Amanda Held, Founder

Having grown up and trained with horses all her life, in 2003 Amanda began working with them in a different fashion - to begin her healing process from depression, anxiety and PTSD.

Encouraged by personal results, Amanda enhanced her proficiency with formal training and certification in EAGALA, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and several other stress and trauma coaching modalities.

From her training and personal experience, she has developed her own method called Equine Integrated Wellness™. Today she practices and teaches this coaching method, helping over 300 veterans and family members combined to develop the current H.O.O.V.E.S. curriculum

Military Bio

Civilian Bio

Meet The Team

Kelly Griffiths
Associate Director

Justin Held
Facility Manager

Ohio native Justin Held has been seeking adventure since day one. With his love for the outdoors he has never been able to sit still. From crushing miles on foot through the Appalachian Trail and hiking the Coast of Maui, to Fly fishing some of the nation’s most pristine rivers and streams. If it involves rad gear than he has done it! After battling an alcohol addiction for 20+ yrs, he learned tools that helped him experience deep healing. Since his recovery, he has set new goals in life and adventures. His mission and vision are to share these adventures with those who are seeking a new life of hope and healing.

Madisyn Keifer
Director of Volunteer Services

Madisyn is a lifelong equestrian with a deep passion for giving back

to her community. Volunteering has been a part of her life since a

young age. She believes in giving back to our community and serving

those in need. Being a part of H.O.O.V.E.S combines many of Madisyn's

> joys in life.

Katy Hubbard
Barn Manager

Instructors

Tim Sixberry

Heather Tarolli

Heather Tarolli is an Ohio based contemporary sculpture, who works primarily in metal, stained glass, and ceramics. She draws inspiration for her work, from her time as an Army veteran. She is currently the Rage Painting Instructor at H.O.O.V.E.S., full time student at the University of Toledo, pursuing her B.F.A. in sculpture, while also being a full-time mother of two.

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Adam Wilson

Myah
McCroskey

Myah can be found bouncing around the barn caring for the horses, volunteering with retreats & events, and leading our Mini Monday classes. She began at HOOVES as a volunteer in September 2020 in memory, and honor of her grandfather's service in the Korean War. Myah attended the HOOVES October 2021 Women's Retreat.

Myah is a Licensed Advanced Cosmetologist and recently became a Substitute Cosmetology Instructor at Penta Career Center. She is also a Provider through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities for her twin sister Jennah who has cerebral palsy.

Myah's classes at the farm are inclusive of all kiddos no matter their ability. Her creativity transfers over to the Mini Monday classroom with each class including a craft project, time with our therapy miniature horses, and farm/barn tour. If you have any questions or if your child has any specific needs, please feel free to reach out to her personally.