Abigail and her horse, the foundation of our program

Our Leadership Team

Board Members

Maggie Sparboe, Chinook Horses Board Member

Martha Fuller, Chinook Horses Board Member

Maggie Sparboe,

Board President

Owner, Liberty Motors

Martha Fuller,

Board Vice President

President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Montana

Josh Hale

Board Member

CPA

Ferro, Willett, Thompson, PLLP

Brenda Koch,

Board Member

School Risk Manager, MSGIA

Amber Uzelac,

Board Member

Director of Assets, HomeFront

Staff and Facilitators

Abigail Hornik-Minckler, Chinook Horses Founder and Executive Director

Abigail Hornik, founder and executive director of Chinook Horses, began her professional journey in New York City with a career in online advertising and marketing. In 2001, she followed a calling to Montana to breed Spanish Mustangs and work with children on the Blackfeet Reservation.

In 2014, Abigail returned to her lifelong passion: the belief that horses are remarkable partners in healing and personal growth. She holds advanced certification from EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association), is certified through PATH International as both a riding instructor and an Equine Specialist in Mental Health, and has completed training in the Natural Lifemanship model.

Recognizing that many of those who could benefit most from equine-assisted services were unable to afford them, she transitioned Chinook Horses to nonprofit status in 2016. Today, Abigail leads a mission-driven team dedicated to making equine-assisted therapy and learning accessible, impactful, and grounded in compassionate, evidence-based care.

She continues to advocate for the power of horse-human connection to foster healing, learning, and lasting change.

Abigail Hornik

Founder & Executive Director,

Eagala, Natural Lifemanship

With a professional background in the medical field and many years of volunteer service with local organizations, Alena has deepened her commitment to supporting others on their healing journey. Alena has also completed studies in Accounting and Health Administration, which strengthen her skills in organization and resource development. Having cherished the horse she had as a child, Alena feels privileged to now contribute her skills to an equine therapy organization that fosters healing and resilience. Through her role, Alena is dedicated to strengthening the mission of Chinook Horses through building connections and resources that make the programs possible.

Alena Pauley

Development Associate

Amy holds a double major in psychology and sociology from MSU-Billings, complemented by a Master’s degree from Seattle Pacific University. Throughout her career, Amy has dedicated herself to helping people of all ages confront and overcome a variety of challenges. "I work with all ages and enjoy helping others take back their lives from any challenges that keep them stuck or abuse/oppression that may hinder their ability to know who they really are and what they value for themselves or want out of relationships," Amy explains.

Amy Crook, LMFT

Eagala

Carolyn Yegen, M. Ed

Eagala and Natural Lifemanship

Carolyn Yegen earned her Masters in Education in School Counseling from MSU-Billings in 2005. She retired in 2019 from her role as an elementary school counselor, where she led small group counseling sessions and provided individual support for K-5 students. Additionally, Carolyn conducted weekly classroom lessons for around 350 students, concentrating on social, emotional, and behavioral skills. We're honored to have her as a teacher and co-facilitator for our new Leadership Development class, as she focuses on equipping all students with a shared language to advocate for themselves and express their mental health needs. Her exceptional work earned her the 2018 Montana Counselor of the Year Award.

Catie Mckinney

Eagala

Catie joins Chinook Horses with over 20 years of experience teaching in Texas and Asia. She holds a Master’s in Adult Education, Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor’s in Special Education from the University of Central Oklahoma. Originally from Norman, Oklahoma, Catie recently returned to Billings to be closer to family. Her lifelong love for horses began in high school and has only deepened over the years. Catie is excited to work at Chinook Horses because she believes in the powerful connection between horses and humans. She values the intuitive way horses respond to our needs before we even realize them ourselves.

Kelly Melius

Specialized Education Professional, Eagala

Kelly is instrumental in developing programming for participants with autism and learning differences. As a Licensed and Certified PLAY (Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters)Project and Autism Specialist with over 15 years of experience, she's adept at working with individuals diagnosed with Autism and other special needs. Also a certified EAGALA specialist professional, Kelly is passionate about helping individuals on the autism spectrum achieve their fullest potential. Kelly also has a private practice through her organization, Blue Kangaroo Autism Connection Center.

Kyanne Wear,

LCSW

Eagala and Natural Lifemanship

Kyane graduated from Montana State University, Billings in 2000 with a BS in Psychology, and Walla Walla University, Billings in 2004 with her Masters in Clinical Social Work. She has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2010. She has gained her experience through providing case management services, individual, group and family therapy at mental health agencies in the Billings and surrounding areas. She branched out into private practice in 2015 and joined Chinook Horses as a co-facilitator in January 2016. She is a certified EAGALA mental health practitioner. Her experience and supplemental training has primarily focused on working with youth and families addressing concerns with Depression, Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Oppositional Defiance, Impulse Control Disorders and parenting concerns. After experiencing first hand the power in Equine Assisted Therapy she is expanding her training in this area. overall goal is to help people reach their full potential and be the happiest and healthiest person they can be.

Growing up on a farm with horses, Chinook Horses co-facilitator Shannon Hodge-Shirley understood the therapeutic potential of horses. In 2016, she got involved with equine-assisted therapy through Chinook Horses when founder Abigail Hornik-Minckler posted a call for counselors on a mental health Facebook page. With her mental health and addiction counseling background, Shannon reached out and joined the Chinook Horses team, becoming a vital member.

Shannon Hodge Shirley,

LPPC

Eagala and Natural Lifemanship

Stephanie, a licensed clinical therapist since 2013, has been active in the mental health field since 2005. Specializing in trauma reprocessing, she employs techniques from transpersonal therapy, EMDR, and Equine Assisted Therapy. Her clients span from adolescence to adults and she operates through various avenues including private practice, the Employee Assistance Program at Billings Clinic, and contracting with Chinook Horses - a cause close to her heart. Raised with a profound appreciation for animals, particularly horses, Stephanie gained her EAGALA certification in July 2021.

Stephanie Melmer,

LCSW

Eagala and Natural Lifemanship