Derek – Founder

Derek is a retired military veteran with 23 years of service. He understands firsthand the weight many service members carry long after active duty ends.

Through his own experiences, he discovered that time spent with horses provided something difficult to find elsewhere: quiet strength, grounded presence, and steady companionship without expectation.

That personal experience became the foundation of Still Breathing Equine.

Derek is deeply committed to walking alongside fellow service members, veterans, and first responders — offering a space built on respect, steadiness, and shared understanding.

Steven – Vice Chairman & Program Director

Steven serves as Vice Chairman and Program Director for Still Breathing Equine, bringing years of leadership, service, and commitment to supporting those who serve others. Steven is an active duty United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant and Purple Heart recipient whose military career has been built around leadership, resilience, and taking care of those around him.

As Program Director, Steven helps oversee participant experiences, maintain program standards, and ensure SBE’s mission remains focused on supporting Active Duty service members, Veterans, and First Responders through meaningful connection and peer support.

His firsthand understanding of service, sacrifice, and recovery helps bridge the gap between military culture and the unique environment created by the horses.

Steven believes healing does not always begin with words — sometimes it begins with presence, trust, and standing beside something bigger than yourself.

Ava – Co-Founder

Ava grew up around horses, developing a lifelong respect for their intuition, steadiness, and quiet strength.

Through witnessing her husband Derek’s connection with horses after military service, she came to deeply understand the grounding impact these animals can have — not as treatment, but as presence.

She is committed to stewarding a space that feels safe, warm, and deeply human — where service members, veterans, and first responders are welcomed exactly as they are.

Her role focuses on building the structure, partnerships, and community support that make this mission sustainable and accessible at no cost to participants.

Amanda – Volunteer Director

Amanda serves as the Volunteer Director for Still Breathing Equine, where she leads volunteer coordination and helps build the community support structure that keeps the mission moving forward. As a Veteran herself, Amanda understands the importance of connection, service, and creating spaces where people feel welcomed and supported.

Amanda believes strong communities are built through compassion, reliability, and showing up for one another. Her commitment to service continues beyond her military experience through her dedication to supporting Active Duty service members, Veterans, First Responders, and the volunteers who help make SBE’s mission possible.