Who We Are

We are an organization dedicated to improving the lives of those with special needs by facilitating emotional, physical and social development through equine-assisted activities and therapies.

Our Mission

We believe everyone deserves a chance to reach their full potential. We also believe that horses can bond with and inspire us in profound ways. Through offering specialized therapies and equine-assisted activities, we help improve the physical, social and emotional well-being of those we serve, while fostering growth in personal confidence and independence.

Our Values

  • Our goal is to inspire others to be the best version of themselves that they can be by improving self-confidence and acceptance.
  • Building a trusting and respectful relationship with a horse will improve and enrich life, inside and outside of the arena.
  • We create a safe space for our participants to discover, express and grow.
  • The great outdoors and connecting with our natural world help us mature and build confidence.
  • We all have unique skills and gifts. We strive to make each participant feel recognized, accepted and appreciated for who they are.
Cammi Sullivan, Executive Director

Cammi Sullivan, Executive Director

Cammi Sullivan joined the Two Bear Therapeutic Riding Center with a long history of fund development, community involvement and a deep appreciation for mission-driven work. A Flathead Valley resident for many years, she values strong relationships, collaboration and the kind of steady, behind-the-scenes support that helps organizations flourish. Cammi is also a certified motorcycle safety instructor for the Montana Motorcycle Safety Program and a proud mom of two.

Sally Conrad, Lead PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Sally Conrad, Lead PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Sally has more than 30 years of teaching experience in many different fields including dance, music and horseback riding. Her love of teaching and passion for riding brought her to volunteer at a therapeutic riding center and eventually led to her instructor certification from PATH Intl. Now she teaches riders of all ages and abilities to connect with their horses and build their skills as a rider.

Anna Seagull, Equine Manager/PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Anna Seagull, Equine Manager/PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Anna Seagull is a lifelong horsewoman who brings a world of equine experience to our riding center. She was raised at a therapeutic riding center in Berkshire County, MA, where her mother is the head riding instructor. Anna has explored many equestrian disciplines including jumping, dressage, gymkhana, endurance riding and vaulting. She founded and coached an equestrian vaulting team, the Big Twist Vaulters, and earned a bronze medal competing herself, and trained and competed as a member of the US Endurance Team. As a PATH Certified Riding Instructor, Anna’s goal is to share her love for horses, her knowledge and foster a sense of curiosity in her students.

Leslie Hayden, Physical Therapist, AHCB Certified Therapist, Path Intl. Registered Therapist

Leslie Hayden, Physical Therapist, AHCB Certified Therapist, Path Intl. Registered Therapist

Leslie has been a pediatric physical therapist for 35 years. She became involved with our therapeutic riding program two years ago when her son started riding. Leslie witnessed the powerful connection between horse and rider and the amazing things that can be accomplished using the horse as a dynamic platform for movement. She has completed the AHBC certification with the AHA in utilizing equine movement as part of her physical therapy tool box.

Jackie Ruffley, Program Director/PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Jackie Ruffley, Program Director/PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

With over 15 years of teaching experience, Jackie brings a deep passion for education and horsemanship to Two Bear TRC. Before becoming a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, she spent eight years as a classroom teacher, honing her skills in instruction and student engagement. Jackie’s lifelong love of horses, combined with her dedication to helping others, led her to begin volunteering at Two Bear TRC in 2020. Now, as a PATH Certified Instructor and Program Director, she plays a vital role in shaping the center’s programs and ensuring a meaningful experience for every rider. Jackie is committed to helping her students develop confidence, enhance their horsemanship skills, and build strong connections with both themselves and their horses.

Emma Gjuillin, PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Emma Gjuillin, PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

After about a decade of riding and tending horses, Emma knows the profound ways horses can positively shape human lives. She went on to study philosophy of animals, deepening her approach to human–animal relationships. At the ranch, Emma brings her experience and knowledge together to build and foster humane relationships between people and horses.

Erin Harapat, Office Administrator

Erin Harapat, Office Administrator

While the rest of the team at Two Bear Therapeutic Riding Center are horse whisperers, I have a way with Excel spreadsheets. As the office administrator, I help keep our crew organized by managing lesson schedules, handling inquiries and ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. I love working with our incredible community and supporting our mission to make therapeutic horsemanship accessible to all. Whether it's coordinating logistics or fine-tuning the details, I’m here to keep things on track—one spreadsheet at a time!

Tyler Barnes, Two Bear Ranch Manager

Tyler Barnes, Two Bear Ranch Manager

Tyler is the handyman of the ranch and is commonly found in the shop welding, building and fixing the neverending supply of projects you find at a ranch. He keeps the roads plowed in the winter and hays during the summer. He is a gem who keeps our facility safe and user friendly.

Mitch Barnes, Assistant Two Bear Ranch Manager

Mitch Barnes, Assistant Two Bear Ranch Manager

Mitch has been a cowboy his whole life. He spent his early years starting colts, rodeoing and ranching, which has given him his vast experience of equine management as well as pasture and property management. Mitch oversees the entire ranch and keeps it running like a well-oiled machine. We couldn’t do what we do without this guy and we are grateful every day for him.

Kat Licence, Co-founder and past Executive Director

Kat Licence, Co-founder and past Executive Director

Kat is a co-founder of Two Bear Therapeutic Riding Center, bringing a lifelong connection to horses and a deep belief in their therapeutic power to the heart of the organization. As a recipient of the prestigious A Legacy of Legends horsemanship scholarship, her philosophy was shaped by the principles of natural horsemanship grounded in trust, connection and authenticity. For nearly nine years, Kat helped grow Two Bear TRC from a shared dream into a respected, values-driven community resource serving families, participants and volunteers. Though she has stepped away from her formal role, her vision, leadership and legacy remain foundational to the mission and culture of Two Bear TRC.

Susan Smith, Board Chair

Susan Smith, Board Chair

What attracted you to TBTRC?

After watching a friend receive equine-assisted therapy and witnessing, first-hand, the incredible relationship between the clients and the horses, I was awed by this collaboration of species that is truly inspirational. I wanted to be involved in something so powerful and healing—and the Two Bear team is like family to me. I have volunteered at TBTRC for over 4 years and am delighted to serve on the board and help grow the TBTRC program and it's impact.

What talent do you bring?

I’m a recently retired Registered Nurse with many years of Emergency Department experience, so I understand the clinical challenges of many of the clients who come to Two Bear. I also have a life-long interest in helping and healing people. Add to that my love for horses and it’s easy to see why TBTRC is my happy place!

Emily Rindal, Secretary

Emily Rindal, Secretary

What attracted you to TBTRC?

The mission of TBTRC spoke to me. My mom worked with kids with special needs, and the kids I met had the most joy, light and life. They also had many challenges and I loved watching my mom help them while she learned and grew with them. I have always been an animal lover and horses have a special magic. As soon as I met Sally, Kat and Anna I could see that they have that same magic and I wanted to be a part of that.

What talent do you bring?

I own an insurance agency and have been on several boards. I love the collaboration, brainstorming, fundraising and making a difference. I bring fundraising experience and a business perspective. One of my goals is to create more awareness of TBTRC through social media and word of mouth.

Jayson Peters, Immediate Past Chairman

Jayson Peters, Immediate Past Chairman

What attracted you to TBTRC?

Two Bear is great opportunity to build a non-profit from the beginning and make a difference in our community. This challenge brought me to the organization as the first Board Chair. When I met the kids in the program, they inspired me to work harder to make an even bigger impact.

What talent do you bring?

I have worked on various nonprofit boards and have been involved in the business community in Flathead County for over 20 years. I bring leadership, coaching and a spirit of collaboration to the organization. I enjoy being part of a board that utilizes their unique gifts to create the foundation for a strong organization. It’s part of what I want my legacy to be.

Kim Solem, Vice Chair

Kim Solem, Vice Chair

What attracted you to TBTRC?

Having served as a volunteer at TBTRC for a year before joining the board, I watched the staff in action with the horses and participants—and saw the magic. The staff is incredibly talented and has created a program that accepts, encourages and challenges each participant and volunteer. It’s a very uplifting place to be, and the staff inspired me to help the organization grow as a board member.

What talent do you bring?

My 30 years of business and nonprofit experience have taught me how to grow and lead teams and organizations through focused strategic planning. I volunteer year-round helping people with disabilities enjoy outdoor experiences on snow, water and bike trails, and using horses as a part of the adaptive recreation and therapy process takes it to a whole new level.

Jennifer Robinson, Board Member

Jennifer Robinson, Board Member

What attracted you to TBTRC?

I was presented with the opportunity to observe a physical therapy and adaptive riding lesson and was touched by what I saw. The connections being made between the instructors, the riders and the horses are beyond words. The riding center is truly a place where all are welcome and accepted for who they are. The participants are supported, encouraged and motivated to reach their full potential. There is so much love at the ranch—it’s contagious.

What talent do you bring?

My passion is people—interacting with people to help drive engagement and investment in the programs we offer. With a background in marketing and finance and as an active real estate agent in the Valley, I have the mind-set and connections to bring people together to support the riding center and the amazing work we do.

Cory Robertson, Board Member

Cory Robertson, Board Member

What attracted you to TBTRC?

I was invited to the first Campfire for a Cause fundraiser by my neighbor who was involved at TBTRC. I was immediately taken aback by the passion these people had for these kids and this mission. I donated then and I continue to donate now, because what is being done here is important and impactful.

What talent do you bring?

As a pediatric anesthesiologist, I am uniquely aware of the medical needs of these clients that we serve. I’m also a techie at heart and seem to find myself discovering special ways of incorporating technology into what we do. This is my first board service experience, and I am enthusiastic about this place and want to do everything in my power to help it succeed.

Jess Ekman, Board Member

Jess Ekman, Board Member

What attracted you to TBTRC?

The people and the mission are what caught my attention. What the organization is doing for not only the participants, but their families as well really hit home for me, as someone who has brothers who have special needs. As a recent newcomer to Whitefish, TBTRC is a wonderful way for me to give back to the community that I have grown to love.

What talent do you bring?

I currently work in sales for an energy efficiency company where I get the opportunity to help businesses become more sustainable. I also recently got my MBA which has been extremely helpful, especially in my previous career in restaurant management. Finally, I love horses and people so I’m excited to be able to combine my passions in the efforts of an amazing cause.

Nicholas Flemming, Board Member

Nicholas Flemming, Board Member

What attracted you to TBTRC?

As a pediatric physiatrist, I am a physician who often works with children and adolescents with disabilities, and I am in a constant search for valuable resources for my patients and families. At times, traditional therapy approaches can fall short or be incomplete. In TBTRC, I found a refreshing approach leading to developmental, physical and emotional breakthroughs for my patients which I felt compelled to support. After visiting the ranch and experiencing its peacefulness and energy, and coming to know many of the great staff and board members at TBTRC, how could I say "no" to joining such an awesome program and board.

What talent do you bring?

Teddy Roosevelt said, "Do what you can, with what you've got, where you are." This applies to me just as much as it applies to the kids and teens I work with. I have privileged insight into the struggles of my patients with complex medical and emotional needs and I hope that my education and training, teamed with this clinical practice and a passion for helping others to become the best versions of themselves, can all translate into TBTRC development and expansion.

TBTRC Advisory Board

We are grateful to TBTRC's Advisory Board members that lend their expertise and guidance to help shape our mission and programs. Our Advisory Board members include:

  • Dr. Laura Johnston, Veterinarian at LaSalle Equine Clinic
  • Advisory Board Consulting Counsel: Clifton W. Hayden, ESQ.

Our Facility

Our Story

Two Bear Therapeutic Riding Center was founded by the Goguen family in 2017. Today, Two Bear TRC is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and relies on program revenue and outside donations to make therapy and activity improvements, expand capacity and provide program fee assistance to families in need.

The Goguen family continues to be a large donor and generously funds all of Two Bear TRC's basic operating costs, including free use of Two Bear River Ranch facilities. These world-class facilities include free use of an 80' x 100' heated indoor riding arena, a 150' x 250' outdoor arena and access to the riding trails of the 600 acres at Two Bear River Ranch. The barn and clinical space is comfortable for families to watch their child ride through the large viewing windows to the indoor arena. The use of these incredible facilities allows us to have the capacity to serve a large number of clients with diverse needs, year round.

We are immensely grateful for the Goguen family’s vision, generosity and continued support.

Driving Directions

We are located 15 minutes southwest of Whitefish, Montana at 1700 KM Ranch Road.

There are two gated entrances to the riding center, the south gate will be open with blue signs directing you to the riding arena. Once you enter through the south gate, follow the driveway to your left down the hill. Continue to the left at the bottom of the hill, through the archways with the American flags, and park in the designated parking area labeled with blue parking signs. The entrance to the barn is to the left side (north) of the building.

Here's your chance

to help a child reach their full potential.