Meet Our Staff
Alexandra Whittey
Executive Director/Instructor
Alexandra (Alex) Whittey has over 28 years of horsemanship experience and holds the following certifications from the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.): Advanced Therapeutic Riding Instructor, CTRI, Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning and Mentor. equine therapy equine therapy
Alex is also a Certified Masterson Method © Equine Specialist, Certified Health and Wellness Coach and Registered Yoga Teacher (Yoga Alliance RYT 200). equine therapy
She first became involved with the equine assisted services industry as a parent of a participant, then moved forward to become a volunteer, an Instructor and now she owns and operates Equisol Ranch and manages its programs.
Her experience has helped her develop strong intuition and observation skills, which allow her to present as a pillar of strength and guide for others when need be. She constantly strives to achieve clear communication to help people meet their goals in ways that work best for them and to learn from every participant. equine therapy equine therapy
Alex looks forward to the opportunity to learn how she may best meet your needs in order to help you meet your desired goals and for you to become a part of the Equisol community.
Conni De Masi
Development Director
Conni has been around horses her entire life. She grew up participating in 4-H Horsemanship, competing in rodeo and local Play-Day Western Showmanship and Gymkhana events. Conni was a participant and volunteer for the Honey Lake Valley Riders for many years and then, while attending college, taught and volunteered with the Marine Mammal Care Center at Fort McArthur in San Pedro, CA., where she worked with seals and sea lions and helped plan the Care Center’s funding and outreach events. It was at that point when she realized that she enjoyed working with large animals… outside of the water. equine therapy
In 2018, when Conni moved to Reno, she decided that she wanted to go back to working with equines and that she enjoyed helping people, thus becoming a volunteer who conditioned horses for a therapeutic riding center. This led to an explosive passion for developing outreach and fundraising programs for equine assisted services. In 2022, Conni joined the Equisol Adaptive Horsemanship team as a member of the Board of Directors as well as the Development Director, a role in which she is able to utilize her creativity for fundraising, special event planning and become more involved with community collaborations. equine therapy equine therapy
You may occasionally catch Conni at the ranch working with the equines and volunteering during therapeutic riding sessions or in other capacities. equine therapy
Kay Smith
Equine Manager
Kay’s lifelong passion for horses began in the Arabian show ring, where she spent years learning multiple disciplines and training. Today, she has channeled that experience into endurance riding, a pursuit that requires patience, stamina, and a deep bond with the horse. A natural mentor, Kay loves guiding others toward their own equine goals. When she isn’t tackling long-distance trails with friends or at the barn, she enjoys hiking with her dog and practicing yoga with her daughters. Kay is thrilled to bring her experience and endurance-tested dedication to the Equisol Adaptive Horsemanship team.
Caris Nebb
Equine Care Team Supervisor
Caris has had a love for animals her entire life. At about the age of nine, her deep connection with horses began to emerge. Since then, she has pursued jumping, playing polo, vaulting, and western speed events through various programs in New York, Virginia, and California. She has also enjoyed many summers pleasure riding in Montana. Her most meaningful experiences stem from her time spent working with Project Hope, a nonprofit organization providing equine therapy to military veterans. After taking a break from equine activities to pursue her bachelor’s degree at Washington State University, she is excited to settle down and join the equine community in Reno.
Isabella Blakely
Barn Team Assistant
Isabella fell in love with equines as a young child and started riding when she was just 4 years old. After some years away from the equine world, she is excited to be working once again with them at Equisol Ranch. As a senior in high school, Isabella volunteered at a school that served people with special needs. Her role as a Classroom Assistant provided her the opportunity to support and create memorable bonds with the students. equine therapy equine therapy
After Isabella graduated from high school, she moved to Reno from California to attend The University of Nevada, where she is currently studying Veterinary Science. Her goals are to become a veterinarian and to continue to nurture her love for animals. equine therapy equine therapy equine therapy
Jessica Alcott
Barn Team Assistant
Jessica developed horse fever when she joined her 4-H Horse group at 11 years old. She participated in local 4-H shows as well as CSHA shows around California, specializing in Showmanship and Trail. After high school, Jessica stepped away from horses to attend college, although she would always go back to her parents’ ranch to visit and help care for the horses.
Jessica spent over 8 years in the beverage industry, learning how to make wine in Sonoma County and whiskey in Central Oregon. In 2025, she moved to Reno and decided that she wanted to transition into a different career path. She is currently studying Kinesiology at TMCC with the hopes of becoming a Physical Therapist. equine therapy equine therapy equine therapy
Ashely Nowlin
Barn Team Assistant
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Ashley has a deep love for and a long history with animals. She took riding lessons as a child and watched many horse movies. In high school, she volunteered weekly at her local veterinary office. She received her bachelor's degree in Animal Science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where she worked with a variety of animals including horses, cattle, chickens, goats, reptiles, marine mammals and more. While attending college, Ashley joined the Cal Poly Equestrian Team and regularly helped care for and exercise the school's horses. Additionally, she volunteered at The Marine Mammal Center in Morro Bay, CA, worked at a dog and cat boarding kennel and at the local humane society and interned for the Navy Marine Mammal Program in San Diego, CA.
Ashley moved to Reno in 2024 and started riding lessons, which reignited her passion for working with horses. She is excited to be a part of the Equisol Adaptive Horsemanship team and looks forward to continue learn and grow with them.
Austyn Fishell
Ranch Hand
Austyn Fishell was raised in Montana in a cattle-ranching environment, where horses were an essential part of daily life. He grew up working with family horses around cattle and learned firsthand the responsibility, consistency, and respect that are required in practical horsemanship. His foundation was shaped by real-world ranch experience and his grandfather, which helped him develop a calm, observant approach to handling and riding horses. Austyn’s horsemanship practices are rooted in traditional Western cowboy methods with added emphasis on patience, clear communication, and trust built through time and effort. He approaches equine work with an open mind, willingness to learn and values the opportunity to expand his understanding through modern, holistic practices. He views horsemanship as a lifelong process of growth, balance, and connection between horse and handler.
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Barn Team Assistant
Vannessa Swanson
Volunteer Coordinator
Vannessa grew up in Texas then at the age of 28, moved to Kentucky where she acquired her first horse. She focused on developing her horsemanship skills, grew her herd and trained her daughter’s horse for 4H showmanship. In 2006, Vannessa moved to Reno and after a long break from the equine world, was able to re-engaged with it through volunteering at a local therapeutic horsemanship center. Through volunteering, she learned to recognize the benefit of adaptive horsemanship for individuals with special needs, so she chose to enroll her autistic granddaughter in the program. Vannessa understands and is passionate about the benefits of the human-equine experience and is committed to helping others realize what they can gain from these experiences as well.
Bodie
Resident Mouser/Guardian
Bodie is our resident guard feline who oversees all. Between naps, he works diligently to keep the lounge area rodent free and to seek affection from humans. He has been working in the industry since his adoption in 2021. He is working toward achieving the world record for the cat who receives the most pets, scratches and treats while on the job. equine therapy
