Office & Equine Staff
Whether with the horses, out and about, or typing away at our computers, we are working hard to make sure Valley runs smoothly.
Carol Jenne
Administrator
Carol Jenne graduated from the University of British Columbia with a BA Economics major, and then later earned her CGA,CPA designation while working her way through the ranks of a large manufacturing corporation in New Westminster. The next thirteen years were spent working for a private school in Abbotsford while raising her two sons, before joining the team at Valley Therapeutic as the administrator. Carol has a great love of animals, and understands how the gentle and calming nature of horses can bring healing and comfort, as these majestic creatures mirror and respond to human behavior.
Holly Steiner
Volunteer Coordinator
Stay tuned for more information on one of our most valued staff.
Wayne Singbeil
Maintenance Manager
Wayne Singbeil started life in Mossbank, SK, following 12 years in Azilda Ont, he moved to Aldergrove. Wayne worked as a heavy duty mechanic apprentice in Juskatla until buying a poultry farm in 1967. Wayne & Brenda began their partnership in life and business in 1971. They are privileged to have their 2 children & 2 grandsons living nearby.
Wayne was an innovative and progressive farmer, expanding business with the purchase of 2 more farms, upgrading to a modern automated operation. Fly issues brought about research and improvements with the use of fly parasites and establishment of a biological fly control business. Partnership in a sporting goods store was another learning experience. Helping with his children's chosen sports initiated more community involvement including a term on the AMHA board and 23 years as part of the coaching staff for numerous hockey & ringette teams.
A snowdrift in 2009 started Wayne's involvement with VTEA. His role evolved from helping in the barn to include leading & side walking with clients during therapeutic riding sessions, the development of many special connections with clients and their families, seven years on the Board of Directors, providing staff support, and a fulltime volunteer role taking care of any & all maintenance.
Madison Hegland
Barn Manager
Madison brought a variety of equine backgrounds to Valley Therapeutic. From the racing industry, jumping, and, importantly, her Equine School education has enhanced her ability to understand horse behavior closely, aiding in medical and recreational support for our horses. She has been instrumental in helping our horses feel and perform better.
Kayla de Boer
Assistant Equine Staff
Aside from being one of our certified CanTRA instructors, Kayla is also an integral part of the barn staff. She began her journey at Valley Therapeutic 7 years ago through volunteering and falling in love with horses. We can see her love in horse-handling and the care she provides to our beloved horses. Some of her beautiful artworks can be seen in our beautifully braided horse mane & tails, as she is well experienced at the physical grooming of show/dressage horses.
Tatum Jones
Equine Staff
As a young girl, Tatum dreamed of learning to ride horses, but thought that dream unachievable as the horse world is very small in South Africa. Through some good connections, she started receiving horse riding lessons by the age of 8. This presented the opportunity to learn Western Mounted Games a few years later. By the time she turned 11, she was blessed to own a horse that she had had for three years. In 2020 Tatum moved to Canada with her family. Here, she learned the importance of horsemanship while continuing to learn and grow. Valley is happy to have some many versatile and trained horse-girls working at the barn.
Chiara Pecile
Equine Staff
A psychology student at Simon Fraser University who brings extensive ranch experience and a true cowgirl spirit to Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association. Having spent several summers working as a wrangler on ranches across Canada, she’s developed strong skills in Western horsemanship and horse care. Chiara loves being part of Valley’s mission and appreciates how the organization allows her to combine her passions for horses and psychology while supporting clients through meaningful, therapeutic experiences.
Gabriella Bodanese
Equine Staff
Growing up on a farm in Brazil, Gabriella was surrounded by animals, having spent much of her childhood alongside her father, who worked with horses, while her mother worked as a veterinarian. Horses have been a constant presence of importance in her life. They shape her earliest memories therein, creating a long-lasting love for them. After moving to Canada, she began volunteering at VTEA as a side-walker and leader, which deepened Gabi’s connection to therapeutic riding and the meaningful relationships it fosters. Over time this passion naturally brought her into our team of barn staff. Gabriella feels immense gratitude for providing care to the horses that support the transformative work they accomplish.
Kala Iyer
Equine Staff
Originally from Mumbai, India, Kala grew up surrounded by animals and formed a unique bond with them. After 11 years of a bustling advertising career, she moved to Canada for a quieter and stable pace of life. She came to Valley Therapeutic as a volunteer in 2024 and fell in love with horses. As an eager student of equine training, she is committed to learning more horse-handling and training skills. As much as she loves horses, she may be partial towards Atticus.
Picture by Charles Zuckermann & Zenna Wong Courtesy of Humans of Support.
Atticus
King of the Barn
Atticus rules the property, (he was born here at Valley) and ensures that it is kept shipshape. He maintains excellent working relationships with all of our horses, staff, and volunteers, and demands only food and snuggles in return. If you see Atticus on your trip out to Valley, it is customary to greet him with a friendly hello, or even a gentle pet; if he's in the mood for it. We all adore Atticus!