Meet your trainers!
Lisa Smith
Founder & President of Hooker Ranch | Army Veteran
Lisa Smith is the Founder and President of Hooker Ranch, a non-profit sanctuary for equines dedicated to rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming.
Enlisting in the U.S. Army in 2006 as a Chinook Helicopter Repairer (15U - CH47), Lisa served two consecutive tours in South Korea before being deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan in 2009 during Operation Enduring Freedom. For her heroic actions, Lisa was awarded two Air Medals for bravery and the Boeing Rescue Award for saving over 200 civilians during an avalanche in the Salang Pass.
Lisa holds a B.S. in Aviation Maintenance from Thomas Edison State University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Management. She also earned a Certification in Equine Welfare from the University of Georgia, further strengthening her ability to lead Hooker Ranch in providing life-changing programs through horses.
Christal Mihalo, MS, LPC
Christal is a seasoned Licensed Professional Counselor with 28 years of experience working with people who have diverse needs. Licensed in both Texas and Illinois. She earned a Master of Science degree in Professional Counseling from National-Louis University. She also received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services from Judson University of Illinois.
Christal is skilled at building rapport with children, adolescents, and adults in the mental health, social services, and criminal justice fields. 7 of these years included managing and supervising professional staff and interns in mental health trauma-informed community-based services.
Rose Ingram, ESMHL, CTRI
Rose Ingram is a dedicated and compassionate PATH certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning. With over a decade of experience in the field, Rose combines her expertise with a genuine passion for helping others. As a PATH certified riding instructor, she has taught countless individuals riding skills as well as equine management and care using the powerful connection between horses and humans.
Rose's deep understanding of horses and their therapeutic potential makes her an invaluable asset to the team. Her approach is rooted in empathy and professionalism, ensuring that each client receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs. Whether through equine-assisted learning sessions, mental health therapy, or horseback riding lessons, Rose is committed to fostering personal growth, emotional resilience, and a sense of empowerment in all her clients.
Courtney Jaeckle, MA, LPC,
EMDR Trained
EMDR Equine Trained
Courtney Jaeckle, MA, LPC, is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor based in Texas, specializing in Christian counseling, chronic illness, trauma, anxiety, and depression for adults aged 18 and older. Her approach integrates a passion for creating healing environments, utilizing outdoor nature therapy, equine therapy, and animal assisted therapy to foster calm and growth.
With advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Courtney is committed to empowering individuals through evidence-based therapeutic techniques. Her practice extends a special focus on serving first responders and veterans, harnessing her empathy and expertise to support those who have dedicated their lives to service.
Limited spots available — Register now!
https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/equine-training