Meet Our Staff
Debra DeHoff
Founder, Executive Director
EAGALA Advanced Equine Specialist
PATH CTRI (Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor)
PATH Mentor
Founding Serenity Farm in 2001, Debra set out on a mission designing a safe, high standards, quality programming therapeutic center in Northwest Ohio. Creating a 501 C 3 non-profit charity was not a complete new venture in business, with a background in corporate America in accounting, strong background in social work and professional horse career.
No stranger to working with horses or families, Debra is an Advanced Level equine specialist with EAGALA and also spent several years developing and mentoring for the company with members across the U.S., South Africa, Germany, Norway, and Scotland. With a passion to work with Equine assisted Psychotherapy, equine assisted learning programs, therapeutic riding and natural horsemanship, Debra has brought a wealth of education and training to the Serenity Farm business model. Concentration has always been to add educational components to the staff/volunteers and horses, which translates clearly over to the clients served at the farm. Receiving certification from PATH, INTL. in 2002 to instruct therapeutic riding, Debra enjoys the arena classroom of clients of all ages, offering fun, engaging lesson plans. Named 2014 PATH certified instructor of the year for our region, she is humbled by the opportunity to work in the field. Working with a diverse population and equine assisted therapy, most of her caseload are those who have been abused, trafficked and veterans. Debra offers mentoring to individuals wishing to become a PATH CTRI.
An avid student of a combination of natural horsemanship from brilliant trainers, she enjoys the journey of improving horsemanship skills for self, horses and entire therapy center of staff and volunteers. Integrating training methods into lesson plans for riders, advancing volunteer horse handling training and inviting instructors to the farm are a huge asset to the health and wellness of Serenity Farm horses. Debra is a member of Happy Horse, Happy Life to keep Serenity Farm up to date in the best practices of horse-centered training.
Founder, Executive Director
EAGALA Advanced Equine Specialist
PATH CTRI (Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor)
PATH Mentor
Founding Serenity Farm in 2001, Debra set out on a mission designing a safe, high standards, quality programming therapeutic center in Northwest Ohio. Creating a 501 C 3 non-profit charity was not a complete new venture in business, with a background in corporate America in accounting, strong background in social work and professional horse career.
No stranger to working with horses or families, Debra is an Advanced Level equine specialist with EAGALA and also spent several years developing and mentoring for the company with members across the U.S., South Africa, Germany, Norway, and Scotland. With a passion to work with Equine assisted Psychotherapy, equine assisted learning programs, therapeutic riding and natural horsemanship, Debra has brought a wealth of education and training to the Serenity Farm business model. Concentration has always been to add educational components to the staff/volunteers and horses, which translates clearly over to the clients served at the farm. Receiving certification from PATH, INTL. in 2002 to instruct therapeutic riding, Debra enjoys the arena classroom of clients of all ages, offering fun, engaging lesson plans. Named 2014 PATH certified instructor of the year for our region, she is humbled by the opportunity to work in the field. Working with a diverse population and equine assisted therapy, most of her caseload are those who have been abused, trafficked and veterans. Debra offers mentoring to individuals wishing to become a PATH CTRI.
An avid student of a combination of natural horsemanship from brilliant trainers, she enjoys the journey of improving horsemanship skills for self, horses and entire therapy center of staff and volunteers. Integrating training methods into lesson plans for riders, advancing volunteer horse handling training and inviting instructors to the farm are a huge asset to the health and wellness of Serenity Farm horses. Debra is a member of Happy Horse, Happy Life to keep Serenity Farm up to date in the best practices of horse-centered training.
Deb Callaway
Volunteer Coordinator/Administrative Support
Deb brings a background in administration and volunteering to Serenity Farm. She has volunteered with the Perrysburg United Christian Food Pantry as well as coached with the Girls on the Run program. She is actively involved with the Perrysburg School District supporting programs across the district. After graduating from the University of Toledo with a degree in Exercise Science and Athletic Training, she went to work for Delta Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine. In addition to providing athletic training coverage for Delta High School she also managed medical billing, scheduling and other managerial duties of the office.
Most recently she has been a substitute support staff employee of the Perrysburg School district where she has had the opportunity to work with children of all ages. Deb is organized, thorough and believes communication is an essential part of keeping an organization running smoothly. She is an enthusiastic team player, always willing to help when it is needed. With her positive and friendly manner, Deb looks forward to contributing to the mission of Serenity Farm.
Volunteer Coordinator/Administrative Support
Deb brings a background in administration and volunteering to Serenity Farm. She has volunteered with the Perrysburg United Christian Food Pantry as well as coached with the Girls on the Run program. She is actively involved with the Perrysburg School District supporting programs across the district. After graduating from the University of Toledo with a degree in Exercise Science and Athletic Training, she went to work for Delta Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine. In addition to providing athletic training coverage for Delta High School she also managed medical billing, scheduling and other managerial duties of the office.
Most recently she has been a substitute support staff employee of the Perrysburg School district where she has had the opportunity to work with children of all ages. Deb is organized, thorough and believes communication is an essential part of keeping an organization running smoothly. She is an enthusiastic team player, always willing to help when it is needed. With her positive and friendly manner, Deb looks forward to contributing to the mission of Serenity Farm.
Michelle Reiter
PATH Certified Instructor
With over 25 years of teaching and 35 years of riding experience, certified instructor Michelle Reiter offers a unique combination of talent and passion to the mission of Serenity Farm. “To combine my love for children and horses, that’s the reason I joined the Serenity Farm family,” said Michelle. With undergraduate degrees in Elementary and Special Education, and a Master’s Degree in Reading, Michelle uses her extensive teaching experience to foster stronger relationships with clients. “I started my career as a teacher of developmentally handicapped children,” Michelle states. “That experience guides my interaction with the children and helps me respond to their needs in an understanding and caring way.” Riding horses has been part of Michelle’s life since the age of 10. “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the emotion in a child’s face as they connect with one of the horses. Even more gratifying is seeing the positive emotional reaction of a loving parent.”
PATH Certified Instructor
With over 25 years of teaching and 35 years of riding experience, certified instructor Michelle Reiter offers a unique combination of talent and passion to the mission of Serenity Farm. “To combine my love for children and horses, that’s the reason I joined the Serenity Farm family,” said Michelle. With undergraduate degrees in Elementary and Special Education, and a Master’s Degree in Reading, Michelle uses her extensive teaching experience to foster stronger relationships with clients. “I started my career as a teacher of developmentally handicapped children,” Michelle states. “That experience guides my interaction with the children and helps me respond to their needs in an understanding and caring way.” Riding horses has been part of Michelle’s life since the age of 10. “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the emotion in a child’s face as they connect with one of the horses. Even more gratifying is seeing the positive emotional reaction of a loving parent.”
Equine Manager
Open Position
Open Position
Pam Hoch
Graphic Designer/ Therapeutic Riding Volunteer
When I was growing up, I honed my artistic skills by drawing horses. So, it is no wonder that I am a graphic designer by profession and spend my weekends with horses for fun. Serenity Farm is a place where I can nurture both my passions. Since 2009, I have been happy to share my skills to help Serenity Farm Equestrian Center project an image that is consistent with the quality of their programs and the friendly professionalism of their volunteers and staff. There's always something going on at the farm and good communication keeps everyone informed.
In addition to graphic and web support, I am a horse handler for Therapeutic Riding. I have audited or participated in the Jesse Peters Clinic since 2015. The wealth of knowledge Jesse shares with us helps all of the horse handlers refine their skills. Clear and consistent communication with the horses makes them happier and our clients happier and safer!
Graphic Designer/ Therapeutic Riding Volunteer
When I was growing up, I honed my artistic skills by drawing horses. So, it is no wonder that I am a graphic designer by profession and spend my weekends with horses for fun. Serenity Farm is a place where I can nurture both my passions. Since 2009, I have been happy to share my skills to help Serenity Farm Equestrian Center project an image that is consistent with the quality of their programs and the friendly professionalism of their volunteers and staff. There's always something going on at the farm and good communication keeps everyone informed.
In addition to graphic and web support, I am a horse handler for Therapeutic Riding. I have audited or participated in the Jesse Peters Clinic since 2015. The wealth of knowledge Jesse shares with us helps all of the horse handlers refine their skills. Clear and consistent communication with the horses makes them happier and our clients happier and safer!
