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LifeStriders
  • Home
  • About
    • Mission
    • Staff
    • Horses
    • Calendar
  • Services
    • Health >
      • Therapeutic Horseback Riding
      • Occupational & Physical Therapy
      • Counseling
      • Life Coaching
    • Social >
      • Social Skills Groups
      • Youth Program
    • Veterans
    • Online Caregiver Group
    • Education & Resources >
      • Advocacy Support
      • Referral Network
      • Supervised Internships
      • Master Classes and Workshops
  • Volunteer
    • Volunteer
    • Training and Safety Videos
  • Testimonials
  • Donate
    • Donate
    • Capital Campaign
    • Sponsor a Horse
    • Stock Gifts
    • Good Shop
    • Wishlist
  • Events
    • Derby Days 2025 >
      • Meet the Jockeys
      • Race Updates
  • Impact Report
  • FEEDBACK
  • News Interviews
  • Community Leadership Opportunities
  • Photos

​​​MEET THE TEAM

 OUR STAFF

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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                                                    


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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


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 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  


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Joe Owens
Field Operations Manager

Joe's journey at LifeStriders began in May 2023, bringing with him a passion for service and the outdoors. His dedication as a volunteer, coupled with his love for nature, made him a natural fit for the team. Joe holds a bachelor's degree in sport management from Concordia University St. Paul. Following his studies, he enlisted in the military and served in the Global War on Terrorism.
After his military service, Joe sought a career with the City of Waukesha Park Department, where his experience in land management and his love of nature continued to influence his work. His passion and care for animals play a crucial role at LifeStriders, where he excels in sharing his expertise with new volunteers. By equipping them with essential knowledge and skills, volunteers learn from Joe how to recognize and respond appropriately to a horse's signals, understand the importance of proper grooming and feeding, and grasp the fundamentals of training techniques.

Joe's enthusiasm for his role at LifeStriders is evident in his proactive leadership on the buildings and grounds committee. He works closely with the executive team to plan and execute a healthy environmental ecosystem on the farm. Joe is an integral part of connecting volunteers, staff, and clients, often mentoring youth and exemplifying leadership and character building. Inspired by the strong sense of community that LifeStriders fosters, Joe is excited to be part of the LifeStriders team of professionals.


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Erin Hamilton
Volunteer and Herd Manager

Erin joined LifeStriders in October 2024 as the Volunteer and Herd Manager, bringing a lifelong passion for both people and horses to her role. Her equestrian journey began in 2004 through her local 4-H chapter and the National Pony of the Americas Club, where she gained early experience in riding and showing ponies.
In 2013, Erin moved to Minneapolis to attend the University of Minnesota, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts with a focus on Stage Management. Through her academic and professional experiences, she developed strong skills in leadership, communication, administration, and operations—skills she later applied in customer service, event coordination, and administrative roles.
Driven by a deep love for horses, Erin made a career shift in 2020, starting as a Stable Assistant at her lesson barn. She was soon hired by the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, where she cared for the university’s teaching horses, focusing on their health, wellness, and emotional enrichment.
In 2024, Erin and her husband returned to their home state of Wisconsin. She is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the LifeStriders team, where she combines her skills and passions by managing a dedicated volunteer team and ensuring the well-being of the organization’s therapeutic herd. Email


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Melissa Marshall, MA-LPC, COTA/L, 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 
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Amanda Brenner, Ed.S., NCSP 
Counselor
Social Skills Facilitator


Amanda began volunteering at LifeStriders in 2022, bringing with her a strong background in education and student support. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from Purdue University, followed by an Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology from National Louis University. She also holds a Master of Arts in School Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University. Throughout her career in the school system—as a teacher, psychologist, and administrator—Amanda has remained committed to supporting all students, with a particular focus on helping those with disabilities thrive both academically and emotionally. Her commitment to supporting others led her to pursue additional licensure as a professional counselor-in-training, broadening her capacity to serve individuals beyond the classroom. Email



Brooke Strye, MS, LPC-IT
Program Counselor
Social Skills Facilitator

Brooke is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Training (LPC-IT) and currently serves as the Social Skills Program Coordinator at LifeStriders. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University.
Throughout her academic and professional journey, Brooke has focused on supporting individuals with diverse needs. She has extensive experience as a behavior technician, providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. During her graduate studies, she also completed a clinical internship working with adolescents experiencing emotional, behavioral, and substance use challenges.
Brooke began volunteering at LifeStriders in March 2025, where she quickly found a strong connection to the mission, the community, and the therapeutic power of horses. LifeStriders provides an ideal environment for Brooke to combine her passion for mental health, nature, and equine-assisted services in a meaningful and impactful way. Email



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Lindsey Ketelhut, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
​Riding Instructor

Lindsey's journey with horses began at the young age of 5. Her interest in equine-assisted therapy was sparked during high school when she discovered LifeStriders and learned about this unique form of therapy. This discovery solidified her career aspirations. In 2022, Lindsey joined LifeStriders as a student on a clinical rotation and continued to volunteer throughout her studies. Her dedication paid off when she graduated from Carroll University in May 2023 with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Lindsey is passionate about working with children, helping them achieve significant milestones for themselves and their families. She emphasizes play-based, client-centered care, striving to meet clients and their families where they are. Lindsey feels fortunate to have found her niche and enjoys working alongside a team of dedicated professionals.
Email



Samantha Gleason PT, DPT
​
Physical Therapist

Riding Instructor

Sam’s passion for horses began at an early age and has only continued to grow over the years. Introduced to equine-assisted therapy by her mother, Sam was inspired to pursue a career in physical therapy with a specialized focus on hippotherapy.
Her journey with LifeStriders began as a dedicated volunteer, where she also completed additional shadowing experiences while pursuing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. In January 2024, Sam joined the LifeStriders team as a student physical therapist. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Carroll University in May 2024 and returned to LifeStriders as a therapeutic riding instructor, later transitioning into her current role as a licensed physical therapist.
Sam is passionate about delivering holistic, individualized care to support functional goals and promote optimal physical development. She is grateful to be part of a collaborative and compassionate team that is committed to providing comprehensive, whole-body care through evidence-based practices and the healing power of the horse. 
Email


JoAnn Krofta, PT
Physical Therapist
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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

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Amber Schmitz, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

Amber earned her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point in 2019. She began her career supporting students with complex communication needs in a school district near Saint Paul, Minnesota. During her time in Minnesota, Amber discovered her passion for therapeutic riding through volunteering at a local organization. In the summer of 2023, Amber moved back to Wisconsin and was thrilled to find LifeStriders, where she began volunteering as a side walker. After a few months, in May 2023, Amber had the opportunity to provide speech and language services at LifeStriders. Having grown up around horses, Amber is passionate about helping riders benefit from the therapeutic power of equines, just as she has experienced herself.
Email



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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. 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


Denise Morrow, CTRI
Riding Instructor
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Denise grew up on a farm in Colorado, where horses were an essential part of daily life. From helping with farm work to competing in youth rodeos as a barrel racer, she developed a deep and lasting connection to horses at a young age.
After raising her family, Denise rekindled her love for horses and began volunteering at LifeStriders in 2013. Inspired by the profound impact equine-assisted services had on participants, she pursued her certification and became a PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor in 2016.
Denise finds great fulfillment in helping individuals achieve goals they may not have believed possible. She is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and is proud to be part of a team that empowers and uplifts through the healing power of horses.

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Tracy Stauffacher
Volunteer Coordinator

Tracy brings years of experience in community engagement and a deep appreciation for helping others grow into their best selves. After years of watching her nieces ride, jump, and barrel race, she was thrilled at the opportunity to combine her deep appreciation for how horses can help a child grow with such a passionate and impactful organization. Starting at  LifeStriders in 2024, she oversees volunteer recruitment, training, and scheduling—creating a positive and inclusive environment where volunteers can thrive.
As a Volunteer Coordinator at LifeStriders, Tracy is passionate about building meaningful connections between volunteers and the transformative work of equine-assisted services. With a heart for service and a talent for technology, her goal is to ensure that every volunteer feels welcomed, supported, and empowered to make a difference. Email


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Carol Blasier
Volunteer Coordinator / Equine Skills Program Manager 
​

Carol has dedicated the majority of her life to working with horses, bringing decades of experience in raising, training, and matching horses with riders of all ages. Her passion for fostering meaningful connections between people and horses has guided her work—whether she was training young equestrians, mentoring seasoned riders, or helping individuals find their ideal equine partner. She finds deep fulfillment in witnessing the joy, growth, and confidence that horses inspire in people.
After retiring in 2023, Carol was introduced to LifeStriders and was immediately moved by the organization’s mission and impact. The exceptional care given to both the riders and the horses resonated deeply with her values and lifelong commitment to the equine community. She quickly knew she wanted to be part of the LifeStriders team.
Today, Carol brings her wealth of knowledge and heartfelt dedication to LifeStriders, where she continues to support and enrich the lives of individuals through therapeutic and recreational riding. For her, being part of LifeStriders is not just a role—it’s an honor and a continuation of her life’s work. Email

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Nicole Mueller
Volunteer Coordinator

Nicole has been part of the LifeStriders community since 2017 and is passionate about supporting both volunteers and the individuals they serve. After discovering hippotherapy, she knew occupational therapy would be the perfect way to combine her love of horses with helping others. Nicole relocated to the Milwaukee area in 2017 to attend Mount Mary University, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a Pre-Occupational Therapy concentration and began volunteering at LifeStriders. When the Volunteer Coordinator role became available, Nicole was excited to bring together her passion for social justice and her experience with equine assisted therapies to help advance LifeStriders’ mission. She went on to earn her Entry-Level Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Mount Mary University. Nicole is grateful to work with such dedicated volunteers and loves helping them find meaning and joy in their time at LifeStriders. Email


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Emma Hardin
Barn Manager

Emma Hardin began her journey with LifeStriders in 2015, bringing a strong commitment to learning and personal growth despite having little prior experience with horses. Over the years, she cultivated a deep passion for horsemanship through dedicated lessons with skilled instructors and extensive hands-on involvement.
​In 2019, Emma stepped into the role of Mentor and Coach, where she discovered a profound connection to teaching and supporting others. Her work as an independent contractor in 2021 further enriched her experience, leading to her official transition to staff in 2025.
Emma is deeply passionate about fostering meaningful connections—with both people and animals—and is especially committed to the care and well-being of the individuals and ponies of Lake Country. She is excited to continue supporting the LifeStriders community by helping others achieve their goals and enhance their lives through equine-assisted programs.


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Arieana Osterberger
Clerical Assistant / Equine Specialist / Barn Manager
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Arie began volunteering with LifeStriders in 2017 and was immediately drawn to the organization’s welcoming atmosphere and mission. With a lifelong connection to horses, she quickly recognized the powerful and transformative impact they can have on individuals.
Driven by a deep passion for helping others overcome personal challenges, Arie brings a strength-based, compassionate approach to her work with families at LifeStriders. Her experience at the organization continues to shape her understanding of the meaningful impact she hopes to make in the world as she pursues her future career path.
​Arie is honored to contribute to the LifeStriders community and remains dedicated to supporting participants through connection, empathy, and the healing power of the horse-human bond.


VISIT US

S11 W29667 Summit Ave.
Waukesha, WI 53188
​Ph: 262.565.6124    Fax: 866.404.3105
LifeStriders is a 501c3 public charity organization. All donations are tax deductible.

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  • Home
  • About
    • Mission
    • Staff
    • Horses
    • Calendar
  • Services
    • Health >
      • Therapeutic Horseback Riding
      • Occupational & Physical Therapy
      • Counseling
      • Life Coaching
    • Social >
      • Social Skills Groups
      • Youth Program
    • Veterans
    • Online Caregiver Group
    • Education & Resources >
      • Advocacy Support
      • Referral Network
      • Supervised Internships
      • Master Classes and Workshops
  • Volunteer
    • Volunteer
    • Training and Safety Videos
  • Testimonials
  • Donate
    • Donate
    • Capital Campaign
    • Sponsor a Horse
    • Stock Gifts
    • Good Shop
    • Wishlist
  • Events
    • Derby Days 2025 >
      • Meet the Jockeys
      • Race Updates
  • Impact Report
  • FEEDBACK
  • News Interviews
  • Community Leadership Opportunities
  • Photos