Who We Are
An organization like H.E.L.P. is only as strong as the people who work to keep it alive and thriving. We are fortunate to have a staff, board of directors, and a herd veterinarian that are passionate about horses and the many ways they can change the lives of our clients. These are the people who make it possible for us to empower lives, one hoofbeat at a time.
Stephanie and her horse, JJ
Stephanie Powell
Executive Director & PATH Int’l Certified Instructor
Stephanie is a PATH International Registered Therapeutic Riding Instructor, Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, and a Certified Special Olympics Equestrian Coach. Starting at a young age she caught the horse-loving bug. Her riding education began early thanks to her Aunt Jerrie and continued with over 8 years of hunter/jumper lessons in Manor, Texas, including show experience in TSSA, CenTex, and CTHJA. Combining her love for horses and helping others, she became involved in therapeutic riding in 2009 at ROCK in Georgetown and earned her instructor certification in January 2010. Her time at ROCK led to opportunities working with at-risk youth, veterans, summer camps, and a chemical dependency program.
With a passion for partnering horses with humans and a focus on horsemanship, her teaching style encourages the connection between horse and rider from the first lesson onward.
In her spare time Stephanie enjoys time at the beaches of Texas, going to local car meets (especially Corvette Invasion), and with her nearby family in Georgetown and Jarrell.
Danya Kassem
Volunteer Coordinator
Danya began volunteering at Horse Empowered Learning Programs (H.E.L.P.) in September 2020 with no prior horse experience. She quickly discovered her love for both horses and helping people. What began as a new experience soon became a passion, leading her to step into the role of Volunteer Coordinator Assistant in April 2022 and later Volunteer Coordinator in January 2025. Danya is currently a student at the University of Texas at Austin, pursuing a B.A. in Psychology with a Journalism minor and a Food & Society certificate. Outside of work and school, she enjoys traveling, hanging out with friends, and attending Texas Longhorns football, volleyball, and basketball games!
Chris Doran
President, Board of ADVISoRS, 2/2026
Christopher Doran currently serves as President of H.E.L.P. In addition to his role on the Board of Directors, he is also a client, utilizing the benefits of equine-assisted riding to help him with his walking disability.
Christopher is a seasoned marketing executive with more than 25 years of experience in the software industry. He has held senior leadership positions at AMD and Salesforce.com and currently serves as Vice President of Marketing at Stretto, the market leader in bankruptcy software and services. In this role, he is responsible for developing and executing the company’s software growth strategy through integrated marketing and sales initiatives.
Originally from New Jersey, Christopher relocated to Austin in 1999 to pursue his Master of Business Administration at the University of Texas. He lives in Central Austin with his wife, Amy, and their three children, Maddie, Liam, and Patrick, where he enjoys urban chicken farming with his two sons. (fun fact: Despite being the most densely populated state in the U.S., New Jersey ranks among the top 10 states nationally in total horse population!)
In his spare time, Christopher enjoys attending live music shows and escaping the city to spend time in the Texas Hill Country to enjoy nature with his family and their Dachshund, Buddy.
Email Chris HERE
Michelle McManis
treasurer, Board of ADVISoRS, 2/2026
Michelle McManis is a CPA with over 30 years of experience working in large public and private real estate companies. She has had roles in Accounting, Finance and Investor Relations. As a family member of a rider, she has seen the role H.E.L.P. has in empowering individuals with physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges through the healing partnership between horse and rider. She is honored to serve on the Board as Treasurer and support this organization.
Michelle lives in Houston with her husband, Kevin. In her spare time you can find her cheering on the Houston Astros, making all things sourdough, playing in her garden and travelling with family.
Maggie Boyd
secretary, Board of ADVISoRS, 2/2026
Maggie is a lifelong equestrian and passionate advocate for horse-centered education and animal welfare. She began her riding career in the Morgan horse world, where she spent years showing alongside her Morgan, Fox, and is now embracing a new chapter as she develops her skills in the hunter/jumper discipline with her off-track Thoroughbred, Prince. Her personal journey with horses reflects a deep belief in their ability to teach confidence, connection, and lifelong learning.
Originally from Las Vegas, Maggie earned a B.S. in Sports Management from Texas A&M University and has built a dynamic career in large-scale sports and event operations. She currently serves as Director of Events at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, home of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, where she leads complex, high-profile events with precision and creativity. Outside of work and the barn, she enjoys reading, cheering on the New York Rangers, volunteering with animal-welfare organizations, and heading out on adventures with her dogs, Finn and Nori. As Secretary of the Board of Directors for Horse Empowered Learning Programs, she is honored to support the organization’s mission and contribute her leadership, organization, and lifelong love of horses to its continued growth.
Gretchen Wagner-Mendez
Member, Board of ADVISoRS, 2/2026
Gretchen has been involved with HELP since 2018 in various capacities. She is the parent of a rider and also a volunteer as a side walker. She is an advocate for animal assisted healing and has been a witness to the power of horse relationships on special need persons. She was inspired to become a board member due to the passion and inspiration of the organization as a whole.
Gretchen lives in the Pflugerville community with her husband, Fred, and daughter Katie. She is a nurse practitioner with a local cardiology group. Among her other interests she is an avid motor sports fan and is rapidly collecting dogs, currently up to 5.
Darren Swan
Member, Board of ADVISoRS, 2/2026
Darren is a long‑time volunteer with a passion for using technology to support the community. Drawing on their experience as a professional software engineer, Darren regularly pitches in with IT‑related projects, troubleshooting, and system improvements. They help maintain the H.E.L.P. computer network and oversee the Wi‑Fi at the barn, ensuring everything stays connected and running smoothly.
HELP is a non-profit Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center for people with disabilities. We help people with special needs improve their life skills by learning horsemanship and horseback riding skills. We’re looking for YOU to join our board and make a difference in your community.
No horse experience is needed and many different skills/areas of expertise would be a beneficial addition to the H.E.L.P. Board. Contact us today to schedule a visit and learn more about how to join this amazing team. Contact Chris, our current board president.
Since 1984 HELP has served the Austin area and with the focused leadership of a board of directors who are passionate for what we do we are poised for a new chapter of growth!
Seeking Committee Support Members
With sincere gratitude
H.E.L.P. has served the Austin/Pflugerville area for over 40 years. We couldn’t have made it this far without the countless volunteers who give of their time and efforts every day.
We are seeking some special volunteers for specific committees at H.E.L.P. which will provide guidance, direction, and support towards the long-term goals and sustainability of H.E.L.P.
Specifically we’re looking for volunteers who will join a select few on committees with the following focii.
Marketing
Program Management and Development
Facility Maintenance and Development
Equine Maintenance and Management
Event Planning and Organization (can be specific events or overall)
If you have skills and interest in one of these areas and want to learn more, please contact our Executive Director through the button below.
Are you the next…
PATH CTRI Instructor
For more information about this position please click HERE, then email your CV and Resume to Director@HelpCenterofAustin.org.
Jamie Ashbrook, DVM
Herd Veterinarian - BVEH-Salado
Dr. Jamie Ashbook grew up on a family’s farm in South Carolina, which consisted of variety of animals. She grew up riding English sport horses; focusing on jumpers.
Jamie graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in May of 2016. Subsequently, she completed a 1-year internship at Brazos Valley Equine Hospitals in Salado, Texas. Following her internship, she went to Tryon, North Carolina, working as an associate for Freer Equine Mobile Veterinary Services. Beginning July 2018, she returned to Brazos Valley Equine Hospitals in Salado, Texas, as an associate to help grow and support the English sport horses in central Texas.
Dr. Ashbrook’s professional interests include dentistry, podiatry, lameness and sports medicine. During her free time, she enjoys running, hiking, reading, and riding her horse, Ricochet.
Beau Whitaker, DVM
Herd Veterinarian - BVEH-Salado
Dr. Beau Whitaker grew up near Nashville, Tennessee working on his family's farm. Prior to attending veterinary school, he trained halter horses professionally in north Texas. Beau graduated from Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. Upon graduation, he completed an internship at Arizona Equine in Gilbert, Arizona. Subsequently, Beau then worked as a veterinarian at the 6666's Ranch in Guthrie, Texas.
Beau moved to Salado, Texas, and joined Dr. T’s Equine Clinic (now Brazos Valley Equine Hospital, Salado) in 2007, where he established a busy lameness and sports medicine clientele. Beau is interested in equine rehabilitation and received his Certification in Equine Rehabilitation Therapy (CERT) in 2014 from the University of Tennessee.
Alan Fee
Herd Farrier - AF Shoeing
Alan and his co-worker Caleb P. have been supporting the H.E.L.P. herd’s hoof care for over 10 years. His kindness and extensive knowledge is applied to each horse’s needs in their unique job at H.E.L.P.
“The idea of being a Farrier never crossed my mind until I was put in the position to provide for my 2 year old son. I began talking to my now mother-in-law who mentioned that I was good with horses and that I should try my hand at a career that would involve them. After time and thought I decided that I would go to the Oklahoma Horseshoeing School. After my training, I came back to Austin and apprenticed with local Farriers who combined have over 100+ years of experience.
Upon taking on my own clients, I have come across many situations and have learned how to handle each horse on an individual basis. Not every horse is the same, not every breed is the same, therefore their feet are not the same. I take time in assessing the best approach to each horses foot.
As for my personal life: I live in the Lake Travis area with my wife Alisia, son Dillan and daughter Addie. We spend our time at the family ranch riding horses, watching Dillan's soccer games and enjoying watching Addie learn new things every day!”
