Founder and President of WHOA
Born and raised in Germany, our director and trainer, Stefanie Schaefer is a lifelong student of the horse.
She has been training horses of various ages, breeds and sizes on 2 continents since age 8, working almost exclusively with wild horses since 2017.
Stefanie has been helping people with their horses and giving lessons since the early 2000s.
Her academic background in biology with a focus on animal behavior and husbandry, as well as human psychology and behavior support and inform her work, making her uniquely qualified to understand and effectively communicate with horses and humans alike.
Stefanie is an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) and works with both children and adults, both in person and via telehealth.
In her free time, Stefanie continues to learn about horses and horsemanship, spending time with the WHOA Ambassador Mustangs and her German Shepherds, dancing and exploring the Mountain West, ideally on horseback: She regularly takes the WHOA Ambassador Mustangs on backcountry rides and overnight pack trips.
Academics:
MS Professional Counseling – Grand Canyon University 2018
BS Biology – Leipzig University 2008
Taylor Martin
Equine Care Specialist
Taylor has been part of the team at Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy since November 2019, serving as the organization’s Equine Care Specialist.
She is dedicated to the daily care and well-being of the Mustangs, ensuring they receive the attention, handling, and support they need as they transition from wild to willing.
When she’s not bringing home red mares and geldings, Taylor raises, sells, and shows Highland cattle. Pictured here is Ambassador Mustang Tiny on a pack trip with Taylor.
Danielle Lord
Digital Marketing Manager
Danielle is the Digital Marketing Manager for Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy, where she oversees the organization’s website, digital presence, and online outreach efforts.
She has been managing and maintaining the WHOA website since 2023, helping support the organization’s mission through accessible information, storytelling, and community engagement.
Danielle lives in Florida with her active duty United States Navy husband and their two children. Pictured here is 10YO Antelope Valley, NV grulla Mustang mare Kalea who was gentled by Stefanie.
Kelsey
Screening Coordinator
Kelsey serves as the Screening Coordinator for Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy and volunteers with the organization once a month.
After adopting DG filly Button through the program, she became passionate about helping connect Mustangs with the right homes. Today, she oversees the applicant screening process, helping ensure each adoption is a successful match for both horse and adopter.
Chris Peterson
Advisory Board Member
Chris is an astrophysicist and educator. He founded Quantum Diagnostics in 1983 and developed much of the technology now used for cataract removal. He has 20 years experience on the Board of the non-profit corporation that operates Guffey Community Charter School.
Patty Latham, DVM
Advisory Board Member
Patty graduated from Colorado State University in 1975. She has practiced veterinary medicine for forty-five years, married to partner Jim Latham, Jr., DVM, 24 of those years in the Napa Valley. They then operated an equine only general practice in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, and in Larimer County while teaching equine dentistry and nutrition at Colorado State University. In 2015, Dr Patty Latham retired in Chromo, Colorado. Dr. Latham has published over 20 case reports and features as a freelance writer for EQUUS Magazine, America’s Horse Magazine, and online. She is the author of Napa Valley Vets, The Balance of Lives and a novel, Colorado Blood, and a sequel coming soon, Colorado Tears. Dr. Patty works with a four- year-old and an eight-year-old mustang. The Lathams hike and ride in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado and spend time with their kids and grandkids.
James M. Latham, Jr., DVM
Advisory Board Member
Jim is a 1975 graduate of Colorado State University. He practiced equine medicine and surgery for 24 years as president of Napa Valley Veterinary Hospital, and 19 years with wife Patty Latham DVM as Mill Creek Veterinary Service in both Pagosa Springs and Fort Collins, Colorado. Jim taught equine dentistry at Colorado State University in both the professional program and in the Equine Science program. Jim rides a 21-year-old Quarter Horse and an 8-year-old mustang in the South San Juan Mountains of Colorado.
Victoria Wertgen
CPA
Victoria Wertgen, CPA and Owner is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Oregon Society of Certified Public Accountants. She served on the Board of Directors of the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine for 10 years. She received her CPA license in 1981 and has been in private practice since 1986.Ms. Wertgen is a Certified Pro Advisor for Quick Books and has been since the inception of the program by Intuit.
