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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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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SPARKLES
What's up? Sparkles here. I'm as sassy as they come. Don't let my size fool you, I am cheeky. I am a force to be reckoned with. Spunky and spry. Bring me into the arena and I will bolt in circles with a playful head toss. My special ability is keeping you on your toes.
Ripley
Ripley
Rocky
Rocky.
Axel Drake
Rae Rae
THE HUMANS
Kathy Stone
Axel.
I was born with the horse gene. Horses have been a part of my life since the age of 4. I enjoy trail riding and the challenges of trail obstacles, and training natural horsemanship.
My husband Ron and I bought our farm, Wild Strawberry Acres which has been a labor of love, in 2002. Wild Strawberry Acres harvests and sells hay and hosts Hope’s Chariot which offers boarding and Equine Assisted Therapy. I have been helping people learn in many settings, using my Master’s in Education and certifications in Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA), Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (Eagala) and Path International. I organized and founded the non-profit Hope's Chariot Inc. I wear many hats…barn manager, horse wrangler, provider of Equine Assisted Learning, riding instructor, Executive Director for Hope’s Chariot, a member of Living Word Lutheran Church singing on the Praise Team and the grandmother of 4 amazing grandkids. It is my goal this year to take time to have fun with my horses! Tina Bushey
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.
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 teaches Riding Lessons, Recreational Therapeutic Riding, and is a Mounted Patrol unit Reserve Officer including training mounted police officers and mounted patrol horses. Lisa is a Peer Support Specialist for First Responders and has additional training in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).
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. Pahoua Xiong
Pahoua Xiong is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin who has been practicing since 2019. She has been an equine therapist since 2025. She works with individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout, providing compassionate support in today’s fast-paced and demanding world. In addition to working with children who struggle with focus, depression, anxiety, relationships, and academics.
With over 25 years of experience owning and operating her own business, along with the responsibilities of motherhood, Pahoua understands how overwhelming it can feel to juggle multiple roles and expectations. She brings this real-world perspective into her work with clients, helping professionals navigate stress, prevent burnout, and build healthier work-life balance. Pahoua’s approach focuses on creating a supportive and nonjudgmental space where clients can gain insight, develop practical coping strategies, and move toward more sustainable and fulfilling lives. She values accountability, self-awareness, and meaningful change, and works collaboratively with clients to help them feel more grounded, confident, and empowered. Pahoua Xiong, M.A., LPC Danielle Menting, 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.
Jamie O' Connor, 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! 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." 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 Kayla Stoltmann
Kayla Michelle Gray-Bernhardt
Michelle joined Hope’s Chariot in 2026. Her educational background includes a BA and a Master of Social Work from UW-Milwaukee. While Michelle’s career has taken her in many directions over the years, she is now delighted to be working in a counseling capacity at Hope’s Chariot. Horses have been a constant in Michelle’s life since she started horseback riding at 4 years old. This work allows Michelle to blend her passions: working in a helping capacity with children and adults and working with horses. She believes it is a privilege to facilitate human/equine therapeutic relationships. |
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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 |