MEET OUR STAFF
Kristine Skorseth, Program Director
Kristine, AKA Kris, grew up on a farm by Redwood Fall, MN. She was gifted her first horse on her 13th birthday and the passion grew. Upon graduation from high school, she attended South Dakota State University, studying Dairy Production and graduated with a BS in Agriculture. Growing up, Kris attended Girl Scout Camp and then went on to be a Wrangler Assistant. During college, she was the Wrangler; caring for the horses, scheduling riding sessions and trail rides, and teaching young ladies about horses and how to ride Western style. Kris has been a massage therapist for 26 years in the Brookings community. Her passion is providing service to others and assisting in their healing journey. For many years, Kris traveled to the Black Hills in the fall to ride through the Hills. She currently has three special needs horses. Kris is beginning her second year as Program Director and is happy and blessed to be part of the STARS family, witnessing smiles and growth. |
Bobbie Chambers Wilson, Wrangler/Riding Coach
Born in Clear Lake, South Dakota, Bobbie moved gradually East with her family. Bobbie started riding at the age of six, and fell totally in love with horses. She started her first horse job at the age of seven working at her riding stable cleaning stalls and grooming in exchange for riding lessons. She volunteered for twenty-five years, and then began teaching (P.A.T.H. Standards) at Pegasus Therapeutic Riding. She has taken many workshops and instructor trainings at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center. Bobbie also has been teaching recreational hunt seat riding at Whispering Willows Equestrian. Bobbie trained for five years with two-time Olympic dressage competitor and trainer, Lendon Gray. Ms. Gray assisted Bobbie in retraining her first off-the-track Thoroughbred in dressage. Bobbie currently has three beloved adopted horses: two off-the-track Thoroughbred horses, Quick and Sweet, that she adores, and the most adorable chocolate palomino Shetland pony, Cinnamon, that God ever made! The benefits of equine assisted activities, riding, even a simple “heart hug”, are absolutely amazing and a blessing to work with beyond measure. Horses, for Bobbie, and for all of the students she has had the opportunity to teach, offer experiences of emotional support and control, confidence and trust, social skills and problem solving. Bobbie is just incredibly blessed and honored to be a part of S.T.A.R.S. Brookings as she comes back “Home to South Dakota”! |