Meet Our Team!

Kim McCrea
Equine Director/Operations Manager
/ Instructor

Kim does not recall a time when horses were not in her life. She started taking English riding lessons at the age of 6. And even before then, she was usually trying to find her way to a barn.

Fast forward … as an adult; that pure passion, joy and love has never faded. In fact, her passion for horses and animals led her to a career in veterinary medicine.

Kim still rides and shows Hunter/Jumpers and has been fortunate enough to be matched with some amazing horses, each with their own unique talents (and personalities!)

Kim knows how a horse’s smell can create calmness even on the most anxious days. She knows how non-verbal communication with a horse can make her feel like she’s speaking to them one-on-one. Kim also knows how her ride is the most important (emotionally and physically) part of her day. Realizing what horses do for her, she is THRILLED to continue to be a part of Morning Dove.

Kim loves the joy Morning Dovers get from their horses; from their rides, from their achievements; and from THE SMILES!! As an instructor, Kim believes she SMILES even more than the riders!

equinedirector@mdtrc.org

Nancy Beise
Program Director/Volunteer Coordinator

Nancy is a lifelong horsewoman. Falling in love with horses as a child, Nancy has nurtured that passion over the years - riding and training in various disciplines, including therapeutic horsemanship and equine-assisted learning and psychotherapy.

Introduced to experiential learning as a ropes course facilitator for Learning Unlimited in Tulsa, Oklahoma, she merged her love for horses with experiential learning. Beginning in 2006, Nancy served as Equine Program Director and later President of the Fidelis Foundation in south Florida, serving foster children, children of incarcerated parents, and institutionalized orphans - children in crises not of their own making - through therapeutic horsemanship for seven years.

In 2020, Nancy earned her certification as an Equine Specialist in the EAGALA model of equine-assisted learning. She also added a certification as a Board-certified Mental Health Coach.

An artist and educator, Nancy is a creative problem solver, intuitive and able to think outside the box.

programdirector@mdtrc.org

Sara Custer
Instructor

Dr. Sara Custer, PhD, is an Assistant Research Professor of Dermatology at Indiana University School of Medicine. Her doctorate in Neurobiology and Behavior are an incredible resource here at Morning Dove, informing her interactions with her riders.

She has volunteered in therapeutic riding since 2002, with Morning Dove since 2012, and as an Instructor since 2023.

She is very involved in the local Hunter/Jumper circuit with her two daughters, who often volunteer here at Morning Dove as well.

Sara’s calm and encouraging demeanor and her knowledge of neurobiology are specific and unique assets to our therapeutic riding program.

Allison Gast
Instructor

Allison grew up in Nebraska and began riding around age 7 when she got her first pony. The fellow that sold the pony to her parents told them to have her ride bareback for a year and then buy a saddle.

Allison rode western and did 4-H until she went to the University of Nebraska. (Her family also got into raising Paint horses for about 10 years).

Allison has a BS in Animal Science and Masters in Veterinary Physiology. When she and her husband moved to Illinois for graduate school she began riding and competing in dressage. Allison actively rode and competed until her kids were born.

Allison began volunteering at Morning Dove 8 years ago and became a certified instructor 4 years ago.

Jackie Nordmann
Instructor

Jackie Nordmann brings 18 years of equestrian experience and a deep passion for how horses influence the lives of others to Morning Dove. She competed on Ball State University’s Hunter/Jumper team and in Eventing for many years, and her experience as the owner of three horses has given her a deep understanding of the special bond between horse and rider.

Jackie is currently the IU North Riley Hospital for Children Hematology/Oncology Social Worker and has experience in pediatric rehabilitation. Jackie is specialized in supporting children and their families with intellectual and physical challenges. Her true passion is blending her social work and pediatric expertise with her love of horses, recognizing their unique ability to boost mood, behavior, and emotional well-being. She is excited to help others grow, heal, and thrive through the transformative power of equine-assisted activities!

Kaylin Tomyn
Instructor

Kaylin is an instructor at Morning Dove Therapeutic Riding Center and has been riding horses and competing nationally since 2011. Her most notable accomplishments include receiving 6th place at IEA nationals in the open division out of about 5,000 riders, receiving numerous championships competing throughout the country, and being the president and founder of the Indiana University Purdue University Equestrian Team.

Kaylin’s love and expertise in the equestrian world is also accompanied by her love for medicine. Kaylin is currently a pre-medical student in the Honors College at Indiana University Purdue University majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry.

Kaylin hopes to continue to serve our community at Morning Dove and utilize her knowledge to continue to improve the lives of both horses and riders.

Reesha Bhagat
Instructor

Reesha has been riding for 14 years and has dedicated much of that time to teaching and sharing her passion for horses with others. While she has given lessons for many years, she recently discovered the world of therapeutic riding and has embraced the opportunity to help make equine education more accessible to everyone.

A student at Butler University, Reesha is double majoring in Biochemistry and Biology on the pre-medical track, combining her love for science with her deep appreciation for horses. She is passionate about equine education and believes that everyone can benefit from learning about horse care, riding, and the science behind these incredible animals. Her background as a member of the United States Pony Club and years spent studying hippology have shaped her approach to teaching—emphasizing both practical skills and a deeper understanding of horse behavior, anatomy, and well-being.

Above all, Reesha loves working with people of all ages and abilities, helping them build confidence, develop riding skills, and connect with horses in meaningful ways. Whether through riding or groundwork, she strives to create a welcoming, supportive environment for all her students.

Heidi Stout
Instructor

With 29 years of experience as a Physical Therapist and Certified Integrative Nutritional Mental Health Specialist Heidi is dedicated to helping individuals excel physically and emotionally.

Heidi has spent the last 13 years with her focus on neurological diseases and mental health disorders utilizing a more holistic approach as a Cell Core Detox Practitioner. Growing up on the Circle M Ranch in Bloomington Indiana riding western and enjoying Rodeos, camping, community trail rides and organizing events, Heidi continues to have a love for nature and horses and is thrilled to be able to combine both her passions at Morning Dove.

To be able to work on an individual's strength, range of motion, core stability and balance while incorporating the powerful grounding energy of our horses is a great way to connect the mind, body and spirit. Seeing firsthand how movement, sensory integration and connection with horses can enhance lives of both adults and children she looks forward to being part of the journey with each rider helping them discover the healing and transformative power of therapeutic riding.

Lily Holt
Instructor

Lili has been part of the therapeutic riding community for several years as a horse leader and sidewalker.

Becoming an instructor has been such an exciting new chapter for her. Lily says, " Therapeutic riding means so much to me—it’s incredible to watch our riders grow in confidence and fall in love with horses. I feel so lucky to be part of something that brings so much joy and connection."

In Lily's spare time, she enjoys studying criminology / psychology and training her new young horse to get ready for their first show as a team.