MEET Our Officers, Board of Directors & HONORARY MEMBERS

KENNY BURGIN 

President, Co-Founder and Board of Directors

Kenny has been around horses his whole life.  As a youngster he used to sit on a fence rail feeding the neighbor horses sugar cubes that he bought with money he made by washing neighbor's cars.  Later in life Kenny had a very successful horse breeding ranch: his life-long dream of Paints & Quarter horses from the top lines in the country.  
Sadly, a family tragedy ended all of that and years later, thankfully, he stumbled into saving the wilds, becoming the co-founder of this rescue, there was never a doubt to him, it was his calling and he was on board to try and save as many lives as possible.

"We can't save them all, but we can save one life at a time"  ~Kenny

Tamara "TAMMY" LYNN 

 Vice President/Board of Directors & Fundraising committee 

A little about me - I was raised up a city girl in Vancouver, B.C.  Canada with a country heart ( my daddy always sang hello country bumpkin  to me ). In 2003 I met my husband and migrated clear across the country  to Florida, but this girls heart missed my momma & the mountains.  In 2016 we moved back across the country & bought our home in Aeneas  Valley. Along the way meeting my neighbors, I was introduced to Shelly  Hoffman ( our deceased honorary board member ), I remember telling her I  wanted to learn all about farming, her answer was you have to learn  hands on, stop by anytime lol. And I did just that, spent the better  part of 2 years with her learning as much as she could teach me. In our  many outings together we would stop by the horse rescue frequently. I  would listen to conversations intently & learn as much as I could on  our visits. I not only gained knowledge, but some really amazing  friendships began too.  

TRINA SMITH

Secretary, Co-Founder and Board of Directors

Trina's life has always been about animals in need, trying to save them (any species).  She has rescued since she was a kid, graduated to working at Animal Shelters/Humane Societies as well as a veterinary technician. Rescue has always been a strong part of her life: mostly special needs dogs & puppies.  In 1982 she began a career of showing & occasionally raising a litter of puppies. After retiring, she moved to a farm to fulfil her dream life of owning horses, cattle, goats & more which is when the rescue just came along and has gone strong since 2018.

In 2019 they pursued becoming a 501c3 Non Profit.

Trina’s family still takes in handicapped/disabled Great Danes, try to educate people on all aspects of animal care, raise ranch/farm animals and live their lives happily in the mountains dedicated to the betterment of all animals and the rescue.  

TINA KOCAN

Treasurer and Board of Directors

I  fell in love with horses when I was little, like most young girls. My  love for all animals has grown with getting older. I had the privilege  to help train horses in my early 20’s. I have always had animals around  me, they seem to like to have me around.
I  met Trina and Kenny 3 years ago when my neighbor introduced me to them,  and I ever since I have been calling them family.  I get to socialize  the horses at the horse rescue, which my husband can tell you I enjoy  very much. 

Two  years ago when we had the 15 Wild mustangs from Nevada they all came in  scared. They left being able to be loved on, and would run up to you  for attention. They even recognized my vehicles when I drove up and  would get excited to see me. 

I’ve  been told I can’t have my own horse because I would never be at the  rescue helping out. Which is probably true (LOL). They give me a scene  of peace in this world and I hope I give them the same feeling.

DIANE STARKER

Board of Directors, Co-Treasurer, POC & Fundraising committee   

I grew up with the dream as a little girl who had her own horse and I have always had a deep love for horses. 

I have had dogs most of my life and shown them professionally. 

Now retired, I am involved and dedicated daily with anything I can do to help this rescue save lives in every possible way. 

ANDREA HARDELAND

Board of Directors, Advisor and Foster Home 

Ever since I was a little kid, I have had an  affinity for animals. Dogs and horses seemed to be what I gravitated to  the most, and as I have gotten older, that hasn’t seemed to change. I  was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. Grew  up in your average, large, dysfunctional family. Put myself thru  college. Been married and divorced. Tired of renting, and boarding, I  was finally able to purchase my very own house with acreage. It’s not  fancy but it’s home and I love that I can look out  the windows and see my animals any time I want. I have created a small  hobby farm that a few goats, rabbits, chickens, horses and dogs call  home. Still very much a “work in progress”. I don’t have a big barn.  There isn’t a covered arena in the back. But I  am fortunate that I am able to foster some amazing horses that would  otherwise have a very different outcome to their stories. I was  introduced to the Rescue thru a friend. She had adopted a foal from a  wild horse and asked me to haul and board the horse for  her. I ended up coming home with my very first foster that day and  haven’t looked back. I am very  proud to be a small part of this  organization. 

RAE WICKERSHAM

Board of Directors 

Rae was raised with horses and this has given her the opportunity to be closely involved with helping those in need to find their forever homes. 

She has been working with rescue senior and disabled dogs for over 20 years and happily married 22 years to a wonderful supportive man who loves what they do.

AUTUMN SUNDOWN

Honorary member/Advisor

 Hi, I'm Autumn Sundown.  I am a Mother of 4 great children,   a Cosmetologist by trade and a lifelong avid animal lover! I consider myself lucky to live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest where my family moved with my father's job as a member of the United States Navy. I grew up and went to school with Trina so I've known her for many years. I am so proud of her endeavour to help horses in need. And I am very proud to support the White Phantom Horse Rescue as an honorary member/advisory role. 

 AMANDA VANCE

Honorary Board Member & Fundraising committee 

 *Description Coming Soon* 

KAREN SUE ERCOLANI WINES

Honorary Board Member & Fundraising committee  

I grew up in CT, a small lake community.  Farms, ranches, and apple orchards, much like here.  Animals have always played a part in my life.  We moved to Okanogan county in 1983 to raise our 2 boys the same way we were raised.  Horses have always had a special place in my heart but we could never afford one.  Luckily we had friends with horses.  When I met Tamara Lynne and she told me about the horse rescue I was thrilled.  I could help horses that really needed a helping hand.  Makes my heart happy to know that even one horse got a forever home.