Angela Jackson she/her

Founder / President

Angela Jackson she/her

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 she/her

Sponsor of Daisy

Carissa is an innovative strategic leader with more than two decades of experience developing and implementing marketing strategies and data systems. 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 Equine Assisted Therapy 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!

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Julie Werner she/her

Board Member

Julie Werner she/her

Sponsor of Squeaks

In Julie’s youth, horses were a huge source of comfort and connection for her, as she spent much time in nature with them. As life moved on past childhood, Julie drifted from her relationship with horses and flowed into the greater world at large, but never lost the love she had for these beautiful animals. When she found herself needing guidance through a life transition, she was introduced to Equus coaching and sought out Angela’s help. At the time, she did not know how much horses would again be there to support her many years down the road. The horses have taught her a new way of connecting, how to listen and get out of her head, and how to be present and patient. The experience Julie has had with Angela and her horses has changed her life for the better. Julie is volunteering with Heartland Haven Foundation to help bring to others the positive changes she has seen in herself.

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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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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.