Brian Lopez | Co-Founder

Dana Lopez | CEO

Brian and Dana have been married for 19 years and have had the privilege of being licensed foster parents for 15 years.  They have loved pouring their heart and soul into dozens of foster youth during that time who needed someone to take a chance on them.  They are also very involved in their fostering community, serving on various foster/adopt advisory boards and mentoring other foster families.  Brian and Dana are two of Dogwood Ranch’s co-founders and Dana is currently serving as CEO.  In addition to their amazing foster youth, they have three beautiful daughters, Hailey, Kezzie and Sammy.

Sam Crowell | Ranch Manager

Brenda Crowell | Accounting Manager

Dana’s parents, Sam and Brenda Crowell, have spent their married life together opening their home to children and youth.  Starting a ranch for kids has been a lifelong dream of theirs, but doing it alone was not a possibility.  The Lord began putting the pieces of the puzzle together when Brian and Dana married and shared the same desire.  Little did they know that the dream would become Dogwood Ranch and that they would relocate to southwest Missouri from California.  Sam is the Ranch Manager and Brenda serves as the Accounting Manager, however having the privilege of being Papa and Nana to the many precious kiddos of Dogwood Ranch is their greatest joy.

Don Lopez

(1941-2023)

Margie Lopez | Secretary

Don & Margie Lopez were married in 1971 and lived most of their lives in California. They raised 3 sons, who have blessed them with 3 lovely daughters-in-law and 7 precious grandchildren. They have been blessed to be “Grammy & Pappy” to not only their 7 grandchildren but to the many foster kids who are and have been a part of Dogwood Ranch. Don went home to heaven in February 2023 but left us with lots of joyful memories and a legacy of love. Margie works part-time as a legal secretary for a law firm in Springfield, Missouri and serves as the Dogwood Ranch Secretary. She is amazed every time she looks back at the divine circumstances and miraculous journey that led them to live in Missouri and to help establish Dogwood Ranch. They could not be more blessed!

Dennis Rice | Property Manager

Kathleen Rice | Business Administrator

Dennis and Kathleen each have strong attributes that when melded together bring added strength to the operations team at the ranch. Dennis has a background in law enforcement as well as building repair and service and has an innate desire to serve people. Kathleen’s background in banking and church ministry leadership brings creativity and organization to the business and event sides of Dogwood. Most recently, they owned and operated a small business which became a part of the heart of their community.  They have three children who enjoy helping at the ranch along with their many other activities.  God has equipped this family for such a time and place as this!

Jenifer Sturdivan

Licensed Professional Counselor

Jenifer Sturdivan is a licensed professional counselor in Southwest Missouri and has served in that capacity for the past 20 years. She specializes in Human Trafficking, court-ordered high conflict co-parenting, and most recently, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy through Ok Corral. She is the Vice Chairperson for Stand Against Trafficking and is a professor of psychology. Jenifer lives in the Ozarks with her son Judah, and their dog, Dexter.

Lisa Chrastina

Haven Care Coordinator

Lisa serves as the Care Coordinator at The Haven, which supports former foster youth in crisis. Lisa has a background in serving and helping youth through social work and multiple ministry avenues. She has been married for almost 30 years to her husband Jeremy and together they have 4 children; Cade, Olivia, Paige, and Blake. Lisa passionately mentors and serves every resident at The Haven, uniquely tailoring her approach to the needs of each one. She is thankful that the Lord brought her to Dogwood and always serves with her whole heart.

Kynzee Miller

Barn Manager/Equine Specialist

Kynzee has worked with horses for almost 20 years and has been training both horses and dogs for the past 10 years. Prior to coming on staff with Dogwood she spent over 6 years at Sight and Sound Theaters in Branson working with all their animals and one of her favorites turned out to be the camels! Chance, her dog, is her right-hand pup and if you see her working around the ranch chances are you will see him tagging alongside. Kynzee has a passion for serving others and is excited to be a part of helping restore hope, one life at a time.

Dr. Kayette Glass

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Kayette Glass is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Health Service Provider, and Equine Mental Health Practitioner. She has worked in the mental health field since 1998 in different capacities, e.g., Community Support Worker, Psychosocial Rehabilitation Coordinator, Qualified Developmental Disability Professional, Licensed Psychologist, Director, Military Psychologist, Vice President of Clinical and Crisis Services, and Equine Assisted Therapy Services. She provides clinical services, crisis interventions, and has begun serving Military Members (active duty and veterans) and their families in addition to First Responders. She works alongside an Equine Specialist to provide the utmost support to those in need. She continues to provide community trainings and presentations to assist with educating others on the importance of seeking mental health services.

Toni Cantrell-Cosgrove

Equine Specialist

As an army veteran herself, (Combat Medic/ Surgical Technologist), Toni Cosgrove understands veteran specific issues because she has faced challenges in her own life. As an advocate for justice involved veterans, including those who suffer from PTSD, and its ongoing effects, she recognizes participating in the therapeutic value of “Horse & Human Connection” has been an effective course of action in her life. Toni believes in Equine Assisted Therapy and knows firsthand it can make a difference in veteran lives. The ongoing pursuit in her life personally, now professionally, brings life experience and insight to the Healing Reins Program as an equine specialist.