The Women Behind Smith Farm Goat Sanctuary

Lauren & Travis, Jesi & Beau, Madeline & Mishka

At the heart of Smith Farm Goat Sanctuary are three women whose passion, dedication, and vision have transformed a historic piece of land into a safe haven for goats and a gathering place for the community. What began as a response to a growing need has quickly evolved into something much bigger: rooted in compassion, fueled by volunteerism, and guided by a shared mission.

In 2025, the sanctuary proudly operated as a fully volunteer-run organization, powered by individuals who give their time and energy to care for the herd and support the farm. Looking ahead to 2026, the sanctuary has taken an exciting next step with the addition of three key roles: a Sanctuary Steward, an Operations Manager, and an Executive Director. This growth reflects not only the increasing needs of the sanctuary but also the incredible support from the surrounding community.

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Meet Jesi, President & Executive Director

Jesi, setting up for our community events. She truly is the brains behind all things at the farm!

Jesi’s journey to founding the sanctuary is one of both intention and serendipity. A retired Air Force veteran originally from Pittsburgh, PA, she relocated to Fuquay Varina in May 2023, choosing her home in part because she could see the farm from her kitchen window. That view would soon become much more than scenery, it would become purpose.

In December 2024, alongside goat caretaker Jason, Jesi co-founded Smith Farm Goat Sanctuary. As President, she led fundraising efforts to revitalize the farm, making it possible to open to the public by May 2025. After retiring again from her role as a Technical Project Manager with the Office of Veterans Affairs, she stepped fully into her passion as the sanctuary’s Executive Director.

Today, Jesi oversees nearly every aspect of the sanctuary - from goat care and feeding to volunteer coordination, event planning, fundraising, farm projects, and the sanctuary’s web presence. Though she never set out to start a nonprofit, she answered a clear and urgent need for goat rehoming and hasn’t looked back. She is continually inspired by the overwhelming community support and is proud to see the sanctuary becoming a meaningful part of Fuquay Varina.

Madeline, checking on Sweet Pea. A glimpse into the everyday care she provides for the animals.

Meet Madeline, Animal Care Lead

Madeline brings both heart and expertise to the sanctuary as a pre-Veterinary student with a deep passion for animal welfare and rescue work. She plays a critical role in overseeing the daily wellbeing and health of the goats, ensuring that each animal receives attentive, compassionate care.

Her commitment to advocacy extends beyond the farm, as she also volunteers at local shelters and continues pursuing her goal of making a lasting impact through a career in veterinary medicine. Whether she’s managing the herd or studying for classes, her dedication to animals is evident in everything she does.

At home, Madeline shares her life with her fiancé and their beloved rescue dog, Munchkin - who, by all accounts, is happily spoiled.

Meet Lauren, Operations Manager

Lauren, unloading goat feed that was donated by a community member.

An animal-loving mom of two, Lauren took a leap from the corporate world to follow a deeper calling in nonprofit work. What began as a simple interest in volunteering quickly grew into something much more meaningful - becoming the farm’s first intern and gaining hands-on experience in the day-to-day realities of running a young nonprofit.

From feeding schedules and hands-on goat care to supporting website management and leading fundraising outreach, she has developed a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to help the sanctuary thrive. Now stepping into the role of Operations Manager, she is also leading the creation of the sanctuary’s fundraising committee, helping to build a sustainable future for the farm.

She is deeply passionate about animal rights, sustainability, and land conservation, and finds purpose in work that connects all three. Watching the farm grow and recognizing its potential to create a lasting impact on the community is what drives her every day. And while the mission is serious, she’ll be the first to admit - spending time with the goats isn’t a bad perk either.

Together, these three women are building more than a sanctuary, they are creating a place where animals are safe, history is honored, and community thrives. Their work is just getting started, and the future of Smith Farm Goat Sanctuary is as bright as the passion that drives it.