Mailing Address: PO Box 240663 EATA is managed by an all volunteer board of directors who work together with the EATA staff to bring equine assisted therapy to Anchorage.
President, Kassi Fetters (2018 to Present)
Board of Directors 2016-Present, Rainbow Connection/EATA volunteer since 2007.
I was born and raised here in Anchorage, Alaska. Currently a financial planner as my career and equestrian rider in my free time, I have a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. I work with clients in the local community to implement daily steps to obtain future goals in retirement, taxation, business planning, and cash management.
I started volunteering with Special Olympics and Rainbow Connection and now with EATA. Experienced with horse care, training, and showing, I understand the huge impact horses have on a person. The amount of care and commitment horses require is worth the joy and dedication they give in return.
Shannon Parker – Vice President 2023-Present. Board of Directors since 2021
I was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska and am married to a fellow Alaskan and retired Navy sailor. We have twin daughters. As a family, we enjoy spending time outside, fishing, camping, hiking and bike riding.
I graduated from the University of Hawaii in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in education. After teaching for several years, I decided to go back to school to pursue a more direct care focused career with the intent to continue to serve children. In 2016, I graduated from Creighton University with a doctorate in occupational therapy. Since then, I have also partnered with EATA to provide hippotherapy services to some of my clients. My twin daughters volunteer as sidewalkers as well.
I have always had a love for horses and really enjoys being able to ride and groom them. I joined the EATA Board of Directors in the fall of 2021 to provide a therapist’s perspective.
Kathie Yoder, Secretary 2020 – Present
Board of Directors 2019-20, EATA Volunteer 2014-Present
My love of horses brought me to EATA, and the fun of working with the EATA people has kept me coming back for more. I love watching the expressions on our riders’ faces as they interact with their horses.
I retired from teaching special education in the Anchorage School District in 2015. I enjoy travel with my husband and time with my five kids, their spouses and our 11 grandchildren. My focus with EATA has been to expand our social media presence, assist with fund-raising, and increase my own knowledge of all things horse-related.
Ken Eickhoff – Board of Directors 2019-Present
Having grown up on a ranch and experienced first-hand the bond between horses and people. EATA is a program that I feel strongly about. I personally have experienced and seen the healing horses can provide. My grandparents, through many health issues over the years, continued to stay active and engaged with the aid of horses. My grandmother was still riding at the age of 90. With my ranch background, EATA is a natural fit for me.
I am currently employed with Vitus Energy as a Corporate Controller with a graduate degree in accounting. I am able to bring this experience to EATA to support its financial, accounting and business operations.
Jule Magee – Board of Directors and Volunteer 2014-Present
My love of working with animals began with my early years in the 4-H Club.
I am retired from Alyeska Pipeline Service Company where I worked for 26 years. I feel fortunate to have experienced the prevention and response arena with the diverse and innovative Ship Escort Response Vessel System (SERVS) organization post Exxon Valdez Oil Spill. From there I was afforded the opportunity to work in many key roles from regulatory compliance, finance, quality, and human resources to various positions within Supply Chain Management.
I hold a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration and Masters of Business Administration. I have over 20 years experience as a volunteer with various nonprofit organizations from Valdez United Way, Advocates for Victims of Violence, Alaska Women’s Resource Center, Junior Achievement, scholarship committee member and an academic decathlon judge. I continue to enjoy volunteering with Affinity Films, Providence Hospital’s No One Dies Alone (NODA) Program, and have completed my fifth year with Equine Assisted Therapy Alaska (EATA), where I am privileged to work alongside its dedicated, caring team of program managers, therapy specialists, volunteers, and some awesome therapy horses.
Do you want to get involved in our growing non-profit? Please apply and let us know your passion and talents. EATA is looking for event planners and outgoing fundraisers to jump on-board and help with our expanding services. Join a committee, join the board, or simply come out and volunteer – we look forward to getting to know you!
To apply for the board, please submit an EATA Board Application.
