Meet the Team
Honouring Helen & Art Kohanik
Founding Stewards of WHOAS
There would be no Wild Horses of Alberta Society without Helen and Art Kohanik.Their extraordinary generosity — including the donation of land and over one million dollars in financial support — created the foundation on which WHOAS stands today. Because of them, we have a home: a dedicated space for rescuing, rehabilitating, and advocating for Alberta’s wild horses.Helen and Art’s lifelong commitment to the land and the animals who roam it has shaped every part of our work. Their vision and dedication continue to guide us, and their legacy grows with every life saved and every visitor inspired.We are deeply grateful to Helen and Art for their unwavering support and for believing, from the very beginning, in the importance of keeping Alberta’s wild horses wild and free.
Jack
President
Jack is one of the original founders of WHOAS. A lifelong horseman with deep roots in the foothills, Jack has spent decades advocating for Alberta’s wild horses and the land they call home.
His quiet leadership, hands-on knowledge, and deep respect for the animals have shaped WHOAS from the beginning. Whether he’s working with government, caring for rescued horses, or sharing stories with visitors, Jack brings wisdom, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to keeping wild horses wild and free. We wouldn’t be here without him.
Dan
Facility Manager (Retired)
Dan McIntyre is a skilled horseman and respected mentor whose knowledge and steady guidance helped shape the foundation of daily care at WHOAS. During his time with the organization, Dan played a key role in establishing thoughtful routines, safe handling practices, and a culture that always put the horses’ well-being first.
Dan’s greatest contribution has been his mentorship. He generously shared his experience, encouraged new horse handlers, and emphasized patience, awareness, and respect for the horse. His belief in listening closely to what the horse is communicating continues to influence how care is approached at the facility today.
Dan’s legacy lives on in the people he taught, the standards he set, and the calm, humane approach to care he helped instill at WHOAS.
Candice
Vice President
Candice is a lifelong horsewoman whose journey began at age three. With deep family roots in horsemanship, she’s spent decades balancing a successful career in Alberta’s oil and gas industry with her passion for healing, teaching, and horses.
A certified FEEL (Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning) Practitioner, Candice is the founder of Equisoulace—a space where horses help guide people toward connection, self-awareness, and healing.
Ramona
Head Trainer
Ramona is the founder of Off the Rez Horsemanship and brings a lifetime of experience working with horses of all kinds. Her training philosophy is rooted in patience, trust, and communication, helping each horse find their confidence and calm. As WHOAS’s head trainer, Ramona works with rescued wild horses to prepare them for new lives with adoptive families. Her approach honours each horse’s spirit and story.
Doug
Assistant Trainer
Doug is our four-legged assistant trainer, morale booster, and official greeter here at WHOAS. A golden retriever with a heart as big as his tail wags, Doug takes his job very seriously—whether it’s supervising training sessions, offering emotional support to nervous horses (and humans), or enthusiastically inspecting every visitor for snacks.
With a calm, friendly nature and an unshakable work ethic when it comes to belly rubs, Doug reminds us daily of the power of patience, presence, and unconditional love. He’s not just part of the team—he’s family.
Kristen
Board Secretary
Kristen is a writer, strategist, and communications pro with a knack for telling stories that move people—and move policy.
She’s spent over 20 years working in government relations, marketing, and public affairs, with experience that spans housing, health, education, and the arts.
When she’s not wrangling words (or horses), you’ll find her planning her next creative project, or figuring out how to make the world just a little more magical.
Gord
Treasurer
Gord wears more hats than most people could count. As Treasurer, he keeps WHOAS on track financially, ensuring that every dollar goes where it’s needed most to care for Alberta’s wild horses.
Gord’s contributions don’t stop at the books. Known as our all-around handyman, he’s the one fixing fences, tackling repairs, and rolling up his sleeves whenever something needs doing.
Behind the numbers and the tools is someone who cares deeply about the horses and the people who work with them. Gord’s reliability, good humor, and willingness to pitch in wherever needed make him an essential part of the WHOAS team.
Anila
Board Member
Anila brings a wealth of experience from leadership roles with the Centre for Newcomers Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta, DeVry University, and the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. She has a BSc in Neuroscience and an MBA—but more than that, she brings heart, drive, and a deep commitment to community.
Anila’s work has earned her national recognition, including the Governor General’s Award, Top 40 Under 40, and being named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women. We’re lucky to have her on the board.
Carolyn
Board Member
Dr. Legge is a veterinary pathologist with deep roots in both clinical practice and teaching. After completing her DVM at the Atlantic Veterinary College, she went on to earn her Master of Veterinary Science and become a board-certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.
Dr. Legge is an instructor in Anatomic Pathology, helping train the next generation of veterinarians. We’re proud to have her knowledge and experience on our board.
Gerard
Board Member
Gerard is an equine chiropractor and founder of Full Stride Equine Performance, where he works hands-on with horses to keep them feeling and performing their best. With a deep respect for the horse’s body and mind, Gerard brings a unique blend of experience, intuition, and technical skill to every treatment—whether he’s working with high-performance athletes or rescued wildies.
Based near Jumping Pound, Alberta, Gerard serves clients across the region and is known for his calm presence, compassionate care, and commitment to the well-being of every animal he meets. As a WHOAS board member, he lends his expertise to support the health and rehabilitation of Alberta’s wild horses, helping them recover, thrive, and find new beginnings.
Gordy
Board Member
Gordy brings energy, creativity, and a true passion for the horses to his role on the WHOAS Board. With a natural knack for fundraising, he has a talent for bringing people together and inspiring support for our work. Whether it’s connecting with donors, rallying community partners, or coming up with fresh ideas for events, Gordy is always finding ways to turn generosity into real impact for the horses.
Beyond fundraising, Gordy is a thoughtful voice at the board table, helping guide decisions with both practicality and heart. His enthusiasm is contagious, and his dedication ensures that WHOAS can continue to protect Alberta’s wild horses for generations to come.