Hope Ranch Foundation
About Us
The mission of the Foundation is to promote and fund partnering with animals (including but not limited to: horses, dogs, and cats) for clients of all ages who could benefit from animal-assisted psychological services regardless of their ability to pay.
Fundraising Efforts
Fundraising efforts are needed to provide programming by EAGALA certified practitioners, client scholarships, and to care for animals.
Animal-assisted psychotherapy is provided, in a variety of settings, and may be group-based or individual in nature. The process is documented and evaluated, and the animal is an integral part of the treatment process.
Horse Powered Growth and Learning programs include programs related to students becoming more intrinsically motivated learners. Animal-assisted activities are delivered in a variety of environments by specially trained and certified professionals, working with animals that meet specific criteria.
Programming includes: social skills groups for youth; young women’s group; young men’s groups; family groups; groups for youths and adults with PTSD; parenting groups; and horse-powered learning (tutoring).
Funds raised will also support programs to raise, feed, and care for the animals utilized in the work, including veterinary, farrier, stable, pasture care, and other services necessary to provide for the wellbeing of the animals.
Meet the Board
Matt Nigbur, Board President
Work Place:
Market President – Coulee Bank – Rochester, MN
Degrees:
Graduate Degree, School of Banking, University of WI. BBA in Banking and Finance, Wisconsin School of Business
Matt has over 13 years of experience in the Rochester, Minnesota market. His diversified banking background includes work with commercial real estate lending, financing of heavy equipment, SBA loan programs, and home construction lines of credit. He currently serve on the boards for Sertoma 700 and the Hiawatha Homes Foundation, and HOPE Ranch Foundation. He is an Ambassador for the Rochester Chamber of Commerce while coaching the Rochester Youth Soccer and the Champions Basketball League.
Sheryl Barlow, Board Vice-Chair
Credentials:
CEO Owner of Barlow Business Services, LLC, Author, and Speaker
BS Degree in Business and Marketing, AA Degree in Retailing, Social Media Certification, Inbound Marketing
Certifications:
Masters Course in Content Creation and Copywriting
Why I chose to join the board:
The work being done at HOPE Ranch is like no other and the individuals involved are incredibly committed to the mission, the clients, the animals, and the community. The entire organization has incredible heart and dedication. I am here to do whatever I can to help with this amazing organization.
Jacob Mussell, Treasurer
Workplace:
ONB Bank- Credit Analyst- Rochester, MN
Education:
BBA in Finance and Economics, University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire
Jacob has a background in Finance having worked in Banking, Corporate Finance, and Financial Services. He joined the board because he enjoys helping people. He and his wife have two dogs, who they consider part of their family. Jacob knows how impactful animals can be on a person’s life and is thrilled to support the mission of HOPE Ranch.
Terri Wintering
Credentials:
BA College of St. Teresa 1973; J.D. William Mitchell College of Law 1977; Mediator since 1988
Work Place:
Attorney, Self-employed at Wintering Law Office – semi-retired.
Why I chose to join the board:
I am happy to volunteer, especially for HOPE Ranch.
Why I chose to join the board:
Having experienced the value of equine therapy in my own family, I wholeheartedly support the Foundation that provides for this therapy model at HOPE Ranch.
Kay Tessum
Education:
BS from Winona State University 1970 French and Political Science.
Master’s Degree in Emotional Disturbance and Learning Disabilities from Mankato State University 1985.
Certification in Multicultural Diversity From St Catherine’s College 1990.
Awards:
Ashland Oil Teacher of the Year Award 1994
Rochester Education Association Teacher Award 1995
Work Place:
Rochester State Hospital Adolescent Unit School 1978 to 1981
John Marshall High School 1982 – 2010
Area Learning Center Alternate School 2005 to 2015 (Night School)
Why I chose to join the board:
My family and I have been involved in education and horses for many years. After my daughter left for college, and wouldn’t let us sell her horse, I decided I would learn to ride. Since that time I have ridden with a group to many states and places. Once we no longer wanted to haul our aging horses so far away, we started a group called the Gypsy Cowgirls. We now fly to a destination and ride great horses. We have ridden Gettysburg, The Biltmore in Ashville NC, and Tybee Island, Georgia. I chose to join the board of HOPE Ranch because it melds my two passions of education and horses. I feel that I still have skills and experiences that I can use and share with others.
Kit Muellner
Serving as an advisor to the board at the request of the board
Credentials:
CEO & Founder of H.O.P.E. Ranch, Clinical Director and Psychotherapist, LICSW – Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, EAGALA Certified Psychotherapist Horse Specialist
Education & Degrees:
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, Business, and Spanish from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, Masters (MSSW) in Clinical Social Work from the University of Wisconsin, Madison