If you are at the barn just about any day of the week you have probably already met Veronica. Since she started volunteering in April 2021, her cheerful and energetic presence has been a wonderful addition to the feeding team and participant sessions. Veronica had almost no prior experience with horses but was very excited about learning, and her enthusiasm and willingness to jump right in and participate have made her an invaluable resource to HHEAL. Veronica says she started volunteering at HHEAL "because horses amaze me with their beauty and their communication with each other and with people." She was born in Southern California, and she and her husband of 42 years have two children, a daughter and son, as well as two grandsons. She feels that the HHEAL herd and Oscar have also become part of her family.

Cami can always be found on Wednesdays and Saturdays either helping with sessions or helping new volunteers learn the ropes. Cami came to us wanting to get experience with equine therapy and children since she has always wanted to be a Hippotherapist. When asked what she has learned during her volunteer experience here at HHEAL, she says that she “learned to adapt quickly to difficult situations and to approach problems from different angles.” One surprising thing to know about Cami is that she has wide musical taste. She enjoys anything from metal to folk genres. Looking to the future, Cami can’t wait to own her own property with horses and many other animals. We thank you for all your hard work and dedication!!! Keep up the great work!!!

Jade started volunteering with us because she loves horses, and she needed volunteer hours for school. When Jade is not spending time with her grandma and her dog, you will find her participating on the exercise team, the drill team, volunteering on Wednesdays and Saturdays, or feeding. Jade states that she has “learned that horses are [her] passion and that not all horses are the same.” Jade also says, “It is crazy how much personality these horses have,” which would explain how Kip and Snowflake stole her heart! Looking into the future, Jade looks forward to having a horse or two of her own, and she wants to pursue equine management in college. Let’s not forget the biggest news… Jade will also be seen a lot more at the barn and in the community now that she is our brand new volunteer coordinator!! Congratulations, Jade!! We all look forward to working with you!!

Grace has been volunteering for us since May 2021. Before Grace started volunteering with us, she would take private lessons, so when she began, she pretty much knew her way around the HHEAL barn. One thing Grace says that she learned during her time volunteering with us is that there is a lot of maintenance when it comes to horses and that every client is different despite having similar needs. Grace is hopeful that volunteering with us will bring her closer to her career goals, one of which is to work more with animals in her future. While Grace is leaving to go to college, we are still sad to see her leave, and we know that she will do a fantastic job with whatever path she chooses!! You will always be welcome here, and we hope you see HHEAL as a second home; we hope to see you again soon!!! Good luck in college!! We miss you, Grace!!!!

Pam used to be an instructor and barn manager at another facility in Oklahoma, so she is not a stranger to the workings of a therapeutic barn. Pam says that since she has been here, she has learned that there are many different teaching styles, and each one accomplishes the same goal but in a different way. Pam also says that she looks forward to her and her family’s eventual move back to Oklahoma. She says that while they are looking forward to going to Oklahoma, she will miss all the people she has come to know here at HHEAL. We will miss you when you leave, and we hope you will come back to revisit us!!! Thank you so much for all your hard work and dedication, Pam! We appreciate you!!

When Joan first came to the area, she wanted to get involved in the community. When Joan is at the barn, she is either preparing for sessions, leading, side-walking, or training new volunteers. When asked to name one thing that Joan has learned being here at HHEAL, she said that she has learned that the more you give, the greater the reward. Now that Joan and her husband, Norman, are retired, she states that she is looking forward to more quality time together with their sweet and loyal Golden Retriever, Hadley, by their side. Joan also says she looks forward to more grandchildren from their three beautiful children and enjoying trail riding with her Tennessee Walker gelding, Biscuit. Joan also says she has “been blessed to meet so many wonderful people.” We here at HHEAL feel just as blessed to have her here to help us make a difference in the individuals we serve. Thank you for all your hard work, Joan; we appreciate all you do!!!!

Our snowbird, Diane, joined the HHEAL family in December 2021. Since then, she has been working hard to help bring every one of our riders joy and happiness during sessions. Before Diane began volunteering at HHEAL, she volunteered at two other Therapeutic Riding Centers in Ohio for over 20 years!! One thing Diane says she has learned from HHEAL is that there are many ways to run a Therapy barn and help people with disabilities. People may be surprised to know that Diane was a custom window treatment decorator for 24 years. When she is not helping us at HHEAL, she spends time water skiing with her husband and walking their three fur babies: Rae, Portia, and George. When looking to the future, Diane says that she looks forward to “watching the Heartland program grow and continue to improve.” We can’t wait to watch this happen as well, and we are thrilled to have you with us each step of the way!!!! Thank you so much for all your hard work and dedication!!

If you come to the barn in the winter months, you are sure to see one of our amazing snowbirds hard at work, Gaylord Coston. Gaylord has been with us since January 2017, helping us on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You will always find him working around the barn, helping get ready for sessions, or even helping during sessions. During his volunteer experience here, Gaylord says that he has learned of the impact of being around the horses and clients. When asked what one thing someone would be surprised to learn about Gaylord, he stated that he used to work in a seminary. We thank you for all your hard work, Gaylord, and we will miss you when you head back up north!!!!!!!!

When meeting Kevin, he will always keep you laughing, which is why it is incredible to find out that he is actually a shy person and is working on being more social. Kevin Prior decided to join us here at HHEAL in 2019 after meeting Kayla and Kirsten, who told him about volunteering opportunities here at HHEAL. Since then, Kevin helps us on Tuesdays and Thursdays in any way possible. You may also run into him Helping out ARC on Movie Night. When meeting Kevin, he will always keep you laughing, which is why it is incredible to find out that he is actually a shy person and is working on being more social. Thank you, for all your hard work and dedication!!

“One of the best decisions I’ve ever made was walking through the gate of Heartland Horses.” ~Gail Trepicone~ Gail Trepicone has been a volunteer with HHEAL for 14 years. When Gail retired, she and her husband of 54 years became snowbirds, traveling between Michigan, where they raised their two children, in the summer and Florida in the winter. After coaching high school softball and golf in Michigan, Gail went searching for something to do to keep her active, which is when she found an opportunity at HHEAL working with individuals who are disabled. Volunteering with HHEAL for 14 years, Gail has seen many changes, and she has witnessed HHEAL grow. Gail states that being with HHEAL, she has gained a love for horses, barn work, enjoy working with our participants, and made many friends along the way. When Gail is not in Florida helping us make a difference, she is in Michigan volunteering at Horse Haven, a 70-horse rescue. Thank you, Gail, for all your hard work and dedication!!

Hannah started volunteering in July 2021. Hannah is always ready to help clean up and organize. Hannah was born in Sebring, Florida, and says that she wanted to volunteer at HHEAL “because I wanted to get some hands-on experience and work with horses. Soon after Hannah started volunteering with HHEAL, her dad decided to accompany her every Wednesday evening and help with anything that needs to be fixed. After volunteering, they know their dog Rosie will be at home waiting for their return. Hannah stated that during her experience at HHEAL, she has learned that “all horses take time to work with, but in the end, it’s worth it.” With all the dedication that Hannah puts into HHEAL, she will no doubt go very far in the future!

April 2022, we welcomed Lorena Stratton to the HHEAL family. Lorena came to us because she missed being around horses. Now she is able to help us give our horses even more love and attention!! Lorena is a beloved mom to two beautiful and amazing girls and a wife of 32 years to her husband General Tony Stratton. One thing that Lorena says that she learned from volunteering here at HHEAL is “how much healing [she] receive[s] from horses themselves and [ she enjoys] being a part of a team that is chill.” A surprising thing to learn about Lorena is that she is a fan of Star Trek. Lorena says that she looks forward to her husband retiring and coming to volunteer with her here at HHEAL. Thank you so much for all you do Lorena and we look forward to having your husband come and join the family!!!

Yemarie has proven to be an incredibly helpful and reliable presence. She is always willing to step in wherever assistance is needed, demonstrating both flexibility and dedication. Her commitment to exercising Boston has been especially commendable, as she consistently puts in the effort to ensure his well-being and progress. Yemarie's dependability and strong work ethic make her a valuable part of the team, and her contributions have not gone unnoticed.

Sharon is an outstanding volunteer, known for her dedication and compassion. She goes above and beyond in everything she does, always giving exceptional care to the herd and making sure each horse is healthy, comfortable, and well-loved.  Sharon's reliability and positive attitude make her an incredible asset to the team, as she is always willing to step in and pick up extra shifts whenever needed. Her hard work and commitment not only support the horses but also uplift everyone around her, making her an invaluable part of the family.

John joined HHEAL in 2025, seeking volunteer opportunities. Since then, he has jumped in with both feet, always eager to help wherever needed. John has been cross-trained in both maintenance and therapy, and he consistently arrives at the baen with a positive attitude and a strong work ethic.

Kristi Bossert joined HHEAL in April 2025 and has been an invaluable part of our volunteer team ever since. She consistently steps in wherever support is needed, demonstrating reliability, compassion, ans a genuine commitment to our mission. Kristi's steady presence and willingness to help make a meaningful difference for our participants, our horses, and our staff. We are sincerely grateful for her dedication and the postitive impact she brings to HHEAL.