Board Members

M.Ed., LPC-S

Executive Director and co-founder of Runnin Free Ranch. ​

​Amy Dojahn has loved horses since she can remember. She and her cousin rode horses together in childhood even though Amy dealt with severe juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. By age 10 she could no longer walk or ride a horse but her love of horses never ended. In 1989 Amy realized that her life was empty aside from the life saving power of Jesus Christ. With God’s direction Amy became a licensed professional counselor in 1994 and since then God has brought DJ and Amy together to begin the ministry of Runnin Free Ranch.

(nickname DJ) co-founder of Runnin Free Ranch. 

DJ has a servant heart as demonstrated in his 20 plus years in the vehicle modification for the disabled industry. He met his wife, Amy Valigura, through his career in this industry and they married in 2003. DJ has always had a heart for helping people, the outdoors and animals. In 2016 he and his wife Amy started a new adventure with the Lord’s leading, Runnin Free Ranch, in which they desire to help all individuals experience freedom in Jesus through equine assisted activities/counseling

George Westmoreland brings over 45 years of experience in the Information and Technology sector,  having served as the Chief Technology Officer at a FIN/TECH 100 company before retiring.  A long-time resident of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, George relocated to Ennis, TX, in 2022. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his leadership and innovation in technology.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, George is deeply involved in community service. As a proud Eagle Scout and a Wood Badge-trained Scout Master, George has received the prestigious Silver Beaver Award for his outstanding service to the Boy Scouts of America. His commitment to leadership and mentorship has positively impacted countless young lives.

George is also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, embodying dedication and discipline in all facets of his life. He has been married to his wife, Debra, for over 43 years, and they both attend The Road Church in Ennis.

Joyce Lindauer is a practicing attorney and mediator with offices in Ennis and Dallas, Texas. Joyce serves as an Associate Judge for the City of Ennis and as a member of the board of directors for Helping Hands of Ennis, Ennis Public Theatre, and Runnin’ Free Ranch. Joyce is also a member of the Lions Club of Ennis and First United Methodist Church of Ennis.

Joyce grew up in the Lake Highlands area of Dallas and has lived in North Texas since age 2. With her husband Dave and a bevy of domestic and farm animals, Joyce lives on a small ranch in Ellis County. Together they have been instrumental in the rebirth of the Ennis Downtown Historic District.  ​​Joyce’s law career has included the earning of a law degree from SMU, and later a second masters degree in dispute resolution, again from SMU. Joyce has been a partner in a major Dallas law firm, served as a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee for the US Bankruptcy Court, and taught law school as an adjunct professor at Texas Wesleyan School of Law.  Joyce has experience as a small business owner, having established the law firm that bears her name in 1994. Joyce’s firm has a staff of four attorneys, three paralegals, as well as other staff.  Joyce has received numerous awards and recognitions. She has been named a Best Lawyer in Dallas, and also a Preeminent Women Lawyer in Texas.

Frances Smith grew up in Irving, Texas and now lives in Ellis County. She is a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington and Southern Methodist Dedman School of Law.  She is a shareholder in the law firm of Ross, Smith & Binford, PC. She has loved horses all her life and after raising their children, she and her husband John got their first horses and took up riding. They now have a homestead in Ellis County that they share with their horses Bentley and Ginger.  They also have three donkeys, four kitties, and two dogs, all rescues. Frances joined the board in 2022 after attending the annual Runnin Free Ranch gala, hearing the testimonials, and learning of the wonderful work Amy and DJ were doing at Runnin Free Ranch. They are truly doing God's work. Frances is thankful to be a part of the board of this organization and the work it does.  

Candace Hayden-Jordan and her husband moved to Ennis TX in 2022.  She received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Western Governor’s University in 2023. She is an active member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Ennis.