FOUNDER AND CLINICAL DIRECTOR

LPC, LISAC, MS, NCC, ACD

David Lavin is a multi-licensed psychotherapist in multiple states and has been working with troubled youth and adults for 17 years in a variety of settings. He began his career in Montana and Colorado, where he worked as a wilderness and equine therapist. David saw firsthand how horses can be vehicles for self-awareness, compassion, confidence, and interpersonal skills. Upon witnessing the transformational experiences horses can bring, he has focused his efforts on creating a place where people can learn, grow, and come together through horsemanship.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Chelsea came from the very different world of consulting in the defense and aerospace industry. As she learned more about how Heart of the Horse operated from the sidelines, she became intrigued and wanted to offer her services. She changed career paths and became the director of operations in November of 2024, and now helps facilitate all things scheduling, events, and daily operations. 

DIRECTOR OF RIDING SERVICES

Eilena grew up around horses on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state and has been at Heart of the Horse since 2023. She was a member of the United States Pony Club where she competed in English disciplines including dressage, show jumping, eventing, gaming, and gained a strong understanding of horse management and care. She was also a member of 4-H and High School Equestrian Team where she competed in both English and Western events. When she’s not working with horses she enjoys crafting, hikes, and going out to listen to local music.

EQUINE THERAPY SPECIALIST

With a generations-long cattle rancher for a father and an accomplished show-jumper for a mother, Tutti was born into an equestrian world, working with horses throughout her life in many different roles including working with to Olympians to helping horses in rehab. Realizing the need for mental health and wellness outside of traditional talk therapy, she became certificate as a PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, leaning in to help facilitate the human/horse connection. Tutti is proud to be a part to the Heart of the Horse family.

RIDING INSTRUCTOR

Makaela grew up around horses and first began riding in Tucson before moving to San Diego, where she learned both English and Western riding styles. In high school, she competed in reining and ranch riding with the Southern California Reining Horse Association and won the title of Ranch Riding Youth Champion in 2017 with her heart horse, Jose. She strongly believes in the therapeutic nature of relationships with horses, as many of the horses she has connected with over her life have helped her navigate and move past difficult times. Outside of petting horses, she enjoys music, painting, and collecting antique books.

RIDING INSTRUCTOR

Barb’s horse obsession started with watching cowboy shows on black and white TV on Saturday mornings. She started riding and starting to train an unbroken horse at 14. For the past 50 years, she has trained and shown many breeds of horses. In the beginning, it was western riding and reining, then when she built her own stable, she focused on dressage. This also included instructing clients to ride and show their own horses, as well as students that took weekly lessons. Some of her students went from walk and trot to Grand Prix. In April 2024, she moved from Minnesota to Tucson to semi-retire and enjoy a warmer climate. As seen in the photo, her fun riding for the past 10 years was competing Cowboy Mounted Shooting.

RIDING INSTRUCTOR

Victoriana has been riding for most of her life, mostly training and showing in the hunter/jumpers on her horse Winston. Victoriana is now riding dressage and enjoys learning and improving her riding and teaching. Victoriana’s main focus is teaching and making students feel confident in themselves and their riding abilities. When Victoriana is not teaching, she enjoys riding her four horses, reading, and spending time with her friends and family.

RIDING INSTRUCTOR

With over 15 years of experience working with horses, Audra brings a deep passion and well-rounded skill set to her role as a riding instructor. She has taught children of all ages and skill levels, led scenic trail rides, and has a background in jumping. In addition to her work in the saddle, Audra has also worked in the veterinary field with horses, giving her a strong understanding of equine health and care. While she doesn’t currently own horses, her lifelong dedication to horsemanship shines through in every lesson!

RIDING INSTRUCTOR

With 15 years immersed in the equestrian world, Jack brings a high level of experience from saddle seat to hunter jumper, barrel racing, and western pleasure. His passion lies in sharing the joy of horses and helping individuals discover the therapeutic benefits of horsemanship, both in and out of the saddle.

RODENT CONTROL MANAGER

Woody was found in the wood shop on the property, and has been a beloved team member ever since. He takes his role as rodent control manager very seriously - you will never find him sleeping on the job. When he isn’t performing his duties, he likes to spend his time sitting in peoples’ laps. At night you can find him inside with his parents watching his favorite stories on TV.

COYOTE CONTROL MANAGER

Cody is often seen chasing coyotes away on the 15 acres of trails. Other aspects of his job include hanging around the manure pile to make sure it is up to snuff, and refusing to get out of UPS drivers’ vehicles. We can always count on Cody for a friendly greeting.