Board Of Directors
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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).