Executive Board
Shawn Reynolds
Shawn Reynolds is currently working as an Air Operations Specialist for the 305th Air Mobility Wing after serving 37 years in the military, 10 years on active duty as a crew chief on fighters and a C-141 Flight Engineer. After joining the Reserves, he became an Air Reserve Technician, continuing as a Flight Engineer and eventually becoming a C-17 Loadmaster. Shawn has supported operations from the Gulf War to Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, been in 92 countries on five different continents with just shy of 10,000 flight hours. He is looking forward to the next chapter in life and sharing his passion for horses and giving back to the military and first responders who share that passion.
Tracy Reynolds
Tracy operates North View Farm, her family-owned business, and has built a reputation as a top competitor in the horse world and a gifted instructor. Tracy is dedicated to empowering youth and amateur riders, sharing her knowledge and passion to help them reach their full potential.
She is excited to be involved with Strides For Heroes’ mission. Getting to share my love and knowledge for horses to help make a positive impact on others… it doesn’t get any better.
Gary Lillie
Gary is an individual dedicated to helping others. With 40 years in the medical field and a lifelong passion for horses, Gary brings a unique understanding of human and animal well-being. A devoted family man and avid fisherman, who loves to travel, Gary values connection and community. He’s committed to supporting Veterans and First Responders through our Strides For Heroes program, applying his expertise in stress management to help others heal and find peace.Gary is a certified EAL (Equine Assisted Learning) /EAP ( Equine Assisted Psychotherapy) facilitator and has attended and completed seminars in the O.K. Corral Series instructed by EAGALA founder, Greg Kersten.
Advisory Board
Diane Dancer -Secretary
Diane holds an AAS in Animal Health Technology (Veterinary Technology) and a BA in Psychology. She currently teaches 7th and 8th grade science. With over 40 years experience with horses, Diane is excited to share her knowledge and passion with the Veterans and First Responders in the program.
Pat Kramer
Pat holds a B.S. in Accounting and an M.S. in Taxation. She is an Enrolled Agent (E.A.), authorized to practice before the IRS. With 45 years of experience, Pat serves a variety of small businesses as clients. She is also the accountant for several nonprofit organizations, including her previous role with an equine therapy nonprofit.
Ricardo Pena – Esq.MBA
Ricardo, a practicing attorney and Advisor for Strides For Heroes, combines legal expertise, financial insight, and a strong commitment to supporting military veterans and first responders. He provides strategic legal guidance while championing the well-being of those who have served.
Previously, as a Finance Manager at a nonprofit, Ricardo developed skills in financial management, budgeting, and nonprofit operations. Passionate about supporting veterans through equine therapy, he is dedicated to using his experience to ensure veterans, including many in his family, receive the support they deserve.
Chip Lillie
Chip brings over 40 years of fire service experience and expertise to the Strides for Heroes organization. He and his wife, Karen, also spent more than three decades running a marketing company they founded, dedicated to helping volunteer fire and EMS departments nationwide raise funds through annual donation campaigns. Having witnessed firsthand the profound impact a program like Strides for Heroes can have on the Emergency Services community, Chip is passionate about the mission. He’s especially excited to combine his family’s love of horses with a cause that supports our military veterans and first responders.
Jason Haugh -Banker/Philanthropist
Jason T. Haugh is a dedicated banking professional with a passion for helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals. With a strong background in mortgage lending, he blends experience and empathy to guide clients through every step of their financial journey.
Outside the office, Jason is an active community supporter and proudly involved with Strides for Heroes, a nonprofit close to his heart. A music enthusiast, devoted husband, father of two, and pet parent to a lively crew of dogs and cats, he brings warmth and balance to all he does.
Whether you’re buying your first home or planning your next investment, Jason is here to help—with clarity, care, and confidence.
Rose Poney , LCMHC
Rose is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in Vermont and certified in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy through the OK Corral Series, taught by EAGALA founder Greg Kersten. She earned her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Antioch University New England in 2016, where she focused on military and first responder mental health.
After graduation, she worked primarily with children facing mental health and developmental trauma in community settings. During this time, she became EMDR-trained through an EMDRIA-approved program. In 2019, she opened her private practice with a focus on trauma in adults, especially trauma-related dissociation.
“My passion for Strides for Heroes is deeply personal—I come from a long line of military service members and have seen loved ones struggle with the lack of support after returning home. With many OEF and OIF veterans still unable to access needed care, I’m committed to being part of the solution.”
