Our Staff

Kalynn Manley 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 husband Sean and their furbabies Beau, 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  

Megan started at HETRA in 2023. She has over 8 years of Marketing experience. Her qualifications include a Bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska in Omaha for Marketing and an associates degree from Metropolitan Community College for Video/Audio Communications.

In her free time, she enjoys quality time with her family & dog. Is an avid reader, traveling, and being a foodie.

Areas of expertise:

• Creating visually appealing brochure & flyer designs
• Writing engaging copy
• Using analytics to better consumer experience

Lisa Shkolnick rejoined the HETRA team in 2023 as the Development Associate. She began her career in development at HETRA from 2014 through 2019. During that time, she fundraised for our key programs and events, including participant scholarships, horse sponsorships, campus and barn maintenance, and our signature in-person event "Blue Dreams & Dreams", to name a few. 

Lisa comes from a career largely founded in non-profit management, development, and customer service including the Jewish Community Center of Omaha, Lutheran Family Services, Nebraska Furniture Mart, and the Food Bank for the Heartland.

She graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in Education, and has attended numerous professional conferences and seminars, including CASE District VI Donor Relations and Advancement of Institution, Gallup University Great Manager Program, and Brandeis University Emerging Professionals Seminar.

During her free time, Lisa enjoys golfing, exercising, discovering a great new restaurant, watching documentaries, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

"I am delighted to be back in the saddle at HETRA and to connect our donors to the very causes you hold near and dear to your hearts!" 

Qualifications/degrees:  

University of Kansas - Bachelor of Science in Education

Brandeis University - Sherman Seminar for Emerging Professionals

Gallup University - Great Manager Program

Areas of expertise:

Fundraising & Event Planning

Relationship Building

Customer Service

Staff Development

Strengths:

Responsibility

Maximizer

Achiever

Strategic

Individualization

Cassidy has a unique perspective of not remembering a time before HETRA, she grew up around it! She was lucky enough to have HETRA be in her backyard from 2001 to 2014. She was a mock rider for training horses. In high school, she would pick up part time positions at HETRA such as support staff for life skills, feeding, horse leading, and barn maintenance shifts. In 2022, Cassidy joined the horse team as an Equine Operations staff member. Then in 2023, she became the Equine Operations Coordinator managing the day to day scheduling of horses, intake of potential horses, and training and conditioning of the herd. She is also a certified CTRI.

In Cassidy's free time, she enjoys going to horse shows. It's always an adventure to go travel to different states showing horses with her family!  She loves to show the hunter under saddle classes. Cassidy also enjoys attending sporting events and spending time with her two dogs. 

Areas of expertise:

• Manage day to day scheduling of horses
• Horse conditioning and management
• Intake and development of new horses

Emma Bunda is a part of our equine operations team. She began at HETRA in 2024. Emma moved to Omaha from the Chicago Area, where she worked at another equine-assisted therapy center. When we asked her what her favorite thing about HETRA is so far, she said "Getting to be around so many fun and happy people, as well as all the HETRA horses everyday!"

A couple fun facts about Emma: She has a horse back home named Buzz, and a Lab Rascal. Emma loves dogs and has fostered 7 dogs...so far!

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

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 and oversees the Miniature Horse Onsite Learning Program and Miniature Horse Appearances.  

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 boating, snowboarding, golfing or spending time with her boyfriend Dale and dogs Larry and Luna. 

Cassidy’s Areas of Consulting:

• Therapy Services 
• Adaptive Riding 
• Life skills 
• Miniature Horse Onsite Learning Program
• Miniature Horse Appearances

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

Emma Bunda is a part of our equine operations team. She began at HETRA in 2024. Emma moved to Omaha from the Chicago Area, where she worked at another equine-assisted therapy center. When we asked her what her favorite thing about HETRA is so far, she said "Getting to be around so many fun and happy people, as well as all the HETRA horses everyday!"

A couple fun facts about Emma: She has a horse back home named Buzz, and a Lab Rascal. Emma loves dogs and has fostered 7 dogs...so far!

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.”

Edye Godden serves as the Chief Executive Officer at HETRA. She has been with the organization for the past 30 years in various capacities.  Along with being the CEO of the organization, she is also an Occupational Therapist, Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning as well as a Clinical Specialist in Hippotherapy. These other “hats” help keep her well connected to the programming offered at HETRA and give her first-hand experience of the impact HETRA has on the participants we serve.  With 30 years of experience in the field of Equine Assisted Services and specifically with HETRA, Edye has assisted in HETRAs growth from a small all-volunteer organization running out of other boarding facilities to where we are today – owning our own facility with a full-time staff of 13. HETRA’s programming includes adapted riding, therapy services, equine services for veterans, life skills, equine-assisted learning, equine-facilitated psychotherapy, corporate retreats, HETRA University (the educational arm including Not Just a Pony Ride, Podcasts, and webinars offered to the greater EAS community) as well as EAS consulting services. 

Edye earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Creighton University in 1991.  In 2007 she was awarded the PATH, Intl. Region 7 Instructor of the Year Award.  In 2013 Edye received the “Caring for Others” award from Woodmen of the World.   Edye has presented numerous times at the PATH, Intl. Region 7 Conference, as well as been a presenter or co-presenter on many of HETRA’s webinars.  

“I have so many favorite memories of the people and horses I have been blessed to work with over the past 30 years.  One of these memories is of a wonderful horse named Odie.  Odie taught so many people how to ride and be successful in the saddle – I can’t even tell you the number of people he helped over his years of service.  He was a kind soul and a gentle giant but my best memory of him which occurred after almost every single ride was when the student had dismounted Odie would bend his neck all the way around the side to get a look at who had just gotten off.  It was almost as if he was saying – Hey good job up there today to each and every rider.  He was truly a once in a lifetime type of horse that I will never forget!” 

“The students, staff, volunteers and horses at HETRA are all truly amazing and I am so fortunate to be able to be able to combine my two great passions in life helping others and horses into a career that makes a difference in so many people’s lives.   I can’t imagine doing anything else.  I have been so blessed to be on this journey with all of the amazing people and horses that make up HETRA!  The first 30 years have been such an adventure – I can’t wait to see what the next 30 years bring…..”

Areas of Expertise:

• Leadership including building an effective and engaged team
• Nonprofit Management
• Budgeting
• Grant Writing and Fundraising
• Therapy Services
• Program Development
• Board Development and Management
• Strategic Planning 
• Staff Development and Management

Cassidy has a unique perspective of not remembering a time before HETRA, she grew up around it! She was lucky enough to have HETRA be in her backyard from 2001 to 2014. She was a mock rider for training horses. In high school, she would pick up part time positions at HETRA such as support staff for life skills, feeding, horse leading, and barn maintenance shifts. In 2022, Cassidy joined the horse team as an Equine Operations staff member. Then in 2023, she became the Equine Operations Coordinator managing the day to day scheduling of horses, intake of potential horses, and training and conditioning of the herd. She is also a certified CTRI.

In Cassidy's free time, she enjoys going to horse shows. It's always an adventure to go travel to different states showing horses with her family!  She loves to show the hunter under saddle classes. Cassidy also enjoys attending sporting events and spending time with her two dogs. 

Areas of expertise:

• Manage day to day scheduling of horses
• Horse conditioning and management
• Intake and development of new horses

Kelsey started at HETRA as a volunteer in 2016 also bringing in her horse, Galaxy. In 2022 she became a part-time stall member, feeder, and horse leader. Then she began her instructor training in 2023 and thus becoming an instructor in 2024. Kelsey is also a student at Oregon State University studying environmental science. And she has been working with horses for as long as she can remember!

Other than hanging out in the barn, she enjoys riding her other horse - Pilot, barrel racing, photography, and traveling. 

Areas of Expertise: 

• Feeding
• Leading
• Conditioning
• Instructor

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. 

Lisa joined the HETRA team in 2001 as a volunteer, and received her PATH, Intl. Instructor Certification in 2009.  Lisa presented at the 2013 PATH, Intl. Region 7 Conference.

“I love working with the participants and witnessing their progress as we work on their riding skills.  Maybe my new participant is quiet and shy but once they arrive it’s all about their horse and what games we are going to play all while improving their speech by telling their horse to walk on or just sitting up tall & strong in the saddle.  I also enjoy getting to know my student’s parents and watching as their faces light up when their son or daughter laughs with joy as they ride past them during their lesson”

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

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.  

Brittany is a therapist at HETRA who joined the team in July 2023. She holds an OTD degree and OTR/L license, bringing a wealth of experience to her role. She is a Army veteran and has been an Occupational Therapist for 1 year. 

In her free time, Brittany enjoys traveling, spending time with her dog, strength training and weightlifting. In addition, Brittany and her husband are also in the process of opening Starting Strength Omaha; a gym that focuses on using barbell training to improve longevity and independence. 

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 and oversees the Miniature Horse Onsite Learning Program and Miniature Horse Appearances.  

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 boating, snowboarding, golfing or spending time with her boyfriend Dale and dogs Larry and Luna. 

Cassidy’s Areas of Consulting:

• Therapy Services 
• Adaptive Riding 
• Life skills 
• Miniature Horse Onsite Learning Program
• Miniature Horse Appearances

Edye Godden serves as the Chief Executive Officer at HETRA. She has been with the organization for the past 30 years in various capacities.  Along with being the CEO of the organization, she is also an Occupational Therapist, Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning as well as a Clinical Specialist in Hippotherapy. These other “hats” help keep her well connected to the programming offered at HETRA and give her first-hand experience of the impact HETRA has on the participants we serve.  With 30 years of experience in the field of Equine Assisted Services and specifically with HETRA, Edye has assisted in HETRAs growth from a small all-volunteer organization running out of other boarding facilities to where we are today – owning our own facility with a full-time staff of 13. HETRA’s programming includes adapted riding, therapy services, equine services for veterans, life skills, equine-assisted learning, equine-facilitated psychotherapy, corporate retreats, HETRA University (the educational arm including Not Just a Pony Ride, Podcasts, and webinars offered to the greater EAS community) as well as EAS consulting services. 

Edye earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Creighton University in 1991.  In 2007 she was awarded the PATH, Intl. Region 7 Instructor of the Year Award.  In 2013 Edye received the “Caring for Others” award from Woodmen of the World.   Edye has presented numerous times at the PATH, Intl. Region 7 Conference, as well as been a presenter or co-presenter on many of HETRA’s webinars.  

“I have so many favorite memories of the people and horses I have been blessed to work with over the past 30 years.  One of these memories is of a wonderful horse named Odie.  Odie taught so many people how to ride and be successful in the saddle – I can’t even tell you the number of people he helped over his years of service.  He was a kind soul and a gentle giant but my best memory of him which occurred after almost every single ride was when the student had dismounted Odie would bend his neck all the way around the side to get a look at who had just gotten off.  It was almost as if he was saying – Hey good job up there today to each and every rider.  He was truly a once in a lifetime type of horse that I will never forget!” 

“The students, staff, volunteers and horses at HETRA are all truly amazing and I am so fortunate to be able to be able to combine my two great passions in life helping others and horses into a career that makes a difference in so many people’s lives.   I can’t imagine doing anything else.  I have been so blessed to be on this journey with all of the amazing people and horses that make up HETRA!  The first 30 years have been such an adventure – I can’t wait to see what the next 30 years bring…..”

Areas of Expertise:

• Leadership including building an effective and engaged team
• Nonprofit Management
• Budgeting
• Grant Writing and Fundraising
• Therapy Services
• Program Development
• Board Development and Management
• Strategic Planning 
• Staff Development and Management

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 

Julie first started at HETRA in May of 2023. She received a bachelor of science in communication sciences and disorders through UNO in 2000. And in 2002, received a master of science in speech-language pathology through UNL. Julie is a certified SLP through ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) holding her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC’s) for over 20 years. She is a licensed speech-language pathologist in NE and IA state.

In her free time Julie can be found riding her horses, cooking, reading, and spending time with her family. She says she always had a passion for both horses and helping those in need. She feels extremely blessed to have the opportunity to combine her two passions at HETRA. She is looking forward to furthering her expertise and positively impacting people's daily communication.

Special interest areas:

• Articulation
• Expressive and receptive language
• Augmentative and alternative communication
• Stuttering
• Pragmatics
• Client and family support

Rebecca started in August of 2023. She is a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner with a Masters in Human Services-Community Counseling.

In her free time, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her husband, Brad and her two kids, Owin and Zoie. She also likes outdoor activities, reading, being a mom taxi for her kids activities, along with volunteer work.

Rebecca's area of expertise: 

• Trauma
• ADHD
• Autism
• Grief & Loss
• Stress
• Anxiety

Tara started volunteering for HETRA as a sidewalker in October 2021. In the summer of 2023 she joined our therapy team as a part-time occupational therapist. She has worked in the Omaha area for more then 23 years. Getting her Bachelors degree in Occupational Therapy from Creighton in 2000, and then becoming a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) in 2008. Later completing her post-professional doctorate (OTD) in 2017.

Tara has 3 teenagers at home so most of her free time is focused on keeping up with all of their activities. She enjoys reading, watching Husker football and volleyball, being outside, and spending time with family and friends. Tara has always loved animals, especially horses, and worked with horses for 4 years during college. She also has 5 pets and enjoys fostering dogs!

Her areas of expertise is spending most of her career as an OT in outpatient therapy clinics, working with people of all ages and conditions. Tara moved out of clinical life and into academia in 2015 when I joined the faculty at the College of Saint Mary Occupational Therapy program, where she still works full-time and serves as the Program Director. She's a specialist in upper extremity rehabilitation and enjoys helping people participate in their meaningful daily activities and roles to the greatest extent possible.

"I am so thankful to have the opportunity to work with HETRA. I love watching how riding a horse can have such a strong impact on a person's emotional, physical, and cognitive abilities!" - Tara Ruppert

Whitney's very first encounter with HETRA was back in 2007 at our Blue Jeans and Dreams Event, there she knew what a special place HETRA was and wanted to be apart of it all. In 2008 she was hired on Part Time as our Volunteer Coordinator and then in from 2011-2012 she was with HETRA Full Time before moving to Arizona with her husband and 3 AMAZING children! Her employment background consists of mortgage and administrative, with 5 years experience in the nonprofit world - half of which was as one of HETRA's previous Volunteer Coordinators.

Whitney strives to live by the golden rule, as well as these two sayings:

• "Aspire to inspire, before you expire"
• "Live the way you want to be remembered."

Areas of expertise:

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

Mary joined HETRA as our Administrative Assistant in 2023. She has nearly 15 years of horse experience and also 5 years of management experience. Her strong organizational skills make her a perfect fit! 

Mary is passionate about helping others and her goal in life is to never stop learning and improving.

When she isn't at work, Mary enjoys spending time with family, movies (especially Harry Potter & Lord of the Rings), and visiting National Parks.

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

Gayle started at HETRA in 2023 after retiring from teaching for 29 years. She has multiple degrees from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, a Master of Science in Education with a Instructional Technology and Library Sciences endorsement, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Education specializing in English Language Arts.

In Gayle's free time she can be found reading, gardening, camping and hiking in the mountains.