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.
Linda Olivo, Director of Development – Linda’s career at Victory Hill began when she started volunteering 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 has previous experience volunteering at a nearby equine rescue and was excited to have the opportunity to work along side horses once again. In 2020, Linda stepped up to fill the role of Bookkeeper. In 2025, Victory Hill was thrilled to have Linda transition to the full time role of Development and Communications Coordinator. Her hard work, passion, and dedication to our mission make her a true asset to the team! Linda also volunteered for many years 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.
Sara McConnell- Program Coordinator & Instructor- Sara became a very valuable member of our team in March, 2025. Sara first began working with horses in Sanitaria Springs, NY at the age of 12. Through 6 years of volunteering and training, she found she really enjoyed Western riding most of all! Sara has a background in both children’s education and community-based programs, having worked at Broome County BOCES with K-2nd students with special needs, as well as with WIC of Orange County providing Nutritional Education to low- income families in the Hudson Valley. Sara also has a deep passion for providing integrative mental health services to those in need, having most recently managed a private psychiatric practice offering TMS Therapy for patients with treatment-resistant psychiatric conditions. Sara is beyond excited to combine all the skills she’s learned in these fields to help foster healing and hope between our clients and these highly emotionally intelligent animals. Sara is working toward her PATH Intl Certification in both Therapeutic Riding and as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning.
Nicole Holst- Development & Communications Associate & Instructor in Training- Nicole Holst is our new Development and Communications Associate who is also working on her hours to become a PATH-Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning and a Therapeutic Riding Instructor under Laurie’s mentorship. Her varied background includes 30 years of teaching experience, marketing, event production, and mental health work. She holds a BA in Dance from California State University, Long Beach and has been a certified Pilates instructor for 20 years. Nicole has extensive experience in the mental health field as a former homeless outreach treatment team supervisor, case manager, and conservatorship investigator. Nicole has also been producing and managing events since 2006, including the Season 5 promo for the TV show Yellowstone, and is a former professional copywriter. Originally from California, Nicole has always had a passion for horses and been riding off and on since she was 10 years old. She recently began training to do barrel racing and loves learning about horse and human psychology. Nicole is thrilled to be in such a supportive, encouraging environment where she can bring all her experience together in one place and looks forward to working with the horses and students!
Regina Pakstas-Smith, ESMHL, CTRI – PATH Intl Certified Instructor – Regina comes to Victory Hill with 10 years of prior experience in the Equine Assisted Services industry. She holds two PATH Intl certifications – Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, and Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. Regina is also a Certified Mentor through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship and has completed levels one and two of Trauma Informed Equine Assisted Learning training at the Natural Lifemanship Institute. She is excited to continue growing and learning more about providing the highest quality Equine Assisted Services.
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!
Keeley Hedberg – Barn Staff – Bio coming soon
Jonathan Turner– Barn Staff – Bio coming soon