MEET OUR TEAM

Vicki Eiland

Program Director
Certified Riding Instructor (CTRI)

Vicki’s journey in therapeutic horsemanship began in 2011 when she started as a dedicated volunteer at New Heights. Her commitment and love for the mission led her to join the staff in 2016. Vicki holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Florida State University and is a PATH International Certified Riding Instructor (CTRI) as well as a PATH Certified Mentor. She is driven by a love for helping riders grow in confidence, strength, and self-esteem through equine-assisted therapies. As Program Director, Vicki is dedicated to creating an environment at New Heights where riders, volunteers and families feel embraced and valued. She is honored to be a part of this exceptional team committed to enhancing and enriching the lives of others.

Caroline Krieger

Volunteer Coordinator

Caroline’s lifelong passion for horses led her to New Heights Therapeutic Riding Center in 2021, where she began as a volunteer. Her dedication and enthusiasm quickly launched her to the role of Volunteer Coordinator in 2022, a position she embraces wholeheartedly. Caroline cherishes collaborating with the remarkable New Heights community—volunteers, staff, riders, and horses—whom she regards as an extended family. A true team player, Caroline finds joy in fostering happiness and believes the barn is a haven for cheerful, smiling faces. She considers it a privilege to contribute to New Heights and lives by the motto, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”

Paula Kent

Before joining the staff at New Heights March of 2025, Paula began as a New Heights volunteer in October of 2023. She has a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Paula has worked for her church as the accounts receivable manager and event planner for over 15 years. Paula, along with her husband of 36 years, also loves volunteering at her church, as well as Mary's Song Restoration Center, and also in the community. She has a heart to make people feel special and loves to encourage others on their journey no matter where they are in life. In her spare time, she and her husband enjoy trail riding, hiking, biking and tennis. She has always had a love for horses and children and she's very grateful to have found New Heights. She feels this provides a unique opportunity to see students overcome their challenges through therapeutic riding with their amazing herd of horses . Paula is grateful and blessed to have found this wonderful place where she can serve others, help the mission of New Heights continue to grow, and work along side such an amazing staff, parents and students.

Operations Coordinator and Ambassador

Caroline Acklin

Barn and Herd Manager

Larke Williams

Physical Therapist/Hippotherapy

Larke is a physical therapist by trade with a passion for helping others achieve their full potential. Following completion of her doctorate degree in physical therapy from William Carey University in 2021, Larke entered the workforce with a special interest in pediatrics. Following years of experience in the treatment of movement disorders for patients of all ages, she expanded her practice by completing part one and two of the American Hippotherapy Association courses. These courses provided her with the knowledge of how to utilize equine movement in her physical therapy sessions. Larke is dedicated to helping her patients achieve their goals and maximize their independence. Outside of work, Larke enjoys spending time with her husband, her family, and her dogs. She believes in patient centered care and is committed to supporting patients every step of the way on their journey.

Mike Arnold

Development Director

Nadia Bordelon

Marketing and Social Media

Mareike Budo

PATH Certified Instructor

Mareike is a certified PATH International therapeutic riding instructor and mentor. A certification as Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning has inspired the need for her to grow intellectually, she currently pursues a master’s in clinical mental health care counseling and will sit for her state exam and licensure (LPC) in fall 2020. Mareike is eager to share her passion and love for equine assisted therapies and activities not only with riders & their horses, but also with the entire New Heights team. Mareike has six horses, five of which are rescues who aspire their dream job as therapeutic riding horses. She also has 3 dogs, who have all German names: Anton, Gustav & Klaus.