animal for The Farm. Her gentle nature, super soft coat, and beautiful eyes, along with her charming MOO (we hope you get to hear it when you come visit!) all lend to the FEEL GOOD nature of this precious animal. She can be a bit on the shy side, but give her a treat and a scratch behind her adorable ears, and you’ll be besties forever!
*FUN FACTS: Mini Highland cows come from the hardy and gorgeous Highland cattle breed which originated in Scotland. Possibly the oldest breed of cattle in existence today, the first Scottish Highland cattle herds appear to date back to the 6th Century! In Scotland, these furry darlings are affectionately known as “Hairy Coos”. This rugged, adaptable, durable breed came to the States in the 1880’s, and here in America are sometimes called “Fluffy Cows”. They are known for being sweet and docile, never aggressive, and love the company of humans. Because of their reputation as having a happy & friendly temperament, among Highlands you will never find a “moo-dy” critter!
Slim Jim, our miniature wooly donkey
Ahhhhh, yummy Slim Jim. This huggable snuggle bug of a boy stole our hearts the minute we met him! Donkeys are some of the most people-friendly critters we have ever met, and Slim Jim is at the top of the list. His natural desire to be close to people, to get hugs and cuddles, and to “read” the emotions of those near him make him a dream therapy animal.
If you’re ever having a rough day, Slim Jim will comfort you with a hug. If you’re FEELING GOOD, Slim Jim will happily share your joy! Be sure to get down on his level and look him in his sweet brown eyes - you will swear he is looking into your soul and whispering that he loves you.
*FUN FACT: Legend has it that donkeys used to neigh like horses. However, when Mary and Joseph had to flee from Egypt with baby Jesus, they stopped overnight to camp en route to Nazareth. A company of soldiers came their way, searching for the Baby. When their loving donkey heard the horses approaching, she tried to neigh them awake. After many attempts to wake Mary & Joseph with her gentle neigh, to no avail, she prayed to God to have a voice loud enough to rouse them. Her next bellow? A robust HEE HAW that woke the sleeping family and saved them from danger! And the donkey is said to have had her tell-tale bray ever since. We hope you get to hear Slim Jim’s painfully adorable hee haw when you visit!
Butters, the Palamino Mini-Horse with a BIG personality!
Butters is a precious rescue horse who came to us a gift from a friend who rescued him, then offered him to us for our farm! His super outgoing and friendly personality make him another wonderful addition to our family of critters. He is known to follow us (and our visitors!) wherever we go. His curious nature often finds him sniffing, licking and tasting hands, so remember to use a flat, open hand when he investigates you. “Palamino” refers to his beautiful creamy coloring with white mane and tail. His long white forelock (bangs) often gets into his eyes, so sometimes we braid it to help him see better. Plus it looks so cute on him!
*FUN FACT: Starting in the 1950’s, mini horses were used in mines to help haul out the heavy mined goods they uncovered. The mini horses and donkeys used in the mines were called “pit ponies”. Many mines right here in Colorado used these small but mighty critters to do their heavy lifting. Mini horses typically live to be about 30 years old, although some have lived long lives into their 50s!
Buttercup & Bingo, the sweetest fluffiest mini-bunnies!
Buttercup (the long-haired mini flop-eared bunny) came to us a re-home from our dear friend Michelle (who is also a volunteer on the farm!). She lived her first 4 years of life with her loving family in Black Forest. As their daughters grew and began to “fly the coop”, it was time for Buttercup to find more friends and a lively new life on a farm, where she could put her sweet cuddle skills to good use! As soon as you scoop her up, you’ll realized that she is a teeny tiny bundle of love wrapped up in a VERY fluffy exterior!
Bingo (the tiny all white bunny with big blue eyes) was another beyond-generous donation to our farm from a loving family who wanted him to have a wonderful fun-filled life serving others. He was well-cuddled in his last home and brings his love of snuggles to everyone who comes to our farm!
*FUN FACT: Many bunnies will do a happy jump, called a “binky”, when happy. Some bunnies love to listen to music, and will often “binky” when music is being played!
Opal, the “standard colored” (we think anything but!) miniature donkey
(Tara): When we first began envisioning our Farm, sweet little Slim Jim was our first committed adoptee. We soon learned that all donkeys (being precious Love Bugs!) actually need a companion in order to thrive. We began searching for the perfect Bestie for him, asking around and praying one would crop up before it was time to ween him from his mama and bring him home.
As Divine Providence would have it, a friend from our Orthodontists’ office called to let me know that their sweet Opal had sadly lost her companion, and was needing a home where she would have a buddy to keep her company. As soon as I met this sweet, soft, gentle-natured girl, I knew she would be “my baby” too! And low and behold, it was Valentine’s Day eve when we first met. So this sweet little Angel literally came as a gift from Cupid (with just a little help from my loving & generous husband!).
Opal’s gentle disposition makes her another perfect candidate for therapy interactions. Not to mention how absolutely darling she is, and how yummy and super soft her coat is! Careful around Opal, or you might get “shot” by cupid’s arrow and fall in love with this sweet girl just like I did!
Adventure, the small-ish friendliest Fresian horse
(Tara): When visions of The Farm began dancing in my head, I thought that as much as I love horses, their size might make them a little too intimidating to be FEEL GOOD therapy animals on the Farm. For some, full sized horses can be a bit overwhelming, based on their sheer size and strength, especially to the more timid among us.
But then we met Adventure. Precious, lovable, huggable Adventure! His friendly and affectionate demeanor, his natural curiosity toward people, and his downy soft coat once again lend him to being an ideal friend & companion on the Farm. Although he is not as mini as most of the critters on the farm, he is extremely small for a Fresian horse.
We can’t wait for you to meet this precious boy. If you fall in love, you’re not alone. He has lots of girls crushing on him! Including me (heehee!).
*FUN FACT: Originating in Friesland in the northern Netherlands, this breed is known for it’s elegant high-stepping gait. Fresian horses are also known to be willing, compliant, and loyal companions, and our sweet Adventure has been no exception to the rule!
Pinky & Fitz, Mother/Son Fuzzy Alpacas
This precious pair came to us as a donation from a loving couple nearby. Sweet mama Pinky gave birth to Fitz on an alpaca farm in the mountains. Sadly, newborn Fitz got stepped on by the other alpacas, so the wounded baby, along with his mama, were shunned from the herd. Notice how Fitz has a slight curve to his back (which we think makes him even more darling!). Typically alpacas are rather skittish animals (similar to a bunny), but due to their difficult beginnings, the pair are much more people friendly than most alpacas. Fitz inparticular will let us hug his downy soft neck, kiss his darling nose, and give him gentle cuddles! You may hear these 2 “humming” softly, which is their cute sound for just about every feeling - happy, nervous, excited, scared… We always assume it means “we love you guys!! But give us some space.”
FUN FACTS: Alpaca fleece is softer and warmer than sheep’s wool! If you tend to get cold feet, alpaca socks will keep you warm and cozy through our cold Colorado winters!
Ocean, Honey, Sweetheart & Buddy, the mini goat family
This precious mama, big sister, and twin brother and sister arrived at the farm in June 2023! They came from a loving family right down the road who raise and show their goats for 4H. The 2 twin babies emerged from their gorgeous Nigerian mama, Ocean, with an unexpected trait: The floppy ears of a Nubian! Because of their (unexpected) mixed breed, they don’t belong in competitions, but their sweet, funny, friendly dispositions make them PERFECT for our FEEL GOOD Farm! Just watching these 4 darlings run, jump and play is a treat, and holding, petting, or brushing them brings joy beyond! Sweetheart, the black and gray baby girl, especially loves to be held & nuzzled.
*FUN FACTS: Goats were one of the first animals to be tamed by humans, and were being herded as far back as 9,000 years ago. Baby goats are silly, strong-willed, and so much fun, much like human children, and bear the same name: Kids!
Lucky, our “Gentle Giant” Colorado Mountain Dog
Lucky came to the Wells family in the summer of 2022. Born in May of 2022, he’s still just a young guy with a big, sweet, loving personality! His desire for affection, his sweet disposition, and his enormous size all lend to his “extra specialness”! His mama is an Anatolian Shepherd, and his daddy a Great Pyrenese, both breeds being gentle giants who are known for being excellent guardians on a farm. Lucky fits the bill perfectly, and is both super sweet and gentle with the farm animals, while having a strong protective drive against any predators that might come around (including the fox that frequents the pond, and the many “threatening” deer that drop by for a drink and a wade in the water!) Lucky loves hugs and rubs on his super-sized head, so if his size doesn’t intimidate you, feel free to wrap your arms around this big ol’ sweetheart of a boy!
*FUN FACT: Colorado Mountain Dogs are a newer breed (not yet AKC Certified) of Livestock Guardian Dogs, originating in 2005, and founded by Wendy Francisco. They have been specifically bred for their friendly temperaments, love of people, along with their phenomenal guardian skills.
Lulu & George, the tiny shih tzus with BIG Character!
Born in March of 2019, Lulu has been a member of the Wells family for 4 years. Everyone who meets this sweet little bundle of joy falls in love. She is spunky, friendly, and love love LOVES belly rubs. Don’t be surprised if she rolls onto her back the first time you meet her, hoping for some tummy scratches! She also does a fun “trick” we call Prairie Dog, where she sits on her hind haunches with paws in the air (truly, she is just asking for a yummy treat, which we typically cave in and give her!)
Her son George was an unexpected surprise and blessing that arrived on May 20, 2023 (via c-section, nonetheless!). George has his mama’s sweet and people-friendly personality, and is chalk full of cuddles and love!
*FUN FACT: Shihtzus were cultivated over 1,000 years ago in China and Tibet to be “foot warmers” and cozy companions to Emperors and their families. They make great lap dogs, but are also agile, and athletic - a fun and entertaining combination!
Laverne, Shirley, Fiona, Fauna & Flora, the “furry” friendly Silkie chickens
We have a slew of chickens on the Farm, all of whom are hand fed and friendly. However, Our Silkies stand out as among the sweetest, cuddliest, and most “snuggleable”! They have been on the farm since they were just days old, and not only have they been held and cuddled almost daily, their breed in and of itself is known for its calm disposition, and love for human attention and affection. They also have a natural propensity for nesting, so we can often find these cuties in the nesting boxes, trying to help all the eggs (whether fertilized or not!) to hatch.
*FUN FACT: Rumor has it that at one time in the Netherlands, people tried to market these birds as the first “half bird half bunny”! Their feathers are fluffy and soft like that of a rabbit, so it doesn’t seem that far-fetched, does it?!
King & Prince, the fancy fluffy farm kitties
When the Wells family moved into their new home in 2021, the previous owner’s mama cat had just had kittens. 2 of them (these precious 2!) still needed a home. The Wells adopted them, so these little angels have lived their entire lives on the Farm.
Prince, the gray and white kitty, is a mellow sweetheart who loves pets and cuddles. He also likes to follow along after his people when we walk the property, or take one of the dogs for a walk. King, the black and gray stripey one, also loves pets and rubs, and will meow loudly until he gets his love & affection!
*FUN FACT: Fluffy cat breeds are somewhat rare, accounting for only about 10% of domestic cats. And while they look like fancy house ornaments, they love to hunt and explore as much as their short haired counterparts. Thus, we tend to find lots of “treats” left on our front porch from these 2!
If you want to change the whole world, go home and love your family.
-Saint Mother Teresa
Bryan & Tara with their 4 kids and 3 of their many beloved critters.