About Us

Gateway Meadows Equine-Assisted Services focuses on serving those who serve others by delivering services to our deserving Veterans, First-Responders, Frontline Healthcare Providers and others in the local community.

We are proud to be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides therapy and holistic health coaching to Veterans and First Responders and their families.

Our Volunteers

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.

Our Team

  • 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.