About Us

Nancy O’Meara Krenek
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Director of Therapy & Research / Doctor of Physical Therapy/ Physical Therapist /Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist
AHA, Inc. Member Therapist
PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Dr. Nancy Krenek has been a physical therapist since 1984 and has specialized in equine-assisted activities and therapy serving children, adults and veterans since 1998.

She is the CEO and Founder of ROCK (R.O.C.K., Ride On Center for Kids) in Central Texas and the Executive Director of the TAMUS Courtney Grimshaw Fowler Equine Therapeutic Program on campus in College Station, which has recently been sponsored by the ONE Health Initiative under the Texas A&M Biomedical Department of Vet/Med (courtneycares.org). In addition, Nancy is also a board-certified Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist and an adjunct professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS).

Besides serving participants through connection with the horse, she has been instrumental in over 20 research projects, with four being published in peer-reviewed journals. Her passions are her husband Frank and their blended family of 7 children and 10 grandchildren.  She enjoys horses, pottery making, painting, biking, kayaking and air streaming.

Dorothy O’Neal
Chief Operating Officer PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Dorothy has been associated with ROCK since 2006. She came to ROCK as a parent of one of ROCK’s participants. In 2009, she became a volunteer and in 2010 Dorothy became a PATH Intl. CTRI. She has a degree in Special Education from the University of West Florida.

She taught children with Behavior Disabilities and Cognitive Delays while living in Florida and was a resource teacher in the Round Rock School District prior to having children. Dorothy and her husband, Ron, have lived in the Austin / Round Rock area since 1996.

Susan Finfer
Chief Financial Officer

Susan brings over 35 years of professional experience in both corporate and nonprofit environments to ROCK Ride on Center for Kids. After graduating from the University of Texas at Dallas, she became a CPA.

Prior to joining ROCK, Susan was Vice President of Finance at the Austin Community Foundation where her responsibilities included management of the financial, accounting, HR and IT functions. Before that, she was a plant controller at The Pillsbury Company.

Susan enjoys spending time with her three grandchildren, reading, traveling, hiking, playing card games, and volunteering.

Kristin Witcher
Chief Program Officer PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Kristin started volunteering as a sidewalker/horse handler at ROCK in 2007.

She became a PATH Intl. Therapeutic Riding Instructor in 2008.

After being away from therapeutic riding for 4 years, Kristin has returned to ROCK.

Karah Powell
Development Director

Karah Powell has called Williamson County home since 1996 and lives in Sun City. A proud mother of three accomplished daughters—Jackie, a manager at Dell; Rachel, a labor and delivery nurse at Baylor Scott & White; and Samantha, a case manager at Integral Care—Karah is most proud of her six wonderful grandchildren (Tati, Elijah, Roz, Jaina, Landon, Mara Jade and another due soon). 

With deep roots in the Central Texas community, Karah is a dedicated nonprofit leader and mentor. She generously shares her experience with up-and-coming development professionals. Karah is a founding member of drops of grace, a Williamson County nonprofit focused on disaster recovery and humanitarian work in the U.S., Africa, and Nicaragua and sit on the board of the Deputies Association of Williamson County.

A U.S. Air Force veteran, Karah was stationed at Bergstrom Air Force Base in 1983 as a Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Specialist and chose to make Central Texas her lifelong home after completing her service. She currently serves on Congressman Carter’s Women’s Advisory Board and is an active member of the Georgetown American Legion Post 174.

Karah holds multiple certificates from Nonprofit Austin at ACC in Nonprofit Leadership and Management, Volunteer Management, Grant Writing, Communications and Marketing, and Effective Fundraising.

Susy Turnbull
Volunteer Director

Susy Turnbull joined us in December 2022 coming to us from San Diego, CA. Her background is coordinating volunteers with the American Red Cross for twenty years and coordinating volunteers with the Poway Fire Department for seven years.

Prior to working for the American Red Cross, Susy worked for ten years at a residential facility for adults and children with Developmental Disabilities. She graduated from San Diego Christian College with a degree in Counseling / Psychology.

She enjoys spending with family here in Georgetown and visiting family in Oregon and Chicago. She is the proud mom of Beatrice the Cat.

Rebecca Delich
Accounting Department Manager

Rebecca joined ROCK in 2016 at the recommendation of a friend who volunteered at ROCK. She’s a native Central Texan who has over 20 years of accounting/bookkeeping and payroll experience from her work in several companies and state government.

When Rebecca is not at ROCK, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, reading, traveling, and working on a variety of puzzles.

Victoria Clark
Equine Manager

Although Victoria’s equestrian journey began later than most, it quickly blossomed into a defining force shaping who she is today, profoundly shaped by becoming an integral part of the equine community through the people, horses, and experiences.

Victoria graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in Equine Science and a minor in business. At CSU, she participated in the Legends of Ranching program which drastically molded her horsemanship skills and capabilities.

Her passion for horses fueled internships at Starwood Equine Veterinary Services and Trent Thompson Farrier Services, and her leadership abilities flourished as Assistant Manager at Birchwood Farms LLC in Kentucky.

Now, Victoria eagerly embarks on this new chapter with ROCK, excited for what the future holds!

Sidney Garrison
Facilities Manager

A native Texan, Sidney has been immersed in the world of horses since childhood. Some of the earliest images capture him seated in his father’s lap atop a horse. Following high school, he dedicated time to working on various ranches before enlisting in the U.S. Army. Sidney spent two decades as an electrician, with the last 13 years prior to joining R.O.C.K. focused on constructing cleanrooms for pharmaceutical use.

Sidney enjoys venturing to the mountains each autumn to pursue elk. He also takes great pleasure in watching his grandchildren play and participating in team roping. His work at ROCK is a source of genuine enjoyment, as he firmly believes that doing what you love never feels like work.

After several months with ROCK, Sidney can clearly see the profound impact it has on clients’ lives, extending beyond just those who ride, to their families as well. ROCK has also left a significant mark on Sidney’s own life, offering a renewed sense of joy as he witnesses the smiles of those who ride. Despite facing several close calls in his early years, Sidney always maintained the belief that God had more in store for him. Now, he sees that ROCK is exactly where he was meant to be.

Joan Cutler
Program Manager PATH Intl. Advanced Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor PATH Intl. Mentor

Joan began her journey with therapeutic horsemanship as a volunteer at Equest in the early 90’s. In 2001, Joan received her PATH Intl Registered Instructor certification.  She spent time at Children’s TherAplay in Carmel, IN before returning to Texas and joining the staff at ROCK, Ride On Center for Kids.

Joan held several positions at ROCK from 2003-2010 when she and her husband Greg moved to Texarkana and Joan worked at Runnin WJ Ranch. Joan returned to Equest in 2013 until her return to ROCK in June of 2023.  

Joan is a PATH International Advanced Certified Instructor, Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, Level 1 Carriage Driving Instructor, Accreditation Site Visitor, and Instructor Certification Faculty/Evaluator. Joan has served on several PATH International Committees including PATH International Equine Services for Heroes task force and committee.

Joan enjoys spending time outdoors and cooking with her husband Greg.

Kimberly Caceres
Accountant Manager

Kimberly was born and raised in Central Texas. She has over 15 years of bookkeeping experience with multiple companies. She took a break from the workforce to stay home and take care of her kids and her dad.

She loves to spend time with her kids and family.  She also enjoys working out and spending time in nature.

Amanda Mott
PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Amanda began riding horses at the age of 8, and has over 20 years of experience riding and working with horses.

She attended California State University, Fresno where she rode on their equestrian team, and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Equine Science in 2007.

Upon graduation, she began teaching riding lessons and quickly realized that it was her passion in life. In 2015 she relocated to Texas from California with her husband and son.

Amanda came to ROCK in 2016 as a volunteer and a participant in the STAR Instructor in Training Program and received her PATH Intl instructor certification in 2017.

Amy Keck
PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Amy’s life at ROCK started when she began volunteering here 10 years ago. She so thoroughly enjoyed being around the participants, other volunteers, and horses that she decided to embark on becoming a Certified Instructor. After a year of training and perseverance, she passed her examinations in August 2017 and happily accepted a position at ROCK in September.

Her desire as an instructor is to impart a lifelong love of riding and improved independence for her clients.  Her heartfelt wish is for all  to feel loved and accepted every time they walk into the House that is ROCK.

Angie Loiselle
Volunteer Coordinator

Angie is filled with gratitude for the opportunity to join the ROCK herd in their noble mission of aiding others. Her family has been actively involved in volunteering at ROCK for some time, and they cherish the moments spent with the remarkable people and horses.

Angie’s background is rooted in Pflugerville, where she grew up and later pursued a BA in business at Concordia University in Austin. Her professional journey led her into sales support and advertising, but she made the conscious choice to step away from her career to focus on starting a family. Since that pivotal decision, she has dedicated herself wholeheartedly to raising exceptional individuals.

A significant aspect of her parenting philosophy revolves around instilling in her children the values of community engagement and leaving a positive mark on the world. Together, they have actively participated in volunteering efforts with their church, the American Legion, and, naturally, at ROCK. In addition to her community work, Angie also plays a role tending to the land and cattle on her family’s ranch.

Her unwavering belief in the power of faith, hard work, and determination fuels her conviction that great achievements are attainable. She is eagerly looking forward to applying these principles to her work at ROCK and is excited to see what the future holds for her in this new endeavor.

Bob Byrns
PATH Intl. Certified Instructor

Bob Byrns is the Retired Manager/Advisor for Parsons Mounted Cavalry (PMC). PMC is a Ceremonial Horse Unit of the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University. Upon his retirement, the Cavalry had 140 cadets, 72 horses and mules, a 1902 horse-drawn field gun, and a mule-drawn escort wagon. PMC’s horses have been barefoot for 16years and make over 35 public appearances each year. The horses are trained and ridden using Natural Horsemanship.

Mr. Byrns is a Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) Certifier and Level 4 Rider in Western, English, and Jumping equitation. He is a 1974 graduate of Texas A&M with 36 years of service as a Texas public-school educator.

Bob is also a PATH/CTRInstructor for Courtney Cares/ROCK therapeutic and veterans riding programs at TAMU. Byrns is a 200-hour RYS certified yoga and Yoga Fit Instructor in multiple areas.

Bob is a certified Internal Coach for Texas A&M University. He works with employees to strengthen their transition, personal development and management skills and abilities. Prior to his employment at A&M, Bob was the owner/operator at Saddle Up, Saddle Shop in Tomball, Tx. for 11 years. He has formal training in English saddlery from Malan Goddard, London, England, and numerous western and military saddlers.

Brittney Eichenauer
PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Brittney joined ROCK in November 2021, after graduating with a BA in Therapeutic Horsemanship from St. Andrews University in Laurinburg, NC. During her time at St. Andrews, Brittney also interned for three summers with Good Hope Equestrian and Regenerative Farm where she helped transition them from their Miami, Florida location to their new home in Halifax, VA.

Originally from Miami, Florida Brittney enjoys taking ridings lessons, spending time on the water and her dog Beau. Brittney received her PATH Intl. CTRI Certification from St Andrews in 2020 and looks forward to gaining more experience in specific teaching strategies while sharing her creative lesson plans with the ROCK staff.

Brittney has 17 years horse experience and is excited to continue her passion for Equine Assisted Services while at ROCK.

Chris Foret
Facilities Manager Assistant

Chris started out here at ROCK as a rider in our ROV (ROCK On Veterans) program. After finishing the program, Chris became a facilities volunteer and after 2 years was hired on as a Facilities Manager Assistant.

Chris was an active-duty Army 19D Cavalry Scout and received a Purple Heart for wounds received in combat.

Devyn Kor
Communication Coordinator

Devyn joined our team in February 2025 after spending two years as a Marketing Specialist in the banking industry. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Media Innovation from Texas State University and moved to Round Rock in 2022 with her husband.

Devyn loves staying connected with her family, who are spread out across the state of Texas. In her free time, you’ll find her in the kitchen trying out new recipes, curled up with a good book, playing the piano, or working on her latest crochet project.  

Donelle Beal
PATH Intl. Registered Instructor Program Director of Texas A&M Courtney Cares Program

Donelle grew up riding, training, and competing in both Walker County 4-H Horse Club and High School Rodeo. She started as a volunteer at “Classic ROCK” in 2000. Two years later she earned her Therapeutic Riding Instructor certification from NARHA and began working as an instructor. Following a long break from ROCK, while she followed her husband through three moves, she returned to the ROCK staff in 2012 to assist in starting the Texas A&M University Courtney Grimshaw Equine Therapeutic Program, where she currently serves as Program Director.

Donelle earned a BS in Education from Baylor University and taught high school geometry and computer science in Round Rock ISD. Donelle is now a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor through PATH as well as a Certified Horsemanship Association instructor in both western and English. When she’s not in the arena, she is busy homeschooling her two daughters or riding her own horses.

Emma Byers
Community Outreach Coordinator

Emma Byers was raised and molded by her love of horses, especially paint horses, which her parents bred and trained throughout her childhood. Often, her best friend was a horse, and endless hours were spent in the saddle trail riding.

As an adult, Emma earned a degree in Theology and is an author, teacher and preacher. She and her husband Daniel, have two adult sons, Ryan and David, who are both currently attending Rhema Bible Training College in Tulsa, Oklahoma with plans to go into full time ministry.

As a family, they raise and show registered dairy goats, with major wins under the belts including, Champion at the Houston Livestock & Rodeo, Champion and Best in Show at the State Fair of Texas and Champion at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.

The family is actively involved in their church, where Emma is the Hospitality Department Head, Executive Assistant and also serves on the worship team.

Gaby Stephens Head Instructor

PATH Intl Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor 
PATH Intl Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning PATH Intl. Mentor 
USEF Bronze Level Para-Dressage Coach 

Gaby joins ROCK from a center outside of Houston, Texas. A Liberty Hill native, she decided it was time to come back home to central Texas! Gaby is an avid equestrian with 20+ years of competition experience competing to the FEI level in both 3-day Eventing and Dressage. 

Gaby holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Horsemanship and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology as well as a Master’s in Business Administration from St. Andrews University.

Gaby has been a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor since 2018. She is also an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, and a USEF Bronze Level Para-Dressage Coach. 

Haylee Feeback
Equine Assistant
PATH Intl Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Haylee began her involvement with equine assisted services in 2016 while living in Northern Virginia. To further pursue her passion, she earned her BS in Animal Science with a concentration in Equine Assisted Therapy from Texas Tech University in 2022 where she was also a member of the IHSA Equestrian Team and an instructor at the Texas Tech Therapeutic Riding Center.

Haylee has over 10 years of riding experience and became PATH International certified in 2023.

Haylee first came to ROCK in January 2024 as an intern while completing her Master’s degree in Animal Science with an emphasis in Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies, also from Texas Tech. Haylee is excited to stay in Georgetown and officially join the ROCK team! During her internship, Haylee learned about administrative roles and nonprofit management. When not at the barn, Haylee enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, and learning new dog sports with her heeler mix, Piper.

Heidi Derning
PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Instructor ROCK On Veterans Coordinator Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning

Heidi is a PATH Intl. Registered Instructor and Recreational Therapist (TX Certified) who has had the great opportunity to be with ROCK since 1999. Over the years, she has worked as the center’s volunteer coordinator and as a full-time therapeutic riding instructor. She is passionate about and coordinates the Veterans program.

Heidi wasn’t born in Texas but got here as soon as she could in the 2nd grade! (Originally from Seattle) She has been married for 29 years to her ROCK supportive husband, Brett, and three grown children (Allyson, Kevin & Julia), son-in-law Brennan, three crazy dogs and one tough cat.

Kevin Bowers
PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Kevin is a former Regional Environmental Operations Manager for Cleveland Environmental of San Francisco, California, a Division of Cleveland Wrecking, The World’s largest General Engineering Company specializing in Fortune 500 Demolition and Environmental Engineering Remediation Projects around the world.

He has studied Environmental Remediation at UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA; studied Psychology at the University Of Texas, Austin, TX; and studied Psychology at The University Of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE. Kevin had a 150 acre Ranch in Northern California where he bred and trained Domestic as well as Mustang Horses.

He also developed Kind and Wilde Ranch in Northern California, where inner city Youth from Oakland and San Francisco California could escape the dangers of the inner city and find the Peace and Tranquility afforded one by getting their feet in the dirt and working with Horses in a Beautiful and natural setting.

After moving back to Texas, he found his true calling while volunteering at ROCK Ride on Center for Kids. He went through ROCK’s STAR program, became a PATH certified instructor, and was hired to work at ROCK. He currently teaches therapeutic riding at ROCK and is the co-coordinator of the ROCK On Veterans program where veterans work with the healing powers of the horse.

Lauren Crabb
Physical Therapist Assistant
PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Lauren is a transplant from Kalamazoo, Michigan who is a CTRI and physical therapist assistant.  She began her journey in the therapeutic horsemanship world at the Cheff Center in Michigan during high school.

She then went on to graduate from St. Andrews Presbyterian College with a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic horsemanship in 2010.  She spent the past nine years working at different physical therapy clinics in southwest Michigan.  She is very excited to be able to use her wide variety of experiences here at ROCK.

Outside of ROCK she enjoys anything outdoors, astrophotography and running with her Heinz 57 mutt!

Olivia Coleman
PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Olivia moved down to Texas from New York in July of 2016 and quickly joined the ROCK staff as a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor in August of that same year. She has now been at ROCK for the last 5 years.

Olivia has been riding and working with horses for the last 20 years and is lucky enough to own her own pony named Rain. When Olivia is not working at ROCK, she is usually out with her horse or relaxing with her husband and son.

Priscilla Lightsey
PT / DPT / MA / HPCS / AHA, Inc. Member Therapist / PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Priscilla Lightsey is a Physical Therapist who worked at “classic ROCK” before moving to Beijing, China in 2007. She is the director of the equine-assisted therapy program she founded in Beijing, China: HOPE (Horses Offering People Enrichment) (www.hopebeijing.org).

Her credentials include a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a Master of Arts in Special Education, Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist and PATH Intl. Certified Instructor.

Rikki Miller
Volunteer Coordinator Assistant

Rikki joined our staff in January 2025 after volunteering as a horse handler since 2022.

Growing up here in Georgetown, Rikki took western riding lessons at Kelly’s Kids for around 3 years. Upon entering highschool he started looking for something to fuel his passion for horsemanship. There was ROCK, all along he’d passed it everyday, longing to know what it was like. While he was intimidated at first, he quickly grew to love the community here at ROCK, making it his dream to work here. Rikki is here to pick up the slack wherever he’s needed, whether it be in the office or out in the dirt. He strives to make everyone’s experience here a good one and lift people up the way others have done for him.

He’ll be graduating from Gateway College Prep School May of 2025 and plans to work toward his aspirations of becoming a large animal veterinarian by starting out with the vet tech program at ACC.

While being a full-time student Rikki enjoys his little bit of free time working at ROCK, kayaking, hiking, playing D&D, creating art, and caring for the various family pets, including his rabbits Mary and Earl.

Scott Cummings
Facilities Assistant

Scott, with a diverse engineering background, is passionate about solving complex problems and mentoring in STEM fields. He’s mentored for organizations like the National Science Foundation and the National Robotics Competition, while also volunteering at Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters and Saint Jude Children’s Hospital. His deep connection with horses reinforces the importance of ROCK’s mission.

As an adjunct professor, Scott teaches technology development, road mapping, strategic positioning, and leadership. He holds a BS and MS in engineering, and pursued further studies towards a PhD. Scott’s career includes leadership roles in high-level projects, earning him the Navy’s Medallion Award. Now, he supports ROCK, combining his love for horses and the outdoors.

Recently retired and in Texas with family, Scott champions STEM initiatives, enjoys cycling, and embraces outdoor activities.

Shannon Middleton
Path Intl. Therapeutic Riding Instructor, Path Intl. Certified Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist

Shannon Middleton, MA, CCC-SLP, has provided speech therapy services since 1992, working with both children and adults across settings including hospitals, home health, schools, and private clinics. She holds a B.S. in Education with a specialization in Speech Therapy from Baylor University and an M.A. in Communication Disorders from the University of Texas at Austin.

Shannon joined the ROCK staff in 2006 after two years of volunteer work through the Junior League of Austin. She is a Certified Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist, PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, PATH Intl. Mentor, and PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. She is also trained in the Hanen “It Takes Two to Talk” program.

Her clinical experience includes working with individuals with Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, speech/language disorders, articulation and phonological disorders, cognitive impairments, stroke, and traumatic brain injury.

A Round Rock resident since 1996, Shannon enjoys horseback riding, crossword puzzles, gardening, kayaking, and spending time with her family.

Steve Duhamel
Facilities Assistant

Steve comes to Georgetown from San Diego, CA.  He had every intention of retiring but found, with his boundless energy, that retirement was not going to be practical for him.  He found his way to ROCK through a serendipitous series of events, starting with ROCK’S Veteran’s Program.  From there he quickly saw the value in volunteering and became a Side Walker.  Steve absolutely loves our heard and discovered he has a natural rapport with all our horses, so he’s moved on to become a Horse Handler and has helped often with the feeding team.  He will continue in these roles along with his work on the facilities team.

He brings a rich and varied background in facilities and facilities management, construction rehab, landscaping, running the construction desk for Home Depot, and more.  He’s also extremely handy with all things mechanical. He loves to stay busy, work hard and be of help to everyone. 

Steve will tell you that his time at ROCK as a volunteer and part of the Veteran’s Program has forever changed him for the better.  He felt ‘led to this wonderful place’ and greatly values his time at ROCK whether in a volunteer, veteran, or employee capacity.  He is thrilled to be part of a team that does so much good for so many.

Sydney Korry
Courtney Cares Office Assistant and Veterans’ Program Coordinator

Sydney began as a volunteer in January 2022 at Courtney Cares at Texas A&M. She served as an intern from August 2022 — May 2023. She joined staff as the Office Assistant and Veterans’ Program Coordinator in August 2023.

Tayler Loiselle
Team Mentor

Tayler learned about rock one day after her Riding lesson. She had been out for lunch and happened to see a flyer for rock. At the time she was too young to volunteer, but ROCK forever stayed in her heart, and she knew she wanted to be a part of it. As soon as she turned fourteen, she signed up to volunteer and got in training soon after.  She started volunteering at ROCK in 2022 and has adored every moment of it since.

Outside of ROCK she enjoys riding horses, competing in horse judging, and engaging in 4-H activities. She has been riding horses since she was ten. When it comes to 4-H she is a coach of the horse judging team and is an officer in the Hoof Picks 4-H club, along with competing in horse judging, fashion and interior design, and food challenge.