Our Dedicated Team

---

Shannon earned a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy and worked many years in Trauma and ICU at a Level 1 Trauma Center. Her husband served 20 years in the USAF, they raised two beautiful children in the midst of multiple combat deployments and duty station changes. She saw the way horses were able to reach her husband during difficult times which prompted her to become Eagala certified in 2016 and start her own program, the very first Veteran Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Program in Montgomery County. She has facilitated thousands of hours of Eagala Equine Therapy sessions to date. It is her passion to assist Veterans and their families become closer and stronger together. Shannon also served her community as an Executive Board Member of the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Commission as Director of Veterans Affairs and is currently a member VFW Post 4709 Auxiliary. Shannon received an additional equine professional certification with the O.K. Corral Series in 2024.

Jay proudly served 20 years in the United States Air Force. He received two Meritorious Service Medals while in service. The Air Force has taken him all over the world, including multiple combat tours in Iraq, four years in Germany and a year in South Korea. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master’s Degree of Business Management from Webster University with a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification. He currently works at Hardman Signs in Houston, a company that  wholeheartedly supports our veterans.

Marianne served 30 years as a professor and researcher. She received the Distinguished Professor Award, published numerous articles/book chapters, and received many grant awards. She has made international and national presentations for the International Association of Violence, Abuse and Trauma and the American Research Association. While serving at the University, she and her students conducted service projects for military personnel stationed in Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Her father gave her a Welch pony at age 5, and she has spent a lifetime of showing ponies, and partnering with them as therapy teams to promote the highest quality of life for children and adults.  

Mike owns and operates Universal Sign & Graphics in Montgomery and holds position 1 on the MISD Board of Trustees. Previously in his career, Mike held management roles with Schlumberger and United Airlines prior to retiring and starting his own company. Mike is also a retired U.S. Air Force veteran with over 23 years of service on both Active Duty, and on the Reserves as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer. Mike has an MBA from Texas A&M, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and an Associate of Applied Science from The Community College of The Air Force in Aerospace Systems Maintenance Technology. Mike is also a Licensed Federal Aviation Administration Airframe and Powerplant Technician. 

  Maureen actively served in the Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 2010. An MST survivor and advocate, she is very vocal about the needs and importance of the female service member and is always willing to serve her fellow veterans in any way she can. Maureen is an equine photographer and life long “horse crazy girl” and knows the special healing power of an equine relationship. As a board member, it is her hope and goal to provide a female service member perspective and creative mind to support Sunny Creek Ranch and its veterans. In her spare time, Maureen enjoys spending time on her homestead with her husband and two children and riding her horse, Chap, out on the trails.  

Haleh is a graduate of Oklahoma State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering.  Haleh is a retired, licensed Texas Professional Engineer.  She worked at Texaco/Star Enterprise Refinery, Texaco Central Engineering Group, and Texaco Power & Gasification. She held various positions including Refinery Process Engineering & Process Control plus Project Engineering Management of refinery repairs or upgrades, and front-end engineering of Texaco licensed technology.  She has served in multiple volunteer roles including the VP of Philanthropy for The Professional Group, a Houston women’s organization.  Since 2008, Haleh has served as the Watch Coordinator in The Woodlands.  She believes in Neighbors getting to know Neighbors and utilized various Township programs to build relationships while keeping Neighbors informed to create safer Neighborhood.  Haleh has gained deep respect for the Sheriff's Office and our 1st Responders.  In March 2009, Haleh was recognized as an Outstanding Volunteer by Neighborhood Services of the Community Associations of The Woodlands.  In 2019, Haleh was recognized as the The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch Volunteer of the Year for an Exceptional Spirit of Service.  Haleh’s son, Martin with Boy Scout Troop 1180, led the building of the Lean-To Shelter for Horses For Heroes therapy sessions as his Eagle Scout Service Project.  Haleh has several family members including her brother, a retired USAF MSgt , who served or are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Kody served 8 years as an Infantryman in the United States Marine Corps. He deployed multiple times overseas throughout the Pacific and Middle East, including OEF in Afghanistan. In his last 3 years of service he was stationed at Paris Island, training recruits in combat marksmanship. He currently works for Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. Through sharing his story and connecting with other veterans during sessions, Kody is committed to reducing the 22 a day statistic. Kody received his certification from the O.K. Corral Series as a certified equine professional in 2024.

Janet serves as the Director of Middle School at The Woodlands Methodist School in The Woodlands, Texas. She has been an educator in private and public schools for over 28 years, serving as a teacher and administrator. Janet holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Education degree from Sam Houston State University. As many family members are veterans, including her husband, she seeks to give back to those who have given us all so much. Having participated in the equine therapy with Horses for Heroes at Sunny Creek Ranch, Janet appreciates the value of the service offered there. As a board advisor, her goal is to promote and support the mission to serve veterans, first responders, and their families

 Thom is a graduate of Pace University where he earned a BBA in business management. He was selected for a position with the US Secret Service. His 25-year career with the USSS began at the White House where he worked his way through the ranks to become a team leader with the elite tactical unit. He then served as a Special Agent in the Washington and New York Field Offices before being selected for an assignment with the Presidential Protective Division. Mr. Bolsch spent five years as an instructor at the USSS training facility where he taught other Special Agents and recruits the USSS protective methodologies, weapons handling and tactics as well as investigations. Mr. Bolsch concluded his long and distinguished career as a supervisor in the Houston Field Office.   

Bio coming soo!

  CPT (R) Doniel Flores: A Dedicated Leader and Advocate

CPT (R) Doniel Flores is a seasoned military veteran with a distinguished career spanning multiple combat tours and leadership roles within Special Operations. A graduate of GWU, CPT Flores enlisted in the Army and subsequently completed Officer Candidate School (OCS). As an Apache Pilot, CPT Flores participated in numerous combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan providing support to Tier one JTFs and interagency personnel. 

Following his service as an Apache Pilot, Flores successfully graduated PSYOP selection, joining the ranks of Special Operations. He served as the SOCEUR PSYOP Commander, where he led and coordinated psychological operations activities across Europe. With a deep-rooted desire to give back to the military community, CPT (R) Doniel Flores is now focused on saving veterans' lives. His goal is to leverage his unique experiences and leadership skills to make a positive impact on the lives of those who have served their country.

Wayland served as an Air Force Chaplain in the Texas Air National Guard for eight years.  He deployed to Saudi Arabia during the no-fly operations over Iraq. While serving in the Air National Guard, Wayland was also the Senior Pastor at an Episcopal church in Houston. He retired from active parish ministry in 2005 due to medical complications that left him legally blind. Today, Wayland works part-time for a small Anglican seminary. He is thankful for the opportunities Horses For Heroes offers veterans and their families.

 Bio coming soon!

  Non-judgmental listeners who are honest 100% of the time.