Our therapists, equine professionals, and instructors understand the unique therapeutic value of the human-horse bond.

They have chosen to pursue additional training and certification with internationally recognized organizations, the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) and the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA), in order to expand their professional skills and maximize the benefits for the wide variety of clients we serve.

Leadership

Lisa Kafka, CEO

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.”

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Elizabeth Schmeisser, Administrative Assistant - Finance

Elizabeth has a background in office management, accounts payable, payroll, human resources, and customer service in small business and corporate sectors. She holds a degree from St. Norbert College and brings a multitude of experience to her role at Exceptional Equestrians.

Outside the office, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her family, watching and playing sports, attending comedy shows and concerts, and traveling.

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Dr. Molly Kafka, OTD, OTR/L, Director of Clinical Services

Molly has been involved with Exceptional Equestrians for over 20 years. After spending several years studying medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Colorado University’s School of Medicine, Molly went on to earn her doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy, taking special interest in the field of 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

Meet our Staff

  • Carol

    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.

    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.

  • Anna Splan, COTA, CTRI

    Anna is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and also is certified through PATH, Intl as a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. Anna started her journey with Exceptional Equestrians several years ago when she became a volunteer in 2018! Anna received her associate degree in Applied Science/OTA at Fox Valley Technical College and is now pursing her Master's in Occupational Therapy.

    In her free time, Anna enjoys gardening, baking, and being in the outdoors!

  • Payton Dorne, OTR

    My name is Payton Dorn, and I am an Occupational Therapist. I am from Mackville and currently live in Chilton with my two dogs and husband. I went to Freedom High School and to Concordia University – Wisconsin for both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I am an avid softball player and coach and enjoy a nice weekend at the ball diamonds to cheer on my younger cousins. I also enjoy going up north with my family and spending a lot of time outside whether that is playing softball, walking trials, or swimming in the summer to building snowmen and riding snowmobiles in the winter. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone and getting to join in on this wonderful community!

  • Kellie

    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.

  • MacKenzi Bowman, DPT

    My name is MacKenzi Bowman, and I am a Physical Therapist from Green Bay, Wisconsin. I completed my Bachelors and Doctorate degree at the University of Missouri. My husband and I moved to Denver, Colorado for 4 years where we enjoyed hiking, camping, skiing and everything outdoors! We currently live in Green Bay, Wisconsin with our little boy and our Bernese mountain dog. I love spending summer weekends up in Door County going out to eat, boating, at the beach and swimming. I also enjoy pickleball, tennis, golf, the Green Bay Packers and spending time with family! I am so excited to be a part of this team and community, and I absolutely love being a pediatric physical therapist!

  • Nyla

    “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. Elizabeth has extensive experience with equine-assisted therapy. Elizabeth is certified through PATH, Intl as a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor.

    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.

  • Beth Dolar, Billing Specialist

    Beth is a certified Salesforce Administrator with a degree from UW-Stevens Point, along with an extensive background in speech language pathology in both corporate and private practice settings.  Having managed client and payor relationships in previous roles, Beth brings a unique skillset to her role at Exceptional Equestrians.

    In her free time, Beth enjoys gardening, art, traveling, and making memories with her family and Labrador.

  • Bekah Morrow, Patient and Volunteer Coordinator

    Bekah graduated from St. Norbert College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2019. While at St. Norbert she volunteered at Exceptional Equestrians as a side walker and horse leader. In 2024 Bekah returned to the EE team as patient and volunteer coordinator.

    In her free time, Bekah enjoys spending time on her hobby farm riding her horses, taking care of goats, sheep, rabbits, collecting chicken eggs, and countless other projects with her husband and growing family!

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