Cross Creek Meadows
Board of Directors
DARLA WURTZ - FOUNDER
Darla Wurtz has lived in Limestone county since 1992. Cross Creek was put on her heart after the loss of her mother and husband. She has 4 grown children and 5 amazing grandchildren and can already see the love for horses growing daily with several of them. Darla has been employed with Groesbeck ISD for nearly 18 years as a Liaison and Truancy Officer, although her favorite time at work was when she could go to the coffee cart run by children with special needs. Darla was inspired by her granddaughter, a cancer survivor and a great-nephew she adores that has a degenerative muscle disease yet loves to come to Texas to ride horses. Her favorite hobbies are cooking, facilitating bible studies, and playing on the beaches in Florida. She plans to retire soon and build relationships with participants and their families at Cross Creek Meadows.
JOE CAYTON
After graduating with a Master’s Degree from the University of Texas in Austin, Joe Cayton held various production and executive positions in television, working for Austin City Limits and Paramount Television.
After his television career, he has worked in philanthropy for the past 20 years, most recently as Director of Corporate Relations with Star of Hope Mission in Houston, one of the largest homeless and rehabilitation centers in the country. Before that he was Associate Development Director at Baylor College of Medicine, and earlier still he was Manager of Foundation Giving at Open Door Mission. For the various not-for-profit organizations, he has been instrumental in raising over $77 million for Christ centered organizations.
CHARLES LITTLE - BOARD CHAIRMAN
Charles Little brings his 33 years of experience, in the utility industry, and 15 years on the local and state school board to his position on this board. He is a father and grandfather and has been married to His wife Sue for 47 years. He and his family live on their ranch that has been in his family since 1854.
He lists his greatest accomplishment in life as being a born-again Christian, having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. When asked why he is serving on this board, he responded, “ I believe that God is calling Darla Wurtz to begin and operate this equine therapy ministry, and I do not want to stand before God and try to explain why I did not do everything possible to assist in His work.”
SHERRI LENOIR - BOARD SECRETARY
Being a project-driven person, Sherri LeNoir volunteers her time to her community and has been involved in many Limestone County organizations and events. She became part of Cross Creek Meadows Therapeutic Riding Center after witnessing multiple confirmations that Darla Wurtz received from our LORD and Savior and coined our Cross Creek Meadow’s phrase, “Of course you are” when people would express their equine healing stories. Sherri was grateful to be by Darla’s side as she undertook this healing ministry and to serve with the others on the Executive Board. Managing a full-time job and her large family, she feels that the rewards of being on the ground floor of this nonprofit organization have far outweighed the challenges.
KAY ALSTON - EXECUTIVE BOARD
Kay Alston's adult life has been spent in volunteer service to God, her country, its leaders, military, veterans and community. She brings decades of knowledge and experience in volunteer service organizations and fundraising to the Cross Creek Meadows ministry. Kay views the opportunity of contributing to the vision of building a barn and birthing the equine therapy program benefiting veterans and children as a blessing and yet another way to serve our Most High God.
JERI PENNY
Jeri has lived in Groesbeck for over 20 years and consider it home. She has been in banking for over 25 years and loves being able to work with and help people. Jeri and her husband have 2 children and 8 grandchildren. Their favorite thing to do is spend time with their grandchildren. She also enjoys traveling and crafting.
JAMIE MCLEAN - VICE CHAIRMAN
Jamie attended Baylor University and married her High School Sweetheart, veteran Dillon McLean. They have a precious daughter that loves horses.
Jamie is the Director of the Groesbeck Public Library and the Vice Chairman of Cross Creek Meadows Executive Board.
STEVE NANCE - BOARD MEMBER / VETERAN AFFAIRS
Raised in a farming and ranching family, Steve calls home Desdemona, Texas in Eastland County. While attending Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, his major was in Horse Production. Just before his senior year, Steve received his call to ministry and changed universities to prepare for seminary. He has served many United Methodist Churches in the central Texas area and was Executive Director of Glen Lake Camp in Glen Rose before he and his wife, Tana, came to Groesbeck to serve the First Methodist Church. Having pastored the Methodist Churches of Groesbeck and Thornton for over ten years, they hope to make Groesbeck their permanent home and continue their love for the people of this area as well as their love for animals.
