Founder Announcement

Dear AAETT Stakeholders,

We hope this message finds you well. Today, we are writing to share important news regarding our organization's leadership.

After more than six years of dedicated service and visionary leadership, Henry Siegel stepped down from the position of President in October 2023. We are immensely grateful for his tireless efforts, commitment, and the transformative impact he has had on AAETT since he founded the organization. We want to express our deepest gratitude to Henry for his exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to AAETT.

In October, we embarked on a new chapter for our organization, with Henry transitioning to the role of Founder. This pivotal role will bring opportunities for further organizational growth to the AAETT Board of Directors, and build upon the strong foundation laid since AAETT was originally conceptualized in 2016. 

Henry brings to the Founder role a proven track record in the Supportive & Therapeutic Care segment of the equine industry, having demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and a deep understanding of the values that define AAETT. He shares our commitment to AAETT and has a vision that aligns closely with our goals. The Founder will play a crucial role in growing relationships for our organization, fostering innovation, and ensuring our continued growth and impact. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the legacy of AAETT and drive positive change.

As we have navigated this transition, our dedicated Board of Directors ensured a smooth handover of responsibilities with elections confirming Michele Haman as President, Christina Naas as Vice President, and Jessenia Quinonez as Secretary. We have also significantly expanded our Board of Directors to 15 positions, including electing Catherine Christiansen as Treasurer. Since those elections, AAETT has organized another very successful Annual Conference, and is already planning the next to be held in Lexington, KY, June 25-29, 2025. We sponsored the US Pony Club Festival with a trade fair booth and by supporting an educational presentation about bodywork. We are planning to attend several fall and winter conventions as well.

We sincerely appreciate your ongoing support during this period of growth. Your commitment to AAETT is invaluable, and we look forward to welcoming Henry to his role as Founder, and to developing an exciting future as AAETT continues to grow our contributions to this industry that we all love so well.

Thank you for being an integral part of the AAETT family. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact AAETT at AAETT.org@gmail.com.

Warm regards,

AAETT Board of Directors:

Michele Haman - President

Christina Naas, LMT - Vice President

Jessenia Quinonez - Secretary

Catherine Christiansen - Treasurer

Danielle Aamodt

Esco Buff, PhD, APF-I, CF

Gabriele Gross, DVM, PhD

Janice Holland, PhD

Rhonda Martin

Lisa Miksis

Melinda Mueller

Debra Redman, LMT

Brian Wachholtz

Kirstie Wachholtz

Christine Walker, LMT