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It takes an innovative team of talented people (and creatures!)
to do what we do. Our instructors are inspiring, highly skilled,
and are certified with the North American Riding for the Handicapped
Association. NARHA certification ensures that our instructors are
staying ahead of the curve with comprehensive knowledge and the
most essential teaching techniques. One instructor, when asked why
she teaches therapeutic riding, answered "Because it's my purpose."
Sometimes, it is that simple.
 Program Therapists and Instructors
Amber Henneck - Head Instructor and Equine Coordinator
Amber is a graduate of Oregon State University and a NARHA certified therapeutic riding instructor. In addition to teaching, Amber is also Forward Stride's equine coordinator, implementing our Equine Management Standards & Horse Care Philosophy and leading an comprehensive team of horse care professionals to ensure that our horses are in tip top condition. Email Amber...
Laurie Schick - Instructor, Physical Therapist and Hippotherapy Coordinator
Laurie is a certified therapeutic riding instructor, a licensed physical therapist and Forward Stride’s hippotherapy coordinator. She is a member of, and the state representative for, the American Hippotherapy Association and a registered therapist with NARHA. She has been practicing physical therapy for over 11 years with her primary focus being orthopedics. Email Laurie, our hippotherapy coordinator...
Sarah Kramer - Occupational Therapist
Sarah has her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Pacific University as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Equestrian Studies from Rocky Mountain College. Her educational background includes internships in mental health settings. In addition to hippotherapy, Sarah works in a private practice as a pediatric occupational therapist specializing in sensory integration disorders. She is a member of the American Hippotherapy Association and NARHA. Email our hippotherapy coordinator...
Claudia Usher- Occupational Therapist
Claudia specializes in adult neuro rehabilitation and helps our clients move through brain injuries and associated issues. She has been a practicing therapist for over 25 years. Claudia is a therapist at Legacy Emmanuel and also a private pediatric clinic, in addition to being a Forward Stride therapist. Email our hippotherapy coordinator...
Mary Ann Kappa - Instructor
Mary Ann works closely with Kris McCarthy and specializes in novice and high-needs sport riding clients. Mary Ann's day job finds her in management at Tektronix - what a balanced brain! Mary Ann is a NARHA certified instructor. Email Mary Ann...
Kris McCarthy - Instructor
When Kris began riding, she took lessons in both saddle seat and hunt seat, then
moved on to dressage, stadium jumping and eventing. Kris's day job is with the Beaverton School District where she works with special needs kids. Kris is a NARHA certified therapeutic riding instructor in addition to helping train and schedule all of our incredible volunteers. Email Kris...
Clio Rebillon - Instructor
Clio's talents lie in jumping and dressage. She has been a part of Forward Stride since she was a teenager, growing up surrounded by our core values. Her youthful enthusiam brings out the best in our teenage clients. Clio is a NARHA certified therapeutic riding instructor in addition to pursuing her Bachelors degree as a local college student. Email Clio...
Marci Siegel Kittrell- Vaulting Instructor and Flying Star Vaulters Coach
Marci received her Bachelors degree from Lewis and Clark College and her Masters in Social Work from Portland State University. She is a member of the American Vaulting Association and is in the prestigious AVA judge apprenticeship program. Marci has won several team U.S. National Championships and has competed internaltionally at the World Championships in Malmo, Sweden. Email Marci...
Program Support
Heather Mankowski - Program Business Coordinator
Heather received her Masters in Elementary Education from the University of Illinois. She keeps our program business running smoothly and is our first point of contact for most clients and volunteers. She has been lured away from education by the Forward Stride mission and the ability to impact children. Email Heather...
Administration
Trisha Thompson - Executive Director
Trisha started with Forward Stride as its founding Executive Director in 2003.
She has over 10 years experience in grant evaluation, grant review facilitation, and strategic planning. She has worked on projects with universities, the US Department of Education, the Oregon Department of Education and local K-12 schools and school districts. Her work in education focused on analyzing the elements necessary for educational agencies (including nonprofits) to achieve their missions. Her professional memberships include the National Standards of Excellence Institute and the Nonprofit Association of Oregon. Email Trisha...
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