“Horses change lives. They give our young people confidence and self-esteem.
They provide peace and tranquility to troubled souls. They give us hope!”
-Toni Robinson
Board of Directors
Kat Heggen, LMSW- Director
Kat Welton has been riding horses for as long as she can remember. She grew up riding hunter/jumpers and began playing polo when she was in high school. During her undergraduate program at the University of Michigan she started the Michigan Polo Club. She has over seven years of experience working with youth and horses and several years of experience working with youth in a therapeutic setting. She graduated with her Masters in Social Work from Western Michigan University in 2015 and has completed her EAGALA certification in 2015.
Kat Welton has been riding horses for as long as she can remember. She grew up riding hunter/jumpers and began playing polo when she was in high school. During her undergraduate program at the University of Michigan she started the Michigan Polo Club. She has over seven years of experience working with youth and horses and several years of experience working with youth in a therapeutic setting. She graduated with her Masters in Social Work from Western Michigan University in 2015 and has completed her EAGALA certification in 2015.
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Shana Tundevold, LMSW-Director
Shana Tundevold has many years of experience working with youth and horses. She is currently the Adventure Specialist at a residential home for youth in foster care and believes strongly in the power of experiential learning and equine-based activities. She graduated from Cornerstone University in 2012 with her BSW and moved to North Carolina to work as a direct care field guide in Wilderness Therapy. She moved back to Grand Rapids and graduated with her Masters in Social Work from Western Michigan University in 2015. She is EAGALA certified. |
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Amy VissmanAmy has had a love for horses since a young age when she experienced summer days at a horse camp for girls. She immediately recognized the deep connection and trust that can be built through the rider and the horse. From her very first camp session her love of horses and the impact they can have on children was rooted. As a West Michigan Realtor, Amy has worked for Keller Williams Realty since 2004, serves on the Agent Lead Council and is the co-chair for the Keller Williams social and cultural committee. Amy enjoys time spent with her family; husband Doug, daughter Brooke and family dog Wesley. Amy has volunteered for various organizations connecting horses and children. In 2017 Amy started serving on the board for The Barn for Equine Learning, joining The Barn's mission to help rebuild and restore hope, for the love of horses and for the impact they can have on children.
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Taylor Bazen
Taylor Bazen is currently a student at Grand Rapids Community College studying Business Management. She has been involved with The Barn and serving the community through horses since 2010 and has had a strong passion for horses since she can remember. Taylor was the founder of The Barn’s Youth Committee and since then has joined the board of directors. As a firm believer in the power of mentorship, The Barn has been a place for her to grow personally, and in turn, mentor others. |
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Ashley Geren
Ashley graduated with her Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies and Criminal Justice in the fall of 2015. Having always loved horses and interested in Equine Therapy, Ashley found The Barn in an internet search and started volunteering in January 2017. The Barn was such an open and welcoming community that it was love at first visit. Being apart of The Barn has allowed Ashley to help others in a most fulfilling and rewarding way, enabling her to combine her love of horses with helping others. |
The Barn's Youth Committee
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Annaka DraaismaAnnaka has been volunteering and riding through The Barn since the fall of 2013 when she was in seventh grade but started working with horses before that. Now, in her junior year of high school, she is honored to hold the title of President and was a founding member of the Youth Committee. She loves spending time with all of the kids that pass through The Barn and of course the horses! Outside of The Barn she enjoys singing and calligraphy.
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Larisa DraaismaLarisa is an eight grader at Grand Rapids Christian Middle School and was a founding member of the youth committee. She has been volunteering at The Barn and riding there for the last three years. Some of her hobbies outside of The Barn include reading and drawing.
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Bele JekelBele is so excited to be able to be a part of The Barn's youth committee! She loves to work with both kids and horses and is a very happy-go-lucky person. In her free time she loves to draw, sew and train her dog, Gerty, how to do fun tricks. But riding and working at The Barn is her very favorite thing to do.
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