Meet the Staff

All of our Riding instructors are certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International, and our Vaulting instructors are certified by the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA). Our therapists are licensed in their specialties and certified by the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA), the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), PATH Intl., or possess the necessary expertise as required by their field.

Executive Team

Amber Varner
Executive Director, Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI), Vaulting Instructor, Lunger
As a Founder of Forward Stride, Amber has been with Forward Stride since the beginning and has taken on more and more management responsibilities throughout the years. Amber has institutional…
Amanda Garrison
Program Director, Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI), Vaulting Instructor, Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL)
Amanda takes her job as Program Director seriously and is our expert for ensuring all our programs meet the highest standards. She also has a focus with outreach and development…

Program Leadership Team

Sheila Stahl Butler
Director of Therapy Services, Physical Therapist
As the Director of Therapy Services, Sheila is in charge of keeping things running for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech and Language Pathology. Sheila graduated in 1986 with her…
Mackenzie Johnson
Equine Manager, Riding Program Manager, Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI), Vaulting Instructor
Mackenzie has been a part of the Forward Stride community since 2004 and joined the staff in 2016. As both the Riding Program Manager and Equine Manager, she takes pride…
Jessica Conwell
MH Program Coordinator, Mental Health Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Jessica is one of our mental health therapists in the Mental Health (MH) Therapy program at Forward Stride and is licensed as a clinical psychologist. Jessica received her PsyD from…
Marci Siegel Kittrell
Vaulting Program Manager, Community Engagement Coordinator
Marci is our Vaulting Program Manager.  She has been involved with competitive vaulting for over 20 years and is an individual National Champion at the Silver level and has been…
Anna Finn
Volunteer Manager, Horse Handler, Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL)
Anna has been a part of Forward Stride since 2010. She started riding and volunteering when a friend from school encouraged her to take lessons. From Anna’s first time out…

Program Assistants

Abby Goodell
Therapy Services Administrative Assistant, Program Assistant, Lunger, Horse Handler
Abby first became part of the Forward Stride community in 2011 and immediately knew she wanted to be involved with the organization. She was drawn not only by the horses,…
Betsy Dana
Assistant Volunteer Coordinator, Horse Handler
Betsy took lessons on her aunt's horses off and on throughout middle school and high school. She ended up pursuing and earning an Associate's Degree in Animal Sciences: Horse Management…
Olimpia Filippini
Assistant Equine Coordinator, Horse Handler
Olimpia joined the Forward Stride community in 2022 with a deep appreciation for the connection between horses and people. She enjoys supporting the herd and helping create a safe, positive…
Maresa Livingston
Barn Coordinator, Horse Handler
Maresa joined the Forward Stride community as a volunteer in January 2025, and volunteering at the barn quickly became one of the most meaningful parts of her routine. Being at…

Equestrian Sports Team

Mary Ann Kappa
Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI), Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL)
Mary Ann is one of our PATH Certified Riding Instructors with over 10 years of experience. Mary Ann is one instructor of many who started as a volunteer. Through her…
Shannon Tabbal Haider
Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI), Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL)
Shannon fell in love with horses in third grade when she read The Black Stallion. After her first riding lesson, she never looked back. Shannon was fortunate enough to ride…
Nicole D’Auray
Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI)
Nicole has been a long time volunteer with Forward Stride and a PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding instructor since 2011. Nicole enjoys sharing her lifelong love for horses and the…
Eve Povey
Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI)
Eve is a PATH Intl. certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and a longtime member of our community. Eve truly loves being in the world of horses and seeing the differences they…
Liz Johnson
Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI), Instructor Mentor, Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL)
Liz is a PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, a PATH Certified Mentor Instructor and a Masterson Method Equine Specialist. Teaching has always been her passion. Liz has a Master’s…
Joel Sloan
Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) in training
Joel began his journey with Forward Stride as a volunteer and has recently taken on the role of Barn Coordinator. Though he’s the newest member of the team, he’s no…
Kristin Cooper
Equine-Assisted Coach
Kristin is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) through the Co-Active Training Institute, a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and co-creator of the Equine Assisted Coaching (EAC) Program…
Christina Perry
Lunger
Christina started volunteering at Forward Stride when she moved to Oregon in 2019, and joined the riding program in 2020. After being introduced to the sport of vaulting and learning…
Bella Fetters
Vaulting Instructor, Lunger
Bella Fetters is one of the talented Vaulting Instructors at Forward Stride and an accomplished competitive vaulter. She is a valued member of the Vaulting program, teaching vaulters of all…
Meg Miller
Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Meg joined the Forward Stride community as a volunteer in 2017. Longtime friends had horses in Forward Stride programming, and many of the kids she had mentored through DHS programming…

Clinical Services Team

Valery Sampson
Occupational Therapist
Valery graduated from The University of Puget Sound in 1989. She has enjoyed a variety in her caseload, people of all ages. Valery's passion has always been pediatrics and she…
Melissa Hornung
Speech & Language Pathologist
Melissa Hornung is a Speech-Language Pathologist with a lifelong passion for helping people find not only their voice, but their place in a community. With a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology…
Sara Jane Sacco
Occupational Therapist
Sara Jane is one of our occupational therapists. She graduated from the University of Puget Sound with her Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) in 2025. Sara Jane became a…
David Crisp
Horse Handler
Always willing to pitch in when help is needed, David has been around Forward Stride since its inception. He was first introduced to the program when his sisters would come…
Melissa Perkins
Horse Handler
Bio coming soon!
Margaret Hartsook
Mental Health Therapist
Margaret is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Board-Certified Art Therapist with the American Art Therapy Association. After receiving a scholarship from the Ford Family Foundation, she received a Bachelor…
Micah Vaughn
Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI), Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL)
Micah began as a volunteer with Forward Stride in 2009 before joining as a staff member in 2016.  She created the Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) program and worked as the…
Julie Baugh
Horse Handler
Julie has been part of Forward Stride off-and-on for almost 20 years. As a lifelong horse person, she recognized the value Forward Stride offers the community. She joined initially as…
Libby Volk
Database Administrator, Horse Handler, Lunger, Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL)
Libby Volk received a pony as a birthday present when she was six and never looked back. While her passion lies with eventing, she has done just about everything during…
Kendall Rauscher
Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL)
Kendall has been part of the Forward Stride Center since 2006 as a volunteer.  She has worked with many different types of horses through her life, and decided she needed…

Administrative Team

Maiah Zentz
Accounts Coordinator
Maiah has enjoyed being a part of the Forward Stride community for many years, starting out in the Riding Program in high school. After getting a degree in Zoology, she…
Michelle Whiteaker
Marketing Content Creator, Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI), Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL)
For over a decade, Michelle has been a part of Forward Stride as a volunteer, rider, and now our Marketing Content Creator, PATH Certified Instructor and Equine Specialist. Michelle has…
Susan Volk
Accounts Coordinator
Susan's first love was a Shetland pony named Tony. Little did she know, how much that tiny horse would shape her life even today. Susan has a MBA from the…
Leanna Sugar
Development Coordinator, Facilities Coordinator
Leanna began her journey with Forward Stride as a volunteer, where her love of horses and admiration for Forward Stride’s mission came together. She takes pride in supporting the Forward…
Heather Sutherland
Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL), Horse Handler
Heather has always had a passion for working with horses and helping others. She is no stranger to Forward Stride, having volunteered on Saturday mornings for six years before being…

Executive Director, Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI), Vaulting Instructor, Lunger

Amber Varner

As a Founder of Forward Stride, Amber has been with Forward Stride since the beginning and has taken on more and more management responsibilities throughout the years. Amber has institutional knowledge through years spent working with our equine herd, staff, clients, and volunteers as Head Instructor, Program Director, and Associate Executive Director. As the Executive Director, Amber works toward executing the Board’s vision of a vibrant, innovative, and sustainable future for Forward Stride.

In addition to her time at Forward Stride, Amber has been an Equine Professional since 1997 and has a lifetime love for horses. Everyday, Amber comes to work and feels a surge of happiness. She considers herself fortunate to get to do something she is so passionate about.

Amber’s three favorite things include her family, traveling, and her pets.

Program Director, Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI), Vaulting Instructor, Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL)

Amanda Garrison

Amanda takes her job as Program Director seriously and is our expert for ensuring all our programs meet the highest standards. She also has a focus with outreach and development ensuring our programs are sustainable and full.

Amanda holds more than eight years of experience as a volunteer manager and coordinator. As a PATH International Certified Instructor, Amanda has a passion for nonprofit work, equality for all, and the healing power of horses.

Amanda’s three favorite things include her husband, her horse Dusty, and our lovely state of Oregon!

Director of Therapy Services, Physical Therapist

Sheila Stahl Butler

As the Director of Therapy Services, Sheila is in charge of keeping things running for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech and Language Pathology. Sheila graduated in 1986 with her degree in Physical Therapy; feel free to do the math as to how long she has practiced PT and has been with Forward Stride since 2013.

Along with her Physical Therapy degree and license, Sheila is also a PATH registered PT, and has completed AHA Levels 1 & 2. She has had her license and practiced Physical Therapy in 6 states and has taken continuing education courses internationally.

Her three favorite things besides her family & clients are her menagerie, reading, and traveling.

Equine Manager, Riding Program Manager, Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI), Vaulting Instructor

Mackenzie Johnson

Mackenzie has been a part of the Forward Stride community since 2004 and joined the staff in 2016. As both the Riding Program Manager and Equine Manager, she takes pride in overseeing 12 instructors and 150+ riders weekly, while ensuring that the herd remains happy and healthy to support all programming. Mackenzie is a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, and is deeply passionate about meeting individuals where they are and helping them build meaningful connections with horses and fellow community members—values she believes are central to the Forward Stride experience.

When she’s not at the barn, Mackenzie fills her cup by coaching the dance team at Rex Putnam High School, serving as a certified dance judge, and as a member of the Dance and Drill Coaches Association Board. She is also a co-founder of The Collective Dance Company, where she performs throughout the year.

Outside of her professional commitments, Mackenzie enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her dog, Ryder, who can often be found running alongside her at the barn.

MH Program Coordinator, Mental Health Therapist, Clinical Supervisor

Jessica Conwell

Jessica is one of our mental health therapists in the Mental Health (MH) Therapy program at Forward Stride and is licensed as a clinical psychologist. Jessica received her PsyD from George Fox University and is certified as a Mental Health Specialist through the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA). Her specialties include treating eating disorders and substance use disorders.
Jessica started out at Forward Stride as a volunteer in the fall of 2016. She has work experience through a residential psychiatric facility, community mental health, crisis line, residential chemical dependency treatment and through her private practice.
Besides horses, Jessica’s three favorite things include her dogs, coffee, and her husband.

Vaulting Program Manager, Community Engagement Coordinator

Marci Siegel Kittrell

Marci is our Vaulting Program Manager.  She has been involved with competitive vaulting for over 20 years and is an individual National Champion at the Silver level and has been on several National Champion teams. Marci had the opportunity to learn and compete in Europe in her teenage years. Marci has led two Forward Stride teams and two Forward Stride individuals to National Championship titles as well as helped countless recreational vaulters achieve personal goals since her involvement in 2005. After four years of judging, she decided coaching is what really feeds her soul. She loves her time with the horses and vaulters. She is passionate about what equestrian vaulting does for the body, brain and soul. She is thrilled to lead Equestrian Vaulting at Forward Stride!
In 2024 Marci increased her involvement with Forward Stride, becoming the Grant Writer, Community Engagement Coordinator as well as Managing the Vaulting Program. Marci believes so strongly in all that Forward Stride does that she is excited to dedicate her full energy to it.
Outside of time at the barn, Marci enjoys being in, on, or under the water.

Volunteer Manager, Horse Handler, Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL)

Anna Finn

Anna has been a part of Forward Stride since 2010. She started riding and volunteering when a friend from school encouraged her to take lessons. From Anna’s first time out at the barn, she was hooked – spending all of her free time riding horses, leading in classes, and helping with horse care.

Forward Stride gave Anna the opportunity to try new things. During her middle and high school years, Anna was a member of Pony Club, as well as a competitor on her high school equestrian team. With Anna’s love for jumping growing, she became interested in eventing. Her family soon added her pony Freckles to the family, who is a retired member of our herd.

In 2017, Anna joined the staff as a horse handler. She was very excited to be able to mix her passion for horses and helping people through this opportunity. Since then she has been the Rehabilitation Services Administrative Assistant, the Barn Coordinator, and is currently the Volunteer Coordinator. In 2024, Anna became a PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning and also works as an ES in the Psychotherapy Program. 

Anna’s three favorite things are horses (especially her pony, Freckles!), her dog, and traveling!

Therapy Services Administrative Assistant, Program Assistant, Lunger, Horse Handler

Abby Goodell

Abby first became part of the Forward Stride community in 2011 and immediately knew she wanted to be involved with the organization. She was drawn not only by the horses, but even more so by the people. When the Assistant Facilities Coordinator position opened, she was thrilled for the opportunity to officially join the Forward Stride team. Her role later transitioned into Barn Coordinator, a position she held until stepping away to finish her degree. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Oregon State University, Abby is back and excited for this next chapter. Her three favorite things are her family, her horses Cyrus and Moose, and her dog Howie.

Assistant Volunteer Coordinator, Horse Handler

Betsy Dana

Betsy took lessons on her aunt’s horses off and on throughout middle school and high school. She ended up pursuing and earning an Associate’s Degree in Animal Sciences: Horse Management at Linn-Benton Community College. Most of her hands-on experience has been training young and green horses. After school, she took riding lessons (English and Western) and even a term of vaulting at Forward Stride before applying as a Horse Care volunteer.
Betsy says, “Forward Stride’s community is so special and dear to me. I am so excited to connect more closely with the community as a whole. I am also eager, of course, to polish up my horsemanship skills and continue learning within the horse world.”
Betsy has two cats and a dog that keep her company while she reads and plays video games. She also regularly goes contra dancing!

Assistant Equine Coordinator, Horse Handler

Olimpia Filippini

Olimpia joined the Forward Stride community in 2022 with a deep appreciation for the connection between horses and people. She enjoys supporting the herd and helping create a safe, positive environment where participants can learn, grow, and build confidence through their experiences with horses.

Olimpia developed her love for horses while spending time at her grandfather’s ranch in Italy as a young kid. Her passion for horses followed her as she traveled the world, including working with equine vets in Hawaii during college. Olimpia’s last name literally means “lover of horses”.

When not at Forward Stride, Olimpia is usually at her day job in corporate DTC, going on trail rides, or playing board games with her friends.

Barn Coordinator, Horse Handler

Maresa Livingston

Maresa joined the Forward Stride community as a volunteer in January 2025, and volunteering at the barn quickly became one of the most meaningful parts of her routine. Being at the barn has helped reconnect Maresa with her roots, her love of horses, and a true sense of self, and she feels incredibly lucky to now contribute to Forward Stride in an expanded role.

Originally from Oklahoma, Maresa grew up riding and spending time around horses. She has always appreciated the unique connection between horses and people and is excited to continue supporting the Forward Stride community and herd.

Outside of the barn, Maresa enjoys baking and cooking, cycling, running, and gardening.

Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI), Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL)

Mary Ann Kappa

Mary Ann is one of our PATH Certified Riding Instructors with over 10 years of experience. Mary Ann is one instructor of many who started as a volunteer. Through her time volunteering she found a strong passion to teach.

Mary Ann enjoys watching her students grow in their self-confidence and abilities. She feels blessed to be able to be around horses and teach others the riding skills that she has gained over the years.

Mary Ann’s three favorite things include her family, horseback riding, and beach trips with family and friends.

Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI), Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL)

Shannon Tabbal Haider

Shannon fell in love with horses in third grade when she read The Black Stallion. After her first riding lesson, she never looked back. Shannon was fortunate enough to ride on the West Linn High School Equestrian Team and compete in 4H for two years. Having obtained her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from George Fox University and PATH certifications, Shannon loves being able to combine her love of horse and human psychology. As a traumatic brain injury survivor, Shannon is especially passionate about helping individuals also recovering from TBI. She is very thankful she gets to do what she loves every day!

Shannon’s favorite things include horseback riding, her dog “Bear” and playing trumpet.

Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI)

Nicole D’Auray

Nicole has been a long time volunteer with Forward Stride and a PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding instructor since 2011. Nicole enjoys sharing her lifelong love for horses and the lessons she has learned in pursuit of the art of riding.

Nicole’s three favorite things include riding horses (especially KJ), playing with her beagle puppy, and cuddling her two cats. She also enjoys spending time in the Columbia River Gorge and at the Oregon Coast.

Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI)

Eve Povey

Eve is a PATH Intl. certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and a longtime member of our community.

Eve truly loves being in the world of horses and seeing the differences they can make in the lives of people. Eve brings a light and relaxed vibe to her classes and can find the humorous side of any dilemma.

Eve’s three favorite things include being in America but being Welsh at heart, her family, and the Forward Stride community.

Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI), Instructor Mentor, Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL)

Liz Johnson

Liz is a PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, a PATH Certified Mentor Instructor and a Masterson Method Equine Specialist. Teaching has always been her passion. Liz has a Master’s Degree in Music Education and taught in high school and junior high for 31 years in Oregon, the last 23 of which were in the Lake Oswego School District. As a choir and music teacher, Liz had the wonderful opportunity to work closely with the Special Education department and with many students with special needs who were mainstreamed into her classes. After retiring from the school district in 2011, Liz moved with her husband to St. Louis, MO. There she volunteered at the Albert Pujols Center for Adults with Down syndrome and started a Glee Choir. She also volunteered at Equine Assisted Therapy starting in 2012 and became an Instructor in 2014, where she worked through 2022. Liz recently moved back to Oregon from Missouri and is thrilled to join the wonderful staff at Forward Stride!

Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) in training

Joel Sloan

Joel began his journey with Forward Stride as a volunteer and has recently taken on the role of Barn Coordinator. Though he’s the newest member of the team, he’s no stranger to horses or the therapeutic riding industry. Growing up in the California desert, Joel developed a passion for riding and showing horses on the APHA and PTHA circuits.

He launched his therapeutic equine career in Northern California, starting as a horse handler and equine specialist before becoming a certified NAHRA therapeutic riding instructor. Over the years, Joel has worked in various facets of the horse industry, gaining a wealth of experience.

Currently, he is pursuing his MSW degree while enjoying time with his horse and exploring the beautiful nature of Oregon alongside his dog, Loretta. Joel’s dedication to both horses and people makes him a valuable addition to the Forward Stride team.

Equine-Assisted Coach

Kristin Cooper

Kristin is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) through the Co-Active Training Institute, a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and co-creator of the Equine Assisted Coaching (EAC) Program at Forward Stride. Fueled by her love of horses and strong belief in their ability to facilitate growth and healing, she designs coaching workshops for individuals of all ages, abilities, and experience levels. She knows firsthand the transformational power of horses and is on a mission to share it with others.

Her work is grounded in extensive training, holding credentials in Equine Assisted Coaching through Unbridled Equine Coaching and Equine Facilitated Learning through The H.E.R.D. Institute. Kristin also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, a Master’s in Religious Studies, and has studied meditation extensively, using mindfulness to deepen horse-human connection.

A dedicated horse care and programming volunteer since 2022, she loves serving both horses and humans.

Lunger

Christina Perry

Christina started volunteering at Forward Stride when she moved to Oregon in 2019, and joined the riding program in 2020. After being introduced to the sport of vaulting and learning to lunge, she is thrilled to support the dreams and talents of vaulting participants at Forward Stride! When not at Forward Stride, Christina is usually at her day job in corporate philanthropy, hiking the beautiful Oregon trails, or crocheting tiny clothes that her cats refuse to wear (among other projects).

Vaulting Instructor, Lunger

Bella Fetters

Bella Fetters is one of the talented Vaulting Instructors at Forward Stride and an accomplished competitive vaulter. She is a valued member of the Vaulting program, teaching vaulters of all ages and skill levels while also providing dedicated care and partnership to the program’s vaulting horses. Outside of her work at Forward Stride, Bella enjoys spending time with her dog and exploring the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Meg Miller

Meg joined the Forward Stride community as a volunteer in 2017. Longtime friends had horses in Forward Stride programming, and many of the kids she had mentored through DHS programming were already part of the community here. It seemed she was the only one missing out. Returning to the company of horses after a long break felt good, as did joining a team so passionate about the work.

Meg is a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and has enjoyed learning from numerous disciplines such as dressage, western, hunt seat, and liberty work. She is glad to bring a little of each to her teaching, and is excited to share her appreciation for all things horse with others as they learn to ride in partnership with our herd.

Some of Meg’s favorite things are her family, her animals, and being outside.

Occupational Therapist

Valery Sampson

Valery graduated from The University of Puget Sound in 1989. She has enjoyed a variety in her caseload, people of all ages. Valery’s passion has always been pediatrics and she has worked in the areas of the NICU, homecare and primarily outpatient settings. She has specialized in the areas of sensory processing, pediatric feeding, fine motor/visual motor skills, yoga/mindfulness and equine-assisted occupational therapy. Her main goal is to make a difference in people’s lives. She has worked at Forward Stride since 2012 providing equine-assisted occupational therapy. She has completed her level I and lI American Hippotherapy Association course work. Valery has now added more focused attention on using nature-based and equine-assisted therapy and purposeful activities that the environment Forward Stride provides.
Valery enjoys her time with family and friends, horses/animals, yoga, gardening and her family farm. Being outdoors is her happy place.

Speech & Language Pathologist

Melissa Hornung

Melissa Hornung is a Speech-Language Pathologist with a lifelong passion for helping people find not only their voice, but their place in a community. With a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from Portland State University and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Colorado and over fifteen years of experience in schools, Melissa specializes in supporting individuals with complex communication needs, executive function deficits, expressive/receptive language disorders, and AAC use. Melissa is especially skilled in working with students on the Autism spectrum and/or ADHD. Melissa considers communication, sensory regulation, social cognition and executive function all pieces that require attention in order to support the whole individual. Her approach is grounded in neurodiversity-affirming practices, cultural humility, and the belief that communication is a fundamental human right.

Before becoming an SLP, Melissa spent a decade as a science teacher and curriculum specialist, bringing creativity and a love of learning to her students. She has worked across disciplines with educators, therapists, and families to create practical, individualized supports that empower communication in all environments. Melissa is a member of PATH International and the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) and has completed both Level 1 and Level 2 AHA courses.

Outside of work, Melissa is a proud mom of two amazing kids, a nature lover, and an enthusiastic advocate for inclusion. Whether she’s collaborating with a team, leading a session, or cheering someone on as they reach a milestone, Melissa’s energy, warmth, and dedication shine through in everything she does.

Occupational Therapist

Sara Jane Sacco

Sara Jane is one of our occupational therapists. She graduated from the University of Puget Sound with her Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) in 2025.
Sara Jane became a member of the Forward Stride community as a volunteer in 2015, began working as a horse handler in 2018, and spent a summer as the Interim Assistant Volunteer Coordinator. During graduate school, she found her way back (no surprise!), completing her final capstone project at Forward Stride. Now, as an OT, Sara Jane enjoys taking a family-centered approach to help clients reach their goals.

Her favorite things outside of the barn are her family and friends, dog, and getting outdoors!

Horse Handler

David Crisp

Always willing to pitch in when help is needed, David has been around Forward Stride since its inception. He was first introduced to the program when his sisters would come to riding lessons with Kris on weekends. Not long after that he found himself helping with odd jobs around the property, cleaning water troughs and fixing fences.

He was hired on in 2014 and has been a horse handler and helping hand since then. His three favorite things are archery, working with animals, and traveling and experiencing the outdoors.

Horse Handler

Melissa Perkins

Bio coming soon!

Mental Health Therapist

Margaret Hartsook

Margaret is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Board-Certified Art Therapist with the American Art Therapy Association. After receiving a scholarship from the Ford Family Foundation, she received a Bachelor of Fine Art from the University of Oregon and her Masters degree in Transpersonal Psychology with an emphasis in Art Therapy from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She has extensive background as a bereavement counselor and helping individuals who are faced with processing change such as, illness, aging, mortality, and grief.

When possible, in her work at Forward Stride, she incorporates her love of art with her love of horses and uses a wide variety of art mediums such as collage, paint and clay in her work. The primary focus of her work is to facilitate expression and provide support. She incorporates mindfulness and breath work into her sessions to facilitate body awareness and somatic grounding.

Margaret has been volunteering and taking lessons at Forward Stride for a number of years. She has loved horses all her life and spent her childhood with a Native American pony named Charlie. She has also loved art since a small child and when she was five had a drawing of her pony published in the local newspaper.

Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI), Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL)

Micah Vaughn

Micah began as a volunteer with Forward Stride in 2009 before joining as a staff member in 2016.  She created the Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) program and worked as the first ever EAP Program Manager for Forward Stride.  She helped create the Stable Ground: Women’s Trauma Recovery Group, the Life in the Herd: Teen Therapy Group, and the Working in Tandem Mentoring Program.  She currently works as an Equine Specialist and Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor.

Micah has a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from Carleton College and a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling.  She is a PATH certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL) and a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI).  She worked in the mental health field for 20 years and was a therapist for 10 years.

Micah is passionate about horses and may or may not still own a copy of every Black Stallion book.

Horse Handler

Julie Baugh

Julie has been part of Forward Stride off-and-on for almost 20 years. As a lifelong horse person, she recognized the value Forward Stride offers the community. She joined initially as a volunteer leading and sidewalking horses during lessons. Since then she has held a variety of volunteer and paid positions with the organization. She is excited to be part of the growing Therapy Services Team.

Database Administrator, Horse Handler, Lunger, Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL)

Libby Volk

Libby Volk received a pony as a birthday present when she was six and never looked back. While her passion lies with eventing, she has done just about everything during her horse career including western gaming, vaulting, and ride and tie. Libby is a graduate HB from Columbia River Pony Club. She was a camp counselor and instructor with Happy Horse Riding School in Burbank, WA for over seven years before moving to Oregon for college. Libby attended Pacific University and received a Bachelor’s in Literature with a minor in Photography. She began volunteering at Forward Stride as she began to miss horses and the comforting power they possess.

Libby became a part of the Forward Stride team in Spring of 2022 as a Horse Handler. In 2024, Libby became a certified PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning and now assists as an ES in the Psychotherapy Program, along with picking up roles as a Database Administrator and Vaulting Lunger. Her three favorite things are her cat Princess, playing video games with her friends, and going to the beach.

Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL)

Kendall Rauscher

Kendall has been part of the Forward Stride Center since 2006 as a volunteer.  She has worked with many different types of horses through her life, and decided she needed to be a part of a community that involved the companionship between the horse and the human in a caring, understanding and supportive environment.  Kendall was an Art teacher for many years, but realized horses were her calling and decided to be certified to become an Equine Specialist.  She is our new member in the Mental Health EFP program and is grateful to be involved in a contributive growing community. Her three favorite things are her family, horseback riding and being creative in whatever she may be doing!

Accounts Coordinator

Maiah Zentz

Maiah has enjoyed being a part of the Forward Stride community for many years, starting out in the Riding Program in high school. After getting a degree in Zoology, she came back to join the Forward Stride team helping with administrative tasks and assisting with the volunteer program. While she loves all animals, horses hold a special place in her heart and she enjoys getting to be involved in all aspects of Forward Stride as the Accounts Coordinator.

Maiah’s loves serving as a vocalist and guitarist on her church’s worship team, spending time with her family, and passing along her love of animals and getting outside to her son!

Marketing Content Creator, Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI), Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL)

Michelle Whiteaker

For over a decade, Michelle has been a part of Forward Stride as a volunteer, rider, and now our Marketing Content Creator, PATH Certified Instructor and Equine Specialist. Michelle has over six years in marketing including content creation and implementation, photography, videography, and website design.

Through the healing powers of the horse, Michelle has first-hand experience overcoming an anxiety disorder. She brings this life lesson, and the horse knowledge she has gained through the years, to promote self-love and confidence in her riding students so they can excel in every part of their life.

Michelle’s three favorite things are her family, traveling and yoga!  

Accounts Coordinator

Susan Volk

Susan’s first love was a Shetland pony named Tony. Little did she know, how much that tiny horse would shape her life even today. Susan has a MBA from the University of Texas and has worked with non-profits for over 30 years. The position at Forward Stride was the perfect union of her belief in giving back, promoting community and the magic that happens being around horses.

Her favorite things are spending time with her daughters; especially riding with them, obsessing about pickleball and anything to do with the great outdoors.

Development Coordinator, Facilities Coordinator

Leanna Sugar

Leanna began her journey with Forward Stride as a volunteer, where her love of horses and admiration for Forward Stride’s mission came together. She takes pride in supporting the Forward Stride team in different ways—whether she’s maintaining the arena, connecting with donors, or welcoming visitors for an engaging tour. Leanna loves that each day at the barn is different and that she’s always learning new skills!

In her free time, Leanna enjoys exploring the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest with her husband, and unwinding with a good book alongside her cat, Ralphie and puppy, Gimli.

Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL), Horse Handler

Heather Sutherland

Heather has always had a passion for working with horses and helping others. She is no stranger to Forward Stride, having volunteered on Saturday mornings for six years before being hired on as staff in 2017. She brings a sense of gratitude to each day and enjoys continually learning from her fellow humans and horses.

She has been involved in the marketing & development efforts of Forward Stride for many years. It was here that she discovered a love for visual storytelling through digital and print design, and in the spring of 2025 she earned a BFA in Graphic Design from PSU. She is thrilled to be back at the barn, putting her learning to use.
Heather’s three favorite things are her cat Noah, a well-crafted story, and her family & friends.