Leadership Team
Holding the Reins: Our Leadership & Board
At Crossroads Corral, our leadership team is the driving force behind our mission and vision. Each leader brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our cause. Together, they guide our organization with passion, dedication, and a shared goal of transforming lives through the power of horses.
Julie Hester
Julie Hester’s heart has always been focused on youth and horses. Since she was a teenager she had a calling to be led into youth ministry. She grew up participating in 4-H and learned the importance of Head, Heart, Health and Hands and how it can impact the community and world around her. After graduating, she came back and served as a Seminole County 4-H club leader and has continued to volunteer at 4-H for over 15 years. Julie has seen first-hand how interactions with horses have made a difference in youth development and in the building of life skills. Over the past 20 years she has gained experience in barn management, equine nutrition, horse transporting, working with problem horses and instructing youth to young adults in horsemanship and competitive riding. As well as owning and operating her own personal equine facility, she currently owns 6 horses which she has loved, cared for, and trained for over 10 years. She has had the privilege of working with dozens of riders, some of which she has assisted from age 10 through high school graduation, college and beyond. She believes in investing in lives more than anything else.
Lindsay Brim
Tiffany Hynes
Tiffany Hynes is a single mom, who loves horses and is making strides towards ending the stigma around mental health! She is a certified Equine Specialist with an unwavering passion for the healing power of horses. Tiffany has been dedicated to Crossroads Corral for over two years and has been assisting to manage the volunteers and now will be volunteering as Assistant Executive Director.
From the tender age of 5, Tiffany immersed herself in the world of horses, cultivating a profound connection that would later become instrumental in her own journey of overcoming trauma. Having experienced firsthand the therapeutic impact of these majestic creatures, Tiffany has dedicated her life to harnessing their empathetic nature in aiding others on their path to healing. Currently pursuing a degree in psychology, Tiffany seamlessly integrates her academic pursuits with her hands-on equine expertise, aspiring to bridge the gap between psychology and the profound benefits of equine therapy. With a heart that beats in tandem with the hoofbeats of her equine companions, Tiffany is a beacon of strength and compassion, committed to guiding others through their own transformative journeys.
Board Members
Carroll Woehr
Karen Connors
David Brim
Stacey Almarode
Kathy Wilkes
Michael Adams
Hello, my name is Michael Adams. From a young age, I can’t remember a time when my aspirations of being an advocate for others one day did not exist. Due to extremely repressive and challenging circumstances surrounding my upbringing, I was appointed a young attorney to be my guardian ad litem to ensure my best interests, basic needs and overall wellbeing was handled properly as my parents were unequipped to make sound decisions on my behalf. I watched this young lawyer tirelessly advocate for me and my rights as a child. I admired his knowledge, strength, determination, work ethic and ability to continually advocate for me in my time of need. By the time I turned 8 years old, I knew I would one day be a voice for the less fortunate and was determined to fight for the rights of anyone who is bullied, pushed down or overwhelmed by the tactics, manipulation and control of powerful entities.
Shortly after high school I enlisted in the U.S. Marines where I served on active duty from 1999-2004. During my five years on active duty, I had the privilege of serving in Southern California, Southeast Georgia, and Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
After law school, I served the citizens of Florida as an Assistant Public Defender in Naples. As an APD, I handled cases that ranged from minor criminal traffic infractions to first degree felonies, punishable by life sentences for those who could not afford legal representation. Everyone, regardless of social status, has the same basic rights and I learned how to protect and ensure that people are treated fairly in our justice system.
After serving the wonderful citizens of this great state, I moved to Orlando and spent the 5 years representing large insurance companies. In 2021 I opened my own law firm with my current law partner where we continue to advocate for Florida citizens all throughout the state.
I also proudly serve as a Board of Director for the Harbor House of Central Florida where I am on Executive Committee currently serving as the Secretary. I am also the current Chair for the Orlando Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council serving our central Florida veterans.
Kelsey Wyatt
Kelsey Wyatt, a dedicated financial business analyst and proud alumna of Florida State University, combines her strong analytical skills with a compassionate heart. Despite her demanding career, she finds fulfillment in giving back to her community through volunteering, embodying the spirit of service instilled in her during her university years. Kelsey’s commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond boardrooms and financial statements, touching the lives of those in need.
Behind her confident professional facade, Kelsey bravely faces the challenges posed by anxiety. She has become an advocate for mental health awareness, openly discussing her own experiences to reduce stigma and provide support to others struggling with similar issues. Spending time at the farm serves as a calming retreat, allowing her to unwind and connect with nature.
Marcela Jativa
I’m Marcela, a dedicated pediatrician with a strong commitment to the health and happiness of children. Being a mother to my beautiful daughter, Kamila, has not only enriched my life but has also deepened my understanding of the unique challenges that parents and children face.
My professional journey in pediatrics has been nothing short of fulfilling. The opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of young ones and provide them with the best care possible is a privilege I cherish every day.
Beyond the limits of my medical practice, I describe myself as an animal lover. Horses, in particular, hold a special place in my heart. Their grace and majesty have always captivated me, and I’ve come to appreciate the remarkable ways in which they can aid us in both physical and emotional healing.
It was through my personal journey and growing interest in mental health that I discovered the incredible therapeutic potential of horses. Witnessing firsthand how these gentle giants can help individuals overcome their emotional challenges has been an eye-opening experience. This revelation led me to join Crossroads Corral, where I hope to bridge my expertise as a pediatrician with the profound healing abilities of horses, contributing to the well-being of both children and adults alike.
Laura Chitty
I am a grateful mom of three amazing children, an animal lover, and I am passionate about caring for people, especially first responders. I am also proud to be a police officer with twenty years of experience in the law enforcement profession. Part of my time included grant writing and grant management for various law enforcement needs. My career awarded me the opportunity to collaborate with a local government agency’s peer support program where I became certified through UCF Restores REACT training. This allowed me to introduce Crossroads Corral to the agency, and now Crossroads Corral has become a valuable resource for its first responders. I have been volunteering with Crossroads Corral for just over a year, and the horses have made an incredible impact on my overall mental health and wellbeing. I look forward to being a part of Crossroad Corral’s board, and I am excited to bring my experience and knowledge to the team!