Board of Directors
Our Founder and President
Sonia served in the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman before pursuing a career as a Registered Nurse. While working for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Sonia realized just how vital and scarce services are for Veterans who are still fighting their battles at home.
As Sonia continued her nursing career, she spent more and more time with her horses and began to focus on the parallels between horse herd dynamics and human teams. This also led her down a path of studying the effects of interactions with horses on mental health. After many years of training and mentorship on the horse-human connection, and how this relationship can assist us in how we communicate, respond, and support our human relationships; Sonia began to take steps towards building a program to support Veterans.
Through her research into what programs were currently available, she realized that there was a large deficit in these types of programs for First Responders. Although First Responders and Veterans have different exposures to traumatic situations, there are many similarities in the tools needed to build resiliency around exposure to real and perceived threats, which caused Sonia to include First Responders in her programs. Sonia was able to finally bring her dream of a trauma-informed equine-based program to life by launching Hooves & Heroes in 2021.
Vice President
Kaitlyn has been a dedicated part of the Hooves & Heroes community for many years. She first came to the facility in its early stages, spending time with the horses, and has played a key role in the ongoing care and wellbeing of the herd. Inspired by her deep connection with the horses, Kaitlyn joined the board of directors to further support the organization's mission.
A graduate of Cornish College of the Arts with a focus in dance and a strong interest in body mechanics, Kaitlyn is currently pursuing a master’s degree in clinical psychology. Her unique perspective on the mind-body connection adds great value to the Hooves & Heroes program.
Treasurer
Melissa owns multiple businesses with her husband and brings her accounting and management skills to our Board of Directors in the role of our Treasurer.
Throughout her career, she has been on and held a variety of positions on non-profit boards. Those boards centered around activities that her children were involved in. Hooves and Heroes gives Melissa an opportunity to follow her need to help others and to serve on a board that aligns with her principles and goals. Her background in non-profits and business is a great asset to the organization.
Although Melissa herself is not a Veteran or 1st Responder, she is the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran who had suffered from Agent Orange-related illnesses and trauma, as well as a sister of two EMT/Firefighters in Oregon. Over the years, she has had her own traumas that resulted in traditional counseling sessions. Although they were what was offered and they provided help, it wasn’t what was fully needed for her to feel whole. Once she visited the home of Hooves and Heroes her world changed. Finding a different way of working through her trauma has led her to a new perspective and ultimately led her to become a
member of the Hooves and Heroes Board of Directors.
Board Secretary
Diane is the current Secretary for Hooves & Heroes and has been involved with the organization since its founding, although her involvement was mostly on the fringes until recently. Her qualifications for this position include completing a seven-month course at The Business Computer Training Institute, a year and a half of community college courses, and holding various office positions over the years.
Throughout her extended family, Diane has at least one person serving in each branch of the military, as well as many friends in various First Responder fields. As the wife of an Army veteran and the daughter of an Air Force veteran, she has a deep respect and appreciation for all military personnel and first responders who make it possible for us to enjoy the freedoms we have. Diane also has a lifelong love of horses and helping others, and she hopes to give back to these heroes through her contributions to this incredible program.
Volunteer Coordinator
Marika brings valuable experience in nonprofit leadership and community building to the Hooves & Heroes Board of Directors. With a background as Executive Director of a local nonprofit arts organization, she has gained expertise in nonprofit management and community engagement. Marika has also served on the board of another local organization, where she learned important lessons in strategic planning, organizational governance, and board operations during her three years as Secretary.
Passionate about creating connections and fostering growth, Marika is excited to contribute to the mission of Hooves & Heroes and looks forward to supporting its efforts to provide vital services to Veterans, First Responders, and their families.
Our HERD
The members in our herd are the true stars of our program, playing a vital role in providing support to those who need it most.
Currently, our herd consists of five horses, with plans to expand as we continue to grow our services for Veterans and First Responders.
Whether it’s building relationships with the horses, developing riding skills, or navigating trail obstacle courses, the opportunities for partnering with our equine friends are nearly endless!
Our VOLUNTEERS
What is an organization of service without its volunteers? These dedicated individuals are essential to our success! From feeding and caring for the herd to managing supplies, assisting with event setup and teardown, and spreading the word about our mission, their contributions make a lasting impact. Their efforts enable us to provide the best possible services to Veterans, First Responders, and their families.
When you see a Hooves & Heroes volunteer, please take a moment to thank them. They generously give their time and energy because they believe in our participants, our mission, and our goals. Without their support, we wouldn't be able to make the difference we do.
Our Ambassadors
Howie the Hero Horse
Meet Howie!
This fabulous stuffed horse is our Brand Ambassador, overseeing our vendor booth at Veteran and First Responder fairs and other social events.
Check our calendar to see when we'll be out vending and to say hi to Howie!
Misty the Mini Horse
Meet Misty!
Our mini horse Misty loves showing off her beautiful mane for her adoring fans in her role as the Program Ambassador!
Her goal is to help give 'mini' demonstrations at events and offer opportunities for individuals with different movement needs to engage in our program.
Misty often makes appearances at community fairs, parades, and other local events in the Stanwood-Camano area. Check our calendar to see where Misty is headed next!
The Fire Truck
Our 1959 Snohomish County Fire Truck has been converted into a traveling BBQ Outreach Ambassador, visiting Military Veteran and First Responder social events to provide free food to the community.
All donations made during these events will go toward funding the food for the next community gathering the fire truck attends.
If you’re planning an event and would like to have the Fire Truck involved, please email us: info@hoovesandheroes.org