Kalynn Sortino joined HETRA in 2022. Before coming to HETRA and the Omaha Area, Kalynn was the Resource Development Director for the Boys and Girls Club of Siouxland. She graduated from Briar Cliff University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Marketing and a Master’s Degree in Leadership Management.

Kalynn has an extensive background within the nonprofit world, bringing to HETRA her passion for special events, donor cultivation, and community partnerships. In her spare time, you can find Kalynn at a multitude of different Networking Events, taste testing all the local coffee shops and breweries, cheering on the UNO Hockey and Husker Football team, or just spending time outside with her boyfriend Sean and their three furbabies Beau, Hank, and Remington.

Areas of Expertise: 

• Donor Cultivation
• Community Partnerships
• Event Planning
• Public Speaking
• Capital/Comprehensive Campaigns

Lucy first joined HETRA as a volunteer in 2018 and became a full-time staff member in 2019 with a focus on grant writing. She became a certified PATH International instructor in 2021. She particularly enjoys sharing with others the powerful bond that is created between humans and horses through grant writing and public speaking within the community. 

Lucy graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor’s of Agriculture in Animal Science & Industry with an Equine Certificate. She then went on to obtain her Master of Public Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center with a focus on Environmental & Agricultural Health, where she obtained the Outstanding Student in Public Health Practice award as well as an award for Outstanding Research Project. Lucy has a special interest in the concept of One Health, the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. She previously served as a Research Assistant at the Central States Center of Agricultural Health. She has also worked in the areas of veterinary medicine and volunteer coordinating. 

When Lucy isn’t at HETRA she enjoys spending time with her husband, cat, and rescue dog as well as reading, playing the piano, and horseback riding. 

Areas of Expertise: 

• Grant writing 
• Public speaking 
• Horsemanship 
• Continued giving campaigns  

Ceyenna Kanne joined HETRA in 2022. She graduated from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Art and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. During her senior year, she received two grants and the Perry Family Award for her Capstone project, Metamorphosis, a project about insect conservation of the Monarch Butterfly, American Burying Beetle, and Salt Creek Tiger Beetle.

Ceyenna has a background in social media management, videography, and graphic design. She brings to HETRA her passion for art and social media engagement. In her free time, Ceyenna enjoys going on walks and bike rides with her husband, Sam, and dog, Eira as well as enjoying the local food and art scene. 

Areas of Expertise: 

• Graphic Design 
• Social Media
• Digital Marketing
• Videography  
• Email Writing
• Song Lyric Enthusiast

Heidi Mckenna joined HETRA as a volunteer in 2015 and became a part-time member of the staff in 2019. She serves as the assistant horse manager and she became a certified PATH International Instructor in 2021. Heidi received her undergraduate degree from the US Air Force Academy and went on to spend 20 years in the Air Force before retiring. She has a Masters in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle and a Master of Arts from SNHU. In her free time, Heidi enjoys swimming, biking, running, competing in triathlons, and working on her riding skills with horses Woody and Anthony.

Areas of Expertise:

• Horse conditioning and management
• Intake and development of new horses
• Volunteer Training at all levels
• Day to day management of Volunteers in the Barn
• and more!

Lindsey Celesky serves as the Facility Manager for HETRA. Lindsey joined HETRA in December of 2018. She earned a degree in Animal Science with an Equine option from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and lives in Gretna, NE. Lindsey helps maintain a safe, clean and functioning facility here at HETRA. On the rare occasion that Lindsey isn’t in the barn at HETRA, you can find her enjoying concerts, line dancing, hanging at the lake with her friends around a bonfire, spending time with her family working various jobs alongside them, or attending diesel truck events and shows throughout the U.S. every year. 

Areas of Expertise:

• Facility Operations
• General upkeep/maintenance of equipment 
• Safety within barn setting
• Development of projects
• Management of barn maintenance staff/volunteers

Shelby Schult joined the HETRA team as a volunteer in 2010 and as a full time staff member in 2015 after graduating with her degree in Animal Science- Equine Option from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. Shelby is HETRA’s Equine Operations Manager and a PATH Intl. CTRI, ESMHL, and Mentor. 

Shelby has spent all of her life dedicated to the equine industry and still enjoys raising and showing Palomino Quarter Horses in her free time. Shelby is passionate about keeping HETRA’s herd “Healthy, Happy, Sane, and Sound” and is driven to share her knowledge with others in the industry through education.

Areas of Expertise:

• Equine Intake Procedures
• Equine Retirement/ Dismissal Procedures
• Desensitization of our Equine Partners
• Implementation of New Equines into Services
• General Management of EAS Equines
• Volunteer Horse Leader Education
• Implementation of New Volunteer Horse Leader Techniques 
• Saddle Fit
• Development of a Volunteer Conditioning Program

Diane joined HETRA Team in 2006 and became a PATH Intl Certified Instructor in 2012 and completed Amer. Hippotherapy Assoc. Levels 1 and 2. Diane is an Occupational Therapist and Program Manager of the Life Skills Programs. She has worked as an OT in a wide variety of settings from pediatrics to geriatrics. She has extensive training in orthopedic manual therapies, seating and mobility adaptives, home modifications, and certified brain injury specialist. 

Diane enjoys exploring in her kayak or hiking unknown trails usually with her pup. 

Areas of Expertise:

• Therapy Services
• Life Skills programming

Rita Borgstadt joined HETRA in 2009 as a Volunteer. In 2014 she became a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and then was certified as PATH Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. In 2016 she joined the HETRA team full-time working as the Participant Intake Coordinator as well as continuing to teach riding lessons. She also works with a team of volunteers monthly training Grooming and Tacking to HETRA Volunteers. 

Rita graduated from UNL with a Bachelors's Degree in Elementary Education and Human Development and then received her Masters in Public Administration from UNO. 

Before coming to HETRA Rita worked for several nonprofit organizations working with troubled youth and individuals with Special Needs. I really enjoy working with people and make a difference for others, especially young people. 

In her spare time, Rita enjoys gardening, traveling, spending time with her family, and especially being with her grandchildren. 

Areas of Expertise:

• Administration/scheduling
• Volunteer Training
• Intake of Potential and New Participants
• Miniature Horse Appearances
• Adaptive Riding Instruction

Lucy first joined HETRA as a volunteer in 2018 and became a full-time staff member in 2019 with a focus on grant writing. She became a certified PATH International instructor in 2021. She particularly enjoys sharing with others the powerful bond that is created between humans and horses through grant writing and public speaking within the community. 

Lucy graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor’s of Agriculture in Animal Science & Industry with an Equine Certificate. She then went on to obtain her Master of Public Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center with a focus on Environmental & Agricultural Health, where she obtained the Outstanding Student in Public Health Practice award as well as an award for Outstanding Research Project. Lucy has a special interest in the concept of One Health, the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. She previously served as a Research Assistant at the Central States Center of Agricultural Health. She has also worked in the areas of veterinary medicine and volunteer coordinating. 

When Lucy isn’t at HETRA she enjoys spending time with her husband, cat, and rescue dog as well as reading, playing the piano, and horseback riding. 

Areas of Expertise: 

• Grant writing 
• Public speaking 
• Horsemanship 
• Continued giving campaigns  

Tom joined the HETRA team in 2002 as a Volunteer.  He became a PATH, Intl. Certified Instructor in 2004, earned his PATH, Intl. Driving Certification in 2004 and his Equine Specialist in Mental Health Certification in 2014. 

In 2007 Tom was awarded the PATH, Intl. Sis Gould Driving Award.  Tom has a Bachelor Degree from Chadron State College.  Tom has presented at numerous PATH, Intl. Region 7 Conferences.  In his free time Tom enjoys Horseback Riding, Cycling, and playing the guitar.

“I love working with the positive people who make up our staff and volunteers, plus helping and interacting with our students.”

Cassidy Fredrickson joined the HETRA team as a volunteer in 2014. Cassidy started working at HETRA in 2018 when she became a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and now also works as an occupational therapist since 2019. In addition to treating participants in our adaptive riding and therapy services programs, Cassidy is also involved with the Life Skills Program, Job Coaching Program through NE VR, and has been apart of HETRA University where she has created many short educational videos and webinars and co-hosts in “What? How? Why?” shorts apart of “Not Just A Pony Ride” podcast.  

Cassidy has a Bachelor's in Rehabilitative Studies, with a Minor in Psychology and a Masters in Occupational Therapy from the College of Saint Mary.  She received the Who’s Who Among Students award as well as being a member of the Kappa Gamma Pi – National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society. 

When Cassidy isn’t at the barn she can be found hiking, camping and disc golfing with her dog Odie and boyfriend Jackson and spending time with friends and family. 

Cassidy’s Areas of Consulting:

• Therapy Services 
• Adaptive Riding 
• Life skills 
• Job Coaching 
• Miniature Horse Appearances

Kelly Baulisch joined the HETRA team as a volunteer in November, 2021, before becoming a Mental Health Therapist in 2022 then Behavioral Health Services Director in January 2023.

Kelly has a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling (2010) & Master of Science as Mental Health Practitioner (2009) from Bellevue University, and a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Social Services Administration (2007) from Bellevue University. She is also licensed as a Mental Health Practitioner LMHP, a Drug & Alcohol Counselor LADC, and a Professional Counselor LPC. 

In her spare time, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family (husband, 2 children, and 2 dogs), photography, and creative outlets such as art/crafts, reading, and traveling. 

Since joining the HETRA team, she has truly enjoyed each interaction with the volunteers, staff, participants, and horses. "HETRA brings me so much joy and I enjoy the time I spend at the barn. HETRA sees the greatness in everyone from volunteers, staff, participants, and/or horses. Each time I walk into HETRA, it feels like 'home.'" 
 

Renee joined the HETRA team in 2018. She has an Exercise Science Bachelors and Doctorate of Physical Therapy both from Missouri State University.

"Being a physical therapist at HETRA is both challenging and rewarding. It challenges me to use horse movement in creative ways to help patients achieve goals. There are so many knowledgeable employees and volunteers that help me every day I am there. It is a great place I look forward to going every week."

In her downtime Renee enjoys painting, bible study, ultimate frisbee, waterskiing, and listening to podcasts about her favorite topics

Diane joined HETRA Team in 2006 and became a PATH Intl Certified Instructor in 2012 and completed Amer. Hippotherapy Assoc. Levels 1 and 2. Diane is an Occupational Therapist and Program Manager of the Life Skills Programs. She has worked as an OT in a wide variety of settings from pediatrics to geriatrics. She has extensive training in orthopedic manual therapies, seating and mobility adaptives, home modifications, and certified brain injury specialist. 

Diane enjoys exploring in her kayak or hiking unknown trails usually with her pup. 

Areas of Expertise:
Therapy Services

Mercedes has been a volunteer at HETRA for eight years and a therapist for just over one year.  She has a Masters of Occupational Therapy, Bachelors of Science in Rehabilitation Studies and a Minor in Psychology from the College of Saint Mary.  

"I love being able to use the gifts of Occupational Therapy and horses in the same setting to provide treatment for a wide range of reasons! I have been blessed to grow with HETRA over the years. I love working for an organization who supports me as an individual and therapist.  One of the most rewarding parts of HETRA is hearing from parents that their child made visible improvements on certain deficits we had been working on. I love using a unique method of therapy to address deficits in new and different ways. Some riders come to learn new skills, some ride to heal or develop, and some ride to find the joy in life and I love to be a part of any journey!"

On her personal time Mercedes enjoys traveling, hiking, DYI projects, photography and spending time with family.  

Cassidy Fredrickson joined the HETRA team as a volunteer in 2014. Cassidy started working at HETRA in 2018 when she became a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and now also works as an occupational therapist since 2019. In addition to treating participants in our adaptive riding and therapy services programs, Cassidy is also involved with the Life Skills Program, Job Coaching Program through NE VR, and has been apart of HETRA University where she has created many short educational videos and webinars and co-hosts in “What? How? Why?” shorts apart of “Not Just A Pony Ride” podcast.  

Cassidy has a Bachelor's in Rehabilitative Studies, with a Minor in Psychology and a Masters in Occupational Therapy from the College of Saint Mary.  She received the Who’s Who Among Students award as well as being a member of the Kappa Gamma Pi – National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society. 

When Cassidy isn’t at the barn she can be found hiking, camping and disc golfing with her dog Odie and boyfriend Jackson and spending time with friends and family. 

Cassidy’s Areas of Consulting:

• Therapy Services 
• Adaptive Riding 
• Life skills 
• Job Coaching 
• Miniature Horse Appearances

Kelli Hatzenbuehler is one of HETRA's Mental Health therapists. Kelli is a 24-year Combat Veteran of the Army National Guard and currently services in the rank of 1SG with the 623rd Engineer Company.  She came to HETRA in August of 2019 combining her love of working with horses and helping individuals as a Clinical Social Worker.  She obtained her Masters of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Nebraska Omaha.  Kelli has extensive knowledge in the fields of suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention work as well as Resiliency having worked for many years as the Resilience and Risk Reduction, Suicide Prevention Manager for the Nebraska Army National Guard.  When she is not working, she enjoys time with her family, husband Wade, and busy kids, Hannah, Hayden, Hunter, and Holton.  She also owns a small hobby farm with animals and endless projects.  

Kelli’s area of consulting

• Working with the Veteran Community
• Resilience 
• Mental Health 
• Program Development 

Kaiti Otte is an occupational therapist and project coordinator for HETRA. She became a certified PATH International instructor in 2021. Kaiti obtained her doctorate degree from Creighton University and has spent the majority of her professional experience in outpatient pediatric therapy settings. In addition to treating participants at HETRA, Kaiti coordinates much of the virtual programming including the release of over 10 successful webinars last year and assisting to launch HETRA’s educational initiative “Not Just a Pony Ride”. Kaiti also enjoys mentoring students that are interested in Equine-Assisted Services including undergraduate as well as professional occupational therapy students. When she is not in the barn at HETRA, you can find Kaiti catching some live music, working with her own young horse Fritz, or back home in western NE helping on her family farm.

Areas of Expertise:

• Pediatric participant consulting
• Sensory Dysfunction
• Virtual Programming 
• Undergraduate and Graduate student coordination. 

Rachelle joined HETRA in December of 2018 as the Volunteer Operations Manager. Over the past 20 years, she has volunteered at several organizations dedicated to animal welfare, youth and adult services, and youth education and development.

“In order for nonprofit organizations to have the most positive impact in their communities, they must create and nurture a culture where volunteers are valued as an essential part of the organization’s success. Well-trained volunteers who believe in the mission are not only inspired but also empowered to give their very best. My goal is for every volunteer at HETRA to feel accepted and valued as part of our team, to learn more and to apply that knowledge to serve others, and to pursue excellence in everything that they do. I want to provide opportunities for them to bring their best, do their best and be their best – together.”

Areas of expertise:

• Volunteer training program development
• Volunteer information management
• Volunteer scheduling

Noah Bevington serves as the Volunteer and Administrative Coordinator at HETRA. Noah Joined HETRA in December of 2018. Noah grew up around HETRA and enjoys now getting to be in the office helping to coordinate volunteers and running the day-to-day session schedule.  Noah especially enjoys the instances where he gets to go down and help in the arena, seeing the smiles on the participant’s and volunteer’s faces.  When Noah isn’t at work he enjoys watching sports especially Husker Football, as well as hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities.  

Areas of Expertise:

• Volunteer coordination
• Day to day session scheduling
• Administrative/Salesforce project’s
• Master puzzle solver

Rita Borgstadt joined HETRA in 2009 as a Volunteer. In 2014 she became a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and then was certified as PATH Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. In 2016 she joined the HETRA team full-time working as the Participant Intake Coordinator as well as continuing to teach riding lessons. She also works with a team of volunteers monthly training Grooming and Tacking to HETRA Volunteers. 

Rita graduated from UNL with a Bachelors's Degree in Elementary Education and Human Development and then received her Masters in Public Administration from UNO. 

Before coming to HETRA Rita worked for several nonprofit organizations working with troubled youth and individuals with Special Needs. I really enjoy working with people and make a difference for others, especially young people. 

In her spare time, Rita enjoys gardening, traveling, spending time with her family, and especially being with her grandchildren. 

Areas of Expertise:

• Administration/scheduling
• Volunteer Training
• Intake of Potential and New Participants
• Miniature Horse Appearances
• Adaptive Riding Instruction