Wild Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Program is a non-profit, charitable 501(c)(3) organization, founded in 2009. Our mission is to transform the lives of our participants, their families, and all who work with us through the healing power of horsemanship. 

Staff

Photo Credit: Pat Piasecki

Julie Lovely
Founder & Executive Director
PATH Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning
PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Julie Lovely is a life-long horsewoman who spent the majority of her childhood volunteering for an equine assisted activity and therapy program in Upstate New York. Though her career plans after college didn’t originally involve horses, Julie recognized the important role that horses played in her own journey toward healing from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Post Partum Depression/Anxiety. She founded Wild Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Program in 2009 and launched Wild Hearts Horses for Heroes in 2014.

Julie holds a therapeutic riding instructor certification from PATH Intl. (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International), and a PATH Intl. certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning certification. She served as the PATH Intl. Massachusetts State Chair as well as on the board of directors of NESAR (New England Special Activities and Resources). Julie frequently speaks on the topic of Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy, specifically as it relates to trauma and military veterans. She also holds a BFA in Graphic Design from The College of Saint Rose and an MBA from Babson College.

Nicole Long, LICSW
Director of Clinical Services

Nicole Long is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). Nicole obtained her Masters Degree in Social Work from Bridgewater State University in 2009. Nicole is grounded in strength based generalist practice and specializes in working with adults with behavioral health and trauma backgrounds in addition to working with Veterans and active duty military, caregivers and individuals with disabilities. Nicole has worked with Wild Hearts since 2010 where she provides clinical oversight and Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP). In addition, Nicole is the CEO of Old Colony Elder Services out of Brockton, MA where she has worked since 2005. Nicole is affiliated with multiple community based organizations such as the Plymouth Housing Authority where she serves as a State appointment Board Director. Nicole believes in the resilience of all individuals and is committed to supporting their needs.

Jennifer Goddard
Natural Horsemanship Trainer

Jennifer Goddard is a Certified Horsemanship Association Riding Instructor in Level III Western and Level II English/Jumping. She is also a MA Licensed riding instructor. She has trained horses and taught riding for over 25 years and formerly owned a 30 stall boarding & training facility in Southeast Massachusetts & also a consignment tack store. She was the featured trainer in Massachusetts Horse Magazine in 2012 and was featured in Babson Magazine & the Brockton Enterprise as well. Jennifer's farm also won the MA Farm Bureau Horse Farm of Distinction Award several years in a row. In addition to her work with Wild Hearts Horses for Heroes, Jennifer teaches and trains privately and offers clinics. 

Photo Credit: Chelsey Cohen

Maryellen Founds
Mentor & Certified Peer Specialist

Maryellen Founds is a U.S. Army Veteran of Operations Enduring & Iraqi Freedom. She was medically retired in 2016 and first came to Wild Hearts as a participant in that same year. Maryellen lends her experience to Wild Hearts as a Certified Peer Specialist and Vet2Vet Facilitator. Prior to attending Wild Hearts Horses for Heroes "Healing through Horsemanship" program, Maryellen had never worked with horses. She has since become an accomplished horsewoman and has formed an irrefutable bond with our miniature horses, Jimmy & Bootsy.