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Amanda Held, Founder & Executive Director

“Years ago, I struggled with mental health and relied on medication to cope daily until I met a wild Mustang named Shelby. Working with her taught me the power of emotional regulation and healing. I founded H.O.O.V.E.S. to share this with others, especially veterans struggling with PTSD. Through equine therapy, we can save lives.”

H.O.O.V.E.S. was created for veterans, by a veteran. Watch this video to see and hear the remarkable story of how this organization became a reality.

OUR TEAM

Along with our amazing volunteers, this group of professional and caring individuals bring their expertise to our table. From being behind the scenes to being on the front lines, we are thankful for their contributions.

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Chris Thielen

Barn Manager

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Randy Roberts

Director of Safety

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Sarah Hess

Director of Brand Marketing

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Tim Sixberry

Onboarding Officer and Facilitator

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Katy Hubbard

Director of Youth Services

Patriot Project Facilitator

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Olivia Hill

Director of 

Volunteer Services

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Justin Held

Facility Manager, 
Miles 2 Freedom Founder

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Stephan Gardner

Program Advisor

Creator Art of Integrated Appreciation Method

OUR A-TEAM

Our animal team members help to make everything happen. We are so grateful for these partners who do the work to heal our veterans. Click on the images for their stories.

Our Board of Directors

Nolan Baker

Board President

America's Retirement HQ

Robert Molnar 

Treasurer 

Citizen's Bank 

Joe Bublick 

Secretary 

Bublick Roofing & Construction 

Gary Baty 

Board Member 

Toledo Department of Public Services 

Doug Hancock  

Board Member 

Sons of the American Legion 

Tammy Tappan  

Board Member 

Contemporary Equine Artist 

Michelle Miller  

Key Volunteer  

FedEx  

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ABOUT OUR SANCTUARY

From the moment you turn into the driveway you see a peaceful, serene setting. 100-year-old oak trees surround the sanctuary house, giving shade in the hot summer and beautiful color in the fall. In front, a massive pasture with the Flag of the United States proudly flying in the center.

 

Our sanctuary house provides a warm, inviting environment that feels like home for our veterans. From cozy accommodations to communal spaces and personalized care, it creates a comforting atmosphere where veterans can immediately feel at ease.

 

Providing an all-in-one location for veterans to gather and remain together throughout the intensive helps the process of healing.

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"Driving through the gate at H.O.O.V.E.S. feels like coming back inside the wire."

 

G Cory Spychalski, Army Combat Veteran

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