MEET OUR PEOPLE!
OUR STAFF MEMBERS
Staff members consist of highly trained PATH Intl certified therapeutic riding instructors and equine specialists in mental health and learning. The team is committed to providing customized care, and is supported by a strong and talented volunteer base.
Executive Director and co-founder
PATH Intl. Advanced Instructor, PATH Intl. ESMHL
HEATHER HERNANDEZ-SEDILLO
Heather has been passionate member of the equine services (EAS) industry since 2004. Prior to her Co-founding Reining Strength, she served as Co-Director at Texas Tech University’s Therapeutic Riding Center where she was on faculty in the Animal Science Department. Heather serves various committees including with the The PATH Intl. Riding Certification Sub-Committee; and is a PATH, Intl. Advanced Instructor, ESMHL, Lead certification evaluator and Site-Visitor for center Accreditation. She is also EAGALA trained. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Baylor University and a Master’s in Education in Community Counseling from Texas Tech University. Additionally, Heather serves on the board for the Central Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. Heather recently published a textbook for the EAS industry that she and two others co-authored: The Comprehensive Guide to Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies, which is the first peer-reviewed textbook of it's kind.
* Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International (PATH Intl.); Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL); Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA)
PATH Intl. CTRI & PATH Intl. ESMHL
Equine and Facilities Manager
RICHARD SEDILLO "RD"
RD has been a life-long equestrian gaining experience on the racetrack in New Mexico with his father who is also a trainer. In 2011, he became the youngest trainer to have horse in the All-American Derby. In 2014, he began working for Reining Strength Therapeutic Horsemanship as the Equine and Facilities Manager. He is PATH Intl. CTRI and Equine Specialist in Metal Health and Learning. Additionally, he trains riders as a Special Olympics Equestrian Coach.
PATH Intl. CTRI
KAITLIN KRISTIANSSON
ALISA FRANKS
Office Administrator & PATH Intl. ESMHL
Alisa is a 2005 graduate of Texas A&M University having earned degrees in Political Science and Psychology. Shortly after graduation she moved to Washington, D.C. and joined the office of Senator John Cornyn. Alisa served in various capacities during her seven years with the senator including, correspondence manager and legislative aide. In 2012, she relocated back to the Houston area and worked in both non-profit development and government affairs. She began volunteering for Reining Strength in 2014. Alisa currently works part-time in various capacities including billing.
Gaby Stephens, MBA
Volunteer Coordinator & PATH Intl. CTRI
