Board members and mentors
Board members are volunteers who dedicate their time and bring a variety of skills and experiences to support Operation Remount's mission.
Mentors are experienced and trusted advisors who assist participants in the Mustang Program by guiding them through the process of gentling and training their horses.
ORC Board Members & Volunteers
Kelly Alexander, Founder, President
Kelly Alexander is a dedicated veteran with over 22 years of service in the Army and Army National Guard. Throughout his distinguished career, he participated in multiple deployments across the globe, including in Iraq and Afghanistan. Following his service, Kelly was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury and PTSD, challenges that many
Kelly Alexander is a dedicated veteran with over 22 years of service in the Army and Army National Guard. Throughout his distinguished career, he participated in multiple deployments across the globe, including in Iraq and Afghanistan. Following his service, Kelly was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury and PTSD, challenges that many veterans face.
His path to emotional healing was profoundly supported by working with his mustang, Endy, which helped him find renewal and purpose. Inspired by this transformative experience, Kelly founded Operation Remount Corporation: Mustangs for Veterans and First Responder Program. His organization provides opportunities for fellow veterans and first responders to experience healing and recovery through working with mustangs, fostering hope, resilience, and a new sense of purpose.
Karen Alexander, Co-Founder
Karen Alexander, DNP, FNP-C, holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and specializes in family practice. She currently serves as a primary care provider for Wyoming’s prison system.
Karen’s passion for equine-assisted healing grew from witnessing the profound impact that a mustang named Endy had on her husband, Kelly, and his recovery fr
Karen Alexander, DNP, FNP-C, holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and specializes in family practice. She currently serves as a primary care provider for Wyoming’s prison system.
Karen’s passion for equine-assisted healing grew from witnessing the profound impact that a mustang named Endy had on her husband, Kelly, and his recovery from PTSD. Recognizing the healing potential of working with mustangs, Karen was inspired to support Kelly’s vision of helping other veterans and first responders find healing, hope, and renewed purpose.
Together, Karen and Kelly co-founded Operation Remount Corporation: Mustangs for Veterans & First Responders, an organization dedicated to providing veterans and first responders with opportunities for emotional healing through meaningful connections with mustangs. Their program fosters resilience, builds confidence, and offers hope to those who have dedicated their lives to serving others.
Behind the scenes, Karen plays an essential role in the success of Operation Remount. In addition to supporting the organization’s mission, she manages social media, leads community outreach efforts, and helps share the program’s story with the world.
Lene Tamney, Board Member, Treasurer
Lene (Lee-nee) Tamney is retired after a successful career in the insurance industry. She now dedicates her time and talents to serving as a board member and treasurer for Operation Remount Corporation (ORC).
Lene plays an important role in the Mustangs for Veterans & First Responders program, helping with menu planning and meal preparati
Lene (Lee-nee) Tamney is retired after a successful career in the insurance industry. She now dedicates her time and talents to serving as a board member and treasurer for Operation Remount Corporation (ORC).
Lene plays an important role in the Mustangs for Veterans & First Responders program, helping with menu planning and meal preparation to ensure participants are well cared for during their time with the program. Always willing to lend a hand, she can be found at nearly every ORC event, assisting wherever she is needed.
Her dedication, generosity, and behind-the-scenes support help keep Operation Remount running smoothly and contribute to the welcoming, supportive environment that makes the program so special.
Lewis Matteson, Board Member
Lewis Matteson is a Navy veteran and former participant in the Mustangs for Veterans & First Responders program. Having experienced the program firsthand, Lewis understands the powerful lessons mustangs can teach about trust, patience, resilience, and personal growth.
Inspired by his own journey, Lewis now volunteers his time as a board me
Lewis Matteson is a Navy veteran and former participant in the Mustangs for Veterans & First Responders program. Having experienced the program firsthand, Lewis understands the powerful lessons mustangs can teach about trust, patience, resilience, and personal growth.
Inspired by his own journey, Lewis now volunteers his time as a board member for Operation Remount Corporation (ORC). His unique perspective as both a veteran and a former participant brings valuable insight to the organization and its mission of helping fellow veterans and first responders find healing through working with mustangs.
Cindy Smith, Board Member, Secretary
Cindy Smith and her mustang, Sunny, share a special bond built on trust, patience, and understanding. Cindy has worked with horses since the age of 12. Originally from South Carolina, she has made Cheyenne, Wyoming, her permanent home.
Throughout her years with horses, Cindy traditionally owned Quarter Horses. However, she eventually adop
Cindy Smith and her mustang, Sunny, share a special bond built on trust, patience, and understanding. Cindy has worked with horses since the age of 12. Originally from South Carolina, she has made Cheyenne, Wyoming, her permanent home.
Throughout her years with horses, Cindy traditionally owned Quarter Horses. However, she eventually adopted an American Mustang and began a new journey of discovery. Through her relationship with Sunny, Cindy has learned firsthand that earning a mustang’s trust takes time, patience, and consistency. But once that trust is established, the bond that develops is truly unbreakable.
Cindy previously worked alongside Karen Alexander as a nurse in Cheyenne and is excited to now be part of the Operation Remount Corporation family. She looks forward to contributing to this wonderful organization and its mission of helping veterans and first responders experience the healing power of mustangs.
Matthew Berry, Board Member
Matt Berry grew up on a multigenerational cattle ranch approximately 10 miles east of Mirrored K Legacy Ranch, home of Operation Remount Corporation (ORC). Having ridden horses since the age of four, Matt learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork early in life. All cattle work was done on horseback, regardless of the sea
Matt Berry grew up on a multigenerational cattle ranch approximately 10 miles east of Mirrored K Legacy Ranch, home of Operation Remount Corporation (ORC). Having ridden horses since the age of four, Matt learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork early in life. All cattle work was done on horseback, regardless of the season or weather, and was always a family affair. These experiences instilled in him a deep appreciation for ranching traditions and the unique bond between horses and people.
Matt is a veteran with 21 years of service in the Army National Guard and deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His commitment to serving others continues today as he provides training support to service members as a military contractor.
In addition, Matt is actively involved in several veterans’ organizations whose missions center on the principle of “Veterans Helping Veterans.” His military experience, ranching background, and continued dedication to the veteran community align closely with Operation Remount Corporation’s mission of supporting veterans and first responders through the healing power of mustangs.
Karie Berry, Board Member
Karie Berry, CPhT, brings more than 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry and currently works full-time as a Certified Pharmacy Technician.
As a military spouse, Karie has a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by service members and their families. She is passionate about supporting veterans and giving back to those wh
Karie Berry, CPhT, brings more than 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry and currently works full-time as a Certified Pharmacy Technician.
As a military spouse, Karie has a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by service members and their families. She is passionate about supporting veterans and giving back to those who have selflessly served our nation.
Her dedication to helping others and her commitment to the military community align closely with the mission of Operation Remount Corporation (ORC). Through her support, Karie is proud to be part of an organization dedicated to helping veterans and first responders find healing, hope, and renewed purpose through working with mustangs.
Janet Riggle, Board Member
Janet Riggle is a busy mom who also works full-time as a Chemical Dependency Technician. With a deep compassion for helping others, Janet is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of those who need support and encouragement.
In addition to balancing her family and professional responsibilities, Janet generously volunteers
Janet Riggle is a busy mom who also works full-time as a Chemical Dependency Technician. With a deep compassion for helping others, Janet is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of those who need support and encouragement.
In addition to balancing her family and professional responsibilities, Janet generously volunteers her time as a board member for Operation Remount Corporation (ORC). She is also actively involved in organizing and supporting ORC fundraisers and events, always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed.
Janet’s compassion, generosity, and commitment to serving others make her a valued member of the Operation Remount team and a wonderful supporter of its mission to help veterans and first responders find healing and renewed hope through working with mustangs.
Anna Riggle, Volunteer
Anna Riggle has found peace and healing through her relationship with her mustang, Banjo. She describes working with a wild mustang as an experience that has opened doors to unexpected opportunities and brought meaningful change to her life. Anna believes this journey has been a blessing, calling it “God’s medicine.”
Through her connectio
Anna Riggle has found peace and healing through her relationship with her mustang, Banjo. She describes working with a wild mustang as an experience that has opened doors to unexpected opportunities and brought meaningful change to her life. Anna believes this journey has been a blessing, calling it “God’s medicine.”
Through her connection with Banjo, Anna has experienced firsthand the powerful lessons mustangs can teach about trust, patience, and personal growth. Her journey reflects the heart of Operation Remount Corporation’s mission: helping people discover healing, hope, and renewed purpose through working with mustangs.
Beyond her personal journey, Anna actively supports the organization by attending board meetings and volunteering at fundraisers and events. Her dedication and willingness to serve make her a valued part of the Operation Remount family.
Lacey Dippold, Board Member, Mentor
Lacey Dippold is an Air Force veteran and a proud, busy mom of four fabulous daughters. Having served her country and experienced the Mustangs for Veterans & First Responders program firsthand, Lacey understands the powerful impact that working with mustangs can have on personal growth and healing.
Inspired by her own journey, Lacey now g
Lacey Dippold is an Air Force veteran and a proud, busy mom of four fabulous daughters. Having served her country and experienced the Mustangs for Veterans & First Responders program firsthand, Lacey understands the powerful impact that working with mustangs can have on personal growth and healing.
Inspired by her own journey, Lacey now gives back to the organization as a volunteer board member and mentor to program participants. She offers encouragement, understanding, and support to those beginning their own journeys, drawing on her personal experiences to help others discover the healing power of mustangs.
Lacey’s dedication to her family, her fellow veterans, and the mission of Operation Remount Corporation reflects her commitment to service in every aspect of her life. She is a valued member of the ORC team, helping others find hope, strength, and renewed purpose through their connections with mustangs.
Mentors
Viki Smith, Lead Horse Trainer
Victoria Smith is a U.S. Army veteran, horse trainer, Founder and Executive Director of HIKE (Honesty, Insight, Knowledge, Execution), and the Lead Mentor and Trainer for Operation Remount Corporation.
Victoria first participated in Operation Remount in 2023 and has remained actively involved with the program since that time. Following h
Victoria Smith is a U.S. Army veteran, horse trainer, Founder and Executive Director of HIKE (Honesty, Insight, Knowledge, Execution), and the Lead Mentor and Trainer for Operation Remount Corporation.
Victoria first participated in Operation Remount in 2023 and has remained actively involved with the program since that time. Following her participation, she returned as a volunteer and continued supporting participants, horses, and program operations while taking on increasing leadership and mentoring responsibilities.
Drawing from her experience in horsemanship, mentorship, and veteran service, Victoria works directly with participants throughout the program, helping them develop effective partnerships with their horses while building confidence, communication skills, and practical horsemanship knowledge. Her approach emphasizes observation, timing, leadership, and the application of pressure and release principles to create understanding and lasting results.
As Lead Mentor and Trainer, Victoria is committed to supporting both participant success and horse welfare while helping advance Operation Remount's mission of serving veterans and first responders through meaningful experiences with horses.
Rebekka Burkhardt, Lead Mentor
Rebekka Burkhardt is a social worker from Germany with more than 20 years of experience with horses and over 15 years of volunteer experience in therapeutic riding. She was introduced to Operation Remount by Victoria Smith of HIKE and began serving as a mentor in 2024, supporting participants as they build trust and connection with their
Rebekka Burkhardt is a social worker from Germany with more than 20 years of experience with horses and over 15 years of volunteer experience in therapeutic riding. She was introduced to Operation Remount by Victoria Smith of HIKE and began serving as a mentor in 2024, supporting participants as they build trust and connection with their mustangs. Rebekka also has a mustang of her own and is passionate about combining her background in social work and horsemanship to create a safe, supportive environment for both people and horses.
Jared Shaver, Board Member, Mentor, Horse Trainer
Jared Shaver is a veteran with 20+ years of service in the Marine Corps He has served multiple deployments including Iraq and Afghanistan, East Africa and North and West Africa. He continues to serve as a law enforcement officer in the state of Wyoming. Jared has also spent his life on working cattle ranches and has a passion for starting and training ranch horses.
Amanda Cook, Mentor
Amanda Cook served as a police officer in Colorado and Wyoming for nearly 7 years before being medically retired after an on-duty car accident. She attended the Mustangs for Veterans & 1st responder program for Spring 2025. After completing the program, she and her mustang Stetson returned to Minnesota. She now has volunteered to be a mentor and help others going through the program.
Steve Smith, Mentor
Steve Smith began his Equine Assisted Psychotherapy/Learning (E.A./E.A.L.) journey as a Correctional Officer in 2010 working with at-risk youth that were placed deep within the judicial system. Steve is certified through Greg Kersten's OK Corral series and hold certificates E.A.L./E.A.P., Crisis Management E.A.P./E.A.L., E.A.P/E.A.L. with
Steve Smith began his Equine Assisted Psychotherapy/Learning (E.A./E.A.L.) journey as a Correctional Officer in 2010 working with at-risk youth that were placed deep within the judicial system. Steve is certified through Greg Kersten's OK Corral series and hold certificates E.A.L./E.A.P., Crisis Management E.A.P./E.A.L., E.A.P/E.A.L. with Corrections Population, and E.A.P./E.A.L. with Veterans and their families.
In addition, he began training horses professionally in 1990 with a focus on teaching common sense horsemanship, training ranch horses, reining horses, reined cow horses, Dressage, and multiple other disciplines.