Where the Forest Heals
Trauma Farms began as a quiet act of reclamation — of land, of purpose, and of healing.
Nestled in the Appalachian foothills of Old Fort, Tennessee, our family homestead grew from the belief that healing starts in the dirt — in tending the wild, gathering what’s already been given, and returning to rhythms older than we are.
We forage from our own land and the surrounding forest, crafting remedies in small, intentional batches. What we make — from plantain salve and turkey tail mushrooms to herbal bundles and farm goods — is grown, gathered, and offered with love.
Trauma Farms is more than a place. It’s a promise: that healing should be accessible, sacred, and slow. That nature holds what we need. And that even hurt things can bloom again.
The Heartbeat of the Homestead
Najha
I’m a stay-at-home mom, a passionate herbalist, and someone who finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. Living with autoimmune disorders has taught me the value of healing, both in nature and within myself. When I’m not tending to my garden or creating healing remedies, you can find me baking treats and spending quality time with my children, family, and our beloved animals. This farm is a place where I can share the love of nature’s gifts while nurturing my family and the land we call home.
Charlie is the hardworking backbone of our homestead. He spends his days working tirelessly on the property, whether it's building, repairing, or caring for the animals. His dedication to improving everything around him is driven by his love for his family and children. Always seeking ways to make our farm a better place, Charlie's efforts ensure that we have a safe, thriving environment to grow, learn, and live in harmony with nature.
Franklin works full-time as a security guard, providing the financial support needed to keep our homestead thriving. When he's not working, he enjoys spending his free time outdoors, soaking in nature’s beauty, and connecting with the family and animals. His love for the land and its creatures shines through in everything he does, always making sure to be a part of the farm's daily life.
Dameion is our fun-loving, silly farmhand who brings laughter and heart to the homestead. While he works hard every day helping care for the land and animals, he's also on a journey of rebuilding and finding his path forward. With a deep love for animals—often preferring their company to people—you’ll usually find him sitting quietly among the goats or cuddling one of the chickens. His gentle spirit and dedication make him an unforgettable part of our farm family.
Aria is our bright, energetic, and imaginative 6-year-old. With a heart full of curiosity and wonder, she loves spending her days playing outside, caring for the animals, and diving into anything magical. Whether she’s exploring the woods, making up stories, or helping on the farm, Aria brings joy, laughter, and a little sparkle to everything she touches.
Persephone is our bold and brilliant 3-year-old firecracker. Full of energy and curiosity, she dives headfirst into everything in her path, always eager to explore and experience the world around her. Outspoken and fearless, Persephone keeps us on our toes with her wild spirit and sharp mind, bringing laughter and a whole lot of personality to the farm every single day.
Lily is Dameion’s daughter who comes to spend time with her father and the kids whenever she’s able. She was once a big part of the girls’ lives and is now being slowly and thoughtfully reintroduced into their world through no fault of her own or ours. Lily brings a quiet sweetness with her, and each visit is met with patience, care, and open hearts as connections are gently rebuilt.
Rolydia is Charlie’s mom and the heart of gentle wisdom on our homestead. With the patience of a saint and a spirit far too kind for this world, she brings a sense of calm and compassion to every corner of our lives. She always tries to see the best in people—even when no one else can—and her unwavering belief in what we’re building here means more than words can express. Rolydia is a quiet force of support, love, and light, and we’re endlessly grateful to have her as part of our farm family.
Peter was Charlie’s dad and a quiet, steady part of our support system. Though his health often kept him from making the trip up the hill to help with daily work, he always found other ways to be there—through stories, presence, and time spent with the girls when we needed a moment to breathe. Peter passed peacefully in his sleep on December 19th, 2025, from natural causes, just as he would have wanted. His quiet support and gentle presence continue to be felt, reminding us that the most meaningful help is often given softly and without asking for recognition.
Shelly is a 25-year-old mother to four sweet little boys who bring laughter and adventure into every day. She has a fun, creative spirit and a quick sense of humor that makes people feel instantly at ease. Smart, thoughtful, and endlessly supportive, Shelly brings warmth wherever she goes. Whether she’s spending time with family or adding her own spark of personality to the moments she’s part of, she’s a genuinely wonderful all-around person who makes life brighter for those around her.
Andy is a sweet 7-year-old with a wonderfully silly personality that keeps everyone smiling. He’s highly intelligent, curious about the world around him, and always eager to learn something new. Whether he’s exploring outside or joining in on family adventures, Andy shows natural confidence and awareness that hint at his future as a trail leader on our hikes. His mix of humor, heart, and determination makes him a bright and unforgettable part of the farm.
Alec is a gentle 5-year-old with a quiet, thoughtful spirit. Sweet, timid, and a little shy, he often finds comfort in his own colorful world, happily filling his drawings with every shade of the rainbow. Alec is a daydreamer at heart, preferring calm moments of creativity and imagination where he can explore at his own pace. His soft nature and vivid inner world bring a peaceful kind of magic to the family and to the farm.
Xavier, lovingly known as Xay, is a sweet little boy with endless curiosity and a spark of energy that keeps life moving. He watches the world closely and loves to mimic every silly moment he sees, turning ordinary days into laughter-filled memories. Always on the go and full of affection, Xay brings warmth, giggles, and a bright playful spirit wherever he wanders.
Erik is the tiniest and newest addition to the family, born to Shelly in December. At almost two months old, he brings a quiet sweetness and a fresh sense of wonder to each day. Though he’s still discovering the world one small moment at a time, Erik has already wrapped everyone around his little fingers, adding a soft new rhythm to life on the farm.
Those Who Roam With Us
These are the animals who have found their forever home with us—our lifetimers. Some came to us with stories too heavy for rehoming, others with quirks or needs that made placing them safely nearly impossible. Some are livestock who will never end up in a freezer, and some are our beloved colony cats who’ve settled in and become part of the heartbeat of the farm. Each one holds a permanent place in our lives and hearts, and this land wouldn’t be the same without them.
Harley is a loyal pit mastiff mix with a heart as big as her story. She came to us in 2016 at just 9 months old, after being traded by a homeless family for a few nights in a hotel during a sweltering summer. Despite her rough start, Harley has always been gentle with children and fiercely loyal to her people. She’s not always the most social with other animals and requires special veterinary care due to being born with two extra ears, better to ignore us with, but she holds a special place in our hearts and is a constant reminder of the resilience and love animals can carry.
Alister came to us in December of 2022, just a tiny pup between 4 to 6 weeks old. He and his brother Lucifer were found on the street alongside a lone mama dog—who we were lucky enough to rehome. The boys stayed with us, and while Alister started out completely feral, he’s transformed into the sweetest, most well-behaved angel of a dog. He deals with minor skin issues, especially during the summer heat, and lives with severe anxiety, but his gentle nature and loyal heart make him the bestest boy anyone could ask for.
Lucifer joined our family in December of 2022 alongside his brother Alister. Unlike his brother, Lucifer needed a little extra love—he had to be handfed for the first 6 months to a year of his life because he didn’t trust food or water in bowls. Despite his rough beginnings, he’s the gentlest soul you’ll ever meet, with a heart so tender he wouldn’t hurt a fly. He’s amazing with children and other animals, and his sweet, soft nature makes him the baby of the bunch—and everyone’s favorite cuddle buddy.
Cain joined our family in January 2022 at the age of 9 months, and this big ol’ baby has been full of love ever since. We rescued him from a woman who had taken him in off the streets at the start of winter but was no longer able to care for him—just as the coldest days of the year hit. Cain is incredibly friendly with both kids and other animals, though his sheer size makes him a little clumsy and rough at times. Still, he’s a gentle giant with a heart of gold and the sweetest soul.
Freya came to us in February of 2022 as a tiny, 6-month-old pup weighing just 10 pounds. Her story broke our hearts—she had been dumped multiple times by a previous owner, yet kept returning to them, desperate for love. When we were finally called to take her in, she was frail, flea-ridden, covered in ticks, and absolutely terrified of people. Today, Freya has blossomed into one of the sweetest souls on the farm, though she still carries a wild streak that makes her uniquely her. She’s resilient, loyal, and full of untamed spirit.
Bingo arrived in the fall of 2024 at just 16 weeks old—a tiny bundle of endless energy. Her previous home, a small space filled with other animals, just couldn’t meet her needs as a high-energy working breed. Since coming to the farm, Bingo has grown into a spirited little powerhouse. We’re currently training her to help out with the animals so she can channel that energy into purposeful work. She’s smart, determined, and always on the move, bringing life and laughter wherever she goes.
Trapper’s story is perhaps the saddest of all the animals here at Trauma Farms. In 2021, before we had officially moved onto the property, we were driving the back road up to visit Mom and Dad when we first saw him—sitting alone in the brush, quiet and still. At first, we hoped he might be a neighbor’s dog resting or making his way back home, which isn’t uncommon in our area. But a week later, he was still there, in the exact same spot.
We knew then something was terribly wrong. When we approached him, it was clear he had been through unimaginable cruelty. The wounds covering his neck, head, and paws told the story—he had likely been chained and dragged behind a vehicle before being dumped in the woods like trash.
Despite everything, Trapper’s heart never hardened. He’s still scared of loud engines, but otherwise, he’s a giant baby—gentle, goofy, and full of love. He wants nothing more than to play with everyone, even if he’s nearly the size of a small horse. He’s a daily reminder of why we do what we do: every soul deserves a second chance, and a place to feel safe and loved.
Beezle is a 5-year-old Alpine goat—or at least, that’s our best guess. She came to us with the hope of being a dairy goat for Persephone, who’s allergic to cow’s milk. But not long after bringing her home, we discovered she had previously suffered from mastitis and had lost one of her udders. She’s also missing half a horn, though how that happened is anyone’s guess.
While her days of being a milk goat didn’t pan out, Beezle has happily embraced her role as a very fancy, very beloved weedeater. Her health may have changed her path, but she’s a treasured part of the herd and a gentle soul who brings a little magic to the pasture every day.
Bub joined the farm just a few days after Beezle, brought in to be her companion—and it worked like a charm. Now, wherever Beezle goes, Bub is never far behind. These two are thick as thieves.
Bub is a spicy little 4-year-old pygmy goat with a big personality packed into a small frame. One minute she’s all cuddles and charm, the next she’s dancing just out of reach with a gleam in her eye. Whether she’s being sweet or stubborn, she keeps us laughing—and we wouldn’t have her any other way.
Brownie, our 5-year-old standard donkey, carries an old story in her scars. Long before she found her way to us, she was left in a pasture with a halter that was never removed—it grew into her skin like a curse, leaving behind the marks of neglect and forgotten care.
But magic lives in second chances. Since arriving at the farm, Brownie has slowly shed her fear like a winter coat. Where once she ran from touch, now she runs toward us, braying with joy, her voice echoing through the hills like a song of healing. She is a living reminder that even the deepest wounds can bloom into love when given time, tenderness, and a safe place to call home.
Adonis arrived at the farm this past spring, full of fire and charm. We were told he'd be turning four on June 8th—but a peek at his teeth told a different tale: he was likely just turning three. Still young, still wild, and every bit the free spirit his name suggests.
With a personality as bold as a summer storm, Adonis makes his presence known—especially when things aren’t going his way. He’s spicy, stubborn, and endlessly expressive, but beneath that fire is a sharp mind and a heart that’s learning to trust. He’s a work in progress wrapped in hooves and attitude, and we wouldn’t have him any other way.
Ducky came to us by chance—a buyer never showed, and the stock broker who had her simply didn’t have room for a duck with attitude. So she found her way here, and the farm hasn’t been the same since.
Tiny but mighty, Ducky roams the land like she owns every blade of grass. She’s fierce, fearless, and more than willing to take on animals ten times her size if they so much as think about pushing her around. Every so often, she leaves us an egg like a tiny golden thank-you—but her real gift is the spark she brings. With her fiery spirit and absolutely adorable antics, she’s pure farmyard magic.
Babushka is the undisputed queen of the property—graceful, fierce, and entirely in charge. She allows only a select few of the colony cats into her personal domain, and even they know to tread carefully in her royal presence.
By day, she roams the garden like a silent shadow, ruthlessly eliminating any mole daring enough to surface. When she’s not on patrol, her favorite hobbies include basking in sunbeams, demanding devotion from her subjects (that’s us), and enjoying her meals with the elegance of a well-fed empress.
To know Babushka is to serve her—and we’re all honored to do so.
Jezebel joined our farm as a tiny, tender soul, only days old and already deeply loved. Though her time with us was heartbreakingly short, she filled the barn with a quiet, gentle magic that will never be forgotten. She passed from a respiratory virus, leaving behind soft memories, tiny hoofprints, and a reminder of how precious and fragile new life can be.
Little Harley is a Blue Pit and Beagle mix who originally belonged to Charlie’s brother, Anthony. Since losing him, she hasn’t quite been the same—carrying a quiet sadness that never fully leaves her eyes. She’s gentle, loyal, and always stays close, as if searching for the piece of her heart that went missing. Around here, she gets all the extra love and care she needs, and then some. She’s part of the family in every way, and we do our best every day to make sure she feels safe, seen, and deeply loved.
Jack is our 4-month-old blue heeler, schipperke, and hound mix — a perfect little whirlwind of brains, energy, and pure baby-hearted sweetness. Even at his young age, he’s already proving to be one of the smartest pups on the property, picking up routines quicker than we can teach them and always eager to be part of whatever the family is doing.
He may be built for work, but at heart Jack is a big baby who loves cuddles, attention, and being right in the middle of the action. His boundless energy keeps everyone on their toes, and his curious nature means he’s always off discovering something new around the farm… usually with his tail wagging a mile a minute.
Whether he’s zooming through the yard, trying to “help” with chores, or curling up for snuggles after a long day of adventuring, Jack brings a spark of fun and joy to every corner of Trauma Farms.
Sally, Jack’s sister, is a bright spark of joy on the farm. Super excited, endlessly sweet, and bursting with energy, she brings a lively spirit wherever she goes. Her playful nature and affectionate personality make her impossible not to adore.
Astrid is a 7-month-old German Shepherd with a deeply loving and devoted nature. Gentle and attentive, she can almost always be found following Najha from place to place, happy just to be close to her person. With a soft heart for children and a calm, affectionate spirit, Astrid brings loyalty, warmth, and a quiet sense of comfort to life on the farm.
🌿 Help Us Keep the Magic Growing 🌿
At Trauma Farms, we give second chances to animals who’ve been forgotten, abandoned, or misunderstood. Every soul here—furry, feathered, or hooved—has a story, and your support helps us continue writing them with love, care, and compassion.
Whether it's a bale of hay, a bag of feed, or a vet visit for a rescued friend, every donation goes directly toward the well-being of our lifetimers—and those we take in temporarily, too.
✨ If you feel called to help, we’d be honored.