Charlie’s Acres’ founder Tracy Vogt has been an animal lover her whole life. She grew up volunteering at local animal shelters and rescuing dogs and cats, including a very special chihuahua, for whom the sanctuary is named. Originally from an agricultural community, Tracy was introduced to farm animals, and realized how underrepresented they are, even in the rescue world. Tracy sought to create a place where she could not only provide a second chance and a forever home for animals who may have ended up on the dinner plate, but also a place where people could meet these incredible animals, hear their stories, and make a connection with them.
The Vogt family was able to purchase and donate the property in 2016, as well as initial construction and operating costs to start this sanctuary. Charlie’s Acres is a 501c3 non-profit and relies on donations from the public in order to sustain this sanctuary into the future.
Want to meet the rescued animal residents of Charlie's Acres?
Want to help rescued farm animals?
Want to learn more about farmed animals and plant-based eating?
- Plant-based eating and your health
- All about farmed animals
- Our favorite products, local eateries, documentaries and more
- Resources for kids and teachers
- Know an animal who needs help? Contact us at info@charliesacres.org
Tracy Vogt
Founder, Executive Director
Tracy has been an animal lover her whole life. She grew up rescuing dogs and cats, and volunteering
at local animal shelters. From an agricultural community, she was introduced to farm animals, but
never imagined she would start a farm animal sanctuary one day. Armed with a dream, a piece of
property in beautiful Sonoma County, and the imminent arrival of her first rescue pig, Tracy started
Charlie’s Acres from the ground up in the fall of 2016.
Travis Laugeson
Animal Caregiver
A Navy/Marine Corps/Coast Guard Veteran, Travis has worked on the property for eight years as an
all-around ranch hand, groundskeeper, animal caregiver. Travis graciously stayed on as an animal
caregiver when Charlie’s Acres bought the property. Travis is also a former EMT and Licensed
Vocational Nurse. Having cared for horses, chickens, parrots, cats, rescue dogs, as well as having a
pig of his own, Travis has a heart and a gentle hand in caring for those in need.
Rhianna Axon
Animal Care Director
Rhianna is originally from New York, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology.
After graduation, she moved to the west coast with her husband Ryan. She is certified as a dog
trainer and behavior specialist. From a young age, she has always wanted to work with animals. That
dream has led her to work with a variety of species, from reptiles and amphibians to big cats,
chimpanzees, small mammals, raptors, and now farm animals.
Ryan Axon
Facilities Manager
Ryan arrived at the sanctuary in September of 2017 along with his wife Rhianna. A graduate of the
University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science, Ryan takes great
joy in creating interesting and enriching environments for our residents. Along with his animal care
duties, Ryan always makes sure that our facilities stay in tip-top condition.
Amanda Schramm
Animal Care Supervisor / Garden Manager
Amanda was born and raised in Indiana — a place she holds close to her heart — but found
her way out west to develop her culinary career. She formed a deep appreciation for local produce,
became educated on food waste, and is an advocate for knowing where your food comes from. She's
thrilled to be a part of Charlie's Acres, where she gets to combine her love of animals and food
education.
Kaleigh Rhoads
Programs Manager
Kaleigh is a California native and has a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Conservation from UC Berkeley. After graduating, she spent several years working in sanctuaries with exotic animals rescued from the pet and entertainment industries, including apes, monkeys, bears, and big cats. Now, she’s thrilled to be back in California, helping to educate people about the lives of farm animals.
Denise Beringer
Senior Tour Guide
Denise Beringer has spent the last twenty-five years as a private jet and airline pilot. While traveling the world, she found herself feeling more and more passionate about helping animals and advocating for their well-being. She spent time volunteering with companion animals at local shelters, giraffes at the Oakland Zoo, and is a board member for Sunrise Horse Rescue. Once Denise came to Charlie’s Acres, she knew she found her true calling and retired from aviation. She is now able to share her passion for animals as our Outreach Coordinator.
Brenda Rynders
Tour Docent
Brenda grew up in Wisconsin and spent the last five years as a graduate student, earning her first Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and her second Master’s degree in Anthrozoology. She has a demonstrated passion for farmed animal welfare and has volunteered for numerous farmed animal sanctuaries in Northern California prior to coming to Charlie's Acres. Brenda also has an extensive professional background in the fields of veterinary medicine and clinical counseling and has used this knowledge to expand upon her practice of trauma informed care in her work with non-human animals.
Charlie "Pigeon" Parker
Boss Lady
She’s brains and beauty... Charlie is the one in charge here, no question about it! She first came
to live with founder Tracy Vogt in 2010, hailing from the streets of central California. Charlie and
Tracy have been an inseparable team ever since. Having the animal sanctuary named after her has been
a huge confidence boost and she makes sure to tell everyone about it upon first greeting!