Board of Directors

PRESIDENT

Erin McNamee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Palm Beach County, FL.  She has extensive experience in equine-assisted therapy and equine-assisted learning.  She received her certification from the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) in 2012.  Since that time, she has initiated and facilitated equine therapy for a local treatment center where she served as Chief Clinical Officer until 2018.  Erin has facilitated training at the national and regional levels for EAGALA and the Professional Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH).  She recently completed a doctorate in social work at Florida Atlantic University while concurrently operating her own private practice specializing in trauma, addiction, and depression.

TREASURER/SECRETARY

Margaret has an extensive background in government and private sector business. 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.

BOARD MEMBER

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 / VETERAN AMBASSADOR

Scott came to the HERD Foundation through the Freedom Patch program. He is a ten year veteran of the United States Air Force and recently retired as a Decorated Federal Law Enforcement Officer with U.S. Customs and Border Protection out of Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, completing a 22 year career with them. In all Scott served our country for 32 years. Scott served in the United States Air Force and served as Security Police Military Working Dog Handler including Secret Service, explosives and narcotics detection and anti-terrorism duties. He has received a Humanitarian Medal and an Award for Valor. Scott is pursuing his Natural Lifemanship certification as an Equine Specialist.

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.