Meet our Instructors, cofounders, and board members
" People working together in a strong community with a shared goal and a common purpose can make the impossible possible!" ~ Tom Vilsak
Rebecca Deist - Executive Director PATH International CTRI/ESMHL
Becky Deist has been a technology education teacher for 30 years, primarily at the middle school level. In 2013, while on a ride with Martha Airth- Kindree, the dream of working with students of all abilities and horses began to unfold. After many volunteer hours, numerous courses and certifications and several instructor positions within the realm of equine assisted activities, Bluff and Ridge Equine Assisted Therapies is a dream realized. Becky is a PATH certified therapeutic riding instructor (CTRI), an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL), a PATH mentor and a Spirit Horse Certified Advanced Instructor who believes that horses change lives. When she has free time, Becky enjoys riding her personal horses, snuggling with her dogs, being in the great outdoors and getting together with friends and family.
Martha Airth-Kindree - Programs Development/Secretary PATH International CTRI/ESMHL
After serving as Executive Director and Grant Writer of Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation for 23 years, Martha Airth-Kindree began following her dream of working with special needs individuals and horses. She has a MS in Ethology and is a PATH Intl. CTRI, ESMHL and Mentor with a passion for horses helping people. She is also a Spirit Horse Certified Advanced Instructor. Her best buddies are her Arabians, Highness and Lady, mini's Duke and Patrick (both therapy horses), border collie Jenny, rat terrier, Kipling, and a myriad of felines.
Meet our board members
Renee Stroh - Treasurer & Volunteer Coordinator
Renee has a bachelor's degree in life science/secondary education, and a master's degree in education. She recently retired from the Tomah Area School District, where she taught life science for 22 years, then finished the last 11 years of her career as the Secondary Technology Integration Specialist. Renee has recently began running her own business and is pursuing passions that allow her to give back to members in the Tomah community. Horses have been a part of Renee's life for more than 40 years and she knows they have the power to change lives! Renee also has her Senior Instructor Spirit Horse Certification and is currently teaching several of our sessions. She also brings a unique perspective to the board; she is a special needs parent and has two beautiful boys who grew up knowing the joy of being around horses. She says, "There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the joy in our participants and witnessing their growth in such a short amount of time! I strongly encourage others to get involved by volunteering with us; It will become the highlight of your week!"
Michelle Radcliffe Rutlin - Chairman of the Board
Michelle Radcliffe Rutlin comes to our board as a lifetime horse owner and enthusiast, having experience in all realms of the horse world, from Western and English disciplines to pleasure driving and rodeo, where she was an ambassador for the sport of Rodeo, as Miss Rodeo Wisconsin 1989! She currently raises Gypsy Vanner horses, a breed known to be perfect for equine therapy programs due to their gentle demeanor.
Her many years of volunteering through 4-H programs and other local organizations lead her to a coveted board seat for 12 years on the Tomah Tractor Pull and Monroe County Fair Board, which has grown into the second largest Pull event in the nation for over 175,000 attendees in a 4-day period.... An event that has brought thousands of dollars into our community. Her educational background, with 2 degrees from UW LaCrosse, in Business Administration and Accounting, led her to owning 2 tax offices for the last 26 years. She and her husband, Kurt, reside north of Wyeville, WI, where he operates 3 large cranberry marsh operations and a cranberry receiving/packaging plant. They are the owners Double Barrel Bar and Banquet Hall venue, along with Holiday Lodge Resort, which currently rents Aframes, cabins and a small motel unit, along the Lemonweir River, all on a retired golf course near Tomah. They also run and maintain rental properties in both WI and FL. In their spare time they enjoy raising Gypsy Vanner horses and Wagyu Cattle. These career and business choices have led her to paths of great community connections. Michelle shares with us her ultimate goals and desires that we all have, on this board; which is seeing the success horses have had, in helping heal others and providing that to those in need, in our community.
Treasa Graham - Chairman Marketing Committee
Treasa is a local REALTOR, Mother of 2, Wife, Homeschooler & Business Owner. She chose to work with Bluff and Ridge Equine Therapy because her oldest daughter has decided to pursue animal therapy as her future career. Treasa states, "After seeing Bluff & Ridge equine therapies program, I believe it will change many lives and I have chosen to support this program 100%."
Beth Kettner - Chairman Fundraising Committee
Beth Kettner received a human services degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. She is a PATH Intl. CTRI and ESMHL. Recently she became certified with Spirit Horse International. Beth has worked with those with special needs for over 25 years and specializes in individuals who have high support needs. She has a special place in her heart for those who are sight impaired and non-verbal. With dedication to continue her reach, she provides comprehensive community services engaging equines or small animals with people of all ages who struggle with mental health and/or substance use disorders. Beth also offers community sessions for mindfulness and meditation with God and equine. Beth is currently working at BEAMING INC. in Oshkosh, Cedar Springs Ranch in Slinger and on the board of Bluff and Ridge Equine Assisted Therapies, Inc. in Tomah.
