About Us
Those in ministry, first responders, and veterans face unique stressors. In caring for others, they regularly expose themselves to the pain and suffering of others. These experiences can have a profound impact on the mental and emotional well-being of these guardians, and puts them at risk for ongoing mental health issues, and PTSD.
Studies show that they are at a higher risk for developing PTSD or trauma related emotional injuries than the general population.
What we offer:
Linking to licensed mental health professionals who are specially trained and experienced in working with trauma. Our mental health partners provide traditional Cognitive Behavioral therapy along with EMDR, BLS, Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy, and other proven effective therapies.
Financial support: Our mental health professionals offer financial assistance to help those who are uninsured or underinsured.
Professional evaluations for PTSD for veterans who are applying for VA disability benefits for Post Traumatic Stress disorder. We can also help completing necessary paperwork for your required Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) and Nexxus letter.
In the future: we want to provide Equine Facilitate Psychotherapy at our program.
At this time, we are working with volunteers to rebuild our barn that was destroyed in Hurricane Milton.
- No cost accommodations for those who are travelling out of state. This will allow individuals, and their families to stay locally while they receive healing therapy and support.
- We want to acquire the land to build a covered arena where we can provide equine assisted services regardless of the weather. The arena will help to provide shade in the heat of summer, and cover during the rain.
- Rescue of Horses and Dogs in need. While the animals are recovering and rehabilitating, they can help the humans who are also recovering.
We Believe in A Collaborative Approach
Board Members
Chantelle Grant
Chantelle Grant, LCSW, MSW, ESMH
Chantelle has been working in the mental health field for over 35 years, and working with horses even longer. She has a special heart for working with those who have experienced trauma in their lives. As a licensed clinical social worker, Chantelle has helped thousands of individuals heal from difficult experiences they have been through.
Chantelle has been active in the development and running of multiple traditional and equine assisted mental health programs in different states. She has even written the basis of an Equine Assisted Mental Health curriculum to be taught at Radford University, and has been a guest lecturer at universities.
Chantelle has run several mental health programs. Including outpatient care at behavioral health programs, programs tailored for veterans, faith based mental health treatment, and has helped pass on her knowledge helping train new therapist entering the field.
Chantelle specializes in trauma and PTSD. Some of her additional certifications are in EMDR, neuroscience, and Equine Specialist in Mental Health by PATH. She is a graduate from Radford University, and North East Baptist School of Theology.
Larry Grant
Larry Grant
Larry Grant brings a lifelong commitment to service and community care. Larry served honorably in the United States Navy as a nuclear reactor operator. He and his wife Chantelle, moved to Florida in 2004 and quickly became active in local outreach efforts.
In 2010, Larry began leading community initiatives at New Hope Community Church, where he managed a large-scale food pantry and coordinated numerous outreach programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his leadership was instrumental in keeping North Port’s only operating food pantry open, serving over 4,000 neighbors weekly at the height of the crisis.
In August 2020, Larry moved to Awaken Church and dived into community outreach there. In March 2021 we opened the Awaken Outreach Center as a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to addressing food insecurity, homelessness, mental health, and other community needs. Larry was ordained as a Pastor in 2023. Today, Awaken Outreach Center mobilizes more than 250 volunteers and serves over 14,000 neighbors each month through its food pantry and a range of compassionate programs. Larry and Chantelle share a love for animals and love caring for their dogs and horses who are their family.
Carol Hopkins
Carol Hopkins
As a seasoned professional, Carol Hopkins comes to the PHD program with a BA in Teaching, a credential in Ministry, and over 50 years of experience in education, volunteer service, and philanthropy work. Along with serving as a Trustee, PTL President, Deaconess, Ministry Leader, Hospice Ambassador, and School Board Member, she has been instrumental in pioneering new programs for schools, churches, and businesses. Carol is also a chaplain for the North Port Police Department.
She is passionate about sharing her faith and experiences with those God has placed in her life. Her greatest inspirations have come from her husband, of 50 years, her 2 adult children, sisters and extended family, friends, neighbors, as well as school/church families she has been privileged to have known.
Carol has lived in IA, CA, OR, WA, and now FL. She enjoys traveling, reading, gardening, and spending time with her menagerie of pets. She has a love for the arts, music, dance and embracing new experiences. Throughout her life, she has been likened to Mary Poppins and the Energizer Bunny.
Stephanie Cole
Stephanie Cole
Originally from Indiana, Stephanie relocated to Florida in 2017 before briefly residing in Georgia in 2022. Returning to Florida in March 2024, she now calls Port Charlotte home.
Prior to her tenure in the banking sector, she owned a business in Indiana from 2003 to 2017, later transitioning to a retail store management position upon her relocation to Florida. Stephanie embarked on her banking career in 2018 as a universal banker at another SunTrust now Truist. After a few years in her banking career, she was promoted and held the position of Assistant Vice President/Branch Manager in Savannah, Ga., before returning to Florida to join Crews Bank & Trust as the Retail Banking Officer/Assistant Vice President of the Crews Bank & Trust North Port Branch. She is also on the Executive Committee and is the Treasurer for North port Meals on Wheels.
Outside of her professional life, Stephanie loves to spend time with her family and has been married to her best friend for 25 years. She affectionately refers to her four dachshunds – Beatrice, Charlie, Sally, and Franklin – as her children. In her leisure time, she enjoys boating, fishing, and traveling.
Jill Luke
Jill Luke
Originally from rural Michigan, Jill has been an active part of North Port since taking a job there in 2009. She volunteered and partnered with dozens of non-profits, while working her job, until 2017, when she became a commissioner in the city. She has been recognized with multiple awards and honors for her business work, volunteerism, advocacy and service. Her greatest honor was to serve the city as its mayor in 2021. After leaving office Jill continued to serve the community within the non-profit sector, serving currently in 10 organizations. Her motivation is simply that she cares and loves every aspect of Life.