MEET OUR TEAM

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

Certified Riding Instructor (CTRI)

  • Caroline’s lifelong passion for horses led her to New Heights Therapeutic Riding Center in 2021, where what began as volunteer work quickly became a calling. Her dedication, compassion, and natural leadership soon elevated her to the role of Volunteer Coordinator in 2022—a position she has embraced with heart and purpose ever since.

    In 2023, Caroline began her journey toward becoming a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) and, through unwavering determination and countless hours of study and hands-on experience, proudly received her PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor certification in 2025. This milestone stands as a testament to her commitment to the mission of New Heights and her passion for making a difference in the lives of others.

    Caroline’s warmth and positivity light up the barn. She finds deep fulfillment in connecting with every part of the New Heights family—volunteers, staff, riders, and horses alike. Whether she’s cheering on a rider’s progress, encouraging a new volunteer, or sharing laughter during a busy lesson day, Caroline leads with kindness and authenticity. To her, the barn isn’t just a place to work—it’s a sanctuary filled with purpose, joy, and hope.

    Caroline considers it an honor to serve the New Heights community and lives each day by her favorite motto: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”

Paula Kent

Operations Coordinator and Ambassador

  • 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.

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.

Natalie Rideau

Mike Arnold

Development Director

Nadia Bordelon

Marketing and Social Media

Equine Program Manager

  • Natalie’s love of horses began at the age of six when she took riding lessons one summer. What started as a childhood interest quickly grew into a lifelong passion. During high school, she competed regionally in hunter-jumper and dressage disciplines and later rode on her college equestrian team. Her extensive equine experience also includes providing riding instruction and retraining off-the-track Thoroughbreds for second careers. Natalie considers herself a perpetual student of all things horse-related and is always eager to continue learning and growing within the equestrian community.

    Natalie holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies from American University and a Master’s degree in Tourism Management from SKEMA Business School. She spent the majority of her professional career working with international trade organizations, including the World Trade Center of New Orleans, Louisiana Economic Development, and the World Trade Centers Association in New York.

    After retiring in 2020, Natalie devoted more time to her passions, including caring for her off-the-track Thoroughbred, Kenzie, renovating homes, and volunteering in her community. She began volunteering at New Heights in February 2025 and joined the staff as Equine Program Manager in February 2026.

    Natalie is deeply grateful for the opportunity to share her love and knowledge of horses with others. She feels fortunate to work each day alongside the dedicated staff, volunteers, students, and horses who make the New Heights family so special.