Impact and Outreach Committee
Julie Beck
Julie has a master's degree in counseling from East Carolina University. She is passionate about raising awareness for teenagers and young adults, as she finds that this population is underrepresented, as well as providing mental health services to various communities, including LGBTQIA+. She strives to blend dance, movement, equine-assisted therapy, animal-assisted therapy, and art therapy to support teenagers and young adults through navigating transitions in life, stress, trauma, and various mental health concerns. During the time she is not in class or working, Julie participates in local theatre, exploring new coffee shops, reading, writing, and finding fun hikes to go on with her dad.
"Any difference I can make to offer a chance for others is enough for me. We all deserve a chance to build a life we love living, and that starts with our connection to ourselves and others."
Melissa Conner
Melissa Conner is an accomplished nonprofit executive and equine-assisted services leader with more than two decades of experience advancing mission-driven organizations. Since 2013, she has served as Executive Director of Renew Therapeutic Riding Center in Holland, Michigan, where she has overseen transformative growth, expanded community impact, and led the organization to earn PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center status. Under her leadership, Renew successfully completed two phases of its Ride with Renew Capital Campaign, raising $2.8 million to strengthen programs and facilities.
A PATH Intl. Master Instructor and Faculty member, Melissa is recognized nationally as a subject matter expert, evaluator, and thought leader in equine-assisted services. She has facilitated workshops, authored publications, and presented at conferences across the country, contributing to the advancement of best practices in the field. Beyond program development, she brings deep expertise in fundraising, board development, financial stewardship, and cultivating high-performing teams.
Previously, Melissa held leadership roles at Dream Catchers at the Cori Sikich Therapeutic Riding Center in Virginia and served as Director of the Friendship House at Western Theological Seminary, an inclusive living community for adults with cognitive impairments. Early in her career, she worked in legislative policy and higher education, building a foundation of advocacy, strategy, and public engagement.
Melissa earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and English from the University of Richmond, graduating cum laude in just three years. She has been selected for multiple leadership cohorts, including Leading by Design and the Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance DEI Leadership program, reflecting her ongoing commitment to growth and innovation.
Married to Benjamin Conner, PhD, she is the proud mother of four grown children. Outside of work, she enjoys equestrian activities, open water and masters swimming, hiking, strength training, and writing.
“The mission and vision of HHRF aligns with my own core values and resonates with my work in EAS. The beauty of the horse-human relationship is worthy of research and the outcomes need to be made known. HHRF is the best vehicle to accomplish this goal.”
Rebecca M. Didier
Rebecca (Becca) M. Didier is a uniquely qualified publishing and communications specialist with a powerful ability to develop, manage , and clearly convey authentic messaging internally, externally, and across platforms. Rebecca was a managing editor and graphic designer of the leading equestrian book publisher for 25 years. She has now co-founded a book packaging business- Dirt Roads LLC.
“There are so many ways access to horses can improve human well-being. Research proving those benefits has the power to change lives.”
Kalin Finsand
Kalin is a certified Masterson Method Practitioner for Equine & Canine and serves as an instructor, coach, and mentor. Her journey into animal bodywork grew from a profound passion for horses and dogs, combined with her background in martial arts, yoga, Eastern medicine, and a commitment to education. She is a member of NBCAAM, PATH Intl., The Society of Master Saddlers, and The American Association of Biological Anthropologists, and she is currently pursuing a degree in Equine Behavior and Animal-Assisted Therapy.
With genuine enthusiasm for learning, Kalin offers diverse perspectives on collaborations and on exploring innovative ideas across the equine industry. She and her partner live in Northern California’s Gold Country with their equine, canine, feline, and feathered family. Outside of her work, you’ll find Kalin enjoying a variety of equestrian activities, hiking with her dogs, leading fitness classes, and unsurprisingly, continuing her lifelong learning.
“The HHRF mission inspires me as we endeavor to discover the full potential of the congruity between horses and humans.”
Gloria Gonzalez
Gloria Gonzalez was born and raised in Puerto Rico and moved to South Carolina after college. She is the South Carolina Regional Marketing and Design Specialist for William Raveis Real Estate, bringing with her more than a decade of experience in the design and advertising industry. Between marketing roles, Gloria followed her love for horses and worked as a full-time riding instructor, earning her CTRI certification through PATH and a coaching certification from Special Olympics. With a blend of creative expertise and equestrian passion, she’s committed to helping this committee excel.
Gianna Hesslau
Gianna Hesslau is an equestrian, photographer, and marketing professional with a passion for horses. She runs Feiner Dream Media, where she works with equestrians and businesses telling their stories through creative media and digital marketing. As both a horse owner and creative professional, she is passionate about sharing stories and research that highlight the relationships between horses and humans.
Tammera Merkens
Tammera Merkens is a dedicated professional, a proud mom, and a passionate advocate for building healthy relationships between humans and horses. As a social worker with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, Tammera is a certified facilitator and co-founder of Together In Stride Foundation where she serves as Executive Director. She has also owned and operated Humble Hooves on Vancouver Island for more than eight years. Tammera is deeply committed to lifelong learning, reconciliation, and self-improvement.
“I chose to get involved with HHRF because I believe in the power of connection, collaboration, and meaningful support to create lasting change. HHRF’s mission aligns closely with the work I care deeply about, and I’m honoured to contribute to a community that is helping move this important work forward.”
John Kundtz
John Kundtz, HHRF Board President. Weathering over 40 years of corporate and nonprofit transformation, John brings experienced leadership and a strategic mindset to the boardroom. A retired IBM executive with 38 years of experience in global technology sales, he now focuses his energy on mentoring nonprofit leaders, advising mission-driven organizations, and sharing insights on governance and strategy through writing and speaking.
As Board President of the Horses and Humans Research Foundation, John builds on a long-standing commitment to the equine-assisted services community. His previous board service includes Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center and Three Corner Round Pack Outfitters, both of which reflect his dedication to advancing global understanding of horse-human interactions and their impact on the health and well-being of both humans and horses.
A passionate advocate for exceptional nonprofit governance, John also contributes thought leadership through podcasts and writing that explore how design-driven strategic planning and strong board leadership can create meaningful alignment between mission, boards, and stakeholders.
In his spare time, John enjoys trekking in places as remote as Nepal, hiking local trails, visiting major league baseball stadiums, and discovering new craft breweries. Whether on the trail, in the stands, or over a well-crafted pint, he remains curious, reflective, and eager to connect ideas across communities and causes.
“I have experienced firsthand the truly amazing life-changing benefits that children and adults have realized through horse-human interactions, and as a research scientist, I believe that continued rigorous research is needed to propagate these benefits globally.”
Anna Shirley
Anna Shirley is an LCADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor) and LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) who has over 10 years of experience in mental health and substance abuse treatment. She is passionate about utilizing her skills of program planning, advocacy, mentoring and clinical interventions to promote human services for patients and to assist with growing professionals through supervision. In the last year she has been exploring equine-assisted learning and services through education and volunteer work. Anna says witnessing healing through the horse and human connection has led her to be interested in HHRF. She hopes to help continue to promote learning of the benefits of these interactions while ensuring the safety and well-being of horse and human.
“Being in the presence of a horse reminds me of the importance of being present.”
Julie Staves
Gina Staves is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Avila University. She is active in the community as an advocate to prevent child abuse and neglect and promote restorative justice. She previously served on, and chaired, the Missouri Children’s Trust Fund board and Committee for Professional Counselors board and participates in several community groups focusing on child abuse prevention and healthy child development. Dr. Staves is also a licensed professional counselor specializing in attachment, psychological trauma, children’s emotion and brain development, and social issues impacting children and families. Dr. Staves is active in educating about the positive individual and societal effects of restorative justice, abuse prevention and equine assisted psychotherapy.
“It is exciting to help contribute to our knowledge base, bridging practice and science, as well as increasing awareness of the profound impact horses and humans can have on each other’s overall well-being.”
Grace Stein
Grace Stein spent her formative years immersed in the world of horses, where she developed a strong work ethic, emotional intelligence, and a deep respect for connection — all qualities that now serve her well in her career in sales. Her early experiences in the barn taught her how to lead with empathy, navigate challenges with patience, and build trust — whether with a horse or a client. While her professional path has taken her into the corporate world, her passion for equine-assisted healing and human development remains a core part of who she is.
“For many people it's unexplainable why we are drawn to horses and the healing powers they have. HHRF bridges the gap of the unexplainable by giving a voice to the Horse and a platform to research!”
Bess Sullivan
Bess Sullivan grew up in Cleveland, OH and graduated Cum Laude from University of Kentucky. She has a degree in business management with a minor in political science. She has been a competitive Equestrian since age five, receiving top honors in all three rings. Her horse is named Steal and is the light of her life.
“Horses have profoundly shaped my life. Supporting HHRF means helping others experience that same healing connection. That mission couldn’t matter more to me. “
Ashley Sunderland, BA, CPP, CPRS, LADC
Ashley Sunderland is a Licensed Substance Use Disorder Counselor, Certified Prevention Professional, Peer Recovery Specialist, and Licensed Equine Facilitator whose work centers on behavioral health and recovery-oriented care. Her clinical experience spans residential, outpatient, and community-based treatment settings, where she integrates evidence-based approaches including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and trauma-informed care to support individuals and families navigating substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health challenges.
Growing up surrounded by bunnies, dogs, cats, parakeets, and horses, Ashley developed an early appreciation for the profound and transformative bond between humans and animals. What began as a childhood love for animals has blossomed into a lifelong passion for exploring the extraordinary animal–human connection. Ashley continues to deepen her hands-on experience as a Licensed Equine Facilitator through her work as a part-time stable hand and volunteer at Serenity Farm & Stables, where she helps cultivate a safe, nurturing environment that honors the well-being of both horses and the individuals they support.
Equally passionate about reshaping cultural narratives around alcohol and wellness, Ashley serves as a non-alcoholic beverage consultant, collaborating with brands and thought leaders to expand access to high-quality alcohol-free options while supporting a shift toward more intentional, inclusive social experiences. As a contributing writer and content creator for The Sober Curator, she shares stories, educational resources, and industry insights that celebrate zero-proof living as vibrant, empowering, and deeply fulfilling, while helping normalize alcohol-free lifestyles for people in recovery and beyond.
As a volunteer with the Impact & Outreach Committee at the Horse and Human Research Foundation, Ashley contributes her expertise in strategic communications, digital engagement, and collaborative partnerships to elevate awareness of the horse–human connection. Through thoughtful storytelling, meaningful audience engagement, and cross-sector collaboration, she is committed to amplifying research, expanding public understanding, and advancing educational initiatives that support the growth and impact of equine-assisted services.
At the heart of Ashley’s work is a mission to bridge behavioral health, equine-assisted services, and wellness innovation, creating transformative pathways that foster healing, personal growth, and meaningful, purposeful living!
Pebbles Turbeville
Dr. Pebbles Turbeville recently completed her Doctorate in Sports Management with an emphasis in Leadership. She received her master’s degree from NC State, and her BA from Columbia College.
Previously, she was the Associate Professor and Chair of the Sport Studies Department at St. Andrews University where she has taught students in the field of Therapeutic Horsemanship. She is and has been an adjunct professor and consultant for other higher education institutions in the field of Equine Studies.
Pebbles served on the NARHA Board and on several committees for *PATH Intl. She has certifications from PATH Intl. as an Advanced Instructor, a Mentor Faculty, as Associate Faculty for the PATH Intl. Advanced certification and Lead Faculty for Registered On-Site Workshop/Certification and Mentor Training. She has presented at different national, regional, and state conferences on several topics in the Therapeutic Horsemanship field.
One of her favorite hobbies is equine and nature photography. Pebbles has been published regionally, nationally, and internationally in American Horse, Dressage Today, Horse Illustrated, PATH Intl. Strides, Horse of Kings, Stable Mates, RDA New South Wales postcards, and the cover of Southeast Equine. Pebbles has witnessed as well as heard the testimonies of instructors, therapists, participants, and caregivers of the benefits of EAAT.
*PATH Intl. – Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship – formerly known as NARHA
Lauren West
Lauren West is a Tax Manager in PwC's Washington National Tax Services, Exempt Organization Tax Services practice and is based in Pittsburgh, PA. Lauren provides tax compliance and consulting advice to tax-exempt health systems, universities, and pension trusts, including their related corporate, joint venture, and international affiliates. She provides services at the federal, state, and international jurisdictions. Lauren is an enrolled agent with the IRS.
"I believe that animals and humans can heal each other, I have seen it personally throughout my life. HHRF supports research that will continue to show the world human-animal interactions are important."
Danica Yates
Danica Yates goal is to promote well-being through helping horses and humans connect. She has worked for multiple decades as an equine behavioralist, helping people and horses learn to communicate. Danica owns an equine-assisted psychotherapy practice where she works as a licensed mental health clinician. Danica completed her Ph.D. in Human Services at Walden University and is engaging in research on connection between horses and humans.
“The well-being of horses and humans can be enhanced through relationships and connection. My goal as a researcher is to produce quality studies to advance this mission, and my goal as a human services and equine behavior professional is to apply research in practice. What a perfect match with the mission of HHRF. I am so grateful to be part of the team!”