Board of Directors
HeartStrides is a nonprofit organization served by a governing board of directors. The board members volunteer their time to act as advisors and advocates of our mission and to assure proper allocation of funds. They also assist in garnering support and contributions on behalf of the organization to assure services retain the highest standards and remain financially accessible to our military personnel and at-risk youth.
Meet Our Board
Kristy Dees, Founding Director
Kristy Dees, Founding Director
Kristy Dees, Founding Director
Kristy is our “lead mare” and Founding Director of HeartStrides and owner of Healing Hearts Ranch. She is a PATH International certified riding instructor, a level two centered riding instructor, certified peer counselor, certified recovery coach and lead clinician for our programs. She is a huge advocate for recovery support in our community.
Latrayl Murphy, President
Kristy Dees, Founding Director
Kristy Dees, Founding Director
Latrayl is a retired US Army Staff Sergeant. She is the mother of three (two boys and a girl), a very chubby cat and a dog. Her love for horses began when she was referred to HeartStrides for equine therapy in 2017. Latrayl has been a valuable member of our team ever since and joined the board to help move the organization forward.
Deb Santella, Vice President
Kristy Dees, Founding Director
Deb Santella, Vice President
Info coming soon
Sue Brooks, Treasurer
Laura Vogel, Secretary
Deb Santella, Vice President
Sue has worked as a Substance Use Disorder Professional since 1994. She also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She has experience working with persons with Co-Occurring challenges throughout her career. Sue has been a foster parent in the past and is also an adoptive parent.
Laura Vogel, Secretary
Laura Vogel, Secretary
Laura Vogel, Secretary
Info coming soon
Dan Clark
Laura Vogel, Secretary
Laura Vogel, Secretary
Daniel Clark is the founder of Critical Concepts Consulting, a training and consulting company. He is retired from the US Army/Reserves after 30 years as a psychologist, and has worked for the WA State Patrol as the Department Psychologist for 25+ years.
Micah Ragins
Micah Ragins
Micah Ragins
Micah is a Disability Rights Advocate and Civil Rights Investigator. He served in the
United States Army as an Armament Systems Chief Warrant Officer, Airborne
Paratrooper, and Wildland Firefighter. After combat deployments to Iraq and
Afghanistan, Micah used Equine Therapeutic Horsemanship to treat multiple service-
connected disabilities. He is a stroke survivor and a firm supporter of disabled
communities, victims of abuse, and military veterans.
Susan Strong
Micah Ragins
Micah Ragins
Info coming soon