Who We Are

Kat Licence, Executive Director

Kat has been involved with horses since she was very young. The therapeutic value that equines provided her as a young adult motivated her involvement as a volunteer at a therapeutic riding center which led to a career as the director of Two Bear TRC. Kat was the recipient of a world-renowned horsemanship scholarship program called A Legacy of Legends which provides opportunities for students to apprentice under protegees of Tom Dorrance, Ray Hunt and Buck Brannaman, who are known to be the founding fathers of natural horsemanship. Her hope is to share the accepting nature of horses with the families and volunteers that participate at the center.

Sally Conrad, Certified PATH Intl. 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, Certified PATH Intl. 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 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.

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 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.

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!

Steven Stahlberg, Treasurer

What attracted you to TBTRC?

I find helping an organization grow from its infancy into a robust and vibrant organization is rewarding. It inspires me to watch the people we serve be so tremendously impacted.

What talent do you bring?

As a CPA practicing for over 30 years in the Flathead Valley specializing in taxes and business consulting, I can help TBTRC grow with a sustainable and stable financial platform so we can continue to help those we serve and expand future programs.

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, Board Member

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, Board Member

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

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

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

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

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.