Our Team
Heather and Mike Semies
Mike and Heather Semies, are passionate about giving back and thanking those that served our communities by serving them in their time of need. Mike’s dad and uncle served in the US Army in Vietnam. Heather grew up at the local volunteer fire house and comes from a family of firefighters. Their dream came true when they moved to their Biglerville farm and were able to share the farm with their new community. The farm has given them the opportunity to give back by sharing the space and the horses with heroes that have served to preserve our freedom and safety. Connecting our heroes and their families to a highly qualified therapeutic team that can further their healing journey and simplify the process of re-engaging in a healthy life is something that Mike and Heather and their team hope to offer. Our therapists, board of directors, volunteers and horses are grateful for the opportunity to serve those that served.
Stefany Wolfe
Stefany Wolfe is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW-C) and professional equestrian. Stefany maintained a professional career in horses much of her life and began riding at the age of 6. Later in life, she sought a career in mental health with the goal of connecting back with animals.
Decades of teaching riding lessons and competing at the FEI level in Dressage, Stefany observed the immense therapeutic benefit that can be obtained from the human-animal connection. Animals have been proven to facilitate healing and change in those who struggle from PTSD, depression and anxiety among others.
Stefany’s training focuses on the balance of horse and rider to achieve a relaxed harmony and connection. Horses are reflective animals, making them ideal for mirroring human emotions and facilitating healing. Stefany feels it is of the utmost importance to understand and treat both the person and the equine as individuals with individual and unique needs varying approach accordingly. Equine therapeutic interventions are used collaboratively with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing and strengths based perspectives to facilitate an improved psychological health and motivation.
Dr. Deborah Kachik
Dr. Kachik has over 20 years experience with individuals at each stage of development; childhood through elderly. Her doctoral training had an emphasis on trauma and PTSD, with a focus on serving Veterans. Her clinical expertise includes utilizing CBT, art therapy, and canines to facilitate growth. Dr. Deb’s recent clinical focus has expanded to include steps toward becoming a certified EAGALA Mental Health Specialist. Equine Animal based therapies help speed emotional breakthroughs and provide real world solutions for those suffering with PTSD. Committed to serving our Veterans who have given so much for our freedom, Dr. Deb is honored to work again with this population.
Our Board
Kathi Green, LCSW-C-
Board President
Mrs. Green currently serves as the Supervisor of Pupil Services for Carroll County Public Schools where she has worked for thirty years. She manages a variety of program areas including kinship care, pupil personnel services, homeless and foster care programs, and the mental health therapists. Mrs. Green earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore and has practiced as a Licensed Certified Social Worker – Clinical for thirty two years. She has served as a Board Member for the Carroll County Department of Social Services and the Carroll County Local Management Board. Mrs. Green was awarded the Maryland Association of Pupil Personnel Distinguished Service Award. In her free time, she enjoys jeep rides with her husband Jason, getting outdoors, playing golf, and spending time with her nieces. She is honored to serve as President of Willow Rock Warriors.
Heather Mackie- Treasurer/Secretary
Heather Mackie, a special education teacher for 25 years, has spent her career advocating and supporting at-risk youth in the alternative school setting. She earned a master's degree in special education from McDaniel College and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Towson Universty. Heather is married to her high school sweetheart for 22 years and has 2 beautiful daughters. She has served as the community events coordinator for the Hanover Soccer Club board and team manager for her youngest daughter's high school and club soccer teams. She is an avid Baltimore Ravens and Orioles fan. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as reading and being at the beach.
Buck Harrison- Vice President
Buck is from Virginia, but grew up as a military kid (on both East and West coasts). He graduated from Virginia Military Institute with a BS in Biology and then commissioned into the US Army. He served for the next 20 years in a variety of airborne and aviation units both stateside and abroad. After retirement, Buck taught in the Carroll County high school system for 17 years including running the Learning Lab for at-risk students for the last 12 years. Buck also served on the boards of non-profit organizations in Carroll County including Sustainable Living Maryland and Waste Not!.
His wife, Peg, is also a retired veteran, who served in the Army Nurse Corps as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and after retirement served as the CEO of the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board. They have 2 lovely daughters, who are also US Army veterans..
Buck and Peg currently reside in Middletown, MD.
Our Horses
Chicken Nugget
Nugget is the smallest of our herd standing at 9 hands. He is a 23 year old Shetland pony gelding who has done extensive work with students with disabilities. He is sweet, gentle, and a little mischievous but is all love when treats are involved.
Marco
Marco is an 11 year old Halflinger who is lucky to have landed with us. His owner purchased him not knowing that he had “road founder” from years on pounding the pavement as a cart horse. With love, incredible vet and farrier care, Marco is now sound enough to do light riding. His owner has so generously lent him to our program because of his puppy dog personality and desire to connect with any human that comes through the barn.
Henny
Henny is a 12 year old Thoroughbred gelding who has raced and been a successful show jumper. When he arrived at the farm, he was underweight, had bad teeth, bad feet, and ulcers. He has since plumped up and had all of his medical needs met. He is just a big lug that wants to know what’s going on around the farm.
Willow
Willow, the horse that Willow Rock Horse Farm is named after, is an OG around the farm. She is a 23 year old draft cross mare that in her younger years was deemed unrideable and adopted and brought back twice to the rescue. She is now a sweet old trail master that doesn’t just give her attention to anyone. She likes a calm presence and a confident personality.
Ace
Ace unfortunately passed away in February of 2024. He overcame a lot of challenges and we feel very lucky to have known him. He will be missed.