Joleen is a long-time resident of the mid-Willamette Valley. She has been a licensed insurance agent for the past 30 years. Joleen has served on various youth and activity boards for the past 15 years. Joleen’s passion for HART came from her daughter Josie’s involvement in the adaptive riding program. In her free time she enjoys going to the mountains and the beach with her husband.

Mija joined the HART team in May of 2017. Her background includes a bachelor of science degree from OSU, and 20 years of experience as an accomplished dressage trainer/instructor. She is also a United States Dressage Federation bronze medalist.

Jenny has been involved with HART for many years as a volunteer before joining the board. She joined the board to help ensure people in the community have the opportunity to experience the positive and life-changing impact horses can have. Her love of horses began at a young age, inspired by her mother, who introduced her to riding at four—a passion they have shared ever since. Outside of HART, she enjoys spending time with her grown children and their families, riding and showing her horse Blue, and spending time with her pups.

Nicolle was born in Oregon and has lived here most of her life. She is a manager at Umpqua Bank and has been in the banking industry for over 22 years. She is a CASA volunteer for Clackamas County. Her connection with HART comes from meeting Myrna. Her youngest son has several physical and developmental challenges, and she has advocated for him to visit HART. By joining the board her hope is to be able to give back and help sustain and grow such a wonderful organization.

Melody received a BBA in Accounting from Baylor University. She worked in accounting and consulting in Seattle before moving to Salem. She has worked with non-profit organizations in the community both in an accounting and a volunteer capacity. She holds a restricted teaching license and works as a substitute teacher in the Salem-Keizer School district. Melody always loved horses but her involvement with the equine community developed through her daughter’s interest and they now enjoy riding together.

Karen has been involved in the community for over 25 years and has served on many boards including the City of Lyons Planning Commission since 1977, the State Occupational Therapy Board, the Lyons Fire Department Auxiliary, and the Santiam Historical Society. Karen’s daughter has participated in equine therapy for over 25 years. Karen received an AA Degree in Animal Husbandry and Dairy Husbandry from Mt. San Antonio College.

Naomi moved to Salem in 2017 with her husband of 32 years, with their son and daughter. She spends most of her time with loved ones and animals of all kinds. She has been devoted to horses from childhood. She also sincerely enjoy helping people in many ways.