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Amber Wagoner-Toyne
Amber Wagoner-Toyne is a dedicated community leader and lifelong animal advocate based in Southwest Montana. With a strong background in management and leadership, and a deep passion for animal welfare, she currently serves as the Executive Director of the Beaverhead Animal Shelter. Under her guidance, the shelter has seen a remarkable revival through infrastructure improvements, operational transparency, and stronger community engagement.
In addition to her nonprofit work, Amber has over 28 years of experience as a professional horse and mule trainer. She operates Wagoner Training LLC part-time, offering riding lessons, camps, clinics, and breeding AQHA horses. She is also a rancher and co-owner of Toyne Angus, where she and her family raise high-quality registered Black Angus cattle.
Amber’s unique blend of experience in agriculture, animal training, and shelter leadership gives her a comprehensive perspective on responsible animal stewardship, rural resilience, and grassroots advocacy. Known for her hands-on leadership and tireless commitment, she is passionate about building strong community partnerships, empowering local voices, and ensuring that every animal—whether on the ranch or in the shelter—receives the care it deserves.
Tom is a retired Chemical Engineer. He worked with Minerals Technologies Inc for 34 years. Over twenty years ago, he and his family moved back to Dillon. He has been impressed with the turnaround at the shelter. Having been around dogs his entire life, he feels that volunteering with the animal shelter would be a great fit.
Dr. Megan Igo grew up in rural Montana. She graduated from Montana State University with a bachelor's degree in animal science. She then earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Washington State University. After finishing veterinary school in 2017, she returned to Montana to mixed animal practice. Dr. Igo started her own solo large animal practice in 2021. Southwest Montana Veterinary Service provides in-house and ambulatory equine and livestock medicine and surgery services to Dillon, Montana and the surrounding areas.
Dr. Anika Ward is a mixed animal veterinarian with her private practice, Tobacco Root Vet, based right outside of Sheridan, MT. After graduating from vet school in 2017, she worked in several different locations, expanding her skills and knowledge base. Dr. Ward grew up in the Ruby Valley and was eager to move back to the place she calls home.
When not helping people and their animals, Dr. Ward can be found helping on the family ranch, riding her horse, or chasing her hounds through the mountains with her husband. She is thrilled to be a part of the Beaverhead Animal Shelter, as it mirrors what she does on a daily basis-helping animals.
Carol works in Leadership and Staff Development for Best Friends Animal Society. She has lived in the Ruby Valley near Sheridan with her husband, horses, dogs, cats, leopard gecko and chickens since 2005. She is excited to be a part of the shelter’s good work to support Southwest Montana’s adoptable pets and their people.
Brooke is an attorney specializing in water law. She and her husband settled in the Ruby Valley in 2024 to be closer to family. They share their home with two playful dogs, who often join in on their adventures. Brooke is excited to support the Beaverhead Animal Shelter, where she adopted one of her parents' beloved dogs nearly a decade ago, and is eager to help the shelter in its mission to find loving homes for more animals in southwest Montana.
Kristen was born and raised in the beautiful Ruby Valley. After graduating from The University of MT Western she continued to work on her parents’ cattle ranch, further pursuing a career in real-estate. She has a never-ending love for all animals and is happy to serve the community and surrounding areas’ pets and other animals
Amanda grew up all over Montana, mostly in the beautiful Gallatin Valley. She has always loved animals and has history volunteering for The Humane Society of the United States for several years, helping with events and fundraising. She is currently a real estate agent for Resolute Roots Realty in Sheridan Montana and excited to be on the board for The Beaverhead Animal Shelter! Beyond her professional pursuits,
Amanda finds joy in cherishing moments with her high school sweetheart, two beautiful boys, two dogs, four cats, chickens and ducks.
Amanda's diverse interests extend to volunteering, gardening, wreath making, and embracing the recreational treasures that Montana has to offer.
