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Board Of Directors

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President

Michele Haman

Michele Haman’s lifelong love of horses led her to various disciplines and interests, including saddle seat, hunters, western, dressage, combined driving, and eventing. 

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Treasurer

Catherine Christiansen

Catherine Christiansen is a licensed California Attorney for 25+ years. Her practice helps

Consumers obtain a fresh financial start through bankruptcy, helps Horse Owners navigate

Equine Law, and educates clients about ‘Horse Trust’s. Catherine is passionate about horses

getting the best care possible, their owners having the opportunity to educated themselves to

take the best care of their horses, and that alternative therapy is available through qualified

Equine Care Professionals.

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Board Director

Melinda Mueller 

Melinda Mueller is a lifelong horsewoman with an eclectic background.  As a young adult, she progressed through the highest levels of riding and horsemanship tested by the United States Pony Club.

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Board Director

Rhonda Martin,CESMT, BS Zoology - Anatomy and Physiology

Rhonda owns and operates Equine Mechanix near Kansas City, Missouri. She is an equine performance consultant with 30 years of experience in massage-based integrated bodywork, PEMF, saddle fit assessment, custom fit pads, custom designed western saddles, horsemanship clinics, and speaking engagements.

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Board Director

Gabriele Gross, DVM (Germany), PhD (Germany)

With a dual career as a Veterinarian and Equine Nutritionist, Gabriele serves the Equine Industry as an educator and consultant. Dr. Gabi received her Veterinary Degree in 1987 in Hannover, Germany, followed by two years of academia and research at the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy at same Veterinary University, where she was an assistant professor.

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Board Director

Lisa Miksis

Lisa graduated from Boston College with a degree in Biological Sciences. After building her skills in marketing, operations and leadership, she joined Respond Systems in 2015 where she currently holds the role of President. 

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    Board Director

    Kirstie Wachholtz

    Kirstie Wachholtz ranches in Idaho with her husband where they raise and train American Brabant Draft horses. With a background in cutting horses and three day eventing she has always been a part of the equine industry.

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      Board Director

      Brian Wachholtz

      Brian Wachholtz ranches in Idaho with his wife where they raise and train American Brabant Draft horses. Brian is an American Farriers Associations certified farrier with a passion for hoof care that goes beyond the anvil and forge. With a wealth of experience spanning over 15 years he is committed to the well-being of every horse he serves. 

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        Vice President

        Christina Naas, LMT, NMT, CST, ESMT

        Christina, (formerly Kupper) of Equine Kneads in Colorado & Wisconsin, has worked with many different programs to expand her education. She also is often a guest instructor at various universities and clinics in teaching pre-vet students, vet students, owners, trainers and riders on the foundations of equine bodywork.

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        Secretary 

        Jessenia A. Quinonez, LMT

        Jessenia is a licensed massage therapist with over 15 plus years of experience practicing in New York and Florida. Her professional journey is fueled by a passion for education and a commitment to expanding her network within like-minded professions. Outside of her massage therapy practice, Jessenia dedicates her free time to working with the equine community, showcasing her love for these majestic animals.
         

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        Board Director

        Danielle Aamodt, MBA

        Danielle is a horse-crazy kid who worked her way up over the course of 20 years from grassroots barns to leading a top-level equestrian sport.

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        Board Director

        Rev. Esco Buff, PhD, APF-I, CF

        Esco is an American Farriers Association (AFA) Certified Farrier (CF), and International Association of Professional Farriers (IAPF) Accredited Professional Farrier (APF) with an endorsement, A NYS Gaming Commission Licensed Farrier, a member of the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame, a Society Only Member of the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR), and the Large Animal Diagnostic Imaging Society (LADIS).

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        Board Director

        Janice Holland, PhD

        From a very young age Dr. Janice Holland was passionate about horses. Growing up in central
        Pennsylvania she took advantage of any opportunity to ride and be around horses, and this led her to
        pursue a bachelor’s degree in animal production at the Pennsylvania State University, where she also
        rode on their Intercollegiate Hunt Seat Team. 

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        Board Director

        Debra Redman, LMT

        Debra Redman, Licensed Medical Massage Therapist for humans for 25 years, has magic in her hands, a good biomechanics assessment eye, and thousands of dollars invested in continuing education with equine care professionals from all over the world for the last ten years.

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          Board Director

          Christine Walker, LMT

          NBCAAM Certified Equine Massage Therapist 

          School of Applied Integrative Therapies Assistant Director

          Christine holds a B.A. in Equine Business from Midway University (2000), Medical Massage Certification from Blue Heron Academy of Healing Arts (2007), Equine Bodyworker Certificate from the School of Applied Integrative Therapy (2020), and NBCAAM Certified Equine Bodyworker (2022). 

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