Guided by Mission, Led with Compassion

Our Volunteers

It takes a Village!

  • Certified Facilitators-Personal Development/Coaching and Certified Therapists- Mental Health and Occupational Therapy with Mental Health focus

    -See Programs for more information

  • Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL)
    Certified by PATH Intl., our specialist ensures the safety and well-being of both participants and horses during all equine-assisted activities.

  • Dedicated Volunteers
    Our volunteers serve as horse handlers, ranch support, and creative contributors—including in photography and social media.

  • Board of Directors
    Actively engaged in shaping our mission and expanding our impact, our board brings vision, leadership, and heart to everything we do.

Volunteers building the canopy for protection from the elements!

Kathy Friedrich on the MN American Legion Podcast

Kathy shares with Kelley the impetus and creation of a different kind of equine therapeutic service for Veterans that involves partnering with the horses. Interested in volunteering, giving $$, being a participant? Listen in as this Minnesota service is unique and promises to develop your sense of hope, trust and purpose in a whole new way.

Meet the Leadership Behind Gateway Meadows

  • KATHY FRIEDRICH

    FOUNDER /EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Kathy Friedrich was an army nurse and served in the Gulf War. She also serves in various community roles supporting Veterans such as Mentor Coordinator for the Anoka County Veterans Treatment Court.

    Kathy is a board certified nurse coach (NC-BC) and facilitates Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) sessions for GMEAS. She is a Arenas for Change (ARCH) certified professional.

  • STEVE UBL

    BOARD CHAIR

    Steve Ubl, retired as Building Official for the City of Saint Paul and is also a board member of a nonprofit heritage society.

    In addition to his board position, Steve volunteers his time managing the Gateway Meadows facility.

  • DOUG OSWALD

    BOARD MEMBER/VETERAN OUTREACH

    Doug Oswald is a retired military veteran with combined service in the United States Air Force, Minnesota Air National Guard and Minnesota National Guard Counterdrug Taskforce serving two tours of duty in Southwest Asia in 2001 and 2002.

  • MARY HEILMAN

    BOARD MEMBER/TREASURER

    Mary Heilman retired from working in finance for public companies.

    She volunteered for nine years with a therapeutic riding program before sharing her expertise as a horse owner while volunteering with Gateway Meadows.

  • GAIL OLSEN

    LEAD EQUINE SPECIALIST/VOLUNTEER

    Gail Olsen is a PATH International Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. She volunteers her time and expertise as the lead working with our equine partners. Gail is a life-long horse owner. She has 25 years of experience in Equine-Assisted Services programs, and served on two Board of Directors for such organizations.

  • SHANNON SOLOMON

    MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

    Shannon is an army Veteran and a licensed clinical mental health counselor. She is Eagala certified as both a Mental Health and Equine Specialist and leads sessions at Gateway Meadows.

  • KIERA MOUNT

    OT Mental Health Specialist

    Kiera is a occupational therapist who specializes in mental health and currently works with children and adolescents in a psychiatric residential facility. In addition to working with us, Kiera also stays busy with photography, playing bass guitar, painting, and traveling. She enjoys creatively personalizing her clients treatments to meet their goals.

  • LYNNE RAATZ

    Certified Coach

    Lynne is an experienced Talent and Learning Development professional specializing in life, career, and leadership coaching and consulting. She holds a Master’s in Strategic Leadership and certifications as an ICF Associate Certified Coach and Equine Assisted Learning Practitioner. A former Army Officer and stay-at-home mom, Lynne brings a holistic approach to her work in people development. Lynne lives in Dayton, MN with her family and enjoys outdoor activities, including riding her two beloved quarter horses.