PERSONNEL

LISA STEMMEN  Lisa Stemmen is a long-time resident on the BraveHearts property. She has also owned her own horses for many years. Lisa became the obvious choice as Farm Manager upon the retirement of the previous Manager. She brings to the program not only her expertise in "good horse-keeping", but also knowledge in business management and the operation of heavy equipment. Lisa is also working on her requirements to become a certified carriage driving instructor. STEVE KOLZOW Associate Farm Manager “Big” Steve Kolzow began volunteering with BraveHearts in the winter of 2007. When the position of Associate Farm Manager became available, Steve jumped at the chance to be a "BraveHearts regular". He has extensive experience in the operation of heavy equipment, and can usually be seen riding around the farm on one of our tractors. In addition to his work as Associate Farm Manager, Steve plans towork toward becoming a certified carriage driving instructor. SARAH NEWLAND Sarah Newland, Director of Recreational Therapy, is a graduate of Grand Valley State University, in Allendale, MI, where she received her degree in Therapeutic Recreation.  In addition to being a certified therapist, she is certified as a therapeutic riding instructor by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association.  During her studies at Grand Valley State University, Sarah worked as a general volunteer, assistant riding instructor, and assistant 4H leader at Therapeutic Horsemanship of West Michigan in Coopersville, MI. Sarah is an avid outdoorswoman, having hiked significant portions of the Appalachian Trail.  She is also an accomplished pianist.  She extends the programs offered at BraveHearts beyond equine therapies to include recreational therapy and horticultural therapy.  DEBORAH STOCKWELL Debbie Stockwell joined BraveHearts as a Volunteer with the intention of becoming a certified therapeutic riding instructor. We are most proud of Debbie and the fact that, in 2007, she achieved certification through the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. In addition to her role as Instructor, she is also a certified equine massage therapist – a skill greatly appreciated by the BraveHearts therapeutic horses!  BARBARA MENGE Barb Menge, who is a retired school teacher, worked for a few years as a BraveHearts Volunteer before deciding that she wanted to become a certified therapeutic riding instructor. She is now officially a Student Instructor, and is working hard toward her certification. In addition to possessing natural teaching skills, Barb is also interested in curriculum development and application.  HELEN DORNER, R.N. Rather than referring to herself as retired, former nurse executive Helen Dorner considers herself “retreaded” as the Director of People Relations.  Hers is the first voice of BraveHearts that people hear when making inquiries regarding student enrollment or volunteer opportunities.  She maintains all lesson, as well as volunteer, schedules.    Our students, their families/caregivers, and volunteers relate closely to Helen because of her warm, caring and friendly demeanor.  She has also been an invaluable Member of the BraveHearts Board of Directors since its inception.  MARGE TAUTKUS GUNNAR Founder, Executive Director, and a Member of the Board of Directors, Marge’s inspiration to establish BraveHearts came out her having survived ovarian cancer.  During her treatment and ultimate recovery, she felt a close and healing connection to her beloved Lipizzan stallion, Neapolitano IV Farica (Max), and she wanted to share the healing power that animals can possess with others.  Believing that she was merely that conduit of a Higher Force, she spent several years as a volunteer in another therapeutic riding program.  While doing so, she also busied herself with the tasks of mapping out the mission and vision of BraveHearts, establishing a Board of Directors, and filing the necessary state and federal paperwork.  In addition to her administrative responsibilities at the corporate office, Marge maintains an active presence with the working programs.