Our Team at Art, Heart & Hoofbeats Sanctuary
The Executive Board of Directors at AHHS
The Executive Board is dedicated to rescuing horses and fostering human connection, creating a sanctuary where healing, growth, and second chances thrive.
Anne Krocak
she/her
Executive Director
Anne Krocak is the co-founder and Executive Director of Art, Heart & Hoofbeats Sanctuary. An internationally recognized artist and educator with more than 35 years of experience, she is dedicated to creating accessible, inclusive learning opportunities through rescued horses, creativity, and nature. Drawing on her lived experience with Multiple Sclerosis and as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Anne leads AHHS with a commitment to belonging, accessibility, compassionate horse care, and lifelong learning.
Brittney Smith
she/her
President
MBA-trained business owner and health care provider. https://www.mnhorsecouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/MCH-Grant-Application.pdfBrittney helps facilitate wellness programming, supports organizational planning, and provides leadership in her role as President of the AHHS Board.
Sofie Walz
she/her
Executive Board Member
Educator, computer programmer, and mental health advocate. Sofie assists with program design, participant engagement, and technology support, strengthening the sanctuary’s educational and wellness offerings.
Shavonne Edison
she/her
Executive Board Member
Shovonne is an animal lover, proud Black Multimedia Artist, and member of the LGBTQ+ community. Artist, educator and mental health advocate. Shavonne contributes to therapeutic art programming and creative wellness activities, enriching the sanctuary’s arts-based initiatives.
Jammie Thomas-Rasset
she/her
Executive Board Member
Jammie is passionate about learning, her children and making a difference in the world!
Christine Smith
she/her
Executive Board Member
Christine M. Smith, M.A., is a leadership and organizational development consultant, equity strategist, and founder of Creating More Sanctuary. With nearly 20 years of experience across nonprofit, government, and community sectors, she helps leaders and organizations create cultures rooted in belonging, resilience, and well-being. Christine integrates trauma-informed practice, organizational change, leadership development, and holistic wellness to help people and systems thrive.
Rick Maki
he/him
Executive Board Member
Experienced leader, with many years of well-rounded experience in healthcare specialty practice management leveraging technology to improve provider efficiency, quality care delivery, and increase revenue.
Jenny Melgren
she/her
Executive Board Member
Jenny lives in Cologne MN and has loved horses her whole life. She is excited to be part of our board. She brings an understanding and life experience living with Epilepsy and a D.D. to support inclusion and accessibility.
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This could be you
I've been a LICSW for 15 years and have worked as SW for 25 years- mostly in schools with kids ages 5-18. I am learning about horses and their ability to support healing for those suffering. I bring my passion love of people to AHHS.
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This could be you
love of art & horses to AHHS. She understands what it is like to live with and shares her understanding to support our accessible programing!
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The Volunteers and Horse Ambassadors at Art, Heart and Hoofbeats Sanctuary
The heart of AHH is its volunteers—dedicated hands and compassionate souls who make healing, connection, and transformation possible for horses and people.
Volunteers - Anja
Over 20 different volunteers pass through our rescue a month sharing their calm, loving presence with AHH's human and horse herd.
Volunteers - Siena
Seina helps with horses , sanctuary and supports programs.
Dee - Horse Ambassador
Dee comes to AHHS with previous horse experience. She loves all animals and fits in our herd perfectly!
Eileen - Volunteer
Eileen shares her love of animals and the farm. She and Zeus has a special bond and she is always willing to help out with any task!
Volunteers - Mason
Before he goes off to college Mason is supporting the sanctuary. Thank you!
Elora - Horse Ambassador
We are so lucky to have Elora share her education skills at AHHS. Her appreciate for all things and kindness permiates everything she does at AHHS.
Volunteers - Anja
Anja is helping around the sanctuary over the summer. We thank her for all of her help!
Allison-AHHS Ambassador
Allison brings her ability to see the horses and watch their cues. When she's around they know they are seen! Brings comfort to our herd!
Sofie - AHHS Ambassador/Board Member
Sofie is a board Member and a horse enthusist. She brings her love of horses and energy work to our herd. We are blessed to have her!
Kara - AHHS Ambassador
Kara is an amazing human who finds and connects to the best in everyone and helps them shine. She brings her light and love to AHH and the whole herd loves her back! Author of Sweet Tart
Jenna - AHHS Ambassador
Jenna has a way of sweet talking to our herd that wraps their huge bodies around her little finger. At the same time putting them at ease, bringing warmth and joy helping them shine. She is magic!
Meg - AHHS Ambassador
Meg brings her love and sparkly energy that surrounds her to everything she touches at AHH. Everyone loves her... wait until you see her move and groove with the herd!
Sara-AHHS Ambasssador
Sara was one of the first volunteers who ever visited AHH. She has a deep understanding and connection to the herd. She has witnessed and supported the transformations!
Holly-Horse Ambassador
Holly is an amazing newly minted volunteer to AHHS. She is such a gift and a animal lover through and through. Her job is working with a veterinarian in Victoria. Thank you Holly for joining our herd!
Sandy - AHHS Ambassador
Sandy is an amazing volunteer Ambassador. Always willing to support whatever is happening at AHHS. Loves our baby Zeus and all of the bunnies. Thank you Sandy!
Renee - AHHS Ambassador
Renee is an new volunteer Ambassador. She Always willing to support whatever is happening at AHHS. Loves our baby Zeus, baby Vincent Van Goat and all of the bunnies. Thank you for joining our team!
Sage - Horse Ambassador
Sage is a new volunteer to AHHS. They have an amazing ability to read animals. Sage has a long history with bunnies and horses. We are very happy to have Sage at AHHS!
Brad - AHHS Ambassador
Brad is such a gift to us. He jokingly says his is in charge of Poo at AHHS. He loves all of the animals and is happy to pitch in however he is needed. Thank you Brad with appreciate you!!!
Jim - Volunteer & Sanctuary Support
Jim is our amazing volunteer who generously shares his gift of mechanical engineering. He problem solves and fixing all things with a motor. Thank you for your kindness Jim!
Lynn - Horse Ambassador
Lynn is new to AHHS. She brings her knowledge of working in the mental Health Industry most of her life. SHe shares her kindness and gratitude for all things and reminds us to be grateful. We are grateful to have you as part of our team at AHHS!