Meet our Staff
Program Director:
Valerie Hicks Valerie is a South Dakota native from Montrose, SD. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Horse Management from the University of MN-Waseca and a Bachelor’s in Animal Science from South Dakota State University. Her horse experience encompasses many breeds and disciplines; driving, jumping, reining, and more. Valerie has been a volunteer at STARS and enjoyed the interaction of sharing horses with the riders and other volunteers. She is excited to fill the role of Director for 2024 to help foster a safe, fun and learning environment for riders and volunteers alike. Valerie’s hobbies include all things horses. She owns and operates Little Hooves Mini Horse Rescue where she rehabilitates mini horses and ponies. Training horses, trail driving, driving in parades and competing in chariot races make up most of the summer months and help support the rescue ponies. Typically Little Hooves is home to 30-40 ponies, donkeys and mules. Valerie lives on an acreage in rural White, SD with her husband Steve, a dog Rosey, many cats and an ever changing number of horses. |
Assistant Director:
Deb Piere |
Some past STARS Interns:
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