Meet Our Staff
There are too many people to list that help support and contribute to the success of Living Hope. While we currently have staff and board members that are instrumental in the day-to-day operations of the program, we want to acknowledge that this program is much more than any one person or role. We are thankful for everyone that helps make this program possible.
Tammi Wilson
Founder and Executive Director
Our founder, Tammi Wilson, has twenty-five years of experience working and competing with horses. After a full career in the corporate world, she was looking for a way to minister to people using her passion for horses. Tammi obtained her PATH certification (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) in 2017 and began using her talents to impact the lives of clients while at the same time gaining valuable experience at three therapeutic riding centers.
Tammi serves as the Executive Director of Living Hope as well as head coach, grant writer, and head of operations. She teaches lessons throughout the week, organizes the show team, and is the liaison between the board of directors, staff, and volunteer team.
Jen Mathis
Development Director
Jen’s passion for horses started in her hometown of Kansas City, Missouri, where she spent her teenage years working in show barns and even driving carriages in the heart of the city. Her love for equines has taken her across Texas, sharing her skills and joy with countless horses and riders.
An accomplished professional in both nonprofit development and equine therapy, Jen has raised millions for children’s programs and equine-focused nonprofits. She began instructing in Equine Therapy in 2010 and holds certifications in PATH Driving & Riding Instruction, Equine Facilities Management, and more. Her unique combination of equine expertise and behavioral support makes her an incredible addition to our team.
Victoria Francis
Director of Equine Assisted Counseling
Victoria Francis is a graduate counseling intern completing her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She provides trauma-informed, equine-assisted counseling for children, adolescents, and families, combining clinical expertise with experiential approaches to foster healing and growth.
Victoria also serves under supervision at a Children's Advocacy Center, working with children and families impacted by trauma. Her training includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), DBT-informed practices, play therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed approaches.
A United States Marine Corps veteran and Level 1 Certified Equine Guided Educator, Victoria brings years of relationship-based horsemanship experience and a passion for helping people build resilience, emotional regulation, and healthy relationships. She provides equine-assisted counseling under the supervision of Chris Covington and is the founder of Wild Willow Redemption Ranch, where she is dedicated to horse rescue, rehabilitation, and creating opportunities for healing for both horses and humans.
Jeramis McFadden
Director of Living Valor
Jeramis McFadden is a retired U.S. Air Force veteran with a passion for horses,
leadership, and mentoring others. He has served in law enforcement, owned and
operated multiple martial arts schools, and worked as a Dean of Students, where he focused on developing discipline, confidence, teamwork, and personal growth. Drawing on years of martial arts experience and athletic training, Jeramis has dedicated his career to helping others build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills. He has completed coursework in equine science and foal starting, behavior, and conditioning through Weatherford College and holds a bachelor’s degree in information technology from the University of North Texas.
Jeramis has gained extensive experience working in equine therapy programs, assisting with therapeutic riding lessons, horse care, groundwork, and rider safety while supporting military veterans and individuals with disabilities. He is pursuing his PATH certification under the mentorship of Living Hope and looks forward to helping riders develop confidence, independence, and meaningful connections through the transformative partnership between horses and people.
Sarah Haller
Therapeutic Riding Program Manager
Always having had a love for horses and a passion for serving others, Sarah began her journey as a volunteer for Tammi 6 years ago. Having a background with siblings and parents who served in the Military, as well as younger family members with cognitive challenges, she fell in love with Equine Therapy. She made it her mission to become a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor through PATH International in order to better serve her community.
She is a lesson coach and is instrumental in planning and orchestrating the show team and events. Sarah helps with social media including Instagram and YouTube content. Make sure to give us a follow!
Savannah McGinnis
Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Savannah has worked with horses and those with disabilities her whole life. She grew up helping care for her brother who has Autism, and continues to learn while working through her own learning disabilities. As a kid, she started helping her Papa around the barn and learning horse care. At 8-years-old, she started riding lessons and showing horses. She volunteered with therapeutic riding and when old enough, earned PATH certification. She coached therapeutic lessons for 5-years full time before focusing on her career.
As a young adult Savannah leased two wonderful show horses and started her Amateur showing career. She likes to bring experiences from in and out of the arena to help riders reach full potential. She is now raising her own yearling AQHA colt, Rigel. She is excited to train and show him as he grows.
Wendy Higginbotham
Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Wendy brings a lifetime of experience to our program, having shown horses since she was 8 years old in both English and Western disciplines. With a B.S. in Agricultural Business from West Texas A&M University - where she also rode on the Equestrian Team - she is a true expert in the saddle, holding multiple national and world titles!
Beyond her competitive accolades, Wendy has a heart for service. She has served as a Special Olympics equestrian coach, brining her elite skills to riders of all abilities. As a mother to a special needs son, she brings deep compassion and personal understanding to her work. Her goal is to use the power of horses to foster trust, confidence, and growth for every participant.
Macentire Harshbarger
Therapeutic Riding Assistant
Mac started her horse journey while completing her degree in Rehabilitation Studies at the University of North Texas. During her practicum course, she volunteered and interned at various equine therapy centers where she fell in love with the field of equine therapy.
Currently, she is working on getting her PATH certification with the help and mentorship of the team at Living Hope. While there she is looking forward to all of the learning opportunities and amazing experiences to come.
Bonnie Hoard
Finance Manager
Bonnie brings a remarkable background of service and experience, including 21 years in the U.S. Navy, followed by 16 years with Patriot Paws after her military retirement. Having recently retired from her second career, Bonnie is stepping into this new chapter with a heart for service and a deep understanding of veteran-focused nonprofits.
Her leadership and expertise will be instrumental as we continue to grow, strengthen our financial systems, and ensure full compliance as a nonprofit, allowing us to better serve our veterans, riders, and families.
Debbie Evans
Caregiver Coordinator
Debbie has a background as a Lewisville ISD educator with a Masters in Education, and she is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive environment where families can connect, heal and grow. She and her husband, Larry, are also the parent of Jacob Evans, one of our long-time riders. They are a huge part of our cheering section at every horse show!
Debbie brings compassion, organizational skills and a deep commitment to enhancing the well-being of every member of the Living Hope barn family.
Dawn Taylor
Volunteer Coordinator
Dawn has been a dedicated volunteer with Tammi since 2021 and is thrilled to step into this new role. Her lifelong love of horses and a 44-year career in Special Education make her the perfect fit for our growing program. Dawn holds a degree in Special Education from Illinois State University. She spent 38 years teaching high school and young adults in public schools, and 6 years working at an adult residential facility.
Today, she works as a Transition Specialist in Keller ISD, helping students with IEPs and their families prepare for life after school. Throughout her journey—from instructing at YMCA camps to teaching occupational skills—Dawn has seen firsthand how horses transform lives.
She is deeply passionate about helping every individual reach their full potential. Outside of work, Dawn is a proud mother of two and "Nana" to two beautiful grandchildren. "I am looking forward to this next adventure of furthering Living Hope’s mission and vision!" says Dawn.
Cynthia Graham
Community Outreach Coordinator
Cindy has had a love for horses and the military since she was a young child. Her father served in the Navy during WWII, then joined the Air Force as a Fire Chief, and finally the Army where he served in combat in Vietnam. One of her brothers served as an Airborne Green Beret Ranger. Cindy served in the Navy and then attended college. She has since had a successful corporate career as a Business Development Executive and owning her own business in marketing communications.
All these events in her life led her into equine assisted services. Riding horses with her fellow veterans is her happy place. Helping a nonprofit organization that that provides equine therapy to veterans has had a positive impact on her. Cindy has been riding in equine therapy with veterans training with Tammi Wilson for 4 years and past 2 years at Living Hope Equine Therapy.