WHO WE ARE

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to care for the physical, mental, and emotional needs of children, adults, Veterans, first responders, and their families through the healing power of horses.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
STAFF

Victory Therapy Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that provides services to improve the quality of life of individuals through equine assisted services.

BACKGROUND

Founded by Doug and Vivian Newton as Rocky Top Therapy Center in 1992, Victory offers the benefits of equine-assisted services and hippotherapy for individuals with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities and challenges. For many years the operation was located on a working ranch in Keller, Texas. In 2013, an opportunity was identified to relocate to the town of Roanoke and build a new facility to expand its service offerings and have an even greater impact on the lives of its clients and their families.

Victory Therapy Center Board of Directors 2022-2023

The board of directors is responsible for general oversight of our operations and is responsible to the stakeholders and the communities we serve.  Our directors are a diverse and talented group of individuals from various backgrounds that show passion and commitment to the success of Victory Therapy. They are responsible for setting policies, monitoring operations, and serving as a public figure for the organization.You can contact the Board of Directors by emailing [email protected]

  • Frank Tabone, Chairman | Retired Sales Executive, AT&T, SITA

  • Michael Nacarato, Vice Chairman |  Sr. Director of Vendor Management & Procurement, Transamerica

  • Claire Pinocci, Treasurer |  Head of Quality Assurance Fidelity

  • Doug Tonne, Secretary |  President/COO, Debt Education and Certificate Foundation

  • Tanner Haydin, Director |  Vice President/Commercial Lending, American National Bank & Trust

  • Tina Coleman, Director |  President Lean Business Solutions, LLC

  • Kenneth Walsh, HR Director |  Human Resource Director, Therapy & Beyond

  • Katie Heflin, Director |  Associate Attorney Varghese Summersett

  • Jim Hanophy, Director |  President & CEO of Ability Connection

OUR STAFF

Staff members consist of highly trained PATH, Intl. certified therapeutic riding instructors and physical therapists. The team is committed to providing customized care and is supported by a strong and talented volunteer base. The most critical part of the team are 24 gentle, sensitive horses whose gifts include caring attention and nurturing of individuals in need.

Rebecca has over 20 years of experience in nonprofit management and administration with a passion for helping organizations reach their full potential through strategic thinking, relational team building, and forward-thinking program management.  As most of her career has centered around mental health care and homelessness, she has seen firsthand the great need for the hope and healing that is provided at Victory Therapy Center with the help of our nurturing and gentle horses.
EMAIL Rebecca

Becky was born and raised in the non-profit sector as her parents were house parents for a Children’s Home. She began raising and showing Limousin and Angus cattle at a very young age and showed until she graduated high school. Horses were always in her life as well. Her love for horses began when her parents bought her a little white pony named Whitey and continued to grow throughout the years as she began barrel racing and competing through Texas High School Rodeo Association. While living at the children’s home, Becky noticed a difference in the kids that lived at the home while at the barn with the animals. It didn’t matter if it was cows, sheep, pigs, horses… there was a difference. Seeing the bond and trust that was built between the child and the animal is indescribable. Becky has a background in Fundraising, Volunteer Management and Community Engagement.

EMAIL BECKY

Allison started as a volunteer at Victory Therapy Center in 2012. She has worked in the accounting departments for both commercial development companies and construction companies since 1984. She has owned and shown hunter-jumpers since she was a young girl so when the opportunity arose to join the staff she didn’t hesitate. She has been in the position of Finance Manager since January 2015 and served as Managing Director from March 2019 to February 2022. She is a PATH Int’l certified therapeutic riding instructor and a CHA certified Instructor for Riders with Disabilities with a Level 2 Physical and Level 3 Cognitive.

EMAIL ALLISON

Gretchen Laffoon serves as our Community Engagement Manger and would love to visit with you to see how you can get your business or organization involved with Victory. Gretchen became acquainted with Equine Therapy when her oldest son, now in high school, started utilizing its healing power when he was in first grade. Originally from Lawrence, Kansas, Gretchen attended the University of Kansas and is still an avid Jayhawk Basketball fan. Gretchen loves to entertain, and her happy place is at home with her beloved family – husband Gary and sons Jackson and Austin.

EMAIL GRETCHEN

Celina has lived in the metroplex for over 20+ years.  She has a passion for Therapeutic equine centers and the clients they provide support to.  Celina has been the program director of Haven’s Horses Therapeutic center for 5 years and saw first- hand the impact Therapeutic riding made by helping clients overcome their life challenges. She is excited to be a part of the Victory Team to be able to continue in the journey to help those who suffer from cognitive, physical, or emotional needs.
EMAIL CELINA

Jaclyn is excited to be the new Volunteer Manager here at Victory Therapy Center! She was born and raised in the North Texas area and graduated from North Texas with a degree in Non-profit and Community Service! Jaclyn grew up on 10 acres with Quarter Horses and is so excited to use my love for animals and serving the community to help serve our volunteers here at Victory. She is happily married to her husband of 10 years, and they have one 4-year-old daughter who keeps them busy! They love traveling, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with family and friends.

EMAIL JACLYN

Kirsten was born and raised in North Texas, began riding at an early 2 years old. Riding any chance she could growing up which led to her early apprenticeship and career in training, equine care, and herd management. Kirsten trained and showed pleasure/all around and ranch riding for several years before recently changing to reining. While having a heart for training, specifically starting young colts, Kirsten is now happily married with 3 kids, 3 dogs, and 1 horse. Being an avid animal lover her experience in horsemanship, and extensive knowledge in equine medicine has led her to Victory Therapy Center as the Equine and Facilities Manager.

EMAIL KIRSTEN

Rebecca started as a volunteer at Victory Therapy Center in 2018 and became a PATH Intl Certified Riding Instructor in 2019. Previous to that time, she worked as a pharmaceutical and diagnostic representative for 26 years. As a young girl living on a ranch in Oklahoma, she frequently rode her horses in the pasture for hours and would help round-up cattle with her brothers and dad. She also barrel raced in the local rodeos. She has always had a love of horses but found a new passion when she started working as a volunteer and decided to become a riding instructor.

EMAIL REBECCA

Bio Coming Soon!

Emily was born and raised on a farm in Kansas. Giving her a love for all animals but a special place for horses. Having 4 horses at the time really started her love and passion for them. Riding at 3yrs old, learning all she could growing up and began having a big interest in training. But at the age of 14 moved to Fort Worth TX which led to getting a job at a local barn starting lesson assisting and then becoming riding instructor. At that time Emily started barrel racing but also continued to learn training as well. After high school Emily moved to West Texas to complete an internship in Liberty training, Roman riding, and trick riding, which she is still in pursuit of.

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!