Laurie Bryceland, CTRI, ESMHL – Founder/ Executive Director– Laurie is a former Elementary Education and Reading Teacher as well as the head Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and 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.
Brielle Arena, Program Coordinator – Brielle Arena is the Program Coordinator & Instructor at Victory Hill, bringing over 20 years of horseback riding experience and more than 10 years of teaching and horse training experience. Her lifelong passion for horses has included competing, training a variety of horses, and working with many other animals including farm animals and dogs. Brielle loves helping others build confidence, learn new skills, and experience the special connection that comes from working with animals. She is currently pursuing her PATH Intl. certifications as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL) and a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI).
Lucy Hayrabetoglu, Volunteer Coordinator – As an instructor at Victory Hill Therapeutic Horsemanship, Lucy is passionate about creating a supportive, encouraging environment where participants can build confidence, develop skills, and form meaningful connections with horses. Lucy holds an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and has a background as a Medical Assistant, bringing both educational and healthcare experience to her work. Her compassion, patience, and love of animals are central to her approach, and she is dedicated to helping others experience the many benefits of working with horses. Outside of her professional work, Lucy has a deep love for animals and enjoys the unique relationships they can create with people. Lucy is currently pursuing her PATH Intl. certifications as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL) and a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI).
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!
Wendy Conger – Barn Staff – Wendy brings a lifelong passion for helping others and a deep love for animals to the Victory Hill Therapeutic Horsemanship Barn Staff position. An animal enthusiast with a special place in her heart for horses and birds, she believes in the incredible bond between people and animals and the positive impact it can have on lives. Wendy not only takes outstanding care of the horses and petting zoo that call Victory Hill home, she is also a valuable member of the Board of Directors.
Kelsey Yahm– Barn Staff – Welcome, Kelsey! Bio coming soon