Our Crew
We’re the humans behind the scenes. Stay tuned for brief bios on the real stars of the show… our farm animals!
Mary Baird
Care Where It Counts
Mary Baird is the founder and Executive Director of Old Soul Sanctuary and the primary steward of its vision, values, and daily life.
After returning to her family’s ten-acre homestead in North Carolina during a season of profound transition, Mary began caring for animals who needed more than temporary solutions. What emerged—slowly, intentionally, and with deep respect for the land—became Old Soul Sanctuary: a multi-species farm animal sanctuary rooted in lifelong care and cherished belonging.
Mary oversees animal health and nutrition, sanctuary operations, and long-term planning, while also shaping the culture, ethics, and rhythms that guide life at Whimsy Hill. Her leadership is grounded in lived experience, attentiveness, and a belief that care—when practiced consistently—becomes trust.
Mary is the steward of Care Where It Counts, ensuring that every animal at Old Soul is known, supported, and allowed to flourish in their own time.
Founder & Executive Director
Dalene Boe
Build & Protect the Sanctuary
Dalene Boe brings decades of practical experience in construction, contracting, and project management to the Old Soul Sanctuary board.
Based in Indiana, Dalene owns and operates a successful paint contracting company and has worked extensively alongside builders, tradespeople, and contractors across a wide range of projects. She understands how durable infrastructure is planned, executed, and maintained—and how thoughtful decisions early can prevent costly challenges later.
At Old Soul Sanctuary, Dalene serves as a steward of capital projects and infrastructure development, helping guide investments in shelters, fencing, and systems that protect animals and support the sanctuary’s long-term sustainability.
Dalene believes that building well is an act of care—and that strong foundations create safer futures.
Board Secretary
Become a Fan of One of Our Old Souls
Kevin Primus brings a lifelong understanding of fandom, storytelling, and community-building to Old Soul Sanctuary.
A former Duke Basketball manager, Kevin has spent years working at the intersection of sports, media, and culture. He is a producer on a documentary about NFL Hall of Famer Jerome “The Bus” Bettis and currently serves as a high school coach at C.E. Jordan High School in Durham, which features an Agriscience Pathway connecting students to land-based learning.
At Old Soul Sanctuary, Kevin helps shape Animal Fan Clubs and storytelling initiatives that invite supporters to connect deeply with individual animals—their personalities, quirks, and journeys. He understands how genuine connection turns first-time interest into lasting devotion.
Kevin believes that when people fall in love with a story, they don’t just watch—they show up.
Board ChairKevin Primus
Board TreasurerJanet Willett
Gather at Old Soul
Janet Willett brings deep local knowledge, relational wisdom, and a gift for gathering people to the Old Soul Sanctuary board.
With experience working alongside farms, nonprofits, and regional venues of historic and ecological significance, Janet understands how place-based experiences can foster connection, education, and shared responsibility. She brings both logistical insight and a sensitive understanding of what makes gatherings feel meaningful rather than transactional.
At Old Soul Sanctuary, Janet helps guide events and shared experiences—both in person and online—that invite people into relationship with the land, the animals, and one another. Her work ensures that gatherings at Old Soul are welcoming, well-considered, and aligned with the sanctuary’s values.
Janet believes that belonging grows strongest when people are invited to experience it together.