Board Of Directors
Danielle Reed
President/ CEO
When a local horse rescue relocated to the East Coast, several horses were left behind. Determined to ensure their safety and well-being, I joined forces with a dedicated group of volunteers to form Equisoul Mind and Body.
As a registered nurse with a lifelong love of horses, I saw an opportunity to serve in a new way during the COVID-19 pandemic. Founding Equisoul Mind and Body allowed me to accomplish two meaningful goals: provide a safe, nurturing home for displaced horses and create a peaceful respite for healthcare workers facing unprecedented stress and burnout.
By marrying my passion for equine care with my nursing career, I developed a space where healing could happen on both ends of the lead rope — offering sanctuary to the horses and restoration to the caregivers who give so much of themselves.
Pallas Bento
CFO
As Chief Financial Officer of Equisoul Mind and Body, I oversee and direct all financial matters related to our nonprofit. I am currently retired with 28 years of management experience in government financial accounting and budgeting. My professional background also includes real estate law and tax compliance.
I am committed to ensuring financial transparency, integrity, and accountability in all aspects of our organization. I provide accurate and thorough reporting so that all funds granted or donated are used responsibly and in alignment with our mission.
I work closely with fellow board members to provide guidance on the most effective use of resources, support grant funding efforts, and ensure the long-term financial sustainability of Equisoul Mind and Body.
Veronica Christensen
Director Of Equine Support Services
After retiring from a long career as a correctional officer, I followed my lifelong love of horses and began working in local barns, gaining experience in English, Western, and rescues. Volunteering at Equisoul Mind and Body Rescue has become my true happy place — a place of peace, purpose, and joy.
It has also become a place of healing for my mind and soul after many years in a demanding and challenging profession. Being around the horses and the supportive environment has brought balance, renewed purpose, and a deeper connection to something meaningful.
I continue to grow in my horsemanship with the dream of one day owning my own horse and spending quiet hours trail riding.
Karen Yip
Director of Strategic Development & Sustainability
I bring extensive executive experience in risk management and strategic business development to EquiSoul’s Board of Directors. I began my career in commercial insurance, rising to Vice President at age 29, where I managed complex liability claims, developed insurance portfolios for large clients, and led high-level negotiations. I later served as Vice President of Business Development for a national vision benefits organization, helping grow a custom strategic alliances unit from $280 million to over $800 million.
My strengths include strategic planning, thoughtful risk assessment, relationship-building, and aligning vision with sustainable growth.
My connection to EquiSoul is deeply personal. After meeting the founding members through a local horse rescue, I adopted my horse, Grey—an anxious OTTB who had been left behind after racing. Through patience, positive reinforcement, and trust-based training, Grey transformed into a confident and willing partner. That experience reinforced my belief that growth happens through clarity, consistency, and compassion—principles I bring to my work with EquiSoul.
Kathy Harrison
Director of Grounds and Land Management
I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors for EquiSoul Mind and Body. With years of experience in landscape development, gardening design, and property management, I bring a hands-on approach to caring for the land that supports our rescue. Living on the property allows me to be actively involved in daily maintenance, landscaping, and ongoing improvements to ensure a safe, functional, and welcoming environment for our horses.
Caring for and maintaining the land is something I care deeply about, as I believe a well-kept property directly impacts the health and well-being of the animals in our care. Beyond property management, I am continually expanding my knowledge of horsemanship, riding, and equine care. Learning more about horses and their needs is both a personal passion and an important part of my commitment to EquiSoul Mind and Body.
Serving on the board allows me to combine my love of land management with my dedication to equine welfare, and I am proud to support our mission of rescue, rehabilitation, and compassionate care.
Hannah Dinkins
Advisor
As an Advisor to the Board of Directors for Equisoul Mind and Body, I bring over 15 years of experience working with horses in English, Western, and rescue settings. Horses have always been a central part of my life, and I am deeply committed to their care, rehabilitation, and well-being.
I previously worked with and managed a local horse rescue, where I gained valuable experience in equine care, daily operations, and nonprofit rescue work. That experience strengthened my dedication to providing horses with safe, supportive environments and meaningful second chances.
As the owner and operator of Gentle Reins Riding Academy, I continue to work closely with horses and riders, focusing on building trust, confidence, and strong horsemanship foundations. In my role as an advisor, I support Equisoul Mind and Body by sharing my experience and helping guide its continued growth and mission.
