Meet our staff
THE HORSES
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TROOPER
I'm Trooper. And I'm GOAT (greatest of all time). I am the model for Hope's Chariot's logo! People say I have a heart larger than the size of Texas. I'm easy going and love hanging out with others (both my human friends and my horse buddies). My special quality is that I am extremely intuitive and can pick up others' emotions very quickly.
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CACHE
Howdy! I am Cache. Got food?? I have a big personality and a bigger desire to get all the attention. If you brush and pet me I am a friend for life. You will never have to guess at what I'm thinking or feeling because you will see it on my face. My super duper cool quality is I am a great kisser!
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SAM
Excuse me, um hello there. I am Sam. My friends are my everything. You will most likely see me with my best friends Trooper and Cache. I can be shy and won't demand much. I am the wing man and will always be supportive of my buddies. My special quality is helping you find the words to describe how you are feeling.
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PIPPIN
Yo! I'm Pippin. I might be small but I am mighty! I have personality for days. When I'm not helping my human friends I'm giving my horse friends the business. Playfully of course. I love having jobs to do but I won't let on. I'll make you work for it in my sassy way. My special quality is bringing out the child in everyone.
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WHEELER
How you doin'? I'm Wheeler. I am steady as they come. I'm even keeled and will remain a neutral party in any drama. Consistency is the name of my game. The only time I might show bigger emotion is when it comes to a good butt rub. Oh yeah! My special quality is being predictable and present.
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JOSIE
Hey girl. I'm Josie (also know as JoJo). If it were up to me I'd be in charge of the whole farm. I'm the nosy neighbor and will always have my eyes on the action. I'm always in the middle of the activity in my herd. Even at times being the source of the party. My special quality is bringing energy and liveliness to sessions.
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ZIGGY
Hi! Hello! How are you. I'm Ziggy. Wanna play? I have endless amounts of energy and will provide hours of entertainment. Even though I look like I'm all over the place, in reality I am very cautiously aware. I love playing with my "brother" Skipper. My special quality is teaching life lessons.
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SKIPPER
Hi! I've been waiting for you. I'm Skipper. I am always super curious and looking to make a friend. You might find me carrying around a brush, ball, bucket, or your hat. I like to play with Ziggy but I like to be part of my human's conversations even more. My special quality is helping people find their authentic self.
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KEECEE
Hi y'all. My name is Keecee and I'm as sweet as southern pie. I'm a proper lady who appreciates a good neck scratch. If I had my choice I would be with my human herd than with my horse herd. I've had some elite training that gives me some fancy feet. My special quality is being stuck like glue to your side.
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FARLI
>sigh< Hi. My name is Farli. I may not always approach you but I know you are there. I can be very misunderstood. My look may say go away, but I really don't mind a respectful scratch. I do like human company, I'm just not always sure how to show it. My special quality is being relatable to others who may struggle with self expression.
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JASPER
Thanks for popping over. I'm Jasper. I'm a good guy. I make friends easily and I am very respectful of boundaries. I enjoy attention but won't be pushy to get it. My favorite is connecting with one of my horse buddies or one of my human friends and just playing and hanging out. My special quality is being grounded.
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SHIVA
Hello friend. My name is Shiva. You might not have noticed but I see you coming before you see me. I will always have your back because I am alert and aware of our surroundings. My previous experience as a 4H horse helps me to be calm and centered in our connection. I love a nice grooming. My special quality is building trust.
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THE HUMANS
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Kathy Stone
Coming soon
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Tina Albinger
Hi, my name is Tina and I'm an EAGALA certified equine specialist. I've been working at Hope's Chariot since 2020. Horses have been a deep love of mine since I was a young child. My passion for equine assisted therapy developed after I started experiencing my own mental health benefits while being around horses. They are endlessly teaching us valuable lessons of patience, control, body language and trust. I'm honored to give individuals a safe space to explore horses and their limitless opportunities.
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Danielle Bachman, OTR
Danielle Bachman graduated with her Master's in Occupational Therapy and Minor in Psychology and Trauma Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Wisconsin. When Danielle is not doing Equine Therapy she works full time on an inpatient psychiatric unit as a psychotherapist at Waukesha Memorial Hospital. Danielle's approach to therapy is cognitive behavioral as well as dialectical behavioral therapy. Danielle copes with a stressful day by practicing yoga, spending time at the Rescue Gang volunteering, and playing with her 4 dogs.
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Lisa Docter
Lisa Docter has been practicing and certified as an Equine Specialist with Equine Assisted Therapy since 2015, working with children, adults, veterans and first responders. Lisa experienced the profound joy and healing power of horses in her own life and was called to facilitate others along their healing journey with our horse partners. Along with many of our life challenges she is particularly interested in EAT in relation to: trauma, PTSD, emotion regulation, healthy relationships, boundaries, depression, anxiety, confidence and empowerment. She also teaches Riding Lessons, Recreational Therapeutic Riding, is a Mounted Patrol unit Reserve Officer, along with training mounted police officers and mounted patrol horses.
In her off time she enjoys riding her horses and discovering the wonder of the wilderness with her dog Hawk. Horses and us together, have the power to go through the fire of life and come out the other side cleansed, renewed and stronger than ever. Through the healing journey, our weaknesses can be our greatest strength. |
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Leah Herr, MSE
Leah graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a Master's degree in Professional School Counseling. She spent 7 years as a school counselor and most recently was the Program Director of the Graduate Counseling program at Concordia University Wisconsin. As a school counselor, Leah was always passionate about creating a safe place for students to work through their social, emotional, and academic stressors.
My work at Hope's Chariot is fulfilling because I can share my passion for horses with my young clients. Horses have a natural calming ability and are a place I have always found safe. Being able to facilitate that safe space for my clients to help them on their journey is especially rewarding. Horses can hold space for you with no expectations or judgments. It is a special process to watch my clients connect and form unbreakable bonds with our horses. Outside of work, Leah loves to read and spend time with her family. Leah and her husband love to travel, camp, and spend time with their lab, Gus. |
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Abby Kramer
Abby is an EAGALA certified Equine Specialist whose educational background not only extends to horses and Equine Assisted Therapy but also earned a BA in Art Therapy. During her college years she studied as an intern at Hope's Chariot which led to her certification and continued work for the organization after her graduation in 2022. She is a "faith and family first" minded person and loves spending her spare moments reading, making art, listening to her records, and being outside.
"Horses have been many things to me throughout my life. They have been loyal friends, hilarious entertainers, advice givers, dedicated helpers, secret-keepers, and trusted confidants. They have been there for me during times no one else may have been. This is how I know Equine Therapy is like no other. Horses are all of these things without ever having to say a word." |
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Allison Lohman,
Coming soon
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Jaime O' Conner, LCSW
Hello!
I am a LCSW who has been licensed since 2011. I have worked with a wide variety of clients in many different life circumstances and challenges. I have worked in AODA, inpatient psychiatric care, mental and behavioral health, family therapy, and equine therapy. I have worked with children and adults. I also provide supervision for therapists in training to earn their license. I enjoy getting to know others and helping them live their best life! I believe in collaboration with my clients and developing a working treatment plan. I work with a non-judgmental mindset and am open to working with clients in a way that suits their current therapeutic needs. I specialize in anxiety and depression and parenting challenges. I am a wife, a mother to two teenage daughters, and am a doggy mom and a bunny mom! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, and sitting home and relaxing. I enjoy puzzles, movies, books, and quiet time. I look forward to helping you on your therapeutic journey to healing and hope! |
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Amy Schwabe, LPC
Amy graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and graduated from Concordia University-Mequon with a Master's degree in Community Counseling. Areas of interest include but are not limited to post traumatic stress, anxiety and depression, stress management, psychosocial and transitional issues of adolescents and young adults, and parenting/family support. Amy brings many "tools" into the therapeutic process, including equine assissted psychotherapy, art, music, and mindfulness training.
Amy brings a unique perspective to her consulting. Prior to entering the counseling profession she spent time as a firefighter/EMT and worked behind the scenes in a busy operating room. She trained several years in the peaceful martial art of Aikido and mindfulness and is a self-taught artist. Together, these experiences along with a personal knowledge of walking the road of healing blend into a philosophy that addresses both the biological aspects of healing as well as the importance of the body-soul-mind connection. "I believe that the act of reaching out for help is the most courageous part of the healing journey. I am always honored when I am asked to be part of a person's path of healing. As a therapist, I believe in walking with a client as we together unfold their story. I am a new set of eyes; a new perspective. In the end-the power to heal is always within." |
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Maria Valentine, LPC- IT
Maria received her master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Concordia University Wisconsin. Her experience includes working with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, addiction, group therapy, couples counseling, relationship concerns, and other life experiences. Through her work as a therapist, Maria strives to foster a safe space where clients can tell their story, gain insight into how that has impacted them, and create a new reality that can be more fulfilling. Maria utilizes various eclectic therapeutic approaches that prove to be the best fit for individual client needs, including cognitive behavioral therapy and person-centered therapy. Maria has worked with children, adolescents and adults, and enjoys working with couples and families.
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Tiffany Vitelli
Hi my name is Tiffany and I am an EAGALA certified Equine Specialist here at Hope's Chariot. My passion for horse theray began when I was riding on a drill team for at risk youth at the age of 17. It transformed my life completely. It taught me how to love in a healthy way. It showed me how to respect and care not only for the horse but for myself. I will always be an advocate for horse therapy because of what it did and what it continues to do in my life.
Some of my favorite quotes to live by are: "Using God's gifts to help unlock what's inside." -Lynn Winkelmann "There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of man." -Winston Churchill |
THE SUPPORT TEAM
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Board of Directors
Kathy Stone: President Ginny Mike: Treasurer Sheena Downer: Vice-President Jill Kubsczak: Secretary Patti Krueger: Board Member Jane Laubenstein: Board Member |