Peace In The Pasture Team- Dana, Tyler, Macie

Dana- Team Leader and MOM- shares “I am proud to serve as a Board Member of Samson’s Strength Sustainable Veterans Project and as an Ambassador for the Horses for Mental Health Campaign. For over five years, I have been connected to this mission, beginning with my work in the community helping veterans navigate access to mental health services and critical support systems. Through that experience, I developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges veterans face and a strong passion for advocating for innovative, compassionate approaches to care—including equine-assisted services.
Professionally, my background has centered around supporting individuals in crisis, coordinating care, and advocating for access to mental health resources. I have worked closely with veterans and families, helping bridge gaps in services and ensuring individuals receive the support they need during some of their most vulnerable moments. This work has shaped my commitment to meeting people where they are and supporting whole-person healing.
My connection to this mission is also deeply personal. I am married to a Veteran, and together we share a blended family of four children. Through Maci’s journey, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of horses. After experiencing significant loss, she struggled to find peace and a sense of stability. With the support of Samson’s Strength, she was able to connect with her first horse—a Mustang—and that bond has been life-changing. She has gained confidence, rediscovered joy, and is now thriving both socially and academically.

For Tyler, although he never had interest in horses, he unexpectedly found a connection and feeling of peace from his experience at SSSVP. Both of these experiences have deeply impacted all of our beliefs about the healing power of horses for humans.
Being part of Samson’s Strength allows me to combine both my professional experience and personal passion to advocate for programs that truly make a difference. I am honored to support an organization that not only serves veterans but also creates lasting change through the unique and powerful connection between humans and horses.
I remain committed to expanding awareness, access, and support for equine-assisted services so that more individuals and families can experience the same healing and hope that has impacted my own.”