Kathleen began her career in community mental health in 1991 when she volunteered as an on-call crisis counselor and ride along law enforcement advocate at a domestic violence sexual assault center. She completed her Associate degree in legal assistance and criminal justice, Bachelor’s degree in criminology and psychology and in 2000 completed a dual Master’s degree in community mental health and school counseling- with an extended curriculum focus on individuals with disabilities. Her Masters thesis research was entitled “Depressive Symptoms and Self-Esteem in Children, Can Horses Help?”. Throughout the years while seeking her degrees and since, Kathleen has served her community in for profit, nonprofit and governmental agencies providing counseling and case management to a wide variety of populations and age groups. Since 2009 she has served her local and national community through her work with First Responders, Military members, Veterans and their families. She has extensive background in the field of trauma recovery/suicide prevention/substance use as well as utilizing new innovative healing strategies to include animal assisted therapy, experiential therapy- equine, farm based and outdoor adventure. Kathleen has advised Veteran, Military and First Responder startup organizations in program development to include equine experiential programs, emotional support canine programs and Veteran case management programs. She is Co-Founder of Samson’s Strength Sustainable Veterans Project- where she volunteers her time to provide case management to Veterans struggling with homelessness and joblessness. Since 2017, she has provided Telemental Health utilizing her mental health licenses in 4 states, – with a strong focus on working with individuals with depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, trauma recovery and other stress related disorders. She provides virtual mental health care to many diverse populations to include Military, DOI Fire Fighters, First Responders, Law Enforcement, Medical Providers and the LGBTQ community. She presently provides clinical consultation two days a week at a 12 Step Men’s Residential Recovery program in Odenville, AL. Kathleen also holds these certifications – NCC- Nationally Certified Counselor and a Board Certified Telemental Health Counselor. She serves her national, state and local community by serving on the Selective Service District Appeal Board (DAB), active member of the Central Alabama Veterans Collaborative- CAVC, the Alabama 310 Mental Health Board- Board of Directors- AltaPointe, and the Clay County Children’s Policy Council. She has provided mental health/crisis response support/consultation to her local community and local law enforcement. She is the daughter of a WWII Navy Veteran, mother of a service connected disabled Navy Veteran, and the wife of a disabled, medically retired Navy/Army Veteran.
Kathleen is a lifelong horse person- her love of horses started from the minute she experienced them and has continued to grow! She and her husband Dave started Samson’s Strength Sustainable Veterans Project, Inc. 501 c 3 in 2016 and began their journey with horses on their farm in 2021. They presently have 21 equines on the property – Mustangs, rescue Belgian Drafts and donkeys! During the Spring of 2025 Samson’s Strength Sustainable Veterans Project, Inc was chosen to be a part of an International campaign raising the awareness of the mental health benefits of horses for humans- Horses For Mental Health- Seen Through Horses. They received international recognition for their project and they were the second highest fundraiser for 2025 contributing to the over $1.36 million raised! They have been invited to participate in the 2026 Horses For Mental Health in May 2026!
In August 2025, Samson’s Strength Sustainable Veterans Project joined together with BondFire Ranch to create the H.O.R.S.E. Alliance (Heroes’ Organizations for Recovery, Service & Empowerment) . The HORSE Alliance is a collaborative, Alabama statewide coalition of nonprofit equine organizations, licensed professionals, and supportive entities dedicated to enhancing the care, recovery, and reintegration of military members, veterans, first responders, and their families through equine-assisted learning and services. The coalition will connect and amplify efforts across Alabama to improve access to services, promote best practices, secure funding, and advocate for sustainable, and long-term impact.
Both Dave and Kathleen presented on the benefits of “Horses For Humans” at the Alabama School of Alcohol and Drug Studies University of Alabama Conference in 2023, Out of the Shadows- Jacksonville State University 2024 and have been invited to present at the 2026 Alabama School of Alcohol and Drug Studies University of Alabama Conference in March.
