MEET OUR TEAM

 Hi Guys! My name is Ali Johnson and I am from Prior Lake, Mn. I am the Intake Coordinator for HH& H. I have rescued 4 horses from the kill pen and adopted one horse from our very own Healing Hearts & Hooves Rescue. I also own a goat named Pirate. I grew up in California always hitting the trails with my best friend. I never imagined I could have my own horse let alone several. I am a single mom of an 8 year old daughter named Lucy and together we have found our happy place at Ruby Ridge with my best friend Keri. Being apart of this world has completely changed me. Every day we head out to the farm feels like an adventure and a sanctuary. I am incredibly blessed to be apart of this rescue and I hope to help many more people find the happiness that Lucy and I have found. 

 Hello! I'm Sarah and I am the Foster Coordinator for HH&H! I was lucky enough to grow up with horses in my backyard. I spent most of my childhood on the back of a horse. I was an active 4H and show kid until I moved away for college. This last year I was able to find a way to bring horses back into my life. My family added 2 paints to our crazy zoo last fall. When we were looking for a horse for our daughter, we stumbled upon RRP and Keri. The wonderful support and friendship offered by Healing Hearts has been truly amazing. I am looking forward to helping bring the joy of horses to more people and save some gentle souls in the process. 

 Hey Everyone! My name is Nicole and I am the Adoption Coordinator with HH&H. I have been volunteering with Protecting Paws for the last 5 years and love helping animals find their forever home. Growing up I worked with horses on my aunt's farm and had one of my own. I went many years without a horse until this February when I saved my two sweet boys. All of my kids love these horses and we spend many hours out at the farm soaking up the love and friendship they give. These animals provide the best therapy imaginable I am excited to work with this amazing team to help save horses and show them forever love! 

 Hi, all. My name is Amber, the Medical Director for HH&H. I have always had a huge heart for animals. Ever since I was young, i knew I wanted to help animals and become a Vet Tech. I have been doing it since 2008 and have a strong passion for helping the sick or injured. I have also helped with Keri's other rescue for the last several years.
While I have mainly worked with dogs and cats, I have always had a special place in my heart for horses. There is just something so special about them. Being around them brings peace and healing to the soul. Until recently I have not owned my own, but most of my life had friends or family with horses. This past fall, I took a leap and decided to make a lifelong dream come true. I rescued my horse, Malachi, from the kill pen. What a journey it has been! He has taught me so much and given me so much joy.
Like Keri, I struggled much of my life with anxiety and depression. Animals help more than I can explain, especially horses. And recently I realized another dream. I want to help others heal. I believe horses can be a big part of this. They touch the soul. These horses that we rescue have been dumped and tossed aside. Some have been abused and neglected. Some just need a second chance. Some need to learn to trust again and heal, inside and out. My dream is that we can help people heal while these horses are given a chance to heal as well.
I believe there is much to be learned from these beautiful creatures. And I can't wait to see this rescue blossom. Keri has such a huge heart and I am so excited to be on this journey with her. 

Hi everyone, I would just like to introduce myself, my name is Kashmere - I am a part of Healing Hearts and Hooves Fundraising Team!

I am honored to be here making a difference with all of you. I started volunteering with animal rescues 3 years ago as a dog and cat Foster for another rescue Keri (our founder) runs; Protecting Paws Animal Rescue. While I still plan on fostering with PPAR, I am excited at the opportunity to be a part of Healing Hearts and Hooves, as horses are my true passion in life!
I have a professional background in event planning for a major beverage company, so I am humbled at the opportunity to put my skills to use for this amazing cause. I currently live in the West Suburbs with my German Shepherd, Bauer, and cat, Tiger, and I have one horse (so far... 😉) named Dixie, that I board near by. Dixie and I currently trail ride and will be starting endurance riding this summer!

Thank you so much for reading, I look forward to meeting everyone in the near future!

 Hey guys! My name is Faith Asplin, I am the trainer at HH&H! I have had a strong love and passion for horses my whole life! I have lived out in South Dakota for half my life and now I’m back here doing what I love, which is helping others! I have 4 amazing horses and 3 great dogs! I’m here for any basic questions or needs and to help you bond with your horse! I’m pretty silly and you could probably hear me a mile away with my laugh, but I enjoy what I do, and I love putting smiles on each individuals face. Keri has been a Godsend sent to me and my animals! Ontop of everything, has been a close dear friend of mine! If you ever need help with your horse here at HH&H feel free to contact me! Keri and I, and the rest of the crew, are here to give these loving horses what they deserve, which is a lifetime of love and happiness. 

 Hey everyone, I’m Amaya! I’m the photographer for HH&H! I found a love for photography at a very young age, it’s like therapy for me. l love the feeling that comes with capturing something special for someone. I have always loved horses and just recently got one of my own! Granger is the sweetest boy and has shown me a whole new love for these beautiful animals. I love photographing these beautiful creatures and I’m so excited for this journey with HH&H! I can’t wait to see where the rescue goes and the see lives we can save! 

 Hey everyone, I’m Noah. I do most of the transport and maintenance on the farm for HH&H. I have served in the MN National Guard for about 5 years and will be leaving on a deployment this January. I found my love for horses when I was introduced to a special girl named Marge (the belgian). She showed me a new found love for these animals. I adopted a horse of my own recently, his name is Granger and he has become my best friend. I’m so happy to be a part of this rescue and be a big help for the future. 

BIO COMING SOON.... 

 Hi! I'm Keri! Since I was 4 years old, horses have been apart of my life. I grew up showing my friend’s horse, “Fluffer” the BEST Quarter Horse Gelding on the planet. I showed until I was 16 and then thought boys were more interesting (stupid me- haha!). I would beg to go on local trail rides any chance I could. Every vacation had to include horseback riding.
I started a dog/cat rescue called Protecting Paws Animal Rescue in 2012. My plan was to eventually start taking in horses, but it felt like nobody knew that we were willing to take them in, so I gave up on that dream. Every horse I own (except Ruby) is a rescue- either adopted through a rescue or saved from the slaughter pipeline. Every pig I own is a rescue. My cow was a rescue. Every dog and cat was a rescue. Rescue is my life. Literally. I love the underdogs. The ones that nobody has a “use” for. I just want to give them a soft landing and a retirement home- for however long that is.
Last year, my husband and I bought a 40 acre horse farm. It was previously used as a well known thoroughbred farm, and was setup perfectly for our horses! I knew this was my chance. My chance to really make a difference. We have saved over 30 horses in that year, some have left us, most are still here.
It’s about to get personal......
I have suffered from depression for a long time. I know many veterans who suffer from PTSD and I know how therapeutic these animals can be. Whether riding, or grooming, or simply just being within reach of them. They have a calming presence about them and seem to make you forget about life for a bit. So, I figured, why not incorporate a therapy program into our rescue. Where we can not only help these animals, but people as well. So, we decided on the name “Healing Hearts & Hooves”. We are still in the early process of implementing the therapy program, but it is coming. And it’s coming soon. 

I am so thankful for your support and I look forward to meeting you!

COMING SOON....