OUR TEAM
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OUR TEAM
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OUR TEAM 🐽 OUR TEAM 🐽
At Cotton Branch Farm Sanctuary, we are dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for abandoned, abused, neglected, and elderly pigs. Our journey began with a heartfelt commitment to care for those who cannot care for themselves, creating a haven filled with compassion and love.
Our team is comprised of passionate individuals who strive to ensure the well-being of every animal in our sanctuary. We invite you to explore our story. It is not just about the sanctuary; it is about every heartfelt moment and connection we share with these remarkable beings.
Evan Costner
Executive Director
As the Executive Director of Cotton Branch Farm Sanctuary, I am dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abandoned and neglected farm animals. My journey into animal welfare all started with a pig named Oliver, who ignited my deep love for pigs. My goal is to create a compassionate community where these animals can thrive. Leading the sanctuary, I work hands-on with the Refuge Team to ensure they receive the care and love they deserve, and I strive to advocate for animal rights and welfare in every aspect of our work. It's an honor to be part of an organization that makes such a positive impact on the lives of so many animals.
Joshua Carpenter
Refuge Team | Director
I grew up near Savannah, GA surrounded by many animals--dogs, cats, chickens, goats, horses, ponies, ducks, cows, and bunnies--and I obtained a great respect and love for all of them. I have rescued cats, dogs, bunnies, and birds for years; and finally, we adopted our amazing pot-belly pig, Oliver, in 2011. Shortly thereafter, we rescued our second piggy, Winston! They changed our lives forever and so began our journey of rescuing pigs in need!
I found out about Cotton Branch when Jan, the Founder, offered to take in an abandoned pig languishing away in a dog kennel at a nearby animal control shelter. As the parent, at the time, of 2 pot belly pigs, a friend had alerted me of this poor abandoned piggy. I reached out to rescues and animal lovers through social media; Jan saw the cry for help and immediately offered to take this lonely soul. Louise, the pig in animal control, changed my life and introduced me to Jan and all the wonderful animals at Cotton Branch.
My husband, Evan, and I began volunteering and fundraising for the cause we believed in, and eventually joined the board of directors at Cotton Branch. In October 2016 the board of directors unanimously voted us as the succession plan for Jan's retirement.
Every day is an amazing day to be surrounded by these loving and caring animals; they give me so much joy.
William, Damien, & Stephanie
Refuge Team | Caregivers
William, Damien, and Stephanie are dedicated caregivers at Cotton Branch Farm Sanctuary. Each of them brings a unique set of skills and a shared passion for animal welfare. Their combined efforts ensure that the animals receive the highest standard of care, love, and attention. William's meticulous approach, Damien's hands-on experience, and Stephanie's nurturing nature combined with years of working with animals, create a harmonious team who work tirelessly to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the animals. Together, they embody the spirit of compassion and dedication that defines Cotton Branch.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tiffany Hargenradar
Board President | Director of Development
I was born in Florida and raised in the Charleston area of SC. I graduated from the College of Charleston with a degree in Special Education. I taught a classroom for kids with moderate to severe Autism for 10 years before relocating to the Lexington area for my husband's job in 2016. We have 2 two-legged children and a herd of 11 babies including pigs, chickens and goats.
I always thought of myself as an animal lover until I started to volunteer at Cotton Branch. It wasn't until then I realized I loved "pets." Growing up in the South, I had always been involved in hunting from a young age. The sanctuary opened my eyes to the truth of what it means to truly love ALL animals and that was it. I immediately changed my life for the better. I now live a vegan lifestyle, moved to a home on 11 acres and adopted as many rescue babies as possible. My mind, body and soul has never felt better than it does at this stage in my life. I owe it all to the sweet residents of Cotton Branch.
I worked for over 2 years as the Farm Manager, but due to lifelong back issues, I recently had to stop. When I was asked to join the Board of Directors, and given the opportunity to still contribute in so many other ways, it was an immediate and easy YES for me!
Alice Braylyan
Board Vice President | Refuge Manager
I grew up in a small town in Connecticut and have always been a lover of all animals. I drove my parents nuts with my constant pleas to bring home every animal possible! True story, we had a pony living in our basement until the town found out; who knew there were laws for what type of pets you could keep in a residential area. We found Suzy, the pony, a wonderful home and we were able to visit her.I learned about Cotton Branch many years ago when they were showcased on the local news looking for pig cuddlers. I was ready to hop a plane and help even though I knew nothing about pigs! In 2021 my husband and I relocated to Leesville, preparing for retirement, one of the first things I googled was “pig cuddling” and learned Cotton Branch is only 20 minutes from where we live.
I began volunteering with Cotton Branch and just fell in love, in love with everything! Our piggy residents have unique personalities; the caregivers provide so much support, I learn something new every day from them; the entire network that makes Cotton Branch run are some of the most passionate and loving people I have ever met.
The decision to become more involve was very simple. Working with this passionate team, every minute is spent ensuring our animals are provided with their best life possible.
Sabrina Byrum
Board Treasurer | Director of Adoption
I was born Chattnooga, TN, but I have moved MANY times and have lived all over the southeast and Ohio. I attended Miami University of Ohio and earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in Technical and Scientific Communication. I have been obsessed with dogs and horses my entire life, and I currently live on a farm in Aiken, SC with my husband, 5+ dogs, 6 horses, and 4 pigs. I didn’t grow up around pigs, but I stumbled into the world of rescue pigs through my work in dog rescue. In 2016, I was volunteering at a rural Alabama animal control facility focused on saving dogs and cats. One day the officers confiscated a young pig from a terrible neglect situation, and the staff knew that I had a farm, so they naturally figured I knew how to take care of a pig. (Spoiler alert - I didn't! But I agreed to foster Millie Pig anyhow, and the rest is history.) Before long, Millie wandered her way up our dog ramp and into the house and right into our hearts! Millie lived in the house with the family dogs for many years, but once we returned to our beloved Aiken, we decided to rescue 3 more pigs. Millie was delighted to discover that more of "her kind" existed, and she became a (spoiled) outdoor pig so she could live with the others in a happy herd. I learned about Cotton Branch when searching for nearby volunteer opportunities, and I love supporting its mission. I still devote much of my time to rescuing needy foster puppies, but the remainder of my day is spent catering to my four high-maintenance porcine divas and helping to spread the word about veganism and pig companionship, adoption, and rescue.
Pictured with my blind and (mostly) deaf pig Hank
Jenn Kraus
Board Secretary
I am originally from a suburb of Rochester, New York and seven years ago relocated to Aiken, South Carolina to support our daughter’s college dream. I have been passionate about animals and the environment from a young age. I became vegetarian by age 11, learning how to cook my own meals to stay healthy. I was a founding member of my high school’s Environmental Club. I am proud of my varied education and work history which includes attending the University of Alaska Fairbanks where I studied Criminal Justice and Psychology; earned a Culinary and Hospitality degree from Management from Monroe Community College and a Communications Sciences and Disorders degree from Nazareth University. I have worked in a variety of settings from hotel management and country clubs to working with troubled youth at a residential detention school.
What really changed my life and that of my family’s was when I was diagnosed with renal failure in 2004 and eventually began my journey to veganism with my daughter in 2014. After 17 months of dialysis, I had a life-changing kidney transplant five years ago. (Polliwog the Kidney continues to do well!). When COVID hit in spring 2020 I was only a few short months out of surgery but decided to start my meal prep business on a whim, which eventually led me to find Cotton Branch Farm Sanctuary and have the relationship we do today! In addition to running a thriving all vegan catering business and food truck, I continue to dedicate my time as a pediatric Speech Therapist, serve as the board secretary for Cotton Branch Farm Sanctuary, and rescue, rehabilitate and home foster cats and kittens.
When I have free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Terry, and daughter, Natalya, as well as varied outdoor activities. I’m always up for a good roadtrip to anywhere.