Meet the Team & Herd
The people and animals who hold this work
Different roles. One shared intention — safety, presence, and care.
ESTHER
Operations & Care Coordination
Equine Specialist EAP
Esther is often the first voice you’ll hear when you reach out. She helps people feel oriented, supported, and clear about next steps.
When You Reach Out
The Therapy Team
Marybeth Wiefels
Founder & Clinical Director
A retired police officer with deep experience supporting veterans, first responders, and those living with complex trauma — guided by steadiness, clarity, and skilled horsemanship.
MA, LPPC 14514
Leslie Reece
Associate Therapist
An Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), Leslie supports individuals, couples, and families with a thoughtful, steady approach grounded in relationship-centered care.
AMFT
Joan Nosanow
Clinical Social Worker Intern
A social worker earning her clinical hours toward licensure, Joan supports individuals with a thoughtful, steady presence and a strong commitment to learning and care.
Karen Demers
Therapeutic & Adaptive Riding Specialist
An experienced riding coach and instructor, Karen supports riders with steadiness, care, and clear boundaries — helping people feel safe, capable, and confident in the saddle.
The Crisis Dog Team is based on the ranch, but their work often takes them beyond it.
These specially trained dogs are deployed to emergency and crisis situations throughout the Bay Area — including schools, community crises, and natural disaster response — to help support people in moments of acute stress and trauma.
Their work is led by experienced handlers and coordinated with first responders and crisis professionals, offering calm, grounding presence when it is most needed.
Crisis Dog Team
Our Volunteers
HorseSpeak is supported by a caring, committed community of volunteers who help bring calm, connection, and consistency to life on the ranch.
Some volunteers help with grooming, feeding, and caring for the animals. Others spend quiet time chatting with the animals, helping groom and brush, helping around the property, or simply being present where support is needed.
Whether you have an hour a week or a little more time to give, your presence matters here. We value our volunteers deeply — every contribution, big or small, helps hold this place with care and heart.
Learn about volunteering →
Our Board
HorseSpeak is supported by a volunteer Board of Directors who provide oversight and long-term guidance, helping ensure the organization remains ethical, sustainable, and aligned with its mission to provide safe, grounded, and respectful work with people and animals.
- Shari Edwards, Chair
- Esther Pecora, Treasurer
- Judith Howard, Secretary
- Dr Wendy Smith, Director
- Yolie Mcdonald, Director
- Pat Whitten, Director
- Kate Wolovsky, Director
- Sheryl Rodda, Director
THE HORSES
A herd of sixteen horses lives on the ranch.
Steady, curious, and always honest.
The Herd & Animals
JOE & GUS
Often the first horses people meet.
Calm company when it matters most.
ROCCO
A total rockstar with main-character energy.
Rocco knows exactly who he is.
SULLY THE TORTOISE
Slow, steady, and entirely unbothered.
A twenty-year-old pal who reminds everyone to take their time.
Lil'Bit
An expert in mischief and creative escape plans.
He absolutely knows how to break out — and enjoy it.
MOCCA
Big, beautiful, and secretly a softy.
Especially when sneaking into the feed room.
CHICKENS & EMUS
Always busy. Always watching.
Providing commentary no one asked for.
And yes — there are plenty more who didn’t make it into the photos.
If this place resonates with you, there are gentle ways to support the work.
Your support helps care for the animals, the land, and the people who come here.