Board of Directors

Jeff Larson

MSW, MSOD-Board President

Michigan State University, Broad School of Business
Masters of Science Organizational Development Loyola University Chicago
Master of Social Work Loyola University Chicago
Member NASW National Association of Social Workers
Founder of The Larson Agency Insurance Group
Founder of Dunham Counseling Center St Charles

Gina Masterson

Board Legal Counsel & Vice President

Counsel at Alston & Bird LLP
Juris Doctor University of Miami School of Law Coral Gables, FL
University of Virginia School of Law Charlottesville, VA
Bachelor of Arts, English Florida International University Miami
Licensed to practice law in NC and CO.
Member of the NC and Mecklenburg County bar associations Equestrian

Penny Hill

Board Secretary

Certified Investment Management Analyst Professional Associations-CIMA(r)
Charlotte Estate Planning Council Associate Member
Investments and Wealth Institute Member
CFA Institute Member
Urban Land Institute Member
National Association of Women Business Owners Member
NC Center for Nonprofits – Business Partner
Southern New Hampshire University (Alumni Association)
Bachelor of Science – Finance, Southern New Hampshire University, Summa Cum Laude
Master of Science – Finance & Investments, Southern New Hampshire University, (In progress; expected completion Dec 2024)

Donna Bradley, MBA

Board Treasurer

Transformation and Business Process Lead
Bachelor of Science – Accounting, State University of New York at Oswego
Master of Business Administration – Syracuse University

Victoria Perez

Board Member

Assistant Principal
Bachelors of Science in English Education
Masters of Science in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Ed. Specialist in Educational Leadership
NCASA – North Carolina Association of School Administrators
FLANC- Foreign Language Association of North Carolina

Visits by appointment only please

Ranch: 8636 Blair Rd. Mint Hill, NC. 28227

Office: 4800 Rounding Run Charlotte, NC. 28277

(803) 242-9426

Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm

Join our Team

“Animals are the bridge between us and the beauty of all that is natural. They show us what’s missing in our lives, and how to love ourselves more completely and unconditionally. They connect us back to who we are, and to the purpose of why we’re here.”

– Trisha McCagh

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.