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
Lene Tamney, Board Member, Treasurer
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
Lene Tamney, Board Member, Treasurer
Kelly Alexander, Founder, President
Karen Alexander DNP, FNP-C
holds a doctorate in nursing with a specialty in Family Practice. She currently serves at a rural clinic in Lusk, Wyoming. Witnessing the profound impact that a mustang named Endy had on her husband Kelly’s recovery from PTSD inspired her deeply. Recognizing the healing potential of working with mustangs, Karen
Karen Alexander DNP, FNP-C
holds a doctorate in nursing with a specialty in Family Practice. She currently serves at a rural clinic in Lusk, Wyoming. Witnessing the profound impact that a mustang named Endy had on her husband Kelly’s recovery from PTSD inspired her deeply. Recognizing the healing potential of working with mustangs, Karen was motivated to support Kelly’s vision of helping others find healing.
Together, Karen and Kelly co-founded Operation Remount Corporation: Mustangs for Veterans and First Responder Program. Their organization is dedicated to providing veterans and first responders the opportunity to experience emotional healing through working with mustangs, fostering hope and resilience for those who serve.
Karen recently completed an equine assisted coach certification through the Soul connection Experience. Karen works hard behind the scenes of the ORC program. She also manages social media and community outreach.
Lene Tamney, Board Member, Treasurer
Lene Tamney, Board Member, Treasurer
Lene Tamney, Board Member, Treasurer
Lene (Lee-nee) Tamney is retired after several years working in the insurance industry. She now spends her time as a board member and treasurer for ORC. She also manages the petting zoo that is on site. She can be found at every ORC event assisting where needed.
Hope Phelon, Board Member
Cindy Smith, Board Member, Secretary
Lewis Matteson, Board Member
Hope Phelon LCSW, is a licensed mental health professional. She has worked in rural community mental health centers all over Wyoming for the past 25+ years. Currently she is a therapist at St Joseph's Children's home in Torrington, Wy. She LOVES horses!
Lewis Matteson, Board Member
Cindy Smith, Board Member, Secretary
Lewis Matteson, Board Member
Lewis Matteson is a Navy veteran and also a former participant of the Mustangs for Veterans & 1st Responders program. He fully understands that mustangs are great teachers. Lewis now volunteers his spare time as a board member.
Cindy Smith, Board Member, Secretary
Cindy Smith, Board Member, Secretary
Cindy Smith, Board Member, Secretary
Cindy Smith on her mustang Sunny! Cindy has worked with horses since the age of 12. Originally from South Carolina, Cindy has made her permanent home in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Traditionally owning quarter horses, Cindy adopted an American Mustang 2 years ago and has learned so much about trust. Once that trust is gained, the bond becomes unb
Cindy Smith on her mustang Sunny! Cindy has worked with horses since the age of 12. Originally from South Carolina, Cindy has made her permanent home in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Traditionally owning quarter horses, Cindy adopted an American Mustang 2 years ago and has learned so much about trust. Once that trust is gained, the bond becomes unbreakable. Cindy previously worked with Karen Alexander as a nurse in Cheyenne, and is very excited about he opportunity to be a part of this wonderful organization.
Matthew Berry, Board Member
Jared Shaver, Board Member, Mentor
Matthew Berry, Board Member
Matt Berry grew up on a multi-generational cattle ranch approximately 10 miles East of Mirrored K Legacy Ranch, home of Operation Remount Corporation. Riding horses since he was four years old, all cattle work was done on horseback, regardless of the season or weather, and was always a family affair. Matt is a Veteran with 21 years of s
Matt Berry grew up on a multi-generational cattle ranch approximately 10 miles East of Mirrored K Legacy Ranch, home of Operation Remount Corporation. Riding horses since he was four years old, all cattle work was done on horseback, regardless of the season or weather, and was always a family affair. Matt is a Veteran with 21 years of service in the Army National Guard and deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He continues to interface with service members providing training support as a military contractor and is also an active member in multiple Veteran’s organizations whose missions are focused on “Veterans helping Veterans.”
Karie Berry, Board Member
Jared Shaver, Board Member, Mentor
Matthew Berry, Board Member
Karie Berry, CPhT, has amassed over 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry and is presently employed full-time as a Certified Pharmacy Technician. As a military spouse, she is deeply committed to assisting Veterans and serving those who have selflessly served our nation.
Jared Shaver, Board Member, Mentor
Jared Shaver, Board Member, Mentor
Jared Shaver, Board Member, Mentor
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.
Lacey Dippold, Board Member, Mentor
Lacey Dippold, Board Member, Mentor
Lacey Dippold, Board Member, Mentor
Lacey Dippold is a veteran and a busy mom of four fabulous daughters. She has been through the Mustang for Veterans Program and now volunteers as a board member and as a mentor to program participants.
Janet Riggle, Board Member
Lacey Dippold, Board Member, Mentor
Lacey Dippold, Board Member, Mentor
Janet Riggle is a busy mom and also works full time as a Chemical Dependency Technician. She has much compassion for helping others. She graciously spends her spare time as a board member for ORC and is active with volunteering during ORC fundraisers and events.
Anna Riggle, Volunteer
Lacey Dippold, Board Member, Mentor
Anna Riggle, Volunteer
Anna Riggle is a highschool student. She states that working with a wild mustang has given her unexpected opportunities and truly is God's medicine. She attends board meetings and volunteers during fundraisers and events.
Mentors
Viki Smith
Rebekka Burkhardt
Rebekka Burkhardt
Mentor
Rebekka Burkhardt
Rebekka Burkhardt
Rebekka Burkhardt
Mentor
Amanda Cook, Mentor
Amanda Cook, Mentor
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
Amanda Cook, Mentor
Amanda Cook, 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.