God placed horses in Michelle's life long before He revealed the purpose they would one day fulfill.

What began as a childhood love grew into a lifelong calling to use His creation to bring hope, healing, and restoration to children, families, veterans, first responders, and all who walk through the gates of Reins of Hope Kentucky.

From her earliest memories growing up in the heart of Kentucky, horses were far more than companions—they were teachers. They taught patience when life required waiting, trust when circumstances felt uncertain, resilience after disappointment, responsibility through daily care, and the quiet strength that comes from simply being present. Long before Michelle understood the science of psychology, horses had already begun teaching her about emotional healing, connection, and unconditional acceptance.

Those early lessons would become the foundation of a purpose far greater than she could have imagined.

Michelle's passion for helping others extends far beyond the pasture. For more than two decades, she has devoted her career to serving patients and families throughout Kentucky's healthcare community.

She earned her Associate of Science in Medical Assisting and became a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), building a career centered on compassionate, patient-focused care. She later earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Midway University and is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Psychology at Midway University, further strengthening her knowledge of human behavior, trauma, resilience, and healing.

Michelle currently serves as the Certified Medical Assistant to Chioma Nwagbara, MD, MPH, at Centerpoint Medical Group Cardiology, where she assists in caring for patients with complex cardiovascular conditions.

Previously, Michelle served at the University of Kentucky Gill Heart & Vascular Institute, where she worked with patients living with heart failure and advanced cardiovascular disease. Her healthcare experience has provided a deep understanding of the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges individuals and families face during life's most difficult seasons.

Her medical background, combined with her education in psychology and her lifelong experience with horses, continues to shape the trauma-informed, compassionate approach that defines Reins of Hope Kentucky today.

In 2015, Michelle founded Reins of Hope Kentucky, Inc. with a vision of helping military veterans and first responders heal from the invisible wounds of military service and emergency response through the healing power of horses, faith, and meaningful relationships.

As the proud daughter of a United States Air Force veteran, and with a long military heritage on both sides of her family, serving those who serve others has always been deeply personal. Her family's legacy of public service also includes first responders, including an uncle who served as Chief of the Paris Fire Department and several cousins who have dedicated their lives as paramedics. Their commitment to protecting others inspired Michelle's passion for serving those who often carry unseen emotional burdens.

As the organization continued to grow, Reins of Hope Kentucky, Inc. was officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization by the Internal Revenue Service in 2018. This milestone allowed the ministry to expand its outreach, develop community partnerships, and provide hope and healing to even more children, families, veterans, and first responders throughout Kentucky.

Over the years, Michelle watched close friends return home carrying the invisible scars of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Some struggled to reconnect with civilian life, while others silently battled emotional pain that ultimately claimed their lives.

Those heartbreaking experiences inspired Michelle to create a place where healing could begin through faith, the calming presence of horses, and a supportive community.

As Reins of Hope Kentucky grew, so did God's plan.

While earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Midway University, Michelle completed her internship at a local elementary school. There, she encountered children facing challenges no child should ever have to bear.

She met students grieving the loss of parents to overdose, living with the effects of addiction, navigating the pain of incarceration, abuse, neglect, family instability, and the lasting effects of trauma.

She realized something profound.

The same horses that helped calm veterans burdened by trauma could also help children discover safety, confidence, trust, and hope.

That realization transformed the mission of Reins of Hope Kentucky.

Today, the organization serves children, teens, families, veterans, and first responders through Christ-centered mentorship, equine-assisted learning, faith-based encouragement, and meaningful relationships that promote healing, growth, resilience, and restoration.

Kentucky continues to face one of the nation's greatest needs. Thousands of children are being raised by grandparents, relatives, and kinship caregivers because of addiction, incarceration, neglect, abuse, or the loss of a parent.

Michelle believes these children are not defined by their circumstances. Every child is created with God-given purpose, incredible potential, and deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and believe in a brighter future.

Her education in psychology, combined with her studies in World Religion and Old Testament Studies, strengthened what horses had been teaching her since childhood—that healing begins when people feel safe, understood, valued, accepted, and unconditionally loved.

Michelle believes every child deserves someone who believes in them.

In 2019, Michelle's life changed forever when her son was tragically killed in a preventable motorcycle crash.

No parent is ever prepared to bury a child.

The grief was unimaginable.

Yet in the midst of overwhelming heartbreak, God met Michelle through prayer, faith, and the quiet presence of the horses that had always been part of her life. Standing in the pasture, surrounded by God's creation, she discovered that healing is rarely instant—but hope is always possible.

Rather than allowing grief to become the final chapter of her story, Michelle chose to let God transform her pain into purpose.

That journey also inspired the creation of Look Twice Save a Life Kentucky – #StartSeeingUs, a statewide motorcycle awareness initiative dedicated to improving roadway safety, increasing public awareness, preventing distracted driving, and advocating for stronger accountability so that other families might be spared the same loss.

Together with her loving husband, four beautiful children, and five incredible grandchildren, Michelle continues building a legacy rooted in faith, compassion, and service.

Her family farm, Loudoun Hall Farm & Stables, serves as the home of Reins of Hope Kentucky.

Nestled in the beautiful Kentucky countryside, it is far more than a farm—it is a sanctuary where horses, blooming calla lilies, fragrant lavender, eucalyptus, honeybees, sheep, blackberry patches, grapevines, herbs, and God's beautiful creation provide an environment where hearts can slow down, breathe deeply, and begin to heal.

Michelle's prayer is simple:

That every person who enters the gates of Reins of Hope Kentucky leaves knowing they are seen, valued, loved, and never alone.

Because sometimes healing isn't found in words.

Sometimes it's found in the gentle breath of a horse...

the peace of God's creation...

and the unwavering promise that hope still lives.

She prays that long after she is gone, Reins of Hope Kentucky will continue opening its gates to children who need encouragement, families searching for healing, veterans carrying unseen burdens, first responders who have dedicated their lives to serving others, and anyone longing to know they are not alone.

Her dream is simple:

That generations to come will discover what she learned as a little girl standing beside a horse.

Sometimes healing isn't spoken.

Sometimes it is felt in the gentle breath of a horse...

the peace of God's creation...

and the quiet reminder that hope still lives.

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." — Colossians 3:23

Sonja was raised in rural WV on a small farm where her love of horses, animals, and

nature had a place to grow. As a teenager you could find her riding horses sometimes

daily and exploring the woods. She is the baby of a blended family with three sisters.

In 2007, after graduating from Marshall University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in

Biology with a minor in Chemistry, she moved to KY and started working for the Energy

and Environment Cabinet and is currently still employed. During her college years, she

also completed hours at Ohio University, Southern Campus in the Equine Studies

Program hoping to someday use her knowledge of horses to help others in a

therapeutic way. Sonja has experience as a Paralegal, Land Agent, and assisting

farmers with disabilities to get assistive technology on the farm. She is currently living

in Berry, KY, married to Jeffrey, and they have a blended family with one daughter and

two sons. Their daughter, Havanna, is already married and blessed them with two

grandchildren. Justin is currently employed at Toyota in Georgetown, KY and Preston is

a full-time farmer. Sonja enjoys working on her small farm, Smiley Farms, where she

raises goats, cows, and has a horse. Last year Sonja lost her long-term companion

“heart horse” Cheyenne after 36 years together and Trigger who was 28. Sonja has

always had a special place in her heart for horses and believes that every child should

have the opportunity to learn about horses and bond with them to help overcome life’s

hardships. She volunteered with Safe Haven Equine Ministries as a mentor until they

moved the services to Wilmore for Justin’s Place. Sonja is a member of New Friendship

Baptist Church. She loves sharing about what Jesus has done for her and how others

can find comfort in his arms. Sonja hopes to help structure a program and provide an

area for satellite facilities that can be used for years to come to help children grow and

prosper in life.

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