Meet the Team
Tonya Figg - Founder
Tonya graduated from IU's Kelley School of Business and supported herself through college by working in real estate. A lifelong entrepreneur since she was 18, Tonya has spent four decades running businesses in Real Estate, Tourism, Publishing, and is currently the owner of Scott’s Termite and Pest Control in Bloomington. Her greatest passion is Mediterranean Miniature Donkeys, often described as "the sweetest animals on the planet." She enjoys visiting her son, Riley Figg, who lives in Denver, Colorado with his wife Amelia, whenever possible. Tonya has dreamed of owning miniature donkeys ever since she fell in love with a donkey named Libby while house sitting at age 18. This lifelong dream came true in 2017 when she started her donkey farm in Brown County, specializing in vacation homes. The farm quickly outgrew its original five acres, prompting Tonya to purchase a beautiful 40-acre property that formerly housed the famous Turner Doll Factory for over 34 years. Owned by three generations of Turners and previously a working cattle farm, the site features some original buildings from the 1800s, currently undergoing renovation. The barns built for the Turner Doll Factory about 25–30 years ago have been transformed into newly renovated barndominiums, ready for families to enjoy.
Kellie Easton - Innkeeper
Kellie Easton, Innkeeper and Office Manager, is originally from northern Indiana and holds a tourism and hospitality degree from Purdue University. She has managed hotels nationwide and will assist you from your first contact through move-in. Kellie is married to Chase Easton (who works at Cummins), and they have two children, Kayden and Cassie, along with their dog Gibbs.
Barb Hoeferlin - Guest Relations Concierge
Barb is originally from northern Indiana and has called Heltonville home for nearly ten years. She plays a key role in ensuring your stay is excellent by directing staff to keep accommodations spotless and well-stocked with all the essentials. Often, she greets guests when they arrive, answers their questions, and replenishes any supplies needed throughout their visit. Barb also assists with activities like Christmas and other holiday decorations, donkey rides, parades, and beer burrows. In spring and fall, she assists with with hay crops. Barb and her husband Bill have four children, and two of them are on staff at Donkeytown.
Laine Hoeferlin - Guest Accommodations
Laine, originally from northern Indiana, moved to Heltonville nearly ten years ago and was a 10 year 4H member. She manages accommodations and assists with activities at Donkeytown. Laine collects and washes the eggs along with help from her children, Avery and Blair on the farm daily with her and all love the animals.
Ford Bowling - Ranch Manager
Ford is frequently seen around the farm, operating equipment and overseeing the daily care of the animals. A Heltonville resident for the last five years, he brings extensive experience in both construction and farming. Ford ensures that all barns and chicken coops are kept clean, gates remain functional, and the grounds are well-maintained for visitors. During the spring and fall, he also assists with hay production from the ranch’s fields.
Nathanial Owens - Ranch Manager
Nathanial a lifelong resident of Heltonville, graduated from Bedford North Lawrence and lives close to the ranch. His calm nature helps him build trust with the animals and plays a key role in training the donkeys, including the beer and wine burros. Nathanial keeps the barns and chicken coops clean and maintains the property for guests. He likewise contributes to hay production in the spring and fall.
Hope Hoeferlin - Housekeeping, Animal and Activities Assistant
Hope, a Heltonville resident and Bedford North Lawrence High School student, is active in 4H in Lawrence County. She started at Donkeytown by helping with parades and enjoys caring for animals, often handling evening feedings. Outside school, she helps with housekeeping alongside her mother and sister.
Avery Hoeferlin - Tour Guide & Guest Relations
Avery has spent most of her life at Donkeytown, helping her mother with housekeeping details like gathering towels and linens to connecting with animals and guests. When visitors arrive, she often gives them a tour, introducing the donkeys, goats, chickens, and showing them around the farm’s ponds and barns.