Barnabas Staff & Board of Directors
Sue McKinney wears many hats at Barnabas Horse Foundation in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina—Founder, President, and Lead Equine Professional—but it is her heart, faith, and vision that truly define her work.
During a deeply personal season of trial that no family should ever face, Sue felt an unmistakable calling placed on her life. As a survivor of sexual assault, she combined her profound love of horses with an unwavering compassion for others, founding Barnabas Horse Foundation in 2011 as a sanctuary of healing, safety, and hope. What began as a calling has grown into a nationally respected nonprofit providing trauma-informed, equine-assisted services to survivors of violent crime, veterans, and first responders.
By its third year, Barnabas caught the attention of the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office and has since been awarded the prestigious Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant for ten consecutive years. This funding has enabled Sue and her dedicated team to expand and strengthen their trauma-focused equine-assisted psychotherapy and coaching programs, offering life-changing support to countless individuals navigating the aftermath of trauma.
Sue is a certified life coach, a Certified Victim Service Provider through the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, and a PATH International Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. She is also trained in Natural Lifemanship’s trauma-informed model and is IFS-informed (Internal Family Systems), integrating neuroscience-based and attachment-focused principles into her equine-assisted services. Her credentials are further supported through certifications with the OK Corral Series, reflecting her commitment to ethical, evidence-based, and client-centered care.
Her leadership and advocacy have earned wide recognition, including the SC Electric Cooperative’s “Who Powers You?” Award and the 2017 Ethics in Business Award. Under Sue’s guidance, Barnabas Horse Foundation has been nominated seven times for Myrtle Beach Area Nonprofit of the Year and proudly received the honor in 2024. Most recently, Sue was recognized by her community as a “Relentless Legend” for her unwavering commitment to survivors of crime.
Sue is also a sought-after speaker and educator, sharing her expertise on trauma, equine-assisted services, and survivor-centered care. She has presented at the National Sexual Assault Conference, Natural Lifemanship’s Annual Conferences, and served as a breakout speaker at the 2025 North Carolina/South Carolina Anti-Human Trafficking Conference—continuing to amplify awareness and advocacy at both regional and national levels.
Beyond her professional achievements, Sue is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She gives her whole heart to her clients, offering compassion, dignity, and a safe space for healing. Her fearless voice and grounded presence have brought critical awareness to sexual assault and human trafficking, inspiring others to stand boldly against injustice.
A woman of steadfast faith, Sue leads with integrity, courage, and love. She is not only a leader, but a trusted guide and friend, someone who speaks truth with kindness and embodies resilience and grace in every aspect of her life and work.