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

Growing up in the heart of Kentucky, horses taught Michelle lessons in patience, trust, resilience, compassion, and healing that would later become the foundation of Reins of Hope Kentucky. Long before studying psychology, she witnessed the unique ability of horses to calm anxious hearts, build confidence, and create meaningful connections.

Michelle is a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Midway University, and is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Psychology. She serves as the Certified Medical Assistant to Chioma Nwagbara, MD, MPH, at Centerpoint Medical Group Cardiology, bringing more than two decades of healthcare experience to her work serving others.

Her education, clinical background, and lifelong passion for horses have shaped the trauma-informed, Christ-centered approach that defines Reins of Hope Kentucky.

Michelle founded Reins of Hope Kentucky, Inc. in 2015 to serve military veterans and first responders experiencing the invisible wounds of trauma. The organization became an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2018.

While completing her psychology internship at a local elementary school, God expanded that vision. Michelle encountered children carrying unimaginable burdens from grief, addiction, abuse, neglect, incarceration, and family instability. She realized the same horses that helped veterans heal could also help children discover safety, hope, confidence, and resilience.

Today, Reins of Hope Kentucky serves children, teens, families, veterans, and first responders through Christ-centered mentorship, equine-assisted learning, and faith-based relationships that foster healing and restoration.

In 2019, Michelle's son, Gregory Lee Sharon, was tragically killed in a preventable motorcycle crash.

Although the loss forever changed her life, God transformed her grief into purpose. In honor of Greg's life, Michelle founded Look Twice Save a Life Kentucky – #StartSeeingUs, a statewide motorcycle awareness initiative dedicated to preventing distracted driving and promoting motorcycle safety.

His legacy also lives on through the Gregory Lee Sharon Memorial Scholarship at St. Mary's School, where students are encouraged to live lives of kindness, compassion, and service.

Loudoun Hall Farm & Stables is home to Reins of Hope Kentucky. Surrounded by horses, lavender, calla lilies, eucalyptus, honeybees, sheep, blackberry patches, and the beauty of God's creation, the farm provides a peaceful place where hearts can slow down, breathe deeply, and begin to heal.

Michelle believes every child is created with God-given purpose and deserves to know they are seen, valued, loved, and never alone.

Her prayer is simple:

That every person who walks through the gates of Reins of Hope Kentucky leaves with greater hope than when they arrived.

"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