ABOUT ACRES AT MAGNOLIA SANCTUARY

Family Founded

In a world often filled with noise and chaos, Stephanie Gluck found her purpose in the gentle rhythm of horses’ hooves and the soft moos of cows. For Stephanie, saying “yes, absolutely” to helping animals in need became both a personal mantra and a calling, igniting a passion that would eventually lead to the creation of Magnolia Equine Rescue and Sanctuary.

It was amid the pandemic that Stephanie and her family relocated to a 14-acre farm in May 2021—a move she describes as the stars aligning, a moment of fate that seemed preordained. It was here that her vision for a haven where farm animals could heal and thrive began to take shape.

Jax and Mojo were the first equines rescued by Stephanie. The moment they stepped off the trailer, she witnessed a subtle yet profound transformation. "I saw them relax," Stephanie recalls, her eyes lighting up with the memory. This powerful experience ignited a fire within her, leaving her inspired to expand her efforts and offer more second chances for creatures in need.

Not long after, a desperate call came in—an urgent plea to save a cow on the brink of slaughter. Without hesitation, Stephanie jumped into action, rushing to rescue Nala from a fate that would have been both cruel and premature.

The journey didn’t stop there. Fate intervened once again when another call came in: a newborn calf, rejected by her mother. Stephanie didn’t shy from the challenge; she embraced it, bottle-feeding Nellie around the clock. “I would sit in the round pen with her and read to her,” she remembers, Stephanie’s heart warm with the memories of their bond. Nellie thrived, blossoming into a beloved member of the sanctuary, embodying the second chance that Stephanie fought so hard to provide.

The Start of Our Rescue Journey

As her commitment grew, Stephanie was fortunate to be mentored by Lesley, the Co-Founder of Bluemont Sanctuary. Under Lesley’s guidance, she gained invaluable insights into the stark realities of animal cruelty. Learning about the extreme circumstances that many animals experience deepened her resolve—the urgent need for a sanctuary where both animals and people could heal inspired her to widen the scope of Magnolia Equine Rescue.

The sanctuary quickly expanded and began rescuing goats from severe starvation cases, nurturing blind horses, and giving a home to countless other farm animals that would have otherwise faced death. 

Today, Stephanie's goals for Magnolia Sanctuary goes beyond just rescuing animals. She dreams of creating an environment of refuge for the community—an inviting space where hope and second chances blossom. A sanctuary where connections can grow, both between animals and humans, nurturing the bond that heals all creatures, big and small.

At Magnolia Equine Rescue and Sanctuary, every rescue tells a story, and every story is rooted in love—a love that represents Stephanie's unwavering belief that kindness can change lives. As she looks to the future, Stephanie believes that together, they can cultivate a community where compassion reigns, fostering a world where every animal in need gets its second chance.

Building Our Team & Mission

support & donate

meet the animals

MEET OUR BOARD

Stephanie Gluck

Founder & president

ABOUT STEPHANIE

Gabrielle Gluck

vice president

ABOUT Gabrielle

Brittany Gluck

treasurer

ABOUT brittany

In a world often filled with noise and chaos, Stephanie Gluck found her purpose in the gentle rhythm of horses’ hooves and the soft moos of cows. For Stephanie, saying “yes, absolutely” to helping animals in need became both a personal mantra and a calling, igniting a passion that would eventually lead to the creation of Magnolia Equine Rescue and Sanctuary.

It was amid the pandemic that Stephanie and her family relocated to an 12 acre farm in May 2021, a move she describes as the stars aligning, a moment of fate that seemed preordained. It was here that her vision for a haven where farm animals could heal and thrive began to take shape.

Jax and Mojo were the first equines rescued by Stephanie. The moment they stepped off the trailer, she witnessed a subtle yet profound transformation. "I saw them relax," Stephanie recalls, her eyes lighting up with the memory. This powerful experience ignited a fire within her, leaving her inspired to expand her efforts and offer more second chances for creatures in need.

Not long after, a desperate call came in, an urgent plea to save a cow on the brink of slaughter. Without hesitation, Stephanie jumped into action, rushing to rescue Nala from a fate that would have been both cruel and premature.

Stephanie Gluck

The journey didn’t stop there. Fate intervened once again when another call came in: a newborn calf, rejected by her mother. Stephanie didn’t shy from the challenge; she embraced it, bottle-feeding Nellie around the clock. “I would sit in the round pen with her and read to her,” she remembers, Stephanie’s heart warm with the memories of their bond. Nellie thrived, blossoming into a beloved member of the sanctuary, embodying the second chance that Stephanie fought so hard to provide.

As her commitment grew, Stephanie was fortunate to be mentored by Lesley, the Co-Founder of Bluemont Sanctuary. Under Lesley’s guidance, she gained invaluable insights into the stark realities of animal cruelty. Learning about the extreme circumstances that many animals experience deepened her resolve; the urgent need for a sanctuary where both animals and people could heal inspired her to widen the scope of Magnolia Equine Rescue.

The sanctuary quickly expanded and began rescuing goats from severe starvation cases, nurturing blind horses, and giving a home to countless other farm animals that would have otherwise faced death. 

Today, Stephanie's goals for Magnolia Sanctuary goes beyond just rescuing animals. She dreams of creating an environment of refuge for the community, an inviting space where hope and second chances blossom. A sanctuary where connections can grow, both between animals and humans, nurturing the bond that heals all creatures, big and small.

At Magnolia Equine Rescue and Sanctuary, every rescue tells a story, and every story is rooted in love, a love that represents Stephanie's unwavering belief that kindness can change lives. As she looks to the future, Stephanie believes that together, they can cultivate a community where compassion reigns, fostering a world where every animal in need gets its second chance.

Gabrielle Gluck is the Vice President of Acres at Magnolia Equine Rescue & Sanctuary, a leading animal rescue organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of abused, abandoned and neglected animals.

With a deep passion for animal welfare and years of experience in the field, Gabrielle has been instrumental in shaping the sanctuary’s mission, policies and outreach efforts and is solely committed to improving these animals lives. She has been an integral part of the mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home these animals in need.

Through out her career, Gabrielle has been dedicated to advocating and has worked alongside both local & statewide organizations to promote humane treatment, responsible rescue ownership, and increased awareness of the challenges faced by animals less fortunate.

Gabrielle has played a pivotal role in the organizations growth, focusing on initiatives such as animal welfare, raising funds and engaging the community. These include establishing a sponsorship program for individual animals, hosting fundraising events, collaborating with local businesses and organizations to expand reach and impact, farm tours and actively seeking grant funding.

Gabrielle Gluck

In addition to her work with Acres at Magnolia Equine Rescue & Sanctuary, Gabrielle has been involved in various volunteer projects, has 10+ years in the human medical field, and continues to stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in animal rescue and welfare.

As Vice President, Gabrielle oversees day-to-day operations, coordinates partnerships with other organizations and plays a key role in strategic planning. Her efforts have contributed to numerous successful campaigns, fundraising initiatives, and community outreach programs that have raised awareness.

Gabrielle is especially passionate about creating educational programs for the public to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership and the importance of rescue.

Her leadership has not only helped improve the sanctuary impact but has also elevated the voices of the animals who would otherwise remain unheard.
When she is not working tirelessly to improve the lives of rescued animals, Gabrielle enjoys going to the beach and enjoying the outdoors.

As treasurer of Magnolia Equine Rescue and Sanctuary, Brittany Gluck brings over 15 years of experience in accounting and budgeting, paired with a lifelong passion for animal welfare. She ensures that the sanctuary’s financial resources are managed with transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability. Her financial expertise plays a vital role in maintaining the organization’s fiscal health, allowing the sanctuary to remain focused on its mission: rescuing, rehabilitating, and providing lifelong care for farm animals in need.  

Beyond her professional background, Brittany is a dedicated advocate for animal rights. She joined the board to combine her financial acumen with her deep compassion for equines, helping to ensure that every donation directly supports the well-being and care of the sanctuary’s animals.

In her role as Treasurer, Brittany leads budgeting, financial reporting, and strategic financial planning - contributing significantly to Magnolia’s continued growth and impact.

Brittany Gluck

Stephen Gluck

Director of Operations & Animals

ABOUT STEPHen

Richard Gluck

Assistant Director of Operations & Animals

ABOUT richard

Stephanie Hueston

secretary

ABOUT stephanie

Stephen is the dedicated and passionate director of operations & animals here at Acres at Magnolia Equine Rescue and Sanctuary, an organization committed to the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of farm animals in need. With a deep love for animals and a strong belief in animal rights, Stephen has led the organization through numerous rescues, advocating for animals who have faced cruelty, neglect or abandonment.

Through out the years, Stephen has become acutely aware of the plight of farm animals, often overlooked in the broader animal rights movement. He has overseen many animal rescue cases, and has given them a second chance at life.

Stephen is a strong advocate for ethical, sustainable farming practices and works closely with others about humane animal treatment and environmentally conscious farming. Stephen also works very closely with Dr. Ball and our veterinary team.

He believes that all animals deserve respect, compassion, and a safe environment to thrive. He is a true advocate for animals and he continues to inspire others with a steadfast commitment to animal care & rights.
Outside of work, Stephen enjoys motocross, boating, jet skiing and being by the water.

Stephen Gluck

Richard Gluck is a passionate advocate for animal welfare and the current Assistant Director of Operations & Animals here at Acres at Magnolia Equine Rescue and Sanctuary, a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and providing life long care for farm animals in need. With a deep-rooted commitment to environmental stewardship and ethical animal care, Richard has dedicated his career to transforming the lives of abused, neglected, and abandoned animals.

Under Richard’s leadership, Acres at Magnolia Equine Rescue and Sanctuary has grown significantly. The Farm now operates with a team of dedicated staff & volunteers, all working together to provide a safe, loving environment for every animal that comes through it’s gates.

In addition to overseeing day-to-day operations, Richard is also passionate and advocates about the importance of human farming practices, animal rights, and the broader issues of factory farming and animal cruelty. 
When not working on the farm, Richard enjoys spending time with his family, grandkids, boating and kicking back at the beach.

Richard Gluck

Stephanie Hueston brings a wealth of expertise and compassion to Magnolia Equine Rescue and Sanctuary, combining a strong background in nonprofit leadership with decades of hands-on animal rescue experience. She studied Nonprofit Management and Financial Management for Nonprofits at Brookdale Community College and was honored with an Honorary Associate of Arts degree in 2023 in recognition of her service and dedication to community impact.

In 2010, Stephanie founded Coping With Laryngomalacia, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit inspired by her daughter’s life-saving airway surgery. Under her leadership, the organization has become a national resource for families facing airway disorders, providing advocacy, education, and support. Stephanie has also been a dedicated volunteer with Special People United to Ride (SPUR) in Lincroft, NJ, where she supported therapeutic riding programs for individuals with disabilities. Her involvement included speaking engagements, fundraisers, and a national television appearance on the TODAY Show to promote SPUR’s mission and increase public awareness of the program’s life-changing work.

A lifelong animal lover, Stephanie began her rescue journey by rehabilitating abandoned and neglected rabbits and later expanded her passion in caring for larger animals, especially equines. Her deep compassion, hands-on experience, and commitment to ethical rescue practices make her a vital asset to the Board of Directors.

Through every facet of her work, Stephanie exemplifies dedication, transparency, and heart; values that are deeply woven into the mission of Magnolia Equine Rescue and Sanctuary.

Stephanie Hueston

Dr. Cathy Ball

Board Member & Veterinarian

ABOUT Cathy

Lilliana Paden

youth representative

ABOUT Lilliana

Seraphina Paden

youth representative

ABOUT seraphina

Dr. Cathy Ball grew up in a small town in Union County, NJ, where she helped care for horses and ponies on one of the last farms in her town and rode at Watchung Stables. She graduated from Cook College, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and lettered in swimming. At Rutgers Graduate School, Dr. Ball received a Master’s degree in Physiology. She then attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1986.

Dr. Ball began her career at the NYRA surgical hospital at Belmont Park, NY, and later returned to New Jersey as an examining veterinarian for the NJRC, working with both thoroughbred and harness racing horses. During that time, she also established her own practice focused on pleasure and companion horses. In 1991, Dr. Ball moved to Monmouth County and founded Cranberry Woods Equine Veterinary Service. By 2000, she entered the veterinary pharmaceutical industry, where she continues to lead research studies and manage drug product registrations with FDA/CVM, USDA, EPA, and EMEA.
She is now part of Colts Neck Equine Associates, where she brings her extensive expertise in performance horse care and ruminant medicine to the practice.

As the sanctuary’s dedicated veterinarian, Dr. Ball plays a vital role on our Board of Directors. She has provided exceptional care to our rescued animals, many of whom had never received proper veterinary attention before arriving at Magnolia. Her commitment and compassion have been instrumental in their healing and rehabilitation. Dr. Ball actively oversees the management and medical care of all animals at the sanctuary, ensuring that each resident receives the high-quality, individualized treatment they deserve.
In her spare time, Dr. Ball enjoys biking, hiking, kayaking, and skiing during the winter months. She also remains deeply involved in the lives of her eight nieces and nephews, as well as her great-nieces and great-nephews.

Dr. Cathy Ball

At 16 years old, Lilliana is a passionate advocate for horses and their well-being. Her involvement in the 4-H Horse Science Club has fueled her deep understanding of horse behavior, anatomy, and proper care practices. Lilliana is particularly dedicated to educating others about positive animal welfare and the importance of responsible horsemanship.

Lilliana Paden

Seraphina is a 15-year-old advocate for animal welfare, specializing in the care and well-being of horses. Her passion shines through her involvement with 4-H, where she competes with the horse science club and gains valuable knowledge about equine health, nutrition, and responsible ownership. Seraphina is enthusiastic about educating the public on proper animal care and inspiring others to become advocates for all animals in need.

Seraphina Paden