Brooks Trotter, MD, Co-Founder
Brooks Trotter, MD, is the owner of Rush Creek Ranch near Decatur, Texas, and Co-Founder of Rush Creek Sanctuary. He practices Internal Medicine in Grapevine, Texas, and has dedicated more than three decades to serving both his patients and the North Texas community through compassionate leadership, philanthropy, and innovative programs that improve lives.
For more than 27 years, Dr. Trotter has opened Rush Creek Ranch to local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, establishing and maintaining a campground that has provided generations of young people with opportunities to learn, grow, and experience the outdoors. His lifelong commitment to animal welfare is reflected in his adoption of rescue dogs for more than 25 years, continuously sharing his home with rescued companions, while also providing sanctuary and care for rescued mini-donkeys and other equines.
In 2024, Dr. Trotter co-founded Rush Creek Sanctuary, offering Rush Creek Ranch as a safe haven for rescue animals, veterans, first responders, their families, and children with special needs. His vision has helped create a place where healing, education, and connection come together through the unique bond between people and animals.
Today, Dr. Trotter is helping lead the integration of animal rescue with equine- and bovine-assisted therapy programs, recognizing the powerful benefits these relationships provide for both the rescued animals and the individuals they serve. His commitment to compassionate care, community service, and innovative therapeutic programs continues to shape the mission and future of Rush Creek Sanctuary.
Karen Renee, Co-Founder & Operations Director
Karen Renee has been a dedicated leader in the local charitable and animal rescue community for over 35 years. She has actively raised awareness and provided support for individuals facing life-altering challenges through no fault of their own, including those impacted by breast cancer, childhood cancer, ALS, and disabled veterans. Her philanthropic work has supported more than 40 local nonprofit organizations, including children’s hospitals, shelters for abused women, food banks, and community charity events such as 5K runs.
Karen’s passion for animal rescue began at the age of 13. Over the past eight years, she has focused on rescuing and rehabilitating domestic and farm animals, as well as wildlife. Her work has expanded into animal-assisted therapy, where she has seen firsthand the profound mental and physical benefits for both people and the animals they interact with.
Diagnosed with lupus in her 20s and later facing additional serious health challenges in 2023, Karen’s personal journey has deepened her commitment to healing and service. After rescuing several mini-donkeys, she began incorporating animal therapy into her work, discovering its powerful impact on recovery and well-being.
Today, Karen is focused on developing equine-assisted therapy programs, training horses to support veterans and their families in recovering from PTSD. Guided by her own experiences and a deep belief in the healing connection between humans and animals, Karen has partnered with Dr. Brooks Trotter to co-found Rush Creek Sanctuary, expanding her mission to serve both people and animals in need.
Daryl Fleming, PhD
Board Member
Daryl Fleming is an accomplished engineer, executive, and innovator with a career spanning four decades. He has led operations on over $20 billion in infrastructure projects and pioneered technologies now widely used in transportation systems, including V2X communications and electronic tolling.
In addition to his engineering leadership, Daryl has held senior roles at Hughes Aircraft and Lockheed Martin and co-founded The eTrans Group, a global consulting firm.
Following a life-altering accident early in his career, Daryl dedicated his work to improving safety and mobility for others. He is also an award-winning musician, composer, and educator, bringing a unique blend of creativity and leadership to the sanctuary’s mission.
Dr. Pamela Darrow
Head of Therapy
Dr. Pamela Darrow is a clinical Psychiatrist and specialist in education and therapy for children with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum. With over 30 years of experience, she has worked in both public and private school systems to support student success academically and socially.
She leads therapy programs at the sanctuary and holds certifications in animal-assisted therapy, integrating therapeutic techniques that support both emotional and developmental growth.
Dr. Darrow holds multiple advanced degrees across psychology, education, mediation, and human development, and has dedicated her career to helping individuals thrive.
Mary Lou Fleming
Operations & Administration
Mary Lou Fleming brings over 30 years of experience in administration, event planning, and organizational leadership. She has served as Administrator for the Mechanical Contractors of Fairbanks and held multiple roles within the Fulton County School District, including Registrar at Johns Creek High School.
Her expertise includes managing operations, coordinating large-scale events, and supporting nonprofit initiatives. She has also been an active volunteer, raising funds for animal rescue organizations and supporting community programs.
Mary Lou plays a vital role in ensuring the sanctuary’s operations run smoothly while supporting its mission and outreach efforts.
Elisa Marquis
Wellness Holistic Educational Services | Grief Recovery
Elisa Marquis suffered several emotional losses growing up; felt devastated by her sister’s tragic death, her mother and father’s Divorce in addition to the deaths of her mother and father in law’s, her husband’s deployments. These losses affected her life in a negative way. Learning to navigate and move forward from her losses through the Grief Recovery Method has been an incredible gift. Elisa teaches men and women the correct tools to move forward from their emotional losses, PTSD and Trauma. One on One, Online, Groups, 2 Day Personal Workshops-Grief Recovery, Helping Children Deal with Loss Program, Pet Loss, in English and Spanish.
Elisa’s mission is to help men and women who are suffering from emotional losses start their healing in a compassionate, non-judgmental, safe environment.
Elisa facilitates Emotional Freedom Technique (Tapping) and Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP)and Life Coaching Services sessions in the following settings, One on One, Online, Groups, 2 Day Personal Workshops.