Our team
Meet the team that keeps High Lonesome moving forward. Our board provides guidance and stewardship, our executive director leads the day to day mission, and our staff and volunteers handle the many details that make each session possible. Together, they help create a place where riders feel supported, families feel welcomed, and every horse and rider partnership is treated with care.
President of the board
Denise Duffy
Denise Duffy, an experienced RN and pharmaceutical professional with extensive experience in management, joined the Board of Directors as President in July 2023. With a solid foundation in nursing and pharmaceutical operations and management, Denise has over 10 years of experience leading teams, optimizing processes, and advocating for patient safety.
In their current role as President, Denise combines her expertise in healthcare leadership with a passion for improving the lives of individuals with physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges.
With a deep belief in the healing power of equine-assisted services and a strong background in healthcare management, Denise is committed to advancing the mission of the High Lonesome Therapeutic Equestrian Center by fostering community partnerships, securing funding, and creating an environment where both participants and volunteers can experience healing, growth, and empowerment.
Vice-President of the board
Corrie Lorenzi
After falling in love with the Appalachian Mountains, Corrie moved to Murphy in 2017. She was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she raised a family and built and managed a very successful family construction business, South Florida Masonry Inc.
Since she was a child, Corrie had a natural connection and love for animals and wildlife. For the past 20 years Corrie has owned and rescued horses.
Corrie is not only a board member, but a very active volunteer of the program. She brings her business knowledge and love of animals to the program to help it grow and prosper.
Treasurer of the board
Kim Johnson
Kim Johnson is a native of Murphy and the Peachtree community. She started her career in banking in 1994 as a teller, soon after graduating high school, and has worked her up way to become the Financial Sales Manager and Assistant Vice President of First Citizens Bank in Murphy.
Kim has served as a member on several other boards in the past including the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and North Carolina Community Foundation.
Kim is married and has two daughters, one of which is a client of High Lonesome Therapeutic Equestrian Center.
secretary of the board
Laura Downing
Laura was born and raised in Kentucky. After graduating from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Buisness Administration she moved to Fayetteville, North Carolina. She became a police officer in 1988 and rose through the ranks to become a Major of the sixth largest department in NC. She retired in 2018 with over 30 years of service.
Along with traditional police duties, Laura worked closely in the administrative areas to include budget, payroll, planning, grant management and accreditation. Laura also served as a Special Olympics coordinator for the NC Special Olympics Torch Run and volunteered numerous events at the local and state level.
Laura and her husband relocated to Murphy in 2023. She began volunteering at High Lonesome Therapeutic Equestrian Center in June of 2023 because of her love of horses and service to others. Now fortunate enough to own two of her own horses, she has enjoyed trail riding for several years, most recently at horse ranches in Montana and Wyoming. She loves traveling and all outdoor activities.
Laura joins the board in 2024 and is excited to be part of the program that has a meaningful impact on the community.
executive director
Lauren Dilts
Lauren is a Registered Nurse with pediatric, in-patient rehab, emergency, and critical care experience.
She grew up riding hunter/jumper and dressage and competing at local shows.
Lauren discovered therapeutic riding in 2017 while living in Colorado.
In 2019 Lauren moved to Cherokee County. She started training and preparing to open Cherokee County's first therapeutic riding facility.
Lauren is certified through PATH Intl. (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) as Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning.
JunIor Equine Manager
Kinlee Herr
Kinlee Herr is our Junior Equine Manager and has been dedicated to our program since opening day. She began volunteering with us as a horse leader, side walker, and barn helper and has continued to grow within the organization. Kinlee is a North Carolina Special Olympics–certified coach and plays an essential role in supporting both our athletes and equine partners.
In her role, Kinlee ensures our horses receive gentle, consistent exercise while maintaining their endurance, strength, and balance. She believes horses are more than just four-legged companions—they are partners and friends. As Kinlee says, “Horses personally make me feel whole.”
Kinlee has been riding for as long as she can remember and received her first pony before she was even born—a pony she still has today. Her lifelong passion for horses is evident in everything she does, and we are excited to see her continue to grow, learn, and expand her knowledge as part of our team.
Certified therapeutic riding instructor
Laurie Westbrook
Laurie Westbrook brings with her a wealth of experience in both equine education and public service.
Laurie relocated to North Carolina from Florida, where she owned and managed Foxtrot Farm, a boarding and lesson barn. She also served as the 4-H Horsemaster’s Club Leader for 12 years in Wakulla County, Florida, mentoring youth and fostering strong horsemanship skills.
Laurie is a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor through PATH International and is deeply committed to creating safe, effective, and meaningful equine-assisted experiences.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Florida and a Master of Public Health from the University of West Florida, along with many years of professional experience in Public Health and Emergency Management.
At High Lonesome Therapeutic Equestrian Center, we believe in the transformative power of horses to strengthen and uplift the body, mind, and spirit. Join us and begin your journey toward greater confidence, connection, and well being.
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