Angela Jackson she/her

Founder / President

Angela Jackson

Angela has been helping and motivating people to move forward after adversity since 2015. She is a Certified Life and Equus Coach who helps people tap into their inner wisdom. She teaches people how to move past limiting beliefs so they can live the life they desire. She is the founder of Heartland Haven Foundation and lives on the ranch with the rescued horses, Baxter the dog, and Doug the barn cat. It is her honor to watch people grow and transform into their best selves. Angela founded Heartland Haven Foundation with the hopes of filling a gap between clients that could afford coaching and those that could not. Her hope is to reach people that would not normally be able to participate in Equus coaching/therapy. She believes everyone should have the opportunity to experience these beautiful animals up close and benefit from all they have to offer.

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Carissa Burlakos she/her

Vice President

Carissa Burlakos

Sponsor of Daisy / Owner of Rio

Carissa is an innovative, strategic, and data-driven leader with more than two decades of experience developing and implementing marketing strategies, data systems and managing marketing data analytics. She combines vision, creative talent, and strong business acumen to transform concepts into high-impact results. Born and raised in Central Florida, Carissa received a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of Central Florida—Go Knights!

In Carissa’s early adulthood, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer. Attacking cancer head on is a hard-fought battle; and while it takes an extreme physical toll on the body, it also deals large blows of emotional damage that go beyond just coping with the disease. Later in life, Carissa faced more adversity. This time, she sought support through Equus Life-Coaching and was blown away by her experiences with Angela, and her partner horse, Daisy. With the emotional connection that was formed with Daisy, Carissa gained a renewed appreciation for life, and new paths for her life were forged. This experience gave her a deep appreciation and devotion to the mission of Heartland Haven Foundation of improving the quality of life for so many—one outreach program at a time! Carissa believes so much in Heartland's mission, that she is the proud new owner of our newest member of the herd Rio!

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Alice Newton she/her

Secretary

Alice Newton

Alice has been assisting people on their journey to health and wholeness for 17 years. She is an Acupuncturist, Reiki practitioner, spiritual sage and perpetual student of life. Embracing a holistic approach to wellness, she seeks to help people balance the three aspects of their Being – mind, body and spirit. Utilizing the mind’s powerful influence on the body and health, she teaches people how to access and examine their limiting thoughts and beliefs to create harmony in the body and in life.

Working with Angela as a workshop co-facilitator, Alice has seen firsthand the tremendous healing power of Equus coaching. Some of the transformations have been nothing short of miraculous. The Heartland Haven Foundation was founded to afford people from all walks of life the opportunity to experience the healing energy of these magnificent animals in a safe, loving and peaceful environment. Alice is honored and humbled to continue to support Angela, the herd, and the participants on their journey to wellbeing.

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Julie Baynum she/her

Treasurer

Julie Baynum

Julie grew up on a farm in a small town in Washington state, surrounded by horses, cows, pigs, dogs, and cats. She has always loved animals and taking care of them. In Julie’s youth, she was a pet sitter for family and friends. Julie moved to Apopka, Florida in 1992 and took up bookkeeping for her husband’s business, as well as a medical office. She is excited to be able to combine her bookkeeping skills with her love for animals and compassion for those in need.

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Lori Link she/her

Fundraising Coordinator

Lori Link

Lori grew up on a farm in a small town in North Dakota. Growing up on the farm she was always surrounded by cows, horses, cats, and dog along with other animals. In 1995 Lori moved to Altamonte Springs with her husband where they have raised two great children. When the kids were growing up Lori was very active in the children’s schooling, when she was on the PTA board, she raised funds for the schools that her children attended.

From 2006-2019 Lori worked with special needs children in the Seminole County Public Schools. Lori loves helping people out, along with being a Central Florida Realtor, she volunteers with Heartland Haven Foundation by helping with fundraising. She believes in HHF because it helps people near and dear to her heart, not only people who have special needs, but also the people who care for them.

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Beth Higgins she/her

Spiritual Advisor

Beth Higgins

As a Central Florida community member since 1972, Beth has been a licensed Massage Therapist since 2002. She started a very successful independent practice right after receiving her license. A year later, her dear friend, also a massage therapist, was diagnosed with breast cancer. When Beth asked how she could be helpful, her friend said, “If you can care for my patients that would be the biggest gift”. So, in 2003 she joined Florida Hospital, now AdventHealth, outpatient rehab to care for these wonderful people. Since then, Beth has spent more than two decades as a therapeutic massage therapist, helping people overcome injuries, surgeries, chronic pain, as well as relief from their everyday life stressors.

As a Spiritual Ambassador within AdventHealth, as well as a Minister in her community since 2006, she lives the mission statement she has proudly been a part of, “Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ”. Beth is accessible to support team members and patients alike during times of need with anything from health issue referrals to being a shoulder on a rough day.

This year, she and her family became active enthusiastic volunteers at HHF, when they personally were affected by the healing powers of equine therapy, as Beth’s daughter—an active 11-year law enforcement officer—found healing and peace working with horses. After years of coping with unimaginable experiences during her career, and the death of her Sargent and fellow officer in the line of duty, she found a safe and trusted place to work through her emotional struggles. Seeing first-hand the significant impact this type of program can have on first responders, as well as others in the community battling mental health issues and life challenges, compelled Beth to take her skills as a spiritual leader and health care facilitator to HHF. She now has the ability to use the gifts God has entrusted her with to lift humans and horses alike.

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Team Members

Kate Pompei

Kate Pompei, LMFT – Licensed Therapist

Kate is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and has been working in the counseling field since 2010. She has experience working with couples, individuals, and families. Kate has received a certification in Trauma Informed Care and her therapeutic focuses are depression, trauma, PTSD, relationship issues, self esteem, and substance use. Kate has worked in private practice, outpatient clinics and at several non-profit organizations. Kate will support HHF by attending the therapy sessions on-site. She prides herself in being warm and empathetic, and at the same time working to empower clients to become the best version of themselves.

Christine Hanley (1)

Christine Hanley – Volunteer 

Christine grew up on a small farm in Eden, New York where she had horses, chickens, geese and ducks. Loving all animals, she worked in a Veterinary office for many years in Central Florida. Christine has worked with many non-profits over the years, volunteering and making a difference in the community. Christine is an avid gardener and loves working out in nature. Christine is passionate about the mission of HHF and knows first hand the healing effect animals have on humans. Christine volunteers at HHF with her dog Hagen on a regular basis to help feed, as well as help take care of the horses and property.