Katie Luessenhop

Program Coordinator, PATH Intl. CTRI, PATH Certified Mentor, Lead Instructor

Katie joined the SMILES team as a staff member in 2013, however, she was involved with the program as a volunteer for much longer. Like many young girls, Katie loved being around horses, and since the SMILES facility was only a mile away from her childhood home, it was an ideal place for her to volunteer. After graduating from UW-Whitewater with a degree in Elementary/Middle School Education, her passion for teaching, helping people, and being around horses called her back to the SMILES program. Having witnessed the positive impact of equine-assisted activities during her time as a volunteer, Katie knew that continuing her involvement with SMILES would be the perfect fit for her.  Katie is the Volunteer Coordinator and has been a PATH Intl Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor since 2014. In 2015, Katie also became a Certified Mentor for new instructors and has successfully mentored several individuals through the PATH Instructor Certification. Working as an Instructor at SMILES has made Katie a firm believer that horses help bridge the gap between disability and ability. Katie is incredibly grateful to work with an amazing team of volunteers and staff and, together, make a difference in the lives of individuals with special needs. 

classes@visitSMILES.org 262-882-3470, Option 2