Laurie Bryceland, CTRI, ESMHL – Founder/ Executive Director– Laurie is the head Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, as well as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. She holds ESMHL and CTRI certifications with PATH Intl and Natural Lifemanship Institute – Level 2. She conducts sessions of Equine Assisted Learning with a wide variety of clients and students including at risk youth, children and adults with special needs, veterans, active military families and first responders. Looking at both the neuropsychology of the horse and its human partner, she teaches the building of connected relationships using the principles of Natural Lifemanship. Laurie also teaches beginner riding skills in both English and Western disciplines as well as Horsemanship skills. She is passionate about helping her clients discover all that horses can teach us. She also enjoys being a PATH Intl approved mentor and assisting new candidates through the process of becoming certified instructors or equine specialists.
Danielle McKinnon, ESMHL – Program Coordinator & Instructor– Danielle is a PATH Intl. Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning and is Level 2 Trained in Natural Lifemanship. She holds a BA in Psychology from Eastern University. She did her senior year internship at Victory Hill in the Spring of 2021. She is passionate about working with veterans, as her husband is a Marine Corps. veteran, and has always had a special place in her heart for children. Danielle is focused on helping Victory Hill to expand its programs, as well as helping clients find peace and clarity through the struggles they are enduring. She has future plans to pursue her certification as a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. Working at Victory Hill has allowed Danielle’s dream of working with children, veterans, and horses to become a reality.
Jenna Romer- Program Coordinator & Instructor- Jenna is very excited to be the Program Coordinator for Victory Hill. She has been studying and working toward this goal for the past five years. Jenna studied Occupational Therapy at SUNY Orange and is currently working towards her certification as a PATH Intl Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. Jenna is passionate about combining her love of horses and horsemanship skills with her desire to improve the lives of those who live with emotional, physical, developmental, or mental health challenges. In addition, Jenna is looking forward to assisting in the Horses 4 Heroes program as many of her family members have served in the military.
Zachary Pepe – Instructor & Volunteer Coordinator – Zach is the most recent instructor to join the Victory Hill team. He holds a BA in Psychology as well as Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity from the University at Albany (SUNY). After a successful year of teaching middle school history in NYC, Zach made a shift to pursue the opportunity to work as an instructor at Victory Hill. He is passionate about teaching and helping people in any way they may need. His role at Victory Hill also compliments his love of the outdoors. In his spare time Zach volunteers for both the New Hampton Fire Department and the American Red Cross. As Zach works toward his certification as a PATH Intl Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, he is excited to continue growing and learning more about providing the highest quality Equine Assisted Services.
Linda Olivo, Bookkeeper & “Crossroads” Mentor– Linda began as a volunteer along with her son, Justin. Linda was inspired by her son’s passion for veteran causes to get involved with Victory Hill’s programs. She had previous experience volunteering at a nearby equine rescue and was excited to have the opportunity to work along side horses once again. After several months of volunteering, Linda stepped up to fill the role of Bookkeeper. Linda also volunteers with the Pocatello fire department in Middletown, NY as support personnel, fundraiser and parade coordinator. Her husband, David, also jumps in whenever we need an extra hand.
Chris Bryceland, Barn Manager – Chris is a full time first responder in addition to managing the family farm where Victory Hill TH is located. He is quite skilled in all areas of farm and equipment maintenance and takes wonderful care of our herd and petting zoo. We could not do what we do without the many hours of hard work he puts in 7 days a week!
Dawn J. Benko, EEBW, CEMP, ESMHL – Barn Staff – Dawn is a recovering photojournalist, after leaving a 30+ year career in the newspaper industry. She began volunteering for a therapeutic riding center in 2015, where she rediscovered her love of horses, and remained in that role until 2019 when she was hired as their part time barn manager. She has since become a Certified Equine Body Worker and Massage Practitioner. Determined to follow an equine related career path, Dawn began volunteering at Victory Hill in 2022 where she completed her practicum hours to become a PATH certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. Dawn was hired as an ESMHL instructor and developed a specific curriculum for teaching horsemanship and equine message to veterans. After some time away, Dawn returned to Victory Hill in the Fall of 2024 as a valued member of our barn staff. Dawn will do just about anything for you, if you bring her cookies.