Welcome to Solid Ground

Shelley Trumbly, Executive Director, founded Solid Ground Equine Assisted Services in September 2016. Solid Ground strives to enhance the quality of life of individuals with cognitive, physical, emotional or behavioral challenges by providing them with therapeutic horseback riding and associated activities. Equine-assisted therapy is a relatively new form of therapeutic intervention which recognizes that the bond between animals and humans fosters emotional growth and healing. Solid Ground EAS is a PATH International member as of September 2017.

Who Is Solid Ground

The mission of Solid Ground Equine Assisted Services is to inspire and empower individuals by equipping them with the skills necessary to enhance their ability to overcome challenges through equine centered activities.

Solid Ground envisions a community where individuals have improved wellness and live an active fulfilling life with confidence and maximize their potential.

View more about our programs at Program Information

Absolutely! Solid Ground is a certified 501(c)(3) non-profit agency recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) since 2016!

Solid Ground is a proud member of PATH International since September 2017. For more information about PATH, visit their website at https://www.pathintl.org/

Meet the Founder and CEO

Shelley Trumbly, RN
Shelley Trumbly, RNExecutive Director

Shelley founded Solid Ground in 2016. Shelley was born and raised in Klamath Falls and has 4 boys. She has been a Registered Nurse for 20 years and is now a PATH Certified Equine Therapy Instructor. Shelley grew up showing horses in 4-H, open shows and on the paint horse circuit. Her most recent accomplishment is her yearling filly winning the Triple Crown Lounge Line Futurity in Albany. Shelley hopes her love of horses, and her experience as an RN can merge together to bring therapeutic value and healing to many individuals in our community. She obtained her teaching hours for Equine Certification through HOPE Equestrian in Medford, and her official certification at Giant Steps Equine Center in Petaluma, California.

Meet the Program Staff

Claire Callanan
Claire CallananProgram & Equine Manager

Claire was born in Boise, Idaho but grew up moving around in Illinois and Switzerland with her family. Claire has been riding and working with horses since she was young. Riding horses has been a constant passion in her life regardless of where she was living. Following that passion, Claire completed her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science – Equine at Oregon State University in 2019. Horses have taught Claire a lot and she believes they have a unique way of teaching us things we didn’t even know we needed. In her spare time, Claire enjoys running, playing the guitar, and seeing new places.

Jim Witt
Jim WittVeterans Affairs Coordinator

Jim Witt was born in Central Point, Oregon and raised in Meridian, Idaho. Jim is married and has 4 adult children and 4 grandchildren. He is retired from the United States Air Force and Air National Guard after 23 years. Jim then continued to work as a Defense Contractor with the Department of Defense, retiring in June of 2021. He and his family have lived in Klamath Falls for the past 32 years. He now considers himself a “Professional Volunteer” and does so for various organizations in the community. Jim began his Solid Ground work in August of 2021, and now serves as the Veteran’s Program Coordinator – Men’s Division. Jim enjoys working with Veteran’s and hearing their life stories, he desires to serve those who served this great nation.

Melissa Osterlund
Melissa OsterlundVeterans Affairs Coordinator
Melissa was born in Fullerton, California and grew up in Tuolumne County. She joined the Air Force right out of high school, where she was a C-130 and C-17 Crew Chief. She retired in December of 2020 after 22 years. Her husband Ryan is also Air Force which is what brought her family to Klamath Falls. She has four kids, Quincy (23, who is also in the Air Force), Noah (15), Brady (11), and Nevaeh (8). She is enjoying retirement life because it allows her to spend more time with her kids, going to the lake, hiking, crafting, and growing her garden. While her kids are at school she spends her time volunteering at Solid Ground.
Vanessa Randall
Vanessa RandallVolunteer Coordinator
Vanessa has spent most of her life as an Oregon resident, living in Klamath Falls for the past 10 years with her husband Derek, son Joshua, and daughters Isabella and Hannah. Vanessa grew up around many different types of animals, traveling to rodeos with her dad and grandfather when she was little, traveling to dog shows with her grandmother, raising and showing sheep through FFA in High School, and helping other FFA members with their animals such as cows, pigs, goats, horses, sheep and rabbits. In High School, her diploma had an emphasis in Natural Resources and Ag Science. She also obtained her massage therapy degree and license, and spent the last 15 years helping people manage stress and pain. Vanessa and her family enjoy doing anything outdoors such as camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, boating or the like. Vanessa is currently the science teacher at a local Christian High School here in Klamath. She is excited to be a part of Solid Ground, where her love for the outdoors, people, animals, and education can be used to reach hurting people in a lost and fallen world for the glory of Christ.

Meet The Board of Directors

Matthew Vinson, MSW
Matthew Vinson, MSWPresident, Board of Directors; IT Manager

Matthew grew up in Klamath Falls, Oregon on a ranch. He has spent much of his life around animals. He obtained a BS in Psychology from Oregon Institute of Technology as well as a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Portland State University. Matthew brings a vast knowledge and experience to this role. He has served in a variety of roles in the behavioral health fields, including crisis, inpatient, and outpatient settings. Matthew currently works in the Health Information Technology field, with a focus on medical and behavioral health integration. He also serves as the technology manager for Solid Ground.

Matthew stays busy with his Doberman, named Porter. In his free time, Matthew enjoys traveling, martial arts, hiking, and attending sporting events and concerts.

Ami Bigby
Ami BigbyBoard of Directors

Ami has lived in Klamath Falls for the past twenty-five years. She and her husband Paul, moved back to Paul’s hometown to raise their children in the Klamath Basin. Their family ran business has operated in Klamath Falls for 102 years. Ami along with their son Cole manage the families home furnishings business. Cole returned with his family after college to raise his family in the community. Their daughter Carly and husband returned last year. Carly is a teacher in the City School District. Ami believes in the basis of Solid Grounds core values and vision. In her words, “Solid Ground changes and transforms the lives of their clients.”

Phillip Squibb
Phillip SquibbBoard of Directors

Phillip Squibb, LCSW, is the Executive Director of Dragonfly Transitions. Prior to Dragonfly, Phillip and his wife, Amanda, traveled the country directing and acting in children’s theater productions with Missoula Children’s Theater. He also worked for eight years as a special education teacher and a school social worker in the Chicago area. In 2012 Phillip moved with his family from the Chicago area to Klamath Falls where he worked for Dragonfly from 2012 to 2018, initially as a therapist and then as Academic Director. He then went on to the position of Director of Developmental Disabilities Services for Klamath County. In 2020, Phillip and his family spent 6 months traveling in an RV across the country. Phillip is currently a member of the Kiwanis Club, volunteers with Special Olympics, and on the Board of Directors at Solid Ground.

In his free time, Phillip loves travel​ing with his family (including Riggs, ​their dog), glamping in his RV, and he likes training and trying to compete in triathlons.

Susan McDaniel
Susan McDanielBoard of Directors

Susan is a 3rd generation Oregonian having been born in Ontario, Oregon, and raised here in Klamath Falls. Susan has lived in Klamath Falls for the majority of her adult life outside of 5 years that Susan lived in Corvallis, attending OSU, where Susan received her BS degree. As a youth, Susan was fortunate to be raised with horses and has many fond memories that have helped shape her life.

Susan has served as a board member for 5 years with the Klamath County School District. Susan is somewhat recently retired from the Oregon Judicial Department – where the majority of her 37 years was spent as a clerk working for the Circuit Court. For 10 of those years, Susan held the position of Citizen Review Board Field Manager.

Susan currently resides with her husband Mark of 33 years, and our 3 dogs, Steen, Lacey, and Piper. They have 3 adult children and have been tremendously blessed with 8 grandchildren ranging from ages 12 to 2 months.

Bill Morris
Bill MorrisMember, Board of Directors

I have one wife (Cathy – married   40 years), three daughters, one boy, and one granddaughter. We came to Klamath in 1980.  I retired from the Oregon Air National Guard in 1989 and since then have been employed by several companies at Kingsley Field including Boeing, Hughes, and Lockheed.  To avoid retirement status, I became a Klamath County school bus driver and enjoy hauling the little buggers around.  I have been associated with search and rescue, dive rescue, posse, food bank, horse and carriage society, and OIT dental clinic as a victim for the students.  My hobbies are horses, dogs, cats, home maintenance, hiking, and canoeing with my wife.  I think the Solid Ground mission is a noble one and I am honored to be a part of it.  My motto is: KEEP SMILIN’.

Honorary Past Board Presidents

Harold Hartman, MS
Harold Hartman, MS

Harold and his wife Linda have been married for 44 years and have 4 children, and 9 grandchildren. Harold serves as the Government Affairs Coordinator for Klamath County Association of Realtors. His extensive work history includes time as a Forester, Consultant, Smokejumper, Farmer, and Construction for 35+ years. Harold is the founder and served as Director of the Siskiyou Smokejumper Base Museum in Cave Junction, as well as Airplane Project Manager and Grant Writer for multiple local, state and federal grants. He was recently awarded the “Last of the Mohicans” award for outstanding service to 501C3 organizations. Harold has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forest Management with minors in Economic and Political Science, and a Master’s Degree in International Natural resource Economics.