Our Team
Maria Smith
Program Manager
Barn & Boarding Manager
Maria has over 35 years' experience with horses: managing barns, training horses and riders, and teaching personal development with horses. She has developed a holistic system of horsemanship that respects the horse's natural instincts. Her training as a mental health facilitator combined with her respect for all life make her ideally suited to develop programs that can help children deal with the emotional challenges presented by today's complex world.
Ashley Harris
Administrative Director
Ashley's background in business and her entrepreneurial spirit are just what HfH needs in this time of transition. Her positive, "We can do this!" attitude inspires everyone around her. She is a natural leader with strengths in organization, planning, and vision. She is also an extremely effective communicator, whether she is talking to a group about the program, working with staff, or resolving the myriad of daily crises that arise in a facility the size of HfH.
Kathryn Revelle
Volunteer Coordinator
Kathryn developed her love of horses as a young child riding hunter-jumpers. She became involved with Therapeutic Riding as a volunteer for a program in Kansas City. When she move to NWA in 2021, she quickly applied as a volunteer for HfH. We were so impressed by her strong belief in the program and willingness to jump in wherever needed that we invited her to join the staff in 2022. Kathryn also brings some much-needed skills to HfH in the use of social media and marketing.
Juan Santillan
Grounds Manager
Juan has been with HfH almost since its beginning. He keeps a watchful eye on all the horses and makes sure that everything on the property is in tip-top shape. Even during the most inclement weather, he is there to ensure that the horses are safe and fed. His true passion, though, is the kids. Nothing brightens his day more than seeing the joy on the faces of children and hearing their laughter as they work with the horses. No matter who you ask - our students, boarders, staff, contractors - everyone will tell you that Juan is at the very heart of HfH.
Michael Chavez
Assistant Grounds Manager
Michael joined the team in 2022 after serving his country in the US Army. His work is invaluable with the seemingly endless tasks that need to be done around the facility. He grew up working on a farm, so he is also able to provide fresh insights and ideas about ways to improve the facility. He recently had the chance to help with children coming to the farm, and we believe he has discovered a new calling in life! Young boys in particular gravitate to him as a new friend, mentor and role model.
Jodi Nuesse
Farm Hand
After wrapping up a career as a project manager and process consultant, Jodie started with HfH as a volunteer in 2020. She grew up on a cattle ranch and enjoys all of the work required to support daily operations. When HfH decided that some additional part-time help was needed, Jodie was a natural choice! She has become an invaluable member of the team, helping not only with farm chores but with any administrative assistance needed and is in training to become an instructor with the program.