Meet the Team!
Heidi Medas
Co-Founder/ Board President
“The two most important days of your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” -- Mark Twain
For Heidi that “why” has always been clear: animals.
From a young age, Heidi was drawn to animals with a deep sense of empathy and love. Over the years, that childhood passion grew into a lifelong mission of rescuing, healing, and providing sanctuary for animals in need.
In 2012, Heidi founded Smokey Chestnut Farm Rescue, a sanctuary born of her commitment to offering every animal a safe, loving, and peaceful home for life. Her work at the rescue is more than a calling. It’s the soul of her everyday life. For over 30 years, she has worked as an interpreter for deaf students and faculty at Boston University, a role that has allowed her the flexibility to care for the physical and emotional needs of each animal at the farm. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Development from Boston University Wheelock College of Education and Human Development and a Juris Doctorate from New England School of Law.
Her journey has been filled with joy and heartbreak – like saying goodbye to her beloved horses Annie and Helen, pictured here shortly before their peaceful passing. “This was one of the hardest days of my life,” Heidi shares. “But through it all, I’ve learned that every single day is truly a gift.”
Bob Medas
Co-Founder/ Site & Building Maintenance
Bobby is the co-owner of Smokey Chestnut Farm and a driving force behind its day-to-day operations. A trusted advisor to the Board, he manages all buildings and maintenance on the farm and keeps everything running safely and smoothly. Whether it’s constructing a new shelter, repairing equipment, or solving unexpected issues, there’s truly nothing Bobby can’t fix, build, or improve. His love for animals shines through in every interaction, and he’s always ready to help with medical care and emergencies.
Retired from the Town of Norton Highway Department, Bobby brings a lifetime of skills— he’s an expert mechanic, beekeeper, pizza maker, and ironwork artist. He even crafts the beautiful trophies for our annual Hot Rods for Horses car show. Surrounded by enthusiastic volunteers, Bobby is the one who helps turn their ideas into reality. No matter how many suggestions come his way, he remains approachable and unassuming. Known for his humor, problem solving, and unshakeable dedication, Bobby is invaluable to Smokey Chestnut Farm.
Diane Appt
Board Chair
A lifelong horse lover, Diane began volunteering with Smokey Chestnut Farm in 2021 after discovering it online—and immediately knew it was where she belonged. Known for her unwavering “we’ll figure it out” attitude on the farm, she is a steady and compassionate presence, assisting with everything from daily chores to medical treatments—including her dedicated care for Bud the draft horse during “Big Horse Medicine Sundays.” Beyond her hands-on work with the animals, Diane also brings a nurturing spirit to the “people” side of the rescue. She takes special care to support and welcome both new volunteers and visitors, ensuring they feel informed, appreciated, and part of the rescue’s mission from day one.
Prior to her work at the rescue, Diane had more than 20 years of volunteer leadership experience with the Boy Scouts of America, having served as both a troop leader and committee member. This long-standing commitment to youth development reflects her dedication to service, mentorship, and building strong communities.
Diane is a Senior Manager at a leading medical laboratory equipment company with over 40 years of experience as a healthcare professional. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Massachusetts, and her scientific background and leadership experience provide invaluable support to the rescue’s medical and organizational needs. She is honored to serve on the board and help further the mission of giving animals - and people- a place to connect, heal, and thrive!
Lori Linehan
Board Vice Chair
Lori Linehan joined Smokey Chestnut Farm in 2022, seeking healing and connection after the loss of her sister, a fellow animal lover. What began as a personal journey through grief quickly blossomed into a deep commitment to the farm’s mission. As both a dedicated volunteer and board member, Lori brings a quiet strength and calming presence that many of the animals naturally respond to.
She has played a hands-on role in the care of the farm’s diverse residents—including horses, pigs, goats, and alpacas—and was part of the devoted trio that spent Sundays tending to Bud’s hoof treatments. Lori is especially fond of Lucas, the farm’s largest horse and a gentle Belgian draft, often found discovering his newest favorite scratching spot. She finds joy in welcoming new herd members and earning their trust.
Outside the farm, Lori is a Senior Cybersecurity Engineer at a local insurance company and brings valuable board experience to her role. She is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders. During her time at UMASS, Lori was a proud member of the 350+ member UMASS Marching Band, serving on the administrative staff as Uniform Manager. Throughout high school and college, she played nearly every instrument in the marching band, showcasing her versatility and love for music.
Her thoughtful leadership, technical expertise, and compassionate approach help guide the farm’s growth while honoring the memory of her sister through every rescued life.
Mary Torres
Board Secretary
Mary Torres first visited Smokey Chestnut Farm in November of 2021. Never having been around horses, she was both in love with them and afraid of their large stature. With a lot of patience and mentoring from the volunteers, she has grown to become more comfortable and absolutely loves brushing them. Mary continues to be in awe of their regal presence. The love she has for them fills her heart and they give her a lot of love back. Mary holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Computer Science. She is now retired after working 32 years in the IT department of a major insurance company. During her career, she progressed through many different roles: programmer, analyst, facilitator, trainer, project manager, and finally managed a group of twenty individuals responsible for the financial systems for the corporation. She enjoys her volunteer work at Smokey Chestnut Farm and is most impressed with Heidi and Bob’s dedication and love for these deserving animals.
Brianna Medas
Board Treasurer
Brianna Medas is a project and talent management professional with expertise in recruitment, event coordination, and nonprofit operations. At Boston University Advancement, she supports the People & Culture team as a Senior Project Associate by enhancing candidate experience and operational efficiency. A dedicated volunteer, Brianna also serves as Treasurer and Marketing/Event Lead for Smokey Chestnut Farm which includes overseeing logistics and vendor management for seasonal craft fairs and other major fundraising events. She also drives the organization’s digital outreach by managing the website, email campaigns, and social media strategy to boost community engagement and donor support. Brianna holds a Master of Science in Project Management from Boston University and is pursuing additional graduate degrees in Arts Administration and Fundraising Management. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art, with minors in Business & Management and Education, from Wheaton College (MA).
Emma Shanley
Board Member
Emma joined the Smokey Chestnut Farm family in May 2024 after attending the Spring Craft Fair. She and her mother instantly fell in love with Smokey and its mission. The daughter-mother duo volunteer to do evening chores twice a week. You can find them chatting and laughing together as they muck stalls and paddocks. Emma’s “unofficial” favorites at the farm are Rosie and Pepper (the goats) as well as Finn, Mama, and Pumbaa (the pigs). As a board member, Emma assists with fundraising, sponsorships, creative design, and social media. She’s always willing to lend a helping hand in any way she can.
Emma holds a Bachelor of Arts in English- Creative Writing and a Master of Arts in English from Bridgewater State University. During her graduate education, Emma worked as an Editorial Assistant for the Journal of International Women’s Studies. She believes there is nothing more vital than storytelling. That is why she enjoys sharing the stories of the wonderful herd at Smokey. To quote the wonderful A.A. Milne: “Some people talk to animals. Not many listen though. That’s the problem.”
Crystal Medeiros
Lead Volunteer
Crystal joined the Smokey herd in the summer of 2021, shortly after the heartbreaking loss of her beloved heart horse, Cash. Knowing she needed to stay close to horses, she found her way to Smokey, where her healing journey began.
At the time, Crystal was working the third shift at the Wrentham Developmental Center. Despite the grueling hours, she came to the farm every weekday morning after work to help with feeding and morning chores. Her dedication was immediate and unwavering.
Crystal is truly a workhorse in spirit. Years of lifting and caring for others have left her body with arthritis, but that doesn’t stop her — she moves around the farm with a limp and a smile, always giving her all.
Now retired, Crystal enjoys every moment she spends volunteering at Smokey. She is Heidi’s right hand, and the animals adore and trust her deeply. Her strength, kindness, and quiet devotion make her an irreplaceable part of the Smokey family.
