KATHY HOLMAN - FOUNDER OF OTRA MAS

Kathy has always had a soft spot for horses that no one else can work with, or horses that still had the heart and will to work, but were not able to meet performance horse standards.

"My love for horses has been in my heart for as long as I can remember. As a young child, I’d go to my Aunt’s house and groom the “picture ponies” who lived next door to her. I’d spend hours brushing and cleaning the pony’s just for the chance to be close to them. Later, I hung around the local stables, offering to clean stalls, brush the horses, or feed- anything to be around them."

Kathy cared for “Cheyenne” a 30-year-old retired roping horse. "Some said he’d seen better days, but I didn’t agree. I never got to ride him, but he lived out his final days knowing he was loved."

Her reputation as a kid that could train anything started to spread, and with that came a long string of horses that were deemed dangerous. 

Kathy found that she had a natural talent for training rogue, misunderstood horses. She took in horses that their owners thought were too high strung, used up, or slightly lame and gave them a reason to live. It was more than just a hobby. John, her husband called it a crusade. "The secret to their rehabilitation is to give them a job, lots of love, and brush them till they shine – then they will work their heart out for you."

Kathy and John established Otra Mas in 2013 out of the satisfaction gained from bringing horses back to mental and physical health. Otra Mas provides shelter, rehabilitation and training for serviceably-sound horses. Our goal is to pave a smooth road for these horses and provide a safe haven so that they do not suffer in their later years. 

Kathy has been the owner and operator of Ortega Equestrian Center since 1980.

 BELINDA KIESECKER - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Belinda has transitioned to Otra Mass' Executive Director after spending the last 8 years serving on their board of directors. Belinda brings 12 years of marketing and fundraising experience to the ED role and comprehensive knowledge of the Otra Mas organization from its early days. Belinda has a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Therapy and completed a two-year certification from The Glasser Institute for Choice Theory and Reality Therapy. In addition, she has PATH Intl and Equine Assisted Growth and Learning certification.

From her earliest memories, Belinda has been enamored with horses. Her passion for helping people improve their lives and her deep love and respect for horses energize her to fulfill Otra Mass's mission. Giving horses a second chance at life and a new purpose: to help people through equine therapy and mental wellness programs.

SUE BEDROSIAN, LCSW

EQUINE THERAPIST

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapist. Sue went to UC Davis to become a large animal vet but became a clinical social worker.  Her lifelong love of horses and deep respect for the human capacity to heal have now come together in the form of equine-assisted psychotherapy. Sue is PATH Intl certified in Equine Therapy and Equine Learning.

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, for 28 years, she specializes in treating depression, anxiety, grief, and loss caused by the death of a loved one, and traumatic life transitions. It is an honor for her to be a part of people’s healing process. 

She has felt the joy of having two horses in her life over the past 30 years. Tu’saan and Dino have taught, and continue to teach, her about life and living in the most profound manner. They are gentle, wise creatures who can heal without saying a word.  Combining psychotherapy with horses is a dream come true for her and she looks forward to being a part of the healing provided by the Otra Mas horses.

JENN OLMSTEAD - PROGRAM MANAGER, SENIOR PROGRAM FACILITATOR, KIDS PROGRAMS LEAD, VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR, HORSE WELFARE MANAGER

Jenn has had a love for horses before ever putting a foot in a stirrup. However, as soon as she started riding at the age of 10, she was hooked. Jenn spent several years showing hunters until one special little horse helped her develop a passion for dressage. This eventually led to her purchase of a very much loved Appaloosa mare that she had for 17 years.

Jenn has worked as a riding instructor for both able-bodied riders and people with disabilities. She then saw what happens when horses and humans connect while engaged in riding activities, such as strength and confidence gained and overall emotional well-being. She is thrilled with the opportunity to work with the clients and horses at Otra Mas. Jenn is certified by PATH Intl.

MICHELLE PAVONE - SENIOR PROGRAM FACILITATOR, CORPORATE RETREAT LEAD.

Michelle sees herself as a grower of people and has spent the bulk of her career in the corporate world working as an executive coach, training director, organizational development consultant, and communications strategist. 

About 7 years ago, she experienced a magical “ah ha” moment while evaluating equine-assisted therapy for another non-profit that provides traditional counseling services. From there, she became enthralled with how horses connect with humans to guide and support them through traumatic, emotional, and difficult times. She has witnessed many transformations firsthand during the last 4-years where she worked with disabled clients who benefited from therapeutic riding and horse activities.   

Michelle has a passion for lifelong learning, has become captivated with the world of equine-assisted learning, and loves the Otra Mas herd. She holds a Master’s Degree in Adult Education from Penn State in addition to certifications from PATH Intl, Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, Myers-Briggs, Franklin Covey, Corporate Coach University, and the Center for Creative Leadership

BREE VANDENBERG

SENIOR PROGRAM FACILITATOR

Bree has a Master of Social Work degree from Florida State University and has been a social worker in foster care and adoptions for over 20 years. Her professional role has included working with children of all ages and providing case management and therapeutic services to children in foster care or who are being adopted.

Bree and her husband, Dave, have 3 children of their own and are host parents to 2 teenagers that are studying in the USA. Bree and her husband also run a local business and love being a part of the San Juan Capistrano community.

Bree loves spending her extra time with her 2 horses, KC and Shiloh. She believes in their healing power along with the many benefits of spending time in horses’ presence. Being able to introduce kids in foster care to horses has been one of Bree’s greatest pleasures and she loves to work with the children’s programs at Otra Mas. 

DR. LYTAL - VETERINARIAN