Our Team

Beryl Lynn - Founder/Executive Director

When you mix a lifelong love for animals, the environment, and community, and pair it with dramatic life events that lends one to question their place in their world, a project such as Wild Heart is born. One drenched with passion, with the intention of healing oneself, and others, while a regenerative, ripple effect echos throughout the forest floor, sailing through the humid mountain air, and into the hearts and homes of people open to receiving the love that so many lack in this modern day.

Wild Heart is also my home, where I raise my 2 beautiful children, and nourish a homegrown life on our off-grid, family homestead that we have been building from raw land the past few years.

When I am not working at home, I often enjoy time on trails, woods wandering, foraging, quality time with friends, listening to live music, reading books with a big mug of tea, and learning the Mandolin.

Taryn piana - secretary of board

coming soon!

natalie abernathy - treasurer of board & volunteer

As a young girl. I always felt a magenetism towards animals. I knew that my relationship with animals was unique. They seemed to understand my intentions and love for them. I found solace in the woods surrounding my home and all the beautiful animals that I could commune with there. As an adult, I became a beacon for animals in need. Whether it was a baby bird fallen from a nest, an orphaned squirrel, or a stray dog at my doorsteps, they seemed to know they could trust me.

When Beryl initially started her search for volunteers, I knew that it would be a good fit for me . So I found myself at Wild Heart getting to know the sanctuary residents, the land and the community, which now feels like a second home. I find the same comfort and solace that I knew as a child there.

As a long term Florida native, I always felt the Blue Ridge Mountains were my home. I live in Madison County on my own farm, with my family, menagerie of rescued animals, surrounded by my gardens and some of the same woodland animals that bring me much serenity and joy.