Our Staff
By God’s grace, the people you meet here were placed in our path—each called, gifted, and willing to help bring hope and healing through Whispering Grace Horses.
Assistant to Co-Founders, Session Trainer & Leader
Tori Popio
Having loved horses all her life, Tori found Whispering Grace Horses while she was a sophomore in high school at Jackson nearly 12 years ago. She pursued a Master's degree in School Counseling following the completion of her undergraduate credits. Tori held many positions at Walsh including that of a Resident Assistant, a peer tutor, and an orientation leader. Tori was also the Co-President of Walsh University's Equestrian Team, which competed at various universities such as Findlay, Oberlin, Lake Erie, and Tiffin. She is a school counselor at Alliance City Schools. At Whispering Grace Horses, Tori assists in the training of new session leaders, performs individual sessions every week and helps with the training of the horses.
Director of Programs at WGH & FF, Session Trainer & Leader
Katie Walkup
Katie grew up around horses and from a young age they were a meaningful part of her life. She began showing horses very successfully and through the years she developed a deep appreciation for the unique way horses connect with people. She saw how time spent with them could bring peace, build confidence, and open hearts in ways that words sometimes cannot. As her faith and love for horses grew, so did her desire to use both in a way that could help others. She began to feel a calling toward ministry with horses and creating a program where people could experience encouragement, healing and hope through time spent around them.
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In 2019, Katie and her husband visited our farm and they were able to see firsthand the work that was already happening here. Although she had considered starting her own ministry, Katie felt God leading her in a different direction. Bill and Marcia asked her if she’d like to come work here at Whispering Grace Horses and Freedom Farm. Since then, Katie has become an important part of the team. She shares her love of horses and her heart for people in a way that helps others feel welcomed, valued and safe. Through her involvement, many who visit the farm are able to experience the calm presence of the horses and the encouragement that comes from spending time in a caring, faith centered environment. Katie and her family moved close to the farm in order to be close by and more involved for years to come. Katie’s story is a reminder that sometimes the calling is not to start something new, but to join together in a shared mission using the gifts and passions that God has given to bring hope and healing to others. “I believe horses can teach us so much through the gospel: forgiveness, trust, relationship-these are all things we can have with Christ and build with horses.” Katie has a heart for veterans since her uncle, both grandfathers and her grandfather in law all served in the military.
Program Assistant, Volunteer Coordinator & Session Leader
Jodi Hutcheson
This sweet lady is someone who our creator would label “special”, and that she is! She seldom will miss a day of being at either Whispering Grace Horses or Freedom Farm. She was drawn to our Non-Profit Organization over 9 years ago and upon having that one conversation with us she knew it was a place she had to spend time helping others as well as being with horses. It is difficult to find the right words to describe Jodi. Let's start with passionate, dedicated, nurturing, gentle, and a unique ability to simply care about others. She fits the mold perfectly in carrying out our Mission of reopening the door of Hope for so many and Healing Hearts along the way. Jodi has played an integral part in actually saving lives out at the farm. She has been the answer to prayers for countless families and continues to bless this place, our visitors, staff members, and the co-founders. We thank Our Creator for directing Jodi to Whispering Grace Horses and Freedom Farm. Jodi will be leading sessions, coordinating volunteers, pouring out her love for others, and telling you more about how the ground we walk on out here changes lives.
Lillian Twining
WGH & FF Equine Coordinator & Session Leader
Lillian is a young lady who started taking sessions with us when she was 9 years old. She convinced her mom she loved horses so much that they needed to buy a horse. That happened and due to such a commitment Lillian’s time was limited with chores at home, school, and then her horse. That love turned into competition within the horse arenas across the state. Her knowledge of horses grew, as did her beauty. She graduated from high school and started working several jobs. Our God has a way of directing not only events in our lives but people, and this young lady found her way back to Whispering Grace Horses and Freedom Farm. We knew she was going to be special when she was 9 and now we know we certainly were not wrong in our appraisal as she has taken the reins in the managing aspect of our horses at Whispering Grace Horses. To say we are elated is putting it mildly. She will be working with our herd, conducting sessions, and guaranteed she will win you over with her infectious personality. We are blessed to have Lillian back with us during this important new phase of her life. She will be an integral part of reopening the door of hope and healing hearts for so many. She claims Jake as her favorite at our farm, but none of the other horses know it because she treats them all like her own!
Ellie Martin “Our Ellie”
Equine Barn Management & Session Leader
Words can be special but a presence trumps special every time. When someone’s presence makes a difference in other people’s lives, what could be more important. That is the case with Ellie. This young lady grew up knowing us most of her life. She started this journey with us and for life’s reasons and God’s direction she left to pursue other ideas. But this is just how Christ works. His timing is His and HIs alone and here we are talking about a young lady actually changing lives, being a wonderful mom and wife, praying with others, and returning to a dream that may even last a lifetime. Ellie will capture your heart when you meet her and watch her as she leads sessions, talks about each horse, and then may walk you around the Farm telling you more about how Whispering Grace Horses and Freedom Farm have changed her life. Look out when you are around her because her gracious and bubbly personality is simply contagious!
Angie Walsh
Equine Barn Management & Session Leader
There are certain people who come into our lives and will hold a place in our hearts forever. Such is the case for Angie. Her entire family has impacted both Marcia and myself in some fashion. Her husband in an educator who inspires so many and Kevin was the Ohio Cross Country Coach of the Year. This year, in 2024, his team at Jackson High School won the State Championship! Angie also has an educational background. On the back of our WGH apparel you can see a phrase, " To Live is to Give". This Statement was forwarded to us by one of our board members but it also applies to Angie in so many ways. She has given back not only to us but to so many children, women, adults, veterans and families who visit the farm. What makes Angie special? A word called "willingness". A willingness to simply help. She loves being with people and she loves being with animals. We get to share time with Angie, which is special, but she also works at the Akron Zoo. Her stories about the animals there literally will get us laughing so hard. Some will say, "We have two hands-one for helping ourselves and one for helping others." Well Angie has helped us at Whispering Grace Horses and Freedom Farm for almost 10 years! She just never seems to stop helping others in need. Blessed? You bet! We are so fortunate to walk our aisles, cry with us and even wipe our own tear away. When You visit you will understand what these words are trying to say. Thank you, Angie....you are loved for sure!
Deb Mayo
Equine Barn Management & Session Leader
Deb started her journey to Whispering Grace Horses and Freedom Farm during a time of loss in her personal life. She visited during one of our large fundraising events and it was at that moment she understood she just had to be involved in what it is we do. She mentions being here initially as a volunteer and now a staff member and that brought her to a place she feels she was meant to be. She feels our program and the sharing given to her at that time gave her a sense of peace and purpose. This all led her to taking care of our horses and helping others experience the exact type of help and discovery of one' s feelings she experienced. It literally “reopened the door of hope” and helped “heal her heart” along the way. Her favorite horse is Toby mainly because he has experienced trauma in his past and at times simply needs a helping hand to overcome those feelings, and once he does….. He becomes her ”schmoozer.” Our barn has become Deb's safe haven, and she continues to hope that same feeling will be felt by countless others!
Betty Aman
Equine Barn Management
When we built our first barn at Whispering Grace Horses in 2015 it was suggested to us by a few local people we should meet a lady down the road. We were told she loves horses, and maybe she would be interested in helping at our barn. Well, that suggestion turned into a very strong relationship. She also treats our horses just like her own which seems to be something consistent for those who help us and also own their own horses. One of our horses, “Doc” is Betty’s favorite for sure. She has warned us many times that if we by chance find Doc missing, he will be at her place. Betty is a special part of our lives and has been for a very long time. She loves the horses, loves the beauty of our facilities, and sure helps keeping the horses and grounds beautiful. Betty is also an honored member of the Women”s Stark County Amateur Basketball Association Hall of Fame. Her jump shot is tough to defend, says our 16 yr old grandson triplets. (Jack, Will, and Anderson). If by chance you call Betty on her land line and she cannot answer, just wait for her message….. You might be surprised. Her love of Christ is never hidden, and that recognition is shared fully…. so our name Whispering Grace Horses. Thank you for all you bring Betty Aman!
Justin Christner
Veteran Advisor & Session Leader
Justin is one of our veterans who found his way to Freedom Farm. He was associated with an organization called “Save 22.” He has an amazing story and is a very brave young man in that he now has the courage to share that story. That story is complicated, emotional, and life changing. As you become closer to Justin we are sure you will become aware of those details because there is no way this paragraph can fully explain how a life can change on any given day. Justin has said many times….. “After 9 years of military life I struggled with the transition back to civilian life. Whispering Grace Horses and Freedom Farm SAVED MY LIFE. LITERALLY…. SAVED MY LIFE. This place, these people, gave me a purpose again and helped teach me it is ok to lean on others for help, even if that someone else is a horse. That horse is Preacher.” Justin shares almost daily how much our horses and The Farm have impacted his life. We are grateful God directed Justin our Way. HE sure makes a difference!
Will Boylan
Equine Facilities & Property Coordinator
Will has always been drawn to just about every operation of the farm. Even from an early age he was driving Gators, and Golf Carts, but the last few years those skills have advanced to operating our Bobcat Skid Steer and our Zero Turn mowers. He is largely responsible for all of the mowing at both Freedom Farm and Whispering Grace Horses. He also is handling horses and will lead some sessions in the summer. We are forever grateful for his willingness to help whenever asked. Much of the beauty you will witness at both facilities is due to Will and his attention to detail. Don't be surprised in another decade to see Will Boylan welcoming people, talking to sponsors, handling horses, and taking on more and more responsibilities at Whispering Grace Horses and Freedom Farm.
Mindi Coleman
Equine Barn Management & Session Leader
Mindi is a retired Police Officer. Upon retirement she wanted to work with horses. She tried various organizations and businesses that were horse related. Upon not finding the right fit a friend recommended Whispering Grace Horses and Freedom Farm and she immediately knew it was a place where she wanted to take deep breaths. Being a First Responder she experienced continuous trauma. Many in her profession never seek help and never find a place to simply find peace in their lives. She mentions that she found hope and support within the stalls and pastures with our horses, and then the listening and compassion from our staff helped her confront her tears and fears, and then set her on a path for new beginnings. She too recalls the situations where individuals confided in her explaining they want to end their life. Mindi is hoping that everyone who visits, for many varied reasons, will leave feeling hopeful of having a better day. Mindi helps manage our herd, as well as taking care of her own posse of horses.
Kenna Lelless
Equine Barn Management & Session Leader
Kenna Reynolds comes to Whispering Grace Horses helping us with our barn management. She has a wealth of experience having shown horses and other livestock at the 4H level and beyond. She was bon and raised in Dalton, Ohio and sure has added a breath of fresh air to our program. She not only works at Whispering Grace Horses but also works and trains horses with Masters Equine operated and owned by Jake Masters. Many of us in the area know what a great job Jake does with his business but Masters Equine was also the leading consigner at the 2022 Quarter Horses Congress Ranch Sale. And guess who rode the top selling horse in that sale from Masters Equine????....our own Kenna Reynolds. So as you can see we are blessed to have Kenna manage what needs to be done at Whispering Grace Horses and handling all of our equine counselors. We are fortunate to have this young lady driving west every morning no matter what the weather may bring.
Equine Barn Management Assistant & Session Leader
Nelle Twining
You guessed it, Nelle is Lillian's younger sister. She initially tagged along with her older sister and wanted to just help at both Whispering Grace Horses and Freedom Farm. Boy did she help. She was more than just a helper, everyone at both facilities just love being around Nelle. She works very hard and it's very easy to see how much she enjoys being around adults, kids her own age, and of course… the horses. You will find her in a stall, in one of the aisles of our barns, leading horses, or just welcoming you to the Farm. We are blessed to have the “Twining Duo” on board at both of our facilities. Thanks Mom Twining, they are indeed special.
Joe Drury
Lead Equipment Technician
Joe comes to Whispering Grace Horses and Freedom Farm directly from the classroom. He is the Auto Mechanics Instructor for Jackson Local Schools and has worked on just about any machine, or automobile one could imagine. To say finding this amazing man is special is putting it mildly. He is a certified Audi Mechanic and was also chosen to be a recipient for a $50,000.00 grant for his classroom from over 1,000 applications. Quite the honor! That grant was from Harbor Freight.
Joe gives us ideas, puts all our machinery on schedules for maintenance, and then takes care of that maintenance. Then he dedicates his time to all necessary and immediate repairs so none of our operations are slowed down by inoperative equipment. HIs role in our everyday operations is critical and we are forever grateful for Joe.