Cottonwood Farm in Covington will welcome its newest employee Amy McKaughan this coming week.

Originally from the northern California area, McKaughan is an accomplished horsewoman. In 2009, she graduated from the Canyonview Equestrian College in Silverton, Ore., with a certificate of equine-based ministry. She also graduated in 2007 with a bachelor's in bible and theology with an emphasis in youth ministry from Shasta Bible College and Graduate School in Redding, Calif.

McKaughan was volunteering her time at the equestrian college when the owners of Cottonwood Farm, Ken and Teri Justice, requested a graduate from the school. Following a brief interview process, McKaughan was hired.

At Cottonwood Farm, she will teach riding lessons and organize and lead day camp programs.

"My biggest goal is to reach out to the kids and people who come to the farm," McKaughan said.

She is experienced in running horsemanship camps at retreats and previously worked as an instructor, program director and horsemanship director. The Justices hope to utilize McKaughan's more than 10 years of experience working with children.

"We are blessed to have Amy joining us here at Cottonwood Farm," Ken Justice said. "Her formal education and prior camp director experience will be a great asset to our operation."

Justice expects that McKaughan will bring new, appealing programs to the farm.

"Currently, we offer riding lessons and summer day camp," Justice said. "With Amy's assistance, we plan to offer several new programs. Some of these offerings will be Saturday lesson camps, horsemanship [and] Bible study camps, father-son or mother-daughter outings and youth events."

After living in northern California for about 15 years, McKaughan says that moving to the South will be an experience.

During her previous visits, McKaughan noted the South's famous hospitality.
"I feel like everybody was nice," she said.

As for Justice, he is expecting great things from McKaughan.

"We look forward to Amy's arrival as she will be bringing with her a gentle spirit, a love for children and a heart for serving God," said Justice.