Our Staff
Veronica Sosa Agnoli, MS, LPC, PATH Int., CTRI
CEO
Veronica Sosa Agnoli, MS, LPC is a bilingual school psychologist and psychotherapist and Co-founder of LifeStriders. She achieved a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Master of Science degree in School Psychology and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is also certified by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) as a therapeutic riding instructor. Since 1996 she has worked in the inner cities of Los Angeles in a variety of multi-cultural educational and family counseling settings and more recently in Wisconsin. In 2004, Veronica co-founded LifeStriders and has been working as the Chief Executive Officer for this organization establishing LifeStriders as a leader in the field of equine facilitated and nature based, integrative therapies. Email
CEO
Veronica Sosa Agnoli, MS, LPC is a bilingual school psychologist and psychotherapist and Co-founder of LifeStriders. She achieved a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Master of Science degree in School Psychology and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is also certified by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) as a therapeutic riding instructor. Since 1996 she has worked in the inner cities of Los Angeles in a variety of multi-cultural educational and family counseling settings and more recently in Wisconsin. In 2004, Veronica co-founded LifeStriders and has been working as the Chief Executive Officer for this organization establishing LifeStriders as a leader in the field of equine facilitated and nature based, integrative therapies. Email
Chrystal Stephens, PATH Intl. CTRI
Vice President
Since 2008, Chrystal has been working with children and adults with social-emotional, cognitive, physical and psychological needs. Incorporating elements of cognitive behavior therapy, occupational therapy and other modalities, she is able to teach social skills, team building, conflict resolution and other life skills to best meet the needs of each client. Becoming certified as a therapeutic riding instructor through PATH International, has enabled Chrystal to combine her love of horses, training expertise, and years of experience working with special needs individuals. Her life has been immersed in horses since 1998, primarily training for show, giving lessons focused on classic seat, and working with owners to build stronger bonds and lasting working relationships with their horses. Email
Vice President
Since 2008, Chrystal has been working with children and adults with social-emotional, cognitive, physical and psychological needs. Incorporating elements of cognitive behavior therapy, occupational therapy and other modalities, she is able to teach social skills, team building, conflict resolution and other life skills to best meet the needs of each client. Becoming certified as a therapeutic riding instructor through PATH International, has enabled Chrystal to combine her love of horses, training expertise, and years of experience working with special needs individuals. Her life has been immersed in horses since 1998, primarily training for show, giving lessons focused on classic seat, and working with owners to build stronger bonds and lasting working relationships with their horses. Email
Amber Osterberger, PATH Intl. CTRI
Program Coordinator
Riding Instructor
Amber is a PATH, Int. certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor who started started volunteering in 2007 and gained experience working with children with Autism or ASD. She was inspired by the individuals she worked with that she became trained in ABA therapy in 2009. Amber then started teaching at a Developmental Training Center in 2010 where she was was able to gain experience working with children and adolescents that had significant social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties. The program adhered to principles and practices from several therapeutic approaches, including collaborative problem-solving, positive behavior supports, and trauma informed care. Amber has been working with horses since 2000 for both pleasure and show. She was certified as a therapeutic riding instructor through PATH International in 2013 which has allowed her to combine her love of teaching with horses. Email
Program Coordinator
Riding Instructor
Amber is a PATH, Int. certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor who started started volunteering in 2007 and gained experience working with children with Autism or ASD. She was inspired by the individuals she worked with that she became trained in ABA therapy in 2009. Amber then started teaching at a Developmental Training Center in 2010 where she was was able to gain experience working with children and adolescents that had significant social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties. The program adhered to principles and practices from several therapeutic approaches, including collaborative problem-solving, positive behavior supports, and trauma informed care. Amber has been working with horses since 2000 for both pleasure and show. She was certified as a therapeutic riding instructor through PATH International in 2013 which has allowed her to combine her love of teaching with horses. Email
Melissa Marshall, MA, LPC, PATH Intl. CTRI
Psychotherapist
Social Skills Facilitator
Riding Instructor
Melissa is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has been a part of LifeStriders since August of 2014. Melissa received her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in 2010. While in Oshkosh Melissa began working as a line therapist facilitating in-home ABA therapy with children with Autism and Down syndrome.
Upon returning home Melissa pursued her Masters in the Art of Counseling degree in 2012. While completing her Masters, Melissa began working with at-risk youth and families through the Milwaukee County Children's Court system as a Wraparound Care Coordinator. During her final year of graduate school, Melissa chose to leave Wraparound Milwaukee to focus on her schooling, leading her to LifeStriders.
In August of 2015, Melissa graduated with her Masters in the Art of Counseling degree and joined the LifeStriders team as a Social Skills facilitator and psychotherapist. Being a part of LifeStriders has allowed Melissa to combine her passions in life: Nature, adventure, and helping others. Email
Psychotherapist
Social Skills Facilitator
Riding Instructor
Melissa is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has been a part of LifeStriders since August of 2014. Melissa received her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in 2010. While in Oshkosh Melissa began working as a line therapist facilitating in-home ABA therapy with children with Autism and Down syndrome.
Upon returning home Melissa pursued her Masters in the Art of Counseling degree in 2012. While completing her Masters, Melissa began working with at-risk youth and families through the Milwaukee County Children's Court system as a Wraparound Care Coordinator. During her final year of graduate school, Melissa chose to leave Wraparound Milwaukee to focus on her schooling, leading her to LifeStriders.
In August of 2015, Melissa graduated with her Masters in the Art of Counseling degree and joined the LifeStriders team as a Social Skills facilitator and psychotherapist. Being a part of LifeStriders has allowed Melissa to combine her passions in life: Nature, adventure, and helping others. Email
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Craig Sweeny, MS, LPC-IT
Psychotherapist Craig is a Licensed Professional Counselor In-Training at LifeStriders, and joined the team in March of 2023. Craig received his Masters in Community Counseling from Alverno College in May of 2022. While at Alverno, Craig began internship work in rural school districts as an in-school counselor, garnering valuable experience working with young clients with a broad range of needs. Seeking to work with a wider range of clients, Craig found LifeStriders, and was drawn to their nature- based approach to therapy. As an avid hiker, Craig likes walking the grounds with clients whenever possible, and has found clients enjoy the simple pleasure of walking the trails or interacting with horses during sessions. Being a veteran, Craig feels LifeStriders’ commitment to serving the military and their families is critical, and enjoys being a part of the organization’s work in fulfilling that promise. |
Amber Hagenstein, BS, CTRS
Program Counselor
Social Skills Facilitator
Riding Instructor
Amber graduated from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse in 2021 with a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation and a minor in psychology. Amber is a Certified Recreation Therapist and has a background working with a variety of kids with disabilities as well as working with children and adolescents in an inpatient psychiatric setting. She discovered her passion for facilitating the human-horse connection while in Arizona completing an internship that combined recreation therapy and equine assisted therapy. Amber works to deliver hands-on, experiential interventions that aim to address each client’s individual goals in areas of social, cognitive, physical, and emotional domains. She is grateful to be a part of the amazing team of individuals and horses at LifeStriders and values the meaningful connections made with clients and families. Email
Program Counselor
Social Skills Facilitator
Riding Instructor
Amber graduated from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse in 2021 with a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation and a minor in psychology. Amber is a Certified Recreation Therapist and has a background working with a variety of kids with disabilities as well as working with children and adolescents in an inpatient psychiatric setting. She discovered her passion for facilitating the human-horse connection while in Arizona completing an internship that combined recreation therapy and equine assisted therapy. Amber works to deliver hands-on, experiential interventions that aim to address each client’s individual goals in areas of social, cognitive, physical, and emotional domains. She is grateful to be a part of the amazing team of individuals and horses at LifeStriders and values the meaningful connections made with clients and families. Email
Elisa Smith, MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Elisa Smith earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy in 2004 and a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy in 2009. She has been working with children and adults with a variety of disabilities and ability levels within the educational setting and skilled nursing facilities. As an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Elisa volunteered at a therapeutic riding center, which sparked her interest in the use of horses as a therapeutic intervention. She joined the LifeStriders team in March of 2015, combining her love of her career as an occupational therapist with an innovative, unique and fun intervention utilizing the movement of a horse. She is grateful and honored to be working at LifeStriders and with all of the clients and families. Email
Occupational Therapist
Elisa Smith earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy in 2004 and a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy in 2009. She has been working with children and adults with a variety of disabilities and ability levels within the educational setting and skilled nursing facilities. As an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Elisa volunteered at a therapeutic riding center, which sparked her interest in the use of horses as a therapeutic intervention. She joined the LifeStriders team in March of 2015, combining her love of her career as an occupational therapist with an innovative, unique and fun intervention utilizing the movement of a horse. She is grateful and honored to be working at LifeStriders and with all of the clients and families. Email
Nicole Balistreri MS, OTR/L, PATH Intl. CTRI
Occupational Therapist
Social Skills Facilitator
Nicole Balistreri has had a life-long passion for horses and has been a horse owner since 2005. Having experienced first-hand just how beneficial and therapeutic horses can be she decided to pursue a career in occupational therapy after learning about hippotherapy. Nicole earned a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy in 2018 from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Nicole also earned a graduate certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders in 2017 from UWM. She has experience working with a diverse population from young children to geriatric adults in outpatient clinics, school-based settings, and inpatient acute care. She joined the LifeStriders team in July of 2020. Nicole works hard to provide client-centered interventions that are engaging, fun and meaningful! She is incredibly grateful to be part of the amazing team of staff, volunteers, clients, and horses that make a place like LifeStriders a reality. Email
Occupational Therapist
Social Skills Facilitator
Nicole Balistreri has had a life-long passion for horses and has been a horse owner since 2005. Having experienced first-hand just how beneficial and therapeutic horses can be she decided to pursue a career in occupational therapy after learning about hippotherapy. Nicole earned a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy in 2018 from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Nicole also earned a graduate certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders in 2017 from UWM. She has experience working with a diverse population from young children to geriatric adults in outpatient clinics, school-based settings, and inpatient acute care. She joined the LifeStriders team in July of 2020. Nicole works hard to provide client-centered interventions that are engaging, fun and meaningful! She is incredibly grateful to be part of the amazing team of staff, volunteers, clients, and horses that make a place like LifeStriders a reality. Email
Christine Kugler, OT
Occupational Therapist
Christine (Christy) became involved with LifeStriders as a volunteer in 2015 while studying Occupational Therapy at Mount Mary University. Christy fell in love with LifeStriders and continued to volunteer throughout the remainder of her Occupational Therapy schooling. Christy graduated from Mount Mary University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy Studies in May 2016 and graduated with her Master’s in Occupational Therapy in December of 2017. Her fieldwork experiences include working with early elementary children in a school-based setting as well as with adults in an orthopedic outpatient setting. Christy has been working with clients and their families at LifeStriders since May of 2018. She enjoys facilitating creative strategies to help her clients achieve their optimal potential as well as making meaningful connections with everyone who comes to LifeStriders. Email
Occupational Therapist
Christine (Christy) became involved with LifeStriders as a volunteer in 2015 while studying Occupational Therapy at Mount Mary University. Christy fell in love with LifeStriders and continued to volunteer throughout the remainder of her Occupational Therapy schooling. Christy graduated from Mount Mary University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy Studies in May 2016 and graduated with her Master’s in Occupational Therapy in December of 2017. Her fieldwork experiences include working with early elementary children in a school-based setting as well as with adults in an orthopedic outpatient setting. Christy has been working with clients and their families at LifeStriders since May of 2018. She enjoys facilitating creative strategies to help her clients achieve their optimal potential as well as making meaningful connections with everyone who comes to LifeStriders. Email
JoAnn Krofta, PT
Physical Therapist
JoAnn graduated from Marquette University with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy in 1975. She has worked with children from birth to 21 years of age in a variety of settings which include Penfield Children's Center, Oconomowoc Developmental Training Center, and, most recently in the Waukesha Public Schools. Following her retirement in June 2017, she began volunteering at LifeStriders. She has always believed in the therapeutic benefits of using horses as a treatment strategy to improve an individual's motor, cognitive, social, emotional and language skills. Retirement has provided an opportunity to pursue this interest and to continue her passion for helping individuals to optimize their potential. She joined the LifeStriders team as a physical therapist in October 2017 and is very excited to be a part of such an amazing and and caring group of individuals. Email
Physical Therapist
JoAnn graduated from Marquette University with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy in 1975. She has worked with children from birth to 21 years of age in a variety of settings which include Penfield Children's Center, Oconomowoc Developmental Training Center, and, most recently in the Waukesha Public Schools. Following her retirement in June 2017, she began volunteering at LifeStriders. She has always believed in the therapeutic benefits of using horses as a treatment strategy to improve an individual's motor, cognitive, social, emotional and language skills. Retirement has provided an opportunity to pursue this interest and to continue her passion for helping individuals to optimize their potential. She joined the LifeStriders team as a physical therapist in October 2017 and is very excited to be a part of such an amazing and and caring group of individuals. Email
MariLynn Toepel, MPT
Physical Therapist
MariLynn began as a volunteer in 2019 and then as a physical therapist in 2020. MariLynn graduated from Marquette University in 1996 with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree, and in 1998 with a Masters in Physical Therapy. She worked at Wheaton Franciscan hospital in Racine and then Aurora West Allis Medical Center, with a focus in acute care and inpatient rehabilitation. Her professional interests include neuro rehab, vestibular and balance training. She enjoys helping people with disabilities achieve their best quality of life and loves seeing the connection between horse and client blossom. She has had a love of horses ever since she can remember, and grew up enjoying trail rides on her family's hobby farm and surrounding countryside. She loves Lifestriders because it allows her to combine her love of horses and PT, improve her horsemanship skills, all while surrounded by an amazing group of dedicated staff and volunteers. Email
Physical Therapist
MariLynn began as a volunteer in 2019 and then as a physical therapist in 2020. MariLynn graduated from Marquette University in 1996 with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree, and in 1998 with a Masters in Physical Therapy. She worked at Wheaton Franciscan hospital in Racine and then Aurora West Allis Medical Center, with a focus in acute care and inpatient rehabilitation. Her professional interests include neuro rehab, vestibular and balance training. She enjoys helping people with disabilities achieve their best quality of life and loves seeing the connection between horse and client blossom. She has had a love of horses ever since she can remember, and grew up enjoying trail rides on her family's hobby farm and surrounding countryside. She loves Lifestriders because it allows her to combine her love of horses and PT, improve her horsemanship skills, all while surrounded by an amazing group of dedicated staff and volunteers. Email
Olivia Steiner, DPT
Physical Therapist
Social Skills Facilitator
Riding Instructor
Olivia began her LifeStriders journey as a volunteer in 2020 and quickly transitioned to serving as a physical therapist for the team. Olivia graduated from Carroll University in 2019 with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy and has a background in outpatient orthopedics with specialty training in aquatic therapy, vestibular pathologies, cancer rehabilitation, and Parkinson's disease. She loves being able to combine three of her favorite things into treatment: animals, physical therapy, and nature. She is consistently amazed to see the impacts it makes on the clients and their families. Working at LifeStriders allows her to follow her passion by connecting physical therapy and horses, it really is a dream come true to be a part of this wonderful organization. Email
Physical Therapist
Social Skills Facilitator
Riding Instructor
Olivia began her LifeStriders journey as a volunteer in 2020 and quickly transitioned to serving as a physical therapist for the team. Olivia graduated from Carroll University in 2019 with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy and has a background in outpatient orthopedics with specialty training in aquatic therapy, vestibular pathologies, cancer rehabilitation, and Parkinson's disease. She loves being able to combine three of her favorite things into treatment: animals, physical therapy, and nature. She is consistently amazed to see the impacts it makes on the clients and their families. Working at LifeStriders allows her to follow her passion by connecting physical therapy and horses, it really is a dream come true to be a part of this wonderful organization. Email
Nicole Neidinger, BS, PATH Intl. CTRI
Riding Instructor
Volunteering since 2006, Nicole has gained experience with children and adults with social, emotional, cognitive, physical and psychological needs. She became a certified therapeutic riding instructor in 2013 and is currently working towards her Masters in communication Disorders and Sciences. Nicole has been working with horses since 2006 riding primarily western pleasure. Becoming a certified therapeutic riding instructor through PATH International has allowed Nicole to combine her love of horses with therapeutic interventions. Email
Riding Instructor
Volunteering since 2006, Nicole has gained experience with children and adults with social, emotional, cognitive, physical and psychological needs. She became a certified therapeutic riding instructor in 2013 and is currently working towards her Masters in communication Disorders and Sciences. Nicole has been working with horses since 2006 riding primarily western pleasure. Becoming a certified therapeutic riding instructor through PATH International has allowed Nicole to combine her love of horses with therapeutic interventions. Email
Nicole Mueller
Volunteer Coordinator
Since 2015, Nicole has been working with children and adults with social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and psychological needs. After discovering hippotherapy, Nicole knew that a career in occupational therapy would be the right fit to combine her love of horses with helping others. She relocated to the Milwaukee area for college in 2017. Nicole began volunteering at LifeStriders as soon as she arrived and continued to volunteer while working on her bachelor's degree. She graduated from Mount Mary University with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a Pre-Occupational therapy concentration. When LifeStriders had an opportunity for a volunteer coordinator to join the team, Nicole was excited to combine her passion for social justice with her volunteer experience in therapeutic riding to help LifeStriders continue to serve the local community. Nicole is currently working towards her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy at Mount Mary University and hopes to utilize hippotherapy in her treatment as an occupational therapist someday. She is grateful to work with such incredible volunteers and hopes to help volunteers find meaning and joy in their time at LifeStriders. Email
Volunteer Coordinator
Since 2015, Nicole has been working with children and adults with social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and psychological needs. After discovering hippotherapy, Nicole knew that a career in occupational therapy would be the right fit to combine her love of horses with helping others. She relocated to the Milwaukee area for college in 2017. Nicole began volunteering at LifeStriders as soon as she arrived and continued to volunteer while working on her bachelor's degree. She graduated from Mount Mary University with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a Pre-Occupational therapy concentration. When LifeStriders had an opportunity for a volunteer coordinator to join the team, Nicole was excited to combine her passion for social justice with her volunteer experience in therapeutic riding to help LifeStriders continue to serve the local community. Nicole is currently working towards her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy at Mount Mary University and hopes to utilize hippotherapy in her treatment as an occupational therapist someday. She is grateful to work with such incredible volunteers and hopes to help volunteers find meaning and joy in their time at LifeStriders. Email
Nettie Saydel, BEED, BPE, PATH Intl. CTRI
Riding Instructor
Nettie has been volunteering with LifeStriders since 2005 and was inspired to become a PATH Certified Riding Instructor. Nettie has 35 years of teaching experience as a physical education instructor. An avid horsewoman since 1979, she trains her own horses in dressage, western, hunter jumper, trail, carriage driving and combined driving. Nettie's passion for teaching is revitalized each week through mentoring and encouraging instructors, riders, and drivers of all abilities to reach their goals and be the best that they can be.
Riding Instructor
Nettie has been volunteering with LifeStriders since 2005 and was inspired to become a PATH Certified Riding Instructor. Nettie has 35 years of teaching experience as a physical education instructor. An avid horsewoman since 1979, she trains her own horses in dressage, western, hunter jumper, trail, carriage driving and combined driving. Nettie's passion for teaching is revitalized each week through mentoring and encouraging instructors, riders, and drivers of all abilities to reach their goals and be the best that they can be.
Denise Morrow, CTRI
Riding Instructor
Social Skills Facilitator
Denise grew up on a farm in Colorado, riding horses to help on a farm. She also barrel raced as a child in rodeos. After her children had grown, she decided to rekindle her love of horses that had been tucked away while raising her family. She started volunteering with LifeStriders in 2013, and after seeing how rewarding it is to be able to help other in need, she became a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor in 2016. She loves the feeling of helping others do things they may not have had the chance to accomplish with out LifeStriders.
Riding Instructor
Social Skills Facilitator
Denise grew up on a farm in Colorado, riding horses to help on a farm. She also barrel raced as a child in rodeos. After her children had grown, she decided to rekindle her love of horses that had been tucked away while raising her family. She started volunteering with LifeStriders in 2013, and after seeing how rewarding it is to be able to help other in need, she became a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor in 2016. She loves the feeling of helping others do things they may not have had the chance to accomplish with out LifeStriders.
DeAsia Washington
Clerical Assistant
DeAsia is a student at Waukesha North and serves as President of the Black Student Union, and as a member of the Key Club, Civics Club and International Club. DeAsia came to LifeStriders as a sophomore in High School through LifeStriders’ summer internship program. Falling in love with the atmosphere of LifeStriders, and realizing her passion in life is to help people overcome their personal challenges, DeAsia stayed on past her internship to join the team of LifeStriders. As an active leader in the community, DeAsia brings her strength based approach and passion to serve the families of LifeStriders. DeAsia believes her role at Lifestriders is helping her to define the impact she wants to leave In the world as she pursues her future career path.
Clerical Assistant
DeAsia is a student at Waukesha North and serves as President of the Black Student Union, and as a member of the Key Club, Civics Club and International Club. DeAsia came to LifeStriders as a sophomore in High School through LifeStriders’ summer internship program. Falling in love with the atmosphere of LifeStriders, and realizing her passion in life is to help people overcome their personal challenges, DeAsia stayed on past her internship to join the team of LifeStriders. As an active leader in the community, DeAsia brings her strength based approach and passion to serve the families of LifeStriders. DeAsia believes her role at Lifestriders is helping her to define the impact she wants to leave In the world as she pursues her future career path.
