Horses became Michelle’s own personal sanctuary at the age of 6, and she learned to express her sense of confidence and freedom through relationship and spending hours and hours watching them, spending time with them at liberty, and learning how to ride. Later, she began sharing those unique equine experiences and knowledge with others, before equine assisted therapies were “a thing.” She continues to expand her own personal growth through the power of working with horses, and she is passionate about creating opportunities to empower our Warrior, Protector, and Healer communities to join up.

She has been an Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning (EAP/L) Eagala Model Certified Mental Health professional since 2010, is somatically trained through EGE (Equine Guided Education) and is Level 1 Certified with Natural Lifemanship, has studied with EquuSoma and EponaQuest, and integrates these modalities in ways that truly honor the human-horse connection.

Michelle is a Licensed Professional Counselor and educator who is committed to an inclusive Warrior Spirit: in her life, as well as in her organization. The values of integrity, courage, honor, service before self, and loyalty run through her veins, and they are proudly the cornerstones of Operation Equine.

Lee Dudley is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience with specialties in EMDR and equine therapies. She specializes in treating trauma, grief and loss, and attachment issues. She is also passionate about helping parents of behaviorally disturbed teens, and women who are experiencing divorce and depression. She also has extended her trauma skills to working with active military service members and veterans who are experiencing hardship upon leaving their military careers and are reintegrating into civilian lives. She is a graduate of the Military Cultural Competence Training and is a Master Facilitator for the WARRIOR Pack Trip Program.

Lee earned a Master’s degree in counseling from the University of Colorado and Regis University. She also holds a certification in Applied Behavioral Analysis and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She is the founder and executive director of the Equine Partnership Program and has also developed programs for the Denver Public Schools and the Temple Grandin Equine Center.

Lee incorporates a powerful blend of wisdom, practical skills, hope, and humor in therapy, and is committed to helping adults find and recover their sense of purpose and drive in life.

Andrea Money is a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate working toward full counseling licensure, specializing in trauma and attachment with adults, teens, and families in private practice settings. Andrea is in training for certifications in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR therapies.

Andrea earned a Bachelor’s degree in Equine Science from Colorado State University and a Masters in Counseling from Regis University. She grew up riding and training horses and credits this passion for getting her through some of her hardest times. She was clinically trained in community mental health at The Mt. Carmel Veterans Service center serving active-duty military members, veterans, and their families.

Andrea is on the staff of the First Responder Trauma Counselors, is passionate about combining the healing presence of horses and the transformative experience of therapy, and is deeply grateful to have the opportunity to walk with members of the military and first responder communities on their journeys toward healing and renewed sense of purpose.

Ciana Dodgion is a Clinical Social Worker Candidate working toward licensure. She specializes in supporting mental wellness for youth and adults, and in equine assisted therapies. She is committed to helping adolescents with special needs, families, and individuals in foster care. She is also dedicated to supporting military service members, veterans, and their families as they navigate life transitions.

Ciana earned a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Denver, focusing on child development and animal-assisted therapy. Ciana is a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, is trained in Equine-Assisted Learning, and coaches an Equestrian Vaulting team focused on supporting mental health. Ciana managed a sizable Therapeutic Riding Center in Colorado and partnered to serve the Craig Hospital Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Rehabilitation program. She has also created therapeutic curriculum for schools and nonprofit organizations. Ciana is the co-executive director of the Equine Partnership Program.

Ciana is passionate about helping individuals from all walks of life foster healthy and healing relationships with equine partners. She is deeply honored to support military service members, veterans, and first responders on their paths toward healing, connection, and restored hope.

Ciana has been an avid horsewoman for most of her life. She is married and the mother of two wonderful children.