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SpiritHorse Staff Members

“The staff is so helpful, kind and we will remain in debited for our lifetime for the dedicated, and the tireless work. The smiles they have brought to the hopeless families and the disadvantage kids, who visit the ranch, are beyond anyone's. Nowhere in the world you could, get that care and love for these kids than SpiritHorse.”

--- Ismail Saadiq
 

Nikki JohnsonNikki Johnson
Program Director, Riding Instructor

Nikki graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in Child & Human Development. She has been a volunteer youth counselor, children's grief counselor, and therapeutic riding instructor for several years. Nikki is an excellent hunt seat rider who enjoys long horse trail rides. She has been an employee at SpiritHorse since its opening in 2002. SpiritHorse is indeed fortunate to have an individual with her training and experience.


Stacie EscamillaStacie Escamilla
Development Director

Stacie graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in Business Administration and was recently hired from within SpiritHorse to take over this new and exciting position.  Her hobbies include spending time with her six nieces/nephews, her 15-year old dachshund and singing with her band, who performs all over the D/FW area.  Growing up on a 12-acre farm she developed a strong love for animals.  After joining SpiritHorse as an Administrative Director, Stacie's diligence and hardwork enabled her to be promoted to her current position. Her helpful attitude, creativity, and love for children make her a wonderful addition.


Julie CoadyJulie Coady
Riding Instructor

Julie has a lifetime love for horses and children. While raising three boys, she has worked on her horse riding skills as time has permitted. She spent three years working as an assistant to a top-notch eventing coach and to a barn full of equine athletes. She also spent time as a community organizer advocating for low and moderate income families throughout the Austin area while working with some very special families requiring home healthcare support and assistance. When she is not at SpiritHorse, Julie likes to spend time with her family, her faithful dog, and her horses. Julie has been conducting extensive research on autism over the past year, developing her as our Autism Specialist. Her dedication, benevolence, and compassion have made her an amazing asset to SpiritHorse.


Tina CantwellTina Cantwell
Administrative Director

Tina worked as a veterinary technician and an administrative assistant for equine practices in Walawala, WA , Portland OR, and here in Texas for over ten years.  She also owned her own ranch for nine years, where she bred and raised Quarter horses. When Tina is not at SpiritHorse, she enjoys playing golf, fishing, and spending time with her family and her Siamese cat, Hedgie. Stop in the main house office and Tina will be more than happy to help with any questions about our various programs. We are excited to have her as part of our growing organization.


Chelsea PondtChelsea Pondt
Riding Instructor

Chelsea came to SpiritHorse after thirteen years of riding and showing Welsh Cobs through the WPCSA. She and her horse, Andy, have traveled all over showing hunter/jumper and half-welsh. She has spent the majority of her life with horses and loves being with children. She will always enjoy competing, but she has now found herself happily involved with instructing here in Corinth. Living in Denton, she is a nursing student at TWU and hopes to become a CareFlight or ER nurse in the future. She loves her job and feels very privileged and blessed to be a part of such an amazing organization with so many wonderful people. Chelsea's patience and dedication have been a true blessing to SpiritHorse.


Cynthia GeorgeCynthia George
 Riding Instructor

Cynthia, a lifetime horseperson, holds a BS degree in Education from the University of Georgia with an emphasis on Therapeutic Recreation. She has extensive experience with both children and adults with special needs. She worked three years in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program with high risk youth in Atlanta, GA. Having many years experience in nonprofit work, she brings a wide array of knowledge to help SpiritHorse attain its objectives and goals. Her constant smile and willingness to help have been an enhancement to SpiritHorse.


Amy Schoen
 Riding Instructor

Amy is currently attending the University of North Texas and planning to major in Recreational Therapy. She has seven years experience working with children with disabilities as a teacher's aide in a severe and profound disabilities elementary class, a personal attendant to a college student with cerebral palsy, and volunteering with various organizations in the area. She loves horses and has spent the last three years working as ranch staff at a barrier-free camp for kids with disabilities. Her caring personality, past experience, and hard working attitude are qualities we're proud to have in this SpiritHorse instructor.


Kami KnoxKami Knox
 Riding Instructor

Kami graduated with a BS in Biology from University of Texas at Arlington and is now working on her Masters degree in Healthcare Administration. She has been showing hunter/jumpers since she was seven years old in both USEF and AQHA. In the past few years she has enjoyed traveling around the country showing AQHA. She loves all animals and working with children. SpiritHorse is happy to have her considerable knowledge of horses along with her helpful and patient attitude.


Chastin CantwellChastin Cantwell
Riding Instructor/Special Events Coordinator

Chastin grew up working with horses and has competed in English and Western All-Around. She has raised and shown many horses, and is a good experienced horsewoman who adds practical horse sense and lots of love for all of our students. Chastin graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in Psychology and is a dedicated instructor for SpiritHorse. We are proud of her and her commitment.


Melanie MathersMelanie Mathers
 Riding Instructor/Major Gifts Officer

Melanie is a graduate of the University of Texas, Austin.  She also holds a Masters of Education degree from Texas State University with a specialization in Guidance and Counseling.  A former middle school counselor and classroom teacher, she has over 10 years of experience working with special needs and at risk children.  She grew up with horses, receiving her first pony when she was 5 years old.  She loves the outdoors, animals, children, traveling and reading. Melanie has lots of energy and a contagious smile. We are happy to have our newest addition to SpiritHorse!


Tammy MooreTammy Moore
 Riding Instructor

Tammy was born with the "horse bug." She was riding and drawing horses since preschool and helping move cattle on her dad's ranch at age seven. Her passion for horses has brought her to SpiritHorse to share her understanding and love with our riders. Tammy's love, patience, and understanding shines through in her lessons.

 

 

 


Holly Hileman
 Riding Instructor

Holly, college student and mother of three, is a wonderful addition to SpiritHorse because of her great love of children, horses, and teaching ethic. We are happy to have her as part of our SpiritHorse family.


Daniel FolmerDan Folmer
 Riding Instructor

Dan was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and received his undergraduate degree in Rehabilitation Studies with a minor in Substance Abuse/Addictions. Currently, he is seeking a Masters degree in Counseling with a focus on play therapy. He has rode horses throughout his life and took part in vaulting at one point. Dan intensely enjoys hockey, spending time with his girlfriend, writing, singing and playing music, cooking, and working with children. We are thrilled he is part of our SpiritHorse family.

 

 


Michele Dillard Michele Dillard
 Development Assistant

Michele graduated from Southern Illinois University with a degree in Education. She has been dedicated to teaching children and animals all her life. Her hobbies include spending time with her husband, her two daughters and their Girl Scout Troop, hiking, biking, rollerblading and camping. Her experience in management, business, and education make her a wonderful asset to our development team.

 


Jeanne MarieJeanne-Marie Martin
 Riding Instructor

Jeanne-Marie is a graduate from Texas State University with a degree in Recreational Therapy and is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. She has enjoyed working at multiple camps for children with special needs as a horse wrangler and volunteering her time at many non-profit organizations. Her horse knowledge and love of children have made her a great addition to our staff. In her free time, Jeanne-Marie enjoys spending time with her husband, reading, painting, and playing with her dog at the park.


Tex MilnerTex Milner
 Riding Instructor

Tex is currently pursuing a PhD in Sports Management & Adaptive Physical Education from Texas Women’s University. Tex uses his extensive horsemanship skills and kind heart to instruct his students in therapeutic riding. Growing up on a large Texas cattle ranch, he has already experienced lifelong journeys as a professional rodeo cowboy, amateur race car driver, and a 5½ year marine diver for the U.S. Marine Corp. He enjoys the lake, fishing, singing and playing music. We are excited he is a part of our staff.


Emily CapehartEmily Capehart
 Riding Instructor

Bio coming soon!