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
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.
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.
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
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
Amber Joy, BS, CTRS, PATH Intl. CTRI
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
Nicole Balistreri MS, OTR/L, PATH Intl. CTRI
Occupational Therapist
Social Skills Facilitator
Riding Instructor
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
Riding Instructor
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
Olivia Steiner, DPT, PATH Intl. CTRI
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
Denise Morrow, CTRI
Riding Instructor
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
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.
Arieana Osterberger
Clerical Assistant / Equine Specialist
Arie began volunteering at LifeStriders in 2017 and immediately fell in love with the organization's atmosphere. She quickly realized that her passion in life is to help people overcome their personal challenges. Growing up around horses, Arie has always recognized the profound impact they can have on individuals' lives.
At LifeStriders, Arie brings a strength-based approach and a deep passion for serving families. She believes that her role at LifeStriders is helping her define the impact she wants to make in the world as she pursues her future career path.
Clerical Assistant / Equine Specialist
Arie began volunteering at LifeStriders in 2017 and immediately fell in love with the organization's atmosphere. She quickly realized that her passion in life is to help people overcome their personal challenges. Growing up around horses, Arie has always recognized the profound impact they can have on individuals' lives.
At LifeStriders, Arie brings a strength-based approach and a deep passion for serving families. She believes that her role at LifeStriders is helping her define the impact she wants to make in the world as she pursues her future career path.
