Who We Are

Escalante Springs Equine Ranch (ESERR) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. The purpose is to increase public awareness, understanding and access to equine assisted psychotherapy, rehabilitation of injured and/or damaged horses, and creation of jobs for hoses and horse handlers. ESERR aims to conduct research serving the goal or re-integrating abandoned and abused horses, and traumatized or otherwise disabled people into the local society. Since the autumn of 2010 ESERR has been working with a wide range of individuals coping with grief, loss and trauma. Targeted populations include at-risk youth, active duty military, veterans and family members of active duty military and veterans, survivors of domestic violence, and adults enrolled with state funded SMI treatment programs.

The Directors

Danitta (Dani) Gilbert, RN; Dani is a Tucson native who graduated from the University of Arizona with a BA in Psychology and Political Science. She completed her RN at the University of Arizona. She has worked in a wide range of clinical and case management settings.

Mike Kuntzelman, MD; After serving as a medical corpsman in the U.S. Army, Mike graduated from Norther Arizona University with a BS in Physics in 1976, and from the University of Arizona College of Medicine in 1980. He completed residency training in Psychiatry at the University of Arizona in 1984. He has worked primarily in mental health since that time

Both Dani and Mike have studied natural horsemanship with Sherrie (Frighetti) Ward, one of Tucson's most respected trainers of horses and their riders.

Others who make it all happen...

Terri Davis, ND;
As the founder and Executive Director of Purple Mountain Institute, Terri has been providing experiential therapy experiences to developmentally disabled adults and other at-risk populations in Southern Arizona for many years.

Julie Jameson- Head Volunteer Coordinator:
Julie-came here when very young from NY state. Graduated from the U of A in Liberal Arts. Married young, but didn't have her son until 16 years of marriage to Billy. For the past 22 years has been a pharmaceutical Representative in Southern AZ, the last 12 years spent in the CNS/Psychiatric field. She grew up loving horses and cleaned stalls when she was young to earn a chance to ride anytime she could. Julie has been very involved in the local community and spearheaded activities to help the homeless, firefighters on the front lines, VETS, and women. She is passionate about getting the best volunteers we can for this noble cause!

Bill- Board Member and Volunteer; Born and raised on a ranch on eastside of Tucson. He grew up with animals and learned to love horses through his parents involvement in Horse racing in Southern AZ. Up until he left for college at Yavapai in Prescott, AZ where he played baseball, he learned roping and rodeo skills. He returned to Tucson and  took over his father's sporting goods business. He has been married for over 30 years and has one son. For the past 12 years he has been a volunteer/coach in a number of sporting activities helping Kids.

Equine Veterinarians: Tom L. Johnson, D.V.M. and Michael Huchison, D.V.M.

Master Corrective Farrier: Chad Lunderville

Logo Design Artist: Robin Lassiter

Website: Dan Hawk- RedHawk Graphics

IT and Technical Support: Sid Gilbert

Photos: Julie Jameson

Others:
Jess Bettencourt ( Gabriel photograph for logo design)
Anna Colasanti
Cody Jameson
Kelsey Leitel