OUR BOARD

PRESIDENT

Harper Marsolek is a dedicated healthcare professional serving at the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System since 2017. With a strong background in Veterans' affairs, Harper has made significant contributions to improving the lives of our military veterans. Harper served as liaison between the VA and the Veterans program at the HERD Foundation previously as a Recreation Therapist from 2018-2022. Since leaving that role, Harper completed her Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Administration at South University and now serves as the Operations and Administrative Manager in the Radiology Department at the VA. This experience in the VA healthcare system, combined with her involvement in non-profit veteran support programs, demonstrates a deep commitment to serving those who have served their country.

TREASURER

Her experience includes IT systems management for a government consulate, corporate retail, and business marketing for Fortune 100 companies. She is the owner of an administrative and bookkeeping company, serving several small businesses. Margaret was an animal rescue volunteer for many years, and her love of animals was the impetus that introduced her to Herd Foundation and equine assisted services.

Margaret has a degree in Arts and has completed her training in the trauma informed equine assisted services Natural Lifemanship Core program.

SECRETARY

Marla Mygatt, RN, MSN, Ph.D. was introduced to HERD Foundation in 2019 while pursuing her Ph.D. at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. She was drawn to the therapeutic effects of equine-assisted services, as her doctoral program focused on the impact of animal-assisted interventions and the human-animal bond on adolescent biopsychosocial and emotional well-being. Her dissertation research investigated the experiences of adolescents who participated in equine-assisted programs. Beyond her academic journey, Marla is a certified Health Coach and has completed training in the fundamentals of Natural Lifemanship, an equine-assisted trauma-focused care approach. In addition, she enjoys spending time with her family and living a healthy, active life in her free time.

BOARD MEMBER

David Fritzshall has been involved in banking for the past 30 years. He currently works in the commercial equipment finance industry and is currently employed by Hitachi Capital America. He has experience working with both small and large companies. His past employment includes Fortune 1000 companies such as AT&T Capital, Wells Fargo, and GE Capital. David completed his undergraduate work at Southern Illinois University with graduate work at Webster University. For two years, he served on the Board of the Youth Basketball League, which included close to 1,000 participants. He later served for two years as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for a travel basketball team. David also coached basketball at the local High School.

BOARD MEMBER

Amanda Eilola is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Experiential Therapist II, and a Qualified Supervisor of clinical social work interns in the State of Florida. She has 20 years of experience as a therapist working with individuals, families, and couples to help them heal from trauma, relationship issues, addictions, and mental health issues. Amanda has a direct, yet compassionate rapport with her clients and is dedicated to a person-centered approach.

Throughout her career, Amanda has worked with diverse populations both in the private and non-profit sectors. Currently, Amanda has a private practice in Boca Raton Florida and contracts with Parallels Consulting to provide in-person and virtual therapy, intensives, and coaching for individuals, couples, and families. Additionally, Amanda is a contract therapist for Onsite Workshops where she facilitates therapeutic intensives and workshops.

Amanda is proud to sit on the Board of Directors for the HERD Foundation and have the opportunity to be of service to an organization dedicated to healing and uplifting lives of local Veterans.

BOARD MEMBER

Jalen Auer is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served 10 years as a Rescue Helicopter instructor Pilot and Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies. He later worked as a congressional Aide and Veteran Liaison for the U.S. House of Representatives, and veteran Suicide Prevention Trainer for The Fire Watch.

Jalen’s mission is deeply personal. After the passing of his oldest son and experiencing the tragic death of his twin brother, he faced his own mental health struggles. In response, he and his wife, Hannah, founded a nonprofit dedicated to supporting bereaved families navigating the loss of a child. He is committed to helping others fight the darkness and know they are not alone.

Jalen is married to his wife, Hannah, and together they are raising three children.

BOARD MEMBER

With a 35-year career in public health, a lifelong love of horses, and a deep commitment to giving back, I have dedicated much of my life to helping others and supporting organizations that make a meaningful difference in their communities.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Health Education from Brockport State University in New York and my Master of Public Health (MPH) from Hunter College in New York City. Throughout my career, I worked with hospitals and nonprofit organizations, combining my professional experience with my passion for service and community impact. I continue to volunteer for numerous organizations that work with veterans and especially children. Helping those in need is so needed and I feel it is important to give back in anyway I can.

My introduction to equine therapy came while serving as Development Director at Wayside House. This experience opened my eyes to the powerful role horses can play in healing, personal growth, and emotional well-being. Having always loved horses, I developed an even greater appreciation for the unique connection between horses and people and the positive impact equine-assisted programs can have on lives. I saw it first hand and it made a big impact on me.

Today, I am proud to serve as a board member of HERD Foundation, where I can combine my professional background in public health, nonprofit experience, and passion for helping others. I am inspired by the Foundation’s mission and the difference equine-assisted services can make for individuals and families.

My commitment to giving back also extends to my creative life. As an artist and photographer, I enjoy capturing the beauty and spirit of horses through photography. My hobbies include taking art lessons and creating mixed-media artwork. I also enjoy gardening and the theatre. I regularly donate my original artwork to nonprofit organizations for auctions and raffle prizes, helping them raise funds to advance their missions and serve those in need.  My artwork has been donated to numerous charities that I support right here in our own backyard.

For me, volunteering, supporting nonprofits, and sharing my creativity are all ways of giving back. I believe that each of us has something meaningful to contribute, and I am grateful for the opportunity to use my experience, talents, and love of horses to help make a lasting difference in the lives of others.