Who We Are
An organization like H.E.L.P. is only as strong as the people who work to keep it alive and thriving. We are fortunate to have a staff, board of directors, and a herd veterinarian that are passionate about horses and the many ways they can change the lives of our clients. These are the people who make it possible for us to empower lives, one hoofbeat at a time.
Stephanie and her horse, JJ
Stephanie Powell
Executive Director & PATH Int’l Certified Instructor
Stephanie is a PATH International Registered Therapeutic Riding Instructor, Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, and a Certified Special Olympics Equestrian Coach. Starting at a young age she caught the horse-loving bug. Her riding education began early thanks to her Aunt Jerrie and continued with over 8 years of hunter/jumper lessons in Manor, Texas, including show experience in TSSA, CenTex, and CTHJA. Combining her love for horses and helping others, she became involved in therapeutic riding in 2009 at ROCK in Georgetown and earned her instructor certification in January 2010. Her time at ROCK led to opportunities working with at-risk youth, veterans, summer camps, and a chemical dependency program.
With a passion for partnering horses with humans and a focus on horsemanship, her teaching style encourages the connection between horse and rider from the first lesson onward.
In her spare time Stephanie enjoys time at the beaches of Texas, going to local car meets (especially Corvette Invasion), and with her nearby family in Georgetown and Jarrell.
Mina Vera
Volunteer Coordinator/Executive Assistant
We’re excited to welcome Mina to the H.E.L.P. team! Mina is a transplanted Austinite, originally from Jamestown, Louisiana. She lives in Hutto, Texas with her 2 dogs and cat. Mina has lived in several parts of the United States including Louisiana, Texas, Pennsylvania, California, and Nevada, plus Baja California, Mexico. Ultimately, she chose Texas as home.
Mina’s love for horses began at an early age, when she had shetland pony. Later, as an adult, she discovered a new love for special needs children and began a career path in special education. Work took her to Mexico and there Mina volunteered with Centro Ecuestre Caballerizas Paraiso - equine therapy for special needs children. After returning to the United States, Mina returned to special education and now works in Pflugerville ISD. During one of her interviews with PfISD, one of the interviewees mentioned the H.E.L.P. and the rest, as they say, is history!
In her spare time, Mina enjoys hiking with her dogs, mermaiding (yes, swimming in a mermaid tail!), training in the aerial arts, and spending time and traveling with her boyfriend.
JC Hobbs
President, Board of ADVISERS, 1/2023
JC grew up on a small horse farm in Western Kentucky, and began riding at an early age. Intending to take a short break from College he hopped on a Greyhound bus headed for Colorado. He ended up spending the next 15+ years traveling across the west, working with horses professionally.
He was certified as a Natural Horsemanship instructor, wrangled at several guest ranches, and trained professionally for both non-profits and private clients. He especially enjoyed working with Mustangs and "problem" horses.
Unfortunately, due to repeated injuries he went back to school, mostly leaving the horses behind. After graduating with a degree in Systems Administration, he and his daughter Lily moved to Texas. He now works for Community Options Inc, a non-profit that provides housing and care for individuals with cognitive disabilities. He provides the company’s IT support for 15 offices in NM, UT, AZ, and Texas.
Volunteering at H.E.L.P started as a chance to reconnect with the horse world, and get away from his desk. He currently participates in several committees at H.E.L.P including the Show Team and Equine Committee, as well as horse handling for lessons.
Email JC HERE
HELP is a non-profit Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center for people with disabilities. We help people with special needs improve their life skills by learning horsemanship and horseback riding skills. We’re looking for YOU to join our board and make a difference in your community.
No horse experience is needed and many different skills/areas of expertise would be a beneficial addition to the H.E.L.P. Board. Contact us today to schedule a visit and learn more about how to join this amazing team. Contact JC, our current board president.
Since 1984 HELP has served the Austin area and with the focused leadership of a board of directors who are passionate for what we do we are poised for a new chapter of growth!
Seeking Committee Support Members
With sincere gratitude
H.E.L.P. has served the Austin/Pflugerville area for over 40 years. We couldn’t have made it this far without the countless volunteers who give of their time and efforts every day.
We are seeking some special volunteers for specific committees at H.E.L.P. which will provide guidance, direction, and support towards the long-term goals and sustainability of H.E.L.P.
Specifically we’re looking for volunteers who will join a select few on committees with the following focii.
Marketing
Program Management and Development
Facility Maintenance and Development
Equine Maintenance and Management
Event Planning and Organization (can be specific events or overall)
If you have skills and interest in one of these areas and want to learn more, please contact our Executive Director through the button below.
Are you the next…
PATH CTRI Instructor
For more information about this position please click HERE, then email your CV and Resume to Director@HelpCenterofAustin.org.
Jamie Ashbrook, DVM
Herd Veterinarian - BVEH-Salado
Dr. Jamie Ashbook grew up on a family’s farm in South Carolina, which consisted of variety of animals. She grew up riding English sport horses; focusing on jumpers.
Jamie graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in May of 2016. Subsequently, she completed a 1-year internship at Brazos Valley Equine Hospitals in Salado, Texas. Following her internship, she went to Tryon, North Carolina, working as an associate for Freer Equine Mobile Veterinary Services. Beginning July 2018, she returned to Brazos Valley Equine Hospitals in Salado, Texas, as an associate to help grow and support the English sport horses in central Texas.
Dr. Ashbrook’s professional interests include dentistry, podiatry, lameness and sports medicine. During her free time, she enjoys running, hiking, reading, and riding her horse, Ricochet.
Beau Whitaker, DVM
Herd Veterinarian - BVEH-Salado
Dr. Beau Whitaker grew up near Nashville, Tennessee working on his family's farm. Prior to attending veterinary school, he trained halter horses professionally in north Texas. Beau graduated from Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. Upon graduation, he completed an internship at Arizona Equine in Gilbert, Arizona. Subsequently, Beau then worked as a veterinarian at the 6666's Ranch in Guthrie, Texas.
Beau moved to Salado, Texas, and joined Dr. T’s Equine Clinic (now Brazos Valley Equine Hospital, Salado) in 2007, where he established a busy lameness and sports medicine clientele. Beau is interested in equine rehabilitation and received his Certification in Equine Rehabilitation Therapy (CERT) in 2014 from the University of Tennessee.
Alan Fee
Herd Farrier - AF Shoeing
Alan and his co-worker Caleb P. have been supporting the H.E.L.P. herd’s hoof care for over 10 years. His kindness and extensive knowledge is applied to each horse’s needs in their unique job at H.E.L.P.
“The idea of being a Farrier never crossed my mind until I was put in the position to provide for my 2 year old son. I began talking to my now mother-in-law who mentioned that I was good with horses and that I should try my hand at a career that would involve them. After time and thought I decided that I would go to the Oklahoma Horseshoeing School. After my training, I came back to Austin and apprenticed with local Farriers who combined have over 100+ years of experience.
Upon taking on my own clients, I have come across many situations and have learned how to handle each horse on an individual basis. Not every horse is the same, not every breed is the same, therefore their feet are not the same. I take time in assessing the best approach to each horses foot.
As for my personal life: I live in the Lake Travis area with my wife Alisia, son Dillan and daughter Addie. We spend our time at the family ranch riding horses, watching Dillan's soccer games and enjoying watching Addie learn new things every day!”
