Executive Director

Matthew Meeks is our Executive Director. Matthew had the privilege of growing up on a horse farm in Carmel, IN, which sparked his love and respect for horses at a young age. He graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in biology and received a Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology from the University of Indianapolis. After a successful career in medical device sales, he felt called to pursue a path that was service focused. He feels blessed to be utilizing his favorite animal, the horse, to serve those in need!

Director of Equine Programs and Operations

Emma Meeks is our Director of Equine Programs and Operations. Growing up in a rich equestrian community like Zionsville, Emma started riding at age 3, and competed on the hunter/jumper circuit through college. She graduated with a Bachelors in Liberal Studies and Sociology from Indiana University and a Masters of Science in Gerontology from the University of Indianapolis. Emma is passionate about recruiting and training therapy horses as well as serving the community through equine-assisted therapies.

Volunteer Coordinator

My name is Tara Martin, and I am the current Volunteer Coordinator for Herd of Hope Equine-Assisted Therapies. I graduated from Anderson University in 2020 with a bachelor's degree in exercise science. I continued schooling to receive my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at the University of Indianapolis in 2023, where I completed my capstone project here! I plan to receive my OT license and build our hippotherapy programming here at Herd of Hope!

Instructor

My name is Abby and I’ve been with Herd of Hope since I began volunteering in 2018. I found a passion for therapeutic riding from my best friend Lakin, who was an instructor. After playing soccer and graduating from the University of Evansville, I moved back home to Indianapolis and now work for a local home builder. My husband and I love to do anything outdoors with our three dogs Josie, Jasper, and Rocco.

Instructor

I grew up in Nebraska and began riding around age 7 when I got my first pony. The fellow that sold her to us told my parents to have me ride bareback for a year and then buy a saddle. I rode western and did 4-H until I went to University of Nebraska. (We also got into raising Paint horses for about 10 years). I have a BS in Animal Science and Masters in Veterinary Physiology. When my husband and I moved to Illinois for graduate school I began riding and competing in dressage. I actively rode and competed until my kids were born. I began volunteering at Mourning Dove 8 years ago and became a certified instructor 4 years ago.

Instructor

Hi! My name is Megan Nordwig and I've been volunteering/teaching at the barn since 2017. I started riding in the hunter/jumper world in 2005 and never looked back. When I went to college, through the equestrian team, I was connected with a therapy barn and fell in love. It's so easy to do when your passion for riding can connect and help the lives of others. So when I graduated from the University of Dayton in Mechanical Engineering and moved to Indy I knew I wanted to stay connected to the therapeutic riding community. I started as a volunteer horse leader in 2017 and gradually have moved up to instructing. What a blessing it has been to watch my students progress over the last 3 years!

Board Certified Art Therapist

Hi I’m Amy Stutey. I am a Board Certified Art Therapist with experience working with a variety of populations. I have a Masters of Science degree in Art Therapy from Eastern Virginia Medical School. I have worked as an ABA therapist and as an art therapist in a school for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. I have worked in community mental health providing child and family therapy. I have also facilitated bereavement support as well as divorce support groups for children. I love using art processes and materials to help others. I see all ages. I provide individual, group, and family therapy. I am so excited to provide art therapy sessions at this beautiful equestrian setting. Please contact me with any questions you may have or to schedule a session.

Instructor

I am a lifelong horse lover and I am passionate about the impact these beautiful animals can have in our lives mentally and physically. I taught myself to ride at a very young age on a small donkey at a babysitter’s house (not safe, would not recommend). At age 5, I took western riding lessons, and our family had horses from the time I was age 12-20.

I have a degree in Psychology from Ball State University and have always had interest in equine-assisted therapies, but was never able to make this a reality as a younger adult. After having 3 children and staying home with them for several years, I decided to pursue a career with horses. I worked as a horseback trail guide at a State Park, and then alongside Emma Meeks as a horse handler at a hippotherapy clinic. I am excited to be a part of Herd of Hope, and I look forward to growing as a therapeutic riding instructor and guiding our amazing participants in their horsemanship journey.

Interim Volunteer Coordinator

I am the interim Volunteer Coordinator at Herd of Hope. My journey with horses began when I was 8 years old and started taking riding lessons. I then competed as a junior hunter/jumper until high school. Although that time period was relatively short, I have reflected on it regularly throughout the years, and am passionate about the lifelong impact that horses bring. I have a Bachelors in Social Work from the Metropolitan State University of Denver, and have spent much of my professional career in administration in Colorado. My family moved to Indiana in 2019, where I've been a stay at home parent until landing here at Herd of Hope. I'm excited to be a part of this wonderful team, and to help support the mission of bringing equine-assisted therapies to those in need!