Meet the passionate individuals who lead Three Thorn Ranch Rescue. From our founder to the executive officers, board of directors, and committee chairs, every member of our leadership team contributes their time, expertise, and compassion to drive our mission forward and ensure every animal gets the care they deserve. Together, they embody our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and restore hope for animals in need.
Our Team
Founder, CEO, and Board President
"Together, We Make Rescue Possible"
Cher Thornton
Born in Oklahoma and raised in Texas, I’ve been surrounded by animals my entire life. My husband Matt, our daughter Julianna, and I share our home with seven beloved rescue dogs – each with their own story and second chance at life.
My passion for animals began in childhood and has only grown stronger through years of volunteering with rescues and various organizations, to include working with large felines and training search-and-rescue dogs. In January 2001 I rescued a black lab mix puppy I named Claymore from a snowy field in Mineral Wells, TX. She was frail, covered in bugs, and barely clinging to life. After nursing her back to health she became part of my family for 19 years and left a lasting imprint on my heart.
Claymore’s legacy inspires my mission: to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need. Through Three Thorn Ranch Rescue I work to ensure every animal finds safety, love, and a forever home. It’s a labor of love!
I’m beyond blessed to join these amazing women I’ve known for many years in the mission. I look forward to working side by side with them, making a lasting impact, and restoring the lives of countless animals.
Kathleen Lee - Vice President
I was born in Hawaii to an Army family and grew up on the east coast. I moved to Texas after college on my aunt’s 18 wheeler and have been here from that point on. I met my husband (also Army) through my best friend Trish – they went on a date first! – and we’ve been married over 20 years now. We have three children, two grown and one mostly grown, and three fur babies. We will be empty nesters in another year as our youngest goes off to college!
I met Cher through my best friend Trish – she introduced me to the greatest people! The three of us have been together through thick and thin from the moment we met. I was honored when Cher asked me to join the 3TR Board. It is truly my pleasure to take my lifelong love of animals and apply it to Three Thorn Ranch Rescue with my best friends to help God’s creatures heal and find fur-ever homes.
Trish George - Treasurer
I was born in Michigan, grew up in Arizona, and as they say, got to Texas as quick as I could. I have lived in Texas for 30+ years and have known Cher and Kathleen for more than 20 of those years. I also have a husband of 15+ years; a daughter and son-in-law with two rambunctious grandsons; and six fur babies.
My family’s philosophy has always been that fur babies are family so my heart breaks to see so many animals without loving homes. When Cher asked me to be on the 3TR Board I was thrilled! I look forward to applying my strengths to Three Thorn Ranch Rescue so I can help as many animals as possible.
Laurin Watkins - Secretary
I was born and raised in Montana for my first 25 years, until I got married. My husband and I moved to Texas 13 years ago and I love it! I met Cher, Trish, and Kat shortly after moving – Cher is my son’s godmother.
Animals have always held a very special place in my heart. I wish I had room for all of them! I believe all animals deserve the loving and safe home that 3TR strives to find for them. With these great people, Three Thorn Ranch Rescue is destined to accomplish great things for their sweet fur babies. I am blessed to be included on the board of such a great endeavor. I plan to use all my skills to help ensure each animal received the best opportunity to thrive. a
Laura Jean -
Chair of Fundraising
Laura Jean Conway is honored to serve as Chair of Fundraising for Three Thorn Ranch Rescue. An attorney by training and a lifelong advocate for both people and animals, Laura brings a unique blend of professional expertise and personal passion to the role.
As a mom of three, Laura understands the importance of building a future rooted in compassion, responsibility, and education. She and her family enjoy spending summers at the lake, where they balance fun with the values of stewardship and care for animals and the environment.
Her commitment to rescue is grounded in ethics, transparency, and respect. Laura believes in educating the public without judgment, supporting families and communities in keeping pets safely at home, and prioritizing quality over quantity in rescue efforts. With more than a decade of leadership experience in the nonprofit rescue world, she is dedicated to ensuring that Three Thorn Ranch Rescue not only sustains its mission but thrives.
In her fundraising leadership, Laura focuses on cultivating meaningful relationships with donors and partners, ensuring every dollar raised makes the greatest impact. Her goal is to expand the rescue’s reach while preserving its integrity and values, creating a legacy of hope, compassion, and second chances.
Tisha Brown -
Foster Coordinator
I’m Tisha Brown — a proud wife of over 24 years and mom to four amazing kids. I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, but Texas has been home for the past 18 years. I’ve always had a deep connection with animals; my heart simply melts for them. Long before I ever joined a rescue group, I was taking in strays, helping them heal, and more often than not, keeping them myself. I’ve now been formally involved in rescue work for more than eight years, and what started as a personal passion has truly become a family affair. Every one of my children has helped or been involved in rescue at some point. Seeing how rescue has taught my now-adult kids empathy, compassion, and responsibility makes me incredibly proud. I’ll admit, I’m horrified by the state of animal welfare in Texas. The neglect and suffering I’ve witnessed are heartbreaking — but they also fuel my determination to make a difference. My goal is simple: to help as many dogs as I can find safety, love, and a forever home.
Rescue is a big part of my life and my family’s. It’s hard work, but it’s also deeply rewarding. Every single life saved reminds me why I started — because every dog deserves a chance.
Kelcie Fisher -
Rescue House Coordinator
I’m Kelcie Fisher – animal advocate, foster mom and lifelong rescuer. Animals have always held a special place in my heart. Growing up, people would bring me strays or tell me about animals in need, knowing I’d do everything I could to help. I only wish I had room for them all! I believe every animal deserves a safe, loving home. My journey began at a very young age and grew through years of volunteering with a few organizations. Today, I share my home with two amazing dogs, two cats, two pups and a couple of goats.
Jan Anthony - Secretary
I was born in Chicago and for as long as I can remember I’ve been deeply and passionately in love with animals. When I was about 10 years old my mom would take me and my brothers to Lords Park in Elgin, IL where they had a lion, Lord Sparky. The “safety” fence never stopped me – I would climb over just to get close enough to feed him hotdogs or hamburgers that we’d brought. We also brought treats for the black bears, bread for the ducks, and even snacks for Big Jim, the bison. My love for animals even led me to attempt to approach a black bear while on vacation in the Smoky Mountains.
Throughout my life I’ve cared for a wide variety of animals – birds, rabbits, iguanas, jerboas, hedgehogs, gerbils, dogs, and cats. In Texas, I became known as the “bird lady” by hand-raising cockatiels so they’d grow into gentle, loving pets. I’ve passed this passion down to my daughters who both work in rescue and advocacy for dogs. Now my grandchildren carry the torch as well, extending their love and care beyond companion animals to farm animals, strays, and abandoned pets. Watching them embrace this calling fills me with pride – it’s truly a family legacy of compassion.
I’ve been married to my husband for 23 years and he often jokes that when he dies he wants to come back as one of my dogs. Today, I share my home with three rescued Great Pyrenees and a spirited 16-year-old Pomeranian who rules the household.
Kim Lightfoot -
RFV Coordinator
Born and raised in the heart of Texas, I’ve been fortunate enough to spend my life surrounded by the beauty and spirit of this great state. My journey has been shaped by deep-rooted family values, a long-standing career in the lab industry, and an unwavering passion for animal rescue.
For the past 37 years, I’ve worked with a large laboratory company, where I’ve built a career founded on dedication, integrity, and service. But it wasn’t until about five years ago that I discovered a new calling – animal rescue. Three Thorn Ranch Rescue an organization that has opened my heart to the immense joy and fulfillment that comes from saving and caring for animals in need. It is a role that feels more like a blessing than a job, and I am eager to continue making a difference in the lives of animals everywhere.
Family is the center of my world. In 2005, I met my husband, a true gift from God, and we married in 2008. Together, we have walked through life’s ups and downs, supporting each other every step of the way. This year, we entered the new chapter of being empty nesters, a transition that has brought with it both challenges and new opportunities for growth and reflection.
I am the proud mother of three children and stepmother to three more, as well as a grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren. There is nothing I love more than spending time with my family, especially my granddaughter, and of course, my beloved pups, who are an integral part of our family dynamic.
As I continue this journey with Three Thorn Ranch Rescue, I am filled with gratitude and excitement for the lives we can touch and change. This new adventure is just beginning, and I look forward to the many animals we’ll save and the families we’ll help along the way.
Nijahnik Bradford - Animal Rescue Media Coordinator
I'm Nijahnik Bradford - People and animals are my passion. I show up for anyone who needs support, whether it is a person or a pup. My drive comes from a genuine desire to create spaces filled with care, compassion and real connection.
I share my life with my wife, Allison, and our three rescues, Ajah, Europe and Australia, who keep me laughing and grounded. Family, purpose and love guide everything I do. Helping is not what I do, it is who I am.
"Rescue, Heal, Love, Repeat"
Dedicated to Claymore
We rescue because every animal deserves safety, dignity, and love. Too many suffer from neglect, abandonment, or abuse, and without intervention, their voices go unheard. We believe every life has value, and through rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption, we give animals not just survival, but the chance to truly thrive.
(817) 286-6755(940) 213-4449
Three Thorn Ranch Rescue is an IRS approved nonprofit organization Tax ID: 39-3553651
