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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.”

OUR LEADERSHIP 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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Randy Roberts

Chief Safety and

Compliance Officer 

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Chris Thielen

Animal Care

Specialist

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Tim Sixberry

Onboarding Officer

and Facilitator

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Stephan Gardner

Program Advisor,

Creator | Art of Integrated Appreciation Method

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Katy Hubbard

Associate ​Director,

Director of Youth Services,

The Patriot Project Facilitator

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Sarah Hess

Director of 

Volunteer Services
Director of  Brand Marketing

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Matthew Dick

Chief Experience and

Innovation Officer

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Justin Held

Facility Manager, 
Founder | Miles 2 Freedom

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.

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 

Stephanie Synclair  

Board Member  

Entrepreneur, Founder La Rue 1680

Michelle Miller  

Key Volunteer  

FedEx  

OUR BOARD OF ADVISORS

Amanda Held

Executive Director

H.O.O.V.E.S.

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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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