Reins of Hope Kentucky: Meet Our Dedicated Team

Michelle is the Founder and Executive Director of Reins of Hope Kentucky, a Christ-centered nonprofit organization that provides hope, healing, mentorship, and restoration for youth and families through horses, faith, and community support. Inspired by her lifelong connection to horses, Kentucky roots, and military family background, she developed programs designed to help children and teens facing trauma, grief, abuse, neglect, addiction within the family, anxiety, low self-confidence, and other life challenges.

 She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Midway University, where she also studied World Religion and Old Testament Studies, focusing on compassion, faith, human behavior, and emotional wellness.

She is also the founder of Look Twice Save a Life Kentucky — #StartSeeingUs — a motorcycle awareness and public safety campaign created following the tragic loss of her son in 2019. The campaign focuses on motorcycle awareness, roadway safety, distracted driving prevention, and advocacy for stronger accountability on Kentucky roadways.

Michelle combines psychology, faith, nonprofit leadership, advocacy, and community outreach to build programs centered on healing, education, and restoration. She believes strongly in credibility, integrity, and creating programs that genuinely serve and support the communities they represent. 

Through compassion, faith, and service, Michelle remains committed to creating lasting change and bringing hope to future generations.

Aribibola “Dele” Joseph serves as Vice President of Reins of Hope Kentucky, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to equine-assisted therapy and youth mentorship. He brings a strong background in leadership, youth mentorship, counseling, communication, and community outreach. Dele earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Diplomatic Studies from Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State, Nigeria, where he developed a passion for service, education, and leadership. He has experience working in education, guidance counseling, media communications, and public relations. During his service at Folbim Comprehensive High School, he worked closely with students by providing guidance and counseling, supporting those with learning difficulties, and encouraging positive personal and academic growth. He also gained valuable communication and organizational experience while working with Jordan 105.5 FM Lagos, assisting with media coordination, public engagement, and client relations. Dele has been accepted to the University of Kentucky to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and is currently in the process of becoming involved with the University of Kentucky Polo Club, a student-run organization that offers varsity and club-level polo opportunities for students of all skill levels. His involvement reflects both his leadership abilities and his passion for horses, teamwork, and equine programs. Dele also holds certifications in First Aid, CPR, AED training, and World Health Organization operational management coursework related to COVID-19 response and public health awareness. At Reins of Hope Kentucky, he is passionate about helping youth and families through mentorship, encouragement, leadership, and faith-based support. His heart for service and community impact continues to strengthen the organization’s mission of healing, hope, and purpose.

In Loving Memory of Stephen Racz Vice President • Air Force Veteran • Friend • Visionary Stephen Racz was more than the Vice President of Reins of Hope Kentucky — he was family, a best friend, and a man with a heart dedicated to helping others heal. Stephen also loved riding motorcycles and was in the process of developing “Wheels of Hope KY,” a vision that combined brotherhood, healing, outreach, and purpose. As an Air Force veteran, Stephen carried a deep love and respect for the military community, much like my father did. His passion for serving others extended beyond his years in service and into his everyday life. He believed strongly in the healing connection between people and animals, especially horses, which is why he was a firm advocate for equine-assisted therapy. Stephen understood the significant impact this therapy could have on veterans, youth, and individuals facing difficult challenges. His dedication to youth mentorship also reflected his commitment to empowering the next generation. May 12, 1946- April 12, 2022