Executive Director
Cheryl Torres
Cheryl joined our team in January of 2018 as the new Director and has experience in fostering attachment in families. Cheryl has a BA in Psychology from Rockhurst University. Upon graduation Cheryl served in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps as a counselor of older adults with chronic and severe mental illness. The following year, Cheryl served as a foster mother to medically fragile infants and children from severely neglectful homes. Cheryl was then hired as a foster care caseworker in August of 2005. Cheryl served Casa De Esperanza Des Los Ninos as a Foster Care Worker, Training Foster/ Adoptive Parents and Adoption Coordinator over 6 years.
Cheryl is married for 15 years to Jason and has 5 children. Peter, Nathanael, Andrew, Joseph and Abigail.
Cheryl cherishes the opportunity to provide a sanctuary for amazing families who do so much for their children. All of the effort is worthwhile when she sees one kid smile and build a wonderful memory with their family or make a new friend!
Administrative and Family Engagement Coordinator
Jessica Bolton
Jessica joined Elijah’s Retreat in May 2024, bringing over 12 years of experience as a Massage Therapist. Dedicated to her community, Jessica continues to offer her expertise locally when she can. Beyond her professional life, she thrives on mentoring young athletes as the coach of her daughter’s 14U softball team in Jacksonville, finding joy in teaching and inspiring the next generation.
Having grown up on a farm surrounded by a variety of animals—including cows, chickens, pigs, rabbits, and even wild geese—Jessica is thrilled to be back in a similar environment. She feels blessed to contribute to the meaningful work of Elijah’s Retreat, where she strives to make a positive impact on every visiting family.
Jessica has been married to her husband, Brady Bolton, for 15 years. Together, they are devoted parents to their three children: Adley, Bodie, and Jack. The Boltons cherish family time, whether it’s reading, playing games, or being active members of their church community.
With her warm spirit and commitment to helping others, Jessica is excited about her role at Elijah’s Retreat and looks forward to creating lasting memories for the families she serves.
Coordinator of Hospitality & Animals Kristen Sohn
Kristen joined the Elijah’s Retreat team in February 2019 and brings with her a background in professional maid services, childcare, and animal husbandry.
Married to her husband, Stephen, for 21 years, Kristen is the proud mom of two adult children—Kaleb and Kathryne. She has a lifelong love for animals and has shared her home (and barn) with everything from rescue dogs to farm animals. Dogs still hold the top spot in her heart, but horses are a very close second.
Kristen enjoys being a part of the day-to-day work at the Retreat and loves knowing her efforts are making a difference for families. Whether it’s cleaning cabins, feeding animals, or lending a hand with events, she puts her heart into it all. What makes it most meaningful to her? The joy on kids’ faces, the friendships formed, and the sense of purpose this place has given her.
When she’s not working at the Retreat, you’ll likely find Kristen spending time with her animals, enjoying the peace of country life, or catching up with the many friends she’s made along the way.
Coordinator of Equine Services
Katie Raney
One of the newest members of our team, Katie, began assisting and leading our mini-equine sessions at Elijah’s Retreat in 2022.
Before life at the Retreat, Katie pursued a career in education and has over 15 years of teaching experience. After receiving both her BA and MA in English, Katie taught English at the high school and college levels, infusing her classes with a love of Shakespeare
and poetry.
She loves to learn new things and in the past year has learned to start flowers and vegetables from seed, muck horse stalls, and play the ukulele (as long as the songs stay in the key of C).
When she’s not corralling her own four children (Lincoln, Brody, Callahan, and Meara), she’s rounding up the Retreat’s three horses (Honey, Philip, and Mary) and winning their affections with carrots and ear rubs.
Coordinator of Maintenance & Construction
Brian Raney
Welcomed to our team in 2021, Brian functions as our Swiss-army knife, handling whatever situations come up at the Retreat.
Brian serves as the volunteer\homestead coordinator at the Retreat.
Prior to coming to the Retreat, Brian served as a minister for 12 years. He has decades of experience working with parents and children. He has earned a Bachelor’s of Biblical Counseling.
He enjoys sports, fixing things and hanging out with his family.
With 4 kids, he stays busy but strives to make time to help others as much as possible.
Coordinator of Equine Services
Hailey Potter
One of the newest members of our team, Hailey joined Elijah’s Retreat in January of 2025 and now assists in leading our mini-equine sessions alongside Katie.
Before joining the Retreat, Hailey earned a degree in Cross-Cultural Studies from Howard Payne University and spent her time learning about people, cultures, and how to build bridges of hope and belonging. Raised in East Texas, she credits her Memaw—her lifelong hero—for inspiring her heart for families with a wide range of needs and abilities. That heart has only grown stronger through the years and is reflected in every part of her life.
Hailey has been married to her husband, Brian, for 15 adventurous years. Together, they have two daughters—Selah Grace and Abigail Joy—who share their parents’ love of animals, community, and wide-open spaces.
When she’s not at the barn or walking the pasture, Hailey enjoys deep conversations, spontaneous road trips, and finding new ways to make people feel seen, safe, and welcome.
Coordinator of Equine Services
Rachael McDonald
Rachael McDonald brings a love of learning, adventure, and animals to her role at Elijah’s Retreat. Inspired by stories of her dad barrel racing, she began riding lessons at 13 and never looked back. Her passion for animals led her to earn a degree in Animal Science from Stephen F. Austin State University, and she recently completed her Master’s of Education from Schreiner University.
Rachael just wrapped up her fourth year teaching 5th and 6th grade science at Nichols Intermediate, where she’s known for bringing energy, curiosity, and creativity into the classroom.
She loves the Lord, her incredible son, her close-knit family (including her parents and brother), and every one of her animals. Whether she’s riding, hiking, or enjoying the great outdoors, Rachael finds joy in adventure and connection.
Working at Elijah’s Retreat—where horses, families, and the love of Christ come together—has been a natural fit and a source of true joy for her.
Coordinator of Equine Services
Sherry Driggs
Sherry Driggs brings a nurturing spirit and creative heart to Elijah’s Retreat. Married to her high school sweetheart for 51 years, Sherry has spent a lifetime building a family rooted in love, laughter, and adventure.
A gifted artist, she enjoys drawing and painting in her spare time. Before joining the Retreat, she once gave lively train tours at the Gladys Porter Zoo—entertaining guests with fun animal facts and plenty of humor. She homeschooled her two children, raising a son with a creative eye and a daughter with a wild sense of adventure. Her love for horses began when her daughter started riding, and that bond with horses has only grown. These days, she finds great peace in grooming, riding, and simply being around them.
Known lovingly as “Marmie” to her grandson, Sherry treasures every moment spent with him. For her, Elijah’s Retreat is a place where her passion for children, family, and animals beautifully come together.