.png)
Meet Our Staff
Makayla Parr
Owner & Executive Director
Makayla Parr is the heart behind Master’s Touch Recreational Riding, where she serves as Founder and Executive Director. With a passion for horses and a calling to help others, she has built a program that allows riders of all abilities to grow in confidence, skill, and connection with these incredible animals.
​
With over 20 years of equestrian experience, Makayla has competed in a wide range of disciplines, including hunt seat, working cow horse, reining, cutting, mounted drill team, and vaulting. She began teaching as a teenager, launching her own riding lesson business, and went on to captain the Walton County 4-H Mounted Drill Team to multiple state and regional victories. As an NCAA athlete at the University of South Carolina, she earned both the Most Outstanding Rider Award and the Community Service Award.
​
Makayla’s love for horses and deep desire to help children with disabilities led her to discover Hippotherapy during a school project. Inspired, she pursued a bachelor’s degree in public health, graduating in 2017, and soon returned home to make her childhood dream of opening a recreational riding facility a reality. Thanks to her unwavering dedication and the support of family, friends, and volunteers, Master’s Touch was born.
​
Beyond her leadership at the farm, Makayla loves spending time with her husband, Tyler, and their two boys, John Luke and James Avery. You’ll often see them around the farm, fully embracing the joys of animals and farm life. As a dedicated leader, friend, and instructor, Makayla pours her heart into everything she does—and we would be lost without her.
Bekah Harris
Riding Instructor & Office Administrator
Bekah Harris has had a lifelong love for horses, which blossomed into a deep passion upon joining Master’s Touch in the summer of 2018. Initially starting with riding lessons, Bekah quickly immersed herself in volunteering for therapeutic sessions and spending every possible moment at the barn. By 2020, she transitioned from an office intern to a key role in communications and social media, and eventually became a lesson instructor. Bekah remains dedicated to teaching children the joys of riding and the therapeutic benefits of interacting with animals.
​
Among her cherished memories at Master’s Touch are group trail rides, assisting Makayla with recreational lessons and field trips, and celebrating drill performances with her teammates and her beloved drill horse, Willow. Bekah treasures the second family she has found at Master’s Touch.
​
A high school graduate of May 2022, Bekah is now pursuing an associate's degree and a career in equine training and therapy. She aspires to share the remarkable gift of creation that God has bestowed upon us with others.
Faith Henning
Riding Instructor
Faith Henning is an instructor at Master’s Touch with a lifelong passion for horses. Her fascination began in childhood when she and her sister took riding lessons at a local farm. Throughout her youth and teenage years, Faith competed in various disciplines, including hunt seat, hunter over fences, dressage, and western pleasure at local shows. Starting at age 16, she dedicated every summer for a decade to running Double E Horse Camps across North Georgia with her best friend.
​
After college, Faith discovered her “heart horse,” a Tennessee Walking Horse named Copper, who now resides at Master’s Touch. She began her professional journey in 2010, training horses, teaching riding lessons, and coaching at shows for local barns. Following her marriage in 2013, she transitioned from the professional horse world to work for the State of Georgia. However, she continued to teach lessons occasionally and enjoy trail riding with Copper. Faith now instructs part-time at Master’s Touch while balancing a full-time job and a side business as an artist.
​
Faith is deeply appreciative of the instructors who mentored her as a young equestrian and is committed to imparting that same knowledge and encouragement to the next generation. Her goal is to cultivate competent and compassionate riders who are well-versed in all aspects of horse care.
Evie Broadnax
Riding Instructor
When she began riding lessons at Master’s Touch in the year 2019, Evie admits she had no idea what all went into the art of riding horses. The first horse she fell in love with as a rider was Sheniah, the sweet sorrel mare at Master’s, who taught her the values of determination and patience as well as the basics of riding. After her first couple of lessons, she told her Mom that she felt like she had finally “found her thing.”
Evie was given the opportunity to participate on the Master’s Touch drill team several months into her riding journey where she enjoyed learning to work as a team with other riders to perform drills on horseback. While she still possesses a strong love and appreciation for drill team, she began horse showing in the fall of 2022. She is loving the experience that showing in western pleasure, ranch riding, and eventually reining is giving her.
Since the beginning of her riding journey, Master’s Touch has been a wonderful influence in her everyday life and a strengthening factor in her own relationship with the Lord. Evie has truly come to love the people, animals, and ministry that all come together in the peaceful atmosphere of Master’s Touch. She loves teaching lessons and passing what she has learned on to the next generation of little riders.
Emily Brandon
Stable Moments & Finding Shalom Program Director
Emily Brandon serves as Director of our Stable Moments and Finding Shalom programs here at the farm. Her role involves connecting with local foster families and families of children who have experienced trauma, and facilitating long term mentorship aimed at equipping youth with life skills that assist with their transition to adulthood.
​
Emily is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s Degree from the University of Georgia. She currently holds a clinical position at Project Family, providing therapy to school age children in and around Walton County who present with a range of diagnosis, to include depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD and autism. She has worked with foster youth since 2015 in several capacities including DFCS Investigative work, Parent Aid work, and Mental Health therapy.
​
Emily lives locally with her husband of 11 years, James, and her two sons, Jay (7) and Walker (5). During the week and weekend, you might find her at the ball field, soccer field or basketball court cheering on her boys in their various sports. In her free time, Emily enjoys hanging out with friends, exercising, gardening or learning something new.
​
Emily’s deep desire is to display the love of Christ to those around her, especially those who feel loved the least. Emily has always been an animal lover and passionate about horses. As a young girl she would always ask to visit her grandfather’s farm and ride his horses, Satin and Domingo, swim in the pool and explore outside. She feels there is something truly amazing that happens when we are connected to God’s creation, whether it be outside, among others or at the barn.
Angela Clegg
Creative Director
Angela Clegg serves as the Creative Director at Master’s Touch, where she blends storytelling with animal and plant sciences, as well as arts such as drama, music, and history, to foster a deeper connection with the God of Creation. Her role involves teaching the principles of Kingdom, Mastery, and Shepherding, with the goal of guiding others to a profound understanding of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
​
Angela has been dedicated to ministry with children and youth since 1990. Her extensive experience includes roles as a youth and children’s ministry director, and fifteen years leading traveling ministries focused on puppetry, music, dance, and clowning. As a homeschool mom, she furthered her ministry by serving as the Creative Director at Master’s Academy of Fine Arts in Athens for 13 years, before transitioning to help cultivate the gifts and books store at the local Social Circle Ace Hardware, owned by her husband, Joel.
​
In 2017, Angela began supporting her daughter, Makayla, in establishing Master’s Touch Recreational Riding. By 2021, she started developing the complementary Christian education and entertainment programs offered at Master’s Touch, which continue to evolve.​ Angela is a cherished member of the Master’s Touch staff, renowned for her extraordinary creativity. Her innovative ideas have transformed the farm in many ways, including our amazing classroom space and beautiful gardens. Her contributions are integral to the vibrant and enriching environment at Master’s Touch.
Rebekah Howard
Summer Camp & Field Trip Director,
Marketing Director
Rebekah Howard is the heart and soul of marketing at Master's Touch, and is also leading the charge as our Field Trip and Summer Camp Director. With a passion for storytelling and the great outdoors, she blends creativity with hands-on experience, overseeing social media, photography, videography, graphic design, and website management—all while dreaming up unforgettable experiences for students and campers.
​
Around the farm, you’ll find her capturing candid moments, leading nature explorations, or adding a spark of fun to summer camp with music, games, and playing in the dirt. She’s passionate about expanding our flower farming and homesteading education programs, hoping to inspire others to connect with the land and its animals.
Rebekah graduated from Kennesaw State with a degree in Public Relations in 2018. From producing videos across the world to building memories right here at the farm, she’s always found her greatest joy in bringing stories to life.
When she’s not working, you’ll find her with her husband and their dogs, soaking in the beauty of farm life. Her enthusiasm and vision continue to shape the experiences that make Master's Touch special.
Raine Boyd
Gardening Instructor
Raine Boyd is a dedicated gardener with over a decade of experience in the field. Her extensive horticultural and gardening knowledge allows her to cultivate thriving garden spaces. With a deep passion for teaching and a commitment to sharing the love of Jesus Christ, Raine excels in educating others about gardening and sustainable practices.
Her enthusiasm for gardening is evident in her work, and she is known for her ability to inspire and engage others through her teaching and personal faith. Her contributions have not only enhanced the beauty of our garden but have also fostered a nurturing and educational environment for all involved.
Tim Rupard
Outdoors Ministries Director
With over 40 years of dedicated experience as an outdoorsman, Tim Rupard has immersed himself in a diverse array of activities, including hiking, kayaking, hunting, fishing, dog training, and shooting. His extensive time spent in nature far surpasses the average lifetime experience of many, reflecting his deep passion and expertise in the field.
Tim's commitment to ministry spans three decades. As an ordained minister, he has served in various roles, including nearly a decade as a men's pastor and missions leader. His ministry work has taken him from the streets of Atlanta, Georgia, to rural communities in Mexico, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, and to the underserved neighborhoods of Puerto Rico. Throughout these experiences, Tim has demonstrated a profound passion for leading, mentoring, and reaching people effectively for the cause of Christ.
In addition to his extensive outdoor and ministry experience, Tim is a published author of two books. He views his current role as the Outdoors Ministries Director at Master’s Touch as a remarkable opportunity to blend his love for the outdoors with his dedication to ministry. For Tim, this position represents a perfect convergence of his passions and skills, allowing him to make a meaningful impact through both outdoor activities and spiritual guidance.