Meet Our Staff

Lisa Kafka, Executive Director

Lisa graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with a degree in Occupational Therapy. She is currently both a clinician and Executive Director of Exceptional Equestrians and is the owner/administrator of Country Kids pediatric outpatient clinic.

Lisa has incorporated equines into her treatment of children and adults for over 25 years. She has multiple specialty areas including certification through the American Hippotherapy Association as a Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist (HPCS), as well as certification through PATH, Intl. as both a riding instructor (CTRI), and an equine specialist in mental health (ESMHL).

Lisa is also a Neuro-developmental Treatment Association (NDT) certified clinician.

In her spare time, Lisa enjoys riding her horse Annie or working with the Exceptional Equestrians herd.

“Horses have long been an important component of both my personal and professional life. I became an OT to work with people and help them find strategies to overcome obstacles. The opportunity to combine these two passions is a dream come true.”

Contact Lisa at lkpediatrics@aol.com

Linda Pintar, Business Manager

Linda Pintar’s working career spans over several entrepreneurial successes and is currently the Benefits Manager at Miller Electric Mfg. Company.  She has a Business Degree with an emphasis on Human Resources.

Her love of horses started early in life. From her first ½ Arabian mare to the several others that she was privileged to start, train and show.  She is solidly convinced of the amazing bond these special animals can bring to improve the lives of those who engage with them.

As Linda begins her transition to retirement, she believes she has found her purpose and says she is humbly grateful to be a part of this exceptional organization where committed professionals, happy volunteers and dedicated family members help bring about amazing changes in our clients from week to week.

Contact Linda at Lpintar@exceptionalequestrians.org

Molly Kafka, Volunteer Coordinator

Molly has been involved with Exceptional Equestrians for over 20 years. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she received a degree in biomedical sciences. After spending some time with Colorado University’s School of Medicine, Molly returned to Exceptional Equestrians to assume the role of Patient and Volunteer Coordinator. She is also currently in the process of obtaining her doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy, specializing in pediatrics and mental health.

Molly has always had a passion for medicine and the healing power of horses. She is an avid runner and outdoors fan, and also has a hidden passion for mustard. Molly enjoys working with the many volunteers, riders, and families at Exceptional Equestrians as they remind her of why she chose such a unique and rewarding career.

Contact Molly at mkafka@exceptionalequestrians.org

Aaron Geitner, Director of Development & Marketing

Aaron joined Exceptional Equestrians in 2020 and serves as Director of Development and Marketing. He is responsible for all development, fundraising, marketing, communications and public relations activities for Exceptional Equestrians.

He holds an undergraduate degree in Business/Communications from St. Norbert College with an emphasis in Leadership Studies and Nonverbal Communications.

Aaron brings extensive and diverse experience to the role, having held leadership roles in both the corporate and non-profit sectors. He began his career working in the insurance industry holding principal positions with State Farm and Allstate Insurance companies. He also served as General Manager with Russ Darrow Group, a leading automotive supplier with 15 locations around Wisconsin. Most recently Aaron served as Director of Vehicle Program, Marketing and Public Relations with Rawhide, Inc.

Contact Aaron at ageitner@exceptionalequestrians.org

Carol Klak, OTR, MA

Carol is a Registered Occupational Therapist with 30+ years of experience. A graduate of UW-Milwaukee in OT, Carol also has certification in Guidance and Counseling from UW-Whitewater and a Masters degree from St. Mary’s University in Winona, MN.

Carol has been involved at Exceptional Equestrians for over 25 years and is also works in the Green Bay Area Public School District.

Carol has extensive experience in providing OT to individuals with autism, anxiety and children who have experienced trauma. She has also completed additional courses provided through American Hippotherapy Association and PATH, Int.

When not working, Carol enjoys spending time with family and friends, biking and walking her German Shepherd Shelby.

Contact Carol at cklak@exceptionalequestrians.org

Nyla Quinn, OT

“ I couldn’t have asked for a more rewarding career.”  Nyla graduated from Colorado State University in 1998, with a degree in occupational therapy. Nyla has worked with a variety of populations which included inpatient and outpatient, school system, homebased pediatrics, and equine assisted OT. Her work experience brings a broad perspective and understanding for the needs of clients and their families. “I’ve been working with kiddos on the horse since 2009. There is a beautiful empowering connection between the client and the horse, something truly special.”

Elizabeth Karrmann, Equine Manager and Adaptive Riding Instructor

Elizabeth is a graduate of UW-River Falls with a B.S. in Animal Science and an emphasis in Equine Science.

She started riding when she was 14 through 4H and is experienced in western and English riding styles, as well as some driving. Her favorite riding style is dressage.

Elizabeth has extensive experience with equine-assisted therapy. At 14, she began as a volunteer with Free SPIRIT Riders in Fond du Lac and eventually served as their equine manager for four years before joining Exceptional Equestrians.

Elizabeth is certified through PATH, Intl as a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor.

Contact Elizabeth at Ekarrmann@exceptionalequestrians.org

Michaela Diedrick, Office Assistant

Micaela is tasked with greeting our clients and families. She holds a degree in business administration from St. Norbert College.

Kellie Schmieder, Physical Therapy Assistant

Kellie received her associate degree in Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. She has been a volunteer at Exceptional Equestrians for many years before transitioning to the therapy team. There is such joy that comes from the kids, parents, staff, and volunteers. She knew this was a truly unique and special way to give back and she was hooked after the very first day she volunteered.

Kellie is also a dance teacher and enjoys everything art and dancing.

Nicole Behnke, Occupational Therapist, CAAT

Nicole graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin in November 2020 with a Master’s degree in occupational therapy following a Bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation science in 2019. In February 2021, she completed a 2-year elective program to become a Certified Animal Assisted Therapist (CAAT) through CUW. This program teaches student therapists to use animals as a tool to help patients work toward achieving their therapy goals. During the program Nicole practiced this with countless hours of hands-on experiences in a variety of settings with trained dog and handler teams. Being able to witness the connections between patients and animals with the incredible results achieved was meaningful and rewarding. This inspired her to seek an OT position in which she would be able to utilize and further develop her skills as a CAAT. Nicole also has an extensive caregiving background for individuals with various diagnoses.

In her free time, she enjoys crafting, swimming, and quality time with family including their  rabbit and guinea pig.