Meet Our Staff

Maria Hogge

Executive Director and Equine Specialist.
Maria built her business expertise as a landscape designer. However, after seeing a program on the nightly news about using horses to help veterans with PTSD, she decided to trade in her drawing pencils for pitchforks. She began volunteering at “Bit of Hope Ranch” in Gastonia, NC., and then went on to get her EAGALA Certification and Natural Lifemanship Training as an Equine Specialist (ES).

Eagala trained Equine Specialist (2022)
Natural Lifemanship Trained as an Equine Specialist (ES)
OK Corral series certified

Heather VanKoughnett

LCMHC, NCC
Heather is a trauma informed licensed clinical mental health counselor experienced in working with individuals working through the effects of complex PTSD, dissociative disorders, borderline personality disorder, mood disorders, anxiety and disordered eating and eating disorders. She has a private practice in Matthews, NC. Her discovery of equine therapy came through attending a self care workshop at Mending Strides Ranch. Through this, Heather experienced first hand the healing power of the horse human connection. Her certification process in equine therapy solidified what Heather considered to be the ‘missing piece’ to trauma treatment and traditional talk therapy models. Heather believes that each individual possesses within themselves the innate capacity for healing. She is certified by Eagala and The OK Corral Series.

Therapists and Treatment Centers wishing to join our team

Autumn Weil

With over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Autumn is a seasoned leader in capacity building, business development, and nonprofit best practices. She holds a Master of Science in Management and Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Education. She is also a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and a Certified Coach.

Autumn is excited to be part of the team at Mending Strides Ranch, where the mission of helping people through the powerful connection between humans and nature is especially meaningful to her. She is passionate about supporting organizations that create lasting impact, and she is inspired by the Ranch’s commitment to helping individuals build resilience, confidence, and emotional strength.

Outside of work, Autumn enjoys hiking with her husband and their dogs – Pip and Rocky, and she values time spent outdoors and staying active.

Mending Hearts,
One Stride at a Time

Mending Strides Ranch is the premier equine-assisted psychotherapy establishment in the Charlotte Metro area, committed to creating a sanctuary for individuals facing the impacts of trauma, abuse, and emotional obstacles. Our approach involves guided experiences with equine-assisted therapies that are specifically tailored to enhance mental well-being, build confidence, and find more joy in life.

Our Programs

6 Benefits of Equine-Assistance Therapy

Improved Confidence

Successfully navigating the tasks involved with Equine-Assisted Therapy helps instill a sense of resilience and achievement among participants, which boosts their confidence.

Better Communication Skills

Working with horses encourages non-verbal communication, such as body language and subtle emotional cues, that improves communication skills with others.

Trust

Participants learn to build a bond with the horses based on trust and mutual respect, which carries over to other areas of their life.

Connection

Building a relationship with a horse requires trust, patience, and mutual respect. Through these interactions, individuals can develop skills for building and maintaining healthy connections with others in their life.

Growth

Through regular interactions with horses and the therapeutic process, individuals may gain insights into their strengths, values, and personal identity to help them grow as a person.

Self-Acceptance

Interacting with horses in a therapeutic setting creates a safe and supportive environment where individuals can feel accepted and valued for who they are.