Meet the Team
Renee Bouffard, LCSW
Renee founded Healing Hoofbeats in 2016 and continues to steer the vision of this practice as Executive Director. Renee has been working in the field of social work for over a decade in residential settings and community mental health. Renee specializes in complex and single incident trauma, Reactive Attachment Disorder, Depression, Anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorder with individuals of all ages.
Liz Carlucci, LCSW
Liz graduated from Fordham University with a Master of Social Work. She holds a Post-Master’s Certification from the University of Denver as an Equine Assisted Mental Health Practitioner; and as an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider. For nearly three decades she has worked in various roles for children and families in Connecticut. Liz specializes in supporting individuals whose lives are impacted by Anxiety, Depression, trauma, ADD/ADHD and neurodiversity.
Cheryl Galligan, LPC
Cheryl has over two decades of experience working with children as a Special Education Teacher and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She graduated from Colorado Christian University’s Masters Program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Cheryl specializes in Anxiety Disorders, Autism Spectrum, ADHD/ADD, Bipolar Disorder, Adolescent Codependency, Developmental Disorders, faith-based counseling, and learning disabilities.
Nikki Hedden, LMSW
Nikki earned her Master's degree from the University of New Hampshire. She has worked in community mental health in various roles for five years and has a passion for working with adolescents and young adults. Nikki specializes in Anxiety Disorders, ADHD/ADD, Family Needs and Trauma. As a lifelong woman in agriculture, she brings her understanding of animal psychology and love for nature-based models of therapy to the practice.
Nicole DeFelice, ESMHL
Nicole worked in the field of human services for over a decade as an Advocate serving the Veteran community. Nicole is a Combat Veteran and utilizes her military experience to enhance Operation Warrior Horse. She is studying for her Master's from Western Connecticut State University in Clinical Counseling Mental Health Counseling. Nicole is PATH Certified as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning.
Ashley Kenney
Development Director
Ashley Kenney has worked in the equine and agricultural industries as a horse trainer, riding instructor, farmer, and operations manager. With nearly 20 years in these fields she formed a consulting firm to further her passion of helping mission-aligned not for profits meet their fundraising goals, create strategic plans, and grow. Ashley is also currently the Head Coach for Fairfield University's Equestrian Team and looks forward to meeting with volunteers, donors, and supporters as she spreads the word of the Healing Hoofbeats of CT mission.
Meet the Board
Nicole Bouffard
President & Treasurer
Nicole has been with Ameriprise Financial for over two decades as a financial advisor and holds a business degree from Sacred Heart University. Nicole grew up around horses and is passionate about the importance of mental health for Veterans and fellow humans. Nicole has been serving on the Board since Healing Hoofbeat's inception and continues to bring her heart and expertise to our growth.
John Freiheit
Vice President
John has 15 years of experience working as an accountant and is currently a tax executive at a Fortune 500 company. John holds an undergraduate degree in
Finance and an MBA from UConn, as well as a master’s in taxation from
Northeastern University. John served in the Marine Corps, including two combat deployments to Iraq. This led him to seek out opportunities to serve Veterans, which led him to our Board in 2021.
Cate Rusnak-Craig
Secretary
Cate is an Attorney at The Law Offices of Ericson, Scalise & Mangan with offices in New Britain and Avon, CT. She specializes in estate planning, probate, Title XIX/ Elder Law, Medicaid and asset/wealth protection. Cate has always had a passion for mental health awareness and the welfare of animals. She is excited to serve on the Board of Directors for Healing Hoofbeats as a way to help those that have experienced trauma find a way to work through their experiences to live happier, healthier, more peaceful lives.
Autumn Gordon-Chow
Member
Autumn is a former equestrian and life-long animal lover who owns a digital communications and marketing business, supporting clients in the nonprofit sector. She graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Master’s in Public Administration and a graduate certificate in Public and Nonprofit Leadership & Management. She is an advocate for mental health services and a proponent of alternative healing modalities and diligent self-care.
Brian C. Naylor
Member
Brian attended Unity College for Forestry, then served in the Navy for 20 years. After 12 additional years in the Air Force, he retired as a Master Sergeant. He is currently a state CHOICES counselor and has been working as a Veterans and Independent Living Advocate
for 10 years. Full circle and now 42 years later Brian is thrilled to be back
working not only in the outdoors with Healing Hoofbeats, but he can continue to work with youth and be an Advocate for Veterans and Seniors.
Open Positions
Board Members
Development Committee Members
Volunteers
Email us your resume to info@healinghoofbeatsofct.org
HEALING
PARTNERS
Animals are the perfect partner for therapy. They utilize their keen sensitivity to non-verbal communication to assist us in developing new relationship skills, regulating emotions and beginning the healing process.
