Our Humans
Kirk Kamish
Kirk is the President and founder of Highland Farm Rescue. Originally from St. Paul, MN, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism. His first love, however, was always horses. He started riding at age 9 and was competing in hunter/jumper classes at age 11. By his 20s, he was already riding and training horses professionally. He had the opportunity to study overseas and experience European horse shows. For many years he developed show horses at Highland Farm before retiring to a small farm in Middleburg FL to teach and raise young horses. As the farm accumulated more and more homeless and unwanted animals, he devoted more and more attention to caring for them and finding them homes. He started Highland Farm Rescue as a non-profit charity organization in 2023.
Connie Schoenung
Connie is not only on the Board of Directors, but she’s hands-on at the Farm. She was born a 2.3 ounce premature fraternal twin in San Antonio, TX. By the grace of God, both Connie and her brother fought for their lives and grew up strong. The family moved to a 5-acre farm in Michigan, where the twins were introduced to rabbits, chickens, horses, cats, and dogs. She participated in 4-H for several years showing her Welch pony, Sugar, in jumping events and barrel racing. As Connie moved on in life, she never forgot what her Daddy taught her the first (and last) time Sugar bucked her off and she went flying. Her Daddy said, “dust yourself off and get back on and ride.”
After high school and graduating with an A.S. in Paralegal Studies, Connie moved back to Texas. In 1993, Connie became 1 of the first 2 NALA Certified Paralegals in South Texas, certifying in Criminal, Civil Litigation, Real Estate, and Corporate Law. She went on to get a BS in science from Texas A&M University. She now has her own business, Professional Legal Docs, and also works as a Real Estate Agent.