Board of Directors
The Board of Directors meets on a monthly basis to ensure Iron Horse is growing in alignment of their mission, vision and values. The Board ensures a wide range of experiences and backgrounds are considered during decision making, strategic planning and long term goal setting.
President, Grant Writing Committee Chair
Taneal Behm
Taneal founded Iron Horse Therapeutic Farm in 2020, bringing to life a dream planted years earlier by her paternal grandmother. As a child, Taneal received a poem titled Iron Horse, torn from a western magazine—a simple gift that sparked a lifelong vision of creating meaningful, healing experiences for others.
What is now Iron Horse began more than 13 years ago at a small boarding facility in Fort Collins, with Taneal, her horse Cookies, and four children. Since then, the program has grown significantly and now serves over 130 individuals each week, year-round. For Taneal, Iron Horse is not only the realization of a lifelong dream, but the continuation of a cherished family legacy.
Taneal is also the proud wife of Ryan and a devoted mother of three. When not working on the farm, she enjoys traveling with her family and spending time camping together—values that reflect the same connection, growth, and balance that guide Iron Horse.
Vice President, Fundraising Committee Chair
Lindsey Messenger
Lindsey serves as the Vice President & the Fundraising Committee Chair for the Iron Horse Board of Directors. Growing up with an older sister with special needs, Lindsey has always been connected to this community and knew she wanted to be an OT working with pediatric populations since high school. Lindsey completed a clinical rotation at Iron Horse with Taneal in 2020 and fell in love with equine movement and the use of nature to support therapeutic outcomes. Lindsey serves on the board as a way to honor her late sister's memory, push for more inclusive, adaptive and accessible nature-based programs in Northern Colorado, and ensure there's a space for everyone at the farm. In her free time, Lindsey enjoys riding horses with her fiancee, spending time with her pets and making pottery.
Treasurer, Scholarship Committee Chair
Jessica Shaver
Jessica Shaver serves Iron Horse as Treasurer and Chair of the Scholarship Committee. In her role, it is her mission to expand access to services by supporting individuals and families in need. She is passionate about contributing to an organization that creates meaningful impact through equine-assisted therapy.
As a mother to an adult with disabilities, she has seen first-hand the need and benefits of the work Iron Horse provides.
Outside of her board involvement, Jessica is a dedicated wife and mother of three. In her spare time, she enjoys time with her family and their mini farm of animals.
Secretary
Becky Newell
Becky Newell brings more than 30 years of experience in sports and event management, with a strong track record in strategic planning, operational execution, and delivering impactful results. Throughout her career, she has been known as a collaborative and trusted leader who builds strong partnerships with teammates, clients, and stakeholders.
Becky holds a background in Elementary Education (K–8) and has maintained a lifelong passion for supporting children and youth. While living in Ohio, she volunteered with a therapeutic farm program, an experience that deepened her appreciation for the powerful connection between horses and personal development.
Combining her love for children with her passion for horses, Becky was drawn to Iron Horse, the people and its mission. She values the opportunity to give back to the community and contribute to an organization that provides meaningful experiences and support through equine-assisted programs.
Becky has two adult children, Eric, who lives in Colorado, and Nicole, who lives in Georgia. When she is not traveling for work, she enjoys staying active at the gym, jogging, biking, hiking, and exploring the outdoors with her husband.
Programming Committee Chair
Carolee Jaynes
Carolee Jaynes is an occupational therapist with over 20 years of dedicated practice. She graduated from the University of Utah and studied with the American Hippotherapy Association to incorporate equine movement into occupational therapy sessions. Throughout her career, she has helped individuals across the lifespan build the skills needed for daily living and meaningful community participation in school, medical and nature based settings. Carolee is a mom of four wonderful teens and is happily married to her high school sweetheart, Bryce. Carolee feels strongly that we have a responsibility to watch out for one another and serve how ever our capacities allow. One of her favorite therapeutic interventions is helping kids learn and grow through the magic of gardening.
Community Outreach Chair
Andrea Gurga
Andrea serves as the Community Outreach Chair on the Board of Directors for Iron Horse Therapeutic Farm, where she leads community engagement efforts and organizes inclusive farm events such as the annual Spring Egg Hunt and Fall Festival. She also consults with local businesses and organizations with initiatives like Sensory Time at the Larimer County Fair to help create accessible, welcoming experiences for people of all abilities. Andrea uses her background and strong connection with the disability community to identify and mitigate barriers, strengthen supports, and expand opportunities for individuals to access meaningful activities across their community.
Andrea earned both her Master of Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Occupational Therapy degrees from the University of Illinois at Chicago, after completing her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago.
As a lifelong Chicagoan turned Colorado adventurer, Andrea is passionate about expanding inclusive, meaningful opportunities for individuals of all abilities. Her work on the board focuses on building partnerships, strengthening outreach initiatives, and supporting the continued growth of Iron Horse Therapeutic Farm’s mission.
Outside of her professional work, Andrea enjoys exploring new hiking trails, traveling to National Parks, and continues to pursue her goals of serving as a Search and Rescue team member and becoming a solo skydiver.
Board Member
Kim Jordan
Kim Jordan is excited to be a part of the Iron Horse family! She is a mom, a wife, a pet mom (two dogs, a bunny, and a horse), a runner, a fly fisher, and a music lover. Kim has a background in Social Work/Victim Advocacy where she has worked with survivors of Sexual Assault and Child Abuse at the District Attorney’s Office. She is a volunteer with Caring Canines with their dog, Reese, and has seen first hand the therapeutic power of animals. She is looking forward to contributing to furthering the mission of Iron Horse in our community!
Board Member
Kaylee Jenson
Kaylee grew up in Colorado and discovered her passion for horseback riding at a young age. She rode for 10 years and volunteered at local theraputic riding organizations. Kaylee graduated with a BS in biology from Boston University. Since moving back home, she has worked as a medical assistant to an orthopaedic surgeon and plans to apply to medical school. Iron Horse has allowed her to combine her passion for supporting the pediatric special needs community with her love for horses. Outside of work, Kaylee enjoys practicing yoga and restoring classic cars with her family.