Equine Education for Disadvantaged Youth

Meet Our Staff

Jennifer B. Hansen, Esq., Executive Director

B.A. The College of Wooster, J.D. The Ohio State University College of Law; 25 years of horse handling experience, 11 years developing, implementing and managing equine education programs.  Professionally served as legal counsel for Ohio Secretary of State Bob Taft and IDEAS International developing computer systems to apply campaign finance law.  Currently employed by the Ohio Judicial Conference.  Co-owner of Field of Dreams Riding Stables.

Jessica Starr, Director of Special Needs Programs

 Jessica has an M.A. in Counseling from Southwestern College in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  In addition to her work with Dreams on Horseback, Jessica founded a life coaching business focused on helping individuals, families, and large groups create greater wellness and meaning in their lives. 

Sandra Oliver, Equine Specialist

Mother of 4, Grandmother of 10. Attended OSU 1971&2 pre-vet med. Obtained certification as Registered Veterinary Technician in 1976. Enjoy raising German Shepherds and working at Field of Dreams. Involved as barn manager, riding instructor, and equine specialist for several special needs programs utilizing equine assisted learning.

Melanie Kohlheim, Administrator

Melanie is a 2004 graduate of Purdue University where she obtained Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Agribusiness with a minor in Sales and Marketing.  She has been riding, training, and showing horses since the age of 7 beginning at a Hunter/Jumper barn in Connecticut and moving up through both the Western and Hunt Seat Equestrian Teams at Purdue University.  She was involved in 4H in Indiana from age 13-18, receiving a 4H Horse and Pony Scholarship towards her education at Purdue.

M Ed Ashland University and BS in Education Otterbein College; 21 years in education at Wooster City Schools and most recently 11 years at TRECA (Tri-Rivers Education Computer Assoc.).  During her education career, she has been an elementary and middle school teacher, technology coordinator, director of professional development and director of an online K-12 school. Recently retired, the opportunity to work as the Education Liaison for Field of Dreams combines her two passions - serving students and working with horses.  She has been a horse owner for over 32 years and lives on a farm in Holmes County with her husband where she can ride her horses and raise hay for both her farm and Field of Dreams. 

Josie Drushal, Education Liaison