Rebecca Ramsouer

FOUNDER AND INSTRUCTOR

PICTURED RIDING "DUKE" - OWNED BY JILL FISHER

Rebecca is an accomplished horsewoman known for her ability to teach and connect with kids. Born and raised in Ventura County, animals (especially horses) have always played a central role in her life.

She grew up competing with her horses across the Western United States before riding on the equestrian team at the University of Wyoming. While in school, she studied animal and equine sciences, building a strong foundation in behavior, care, and practical horsemanship application.

After returning home, Rebecca began training full time, coaching riders at the national level and serving as head coach for a local high school team. In her home program, she began working with riders facing cognitive and developmental challenges. That work drew her more deeply into the relational side of horsemanship, as she saw how positively animals influence mental health and confidence. This shaped an approach grounded in connection rather than correction. Over time, that path led her to work with children in foster care.

Future Strides Foundation was built on her belief that horses support healing, progress isn’t perfect, and growth happens one stride at a time.

Jill Fisher

BOARD MEMBER- SECRETARY

Jill is a board member of Future Strides whose kindness, reliability, and clear perspective make her an essential part of the team. She holds a bachelor’s degree in food science and nutrition and previously worked as a personal chef. That experience shaped her attention to detail, follow-through, and thoughtfulness—qualities she carries into everything she does.

Jill purchased her first horse, Duke, in 2021 after seeing him on Craigslist. She found Rebecca through a mutual friend and decided to put Duke in training. What began as a client–trainer relationship quickly grew into a personal friendship. Duke went on to win a world title at the 2024 PtHA World Show and confidently holds the title of “barn favorite.”

As Future Strides took shape, Jill was one of the first people Rebecca reached out to for advice. She became a trusted sounding board and source of honest perspective. Jill brings reliability, clarity, and creativity to the team, helping move ideas forward.

PICTURED HOLDING "OLIVE" - 5 DAYS OLD

Laura Paxson

BOARD MEMBER- TREASURER

Laura is a lifelong equestrian whose connection to horses spans more than fifty years. Alongside raising her three children, she built a career as a research scientist before “retiring” into her current career as a high school science teacher.

Throughout the years, horses remained a constant in her life. She served as faculty advisor for the high school equestrian team alongside her own riding and showing. Laura’s background in science, combined with decades of hands-on horse experience has shaped a thoughtful and steady approach to teaching, leadership, and her work with horses.

Today, she enjoys a quieter pace with her horse, spending time riding around the neighborhood and heading out on the trails. As a board member of Future Strides, she brings a deep respect for learning, patience, and the lasting role animals can play in shaping people’s lives.

PICTURED LEADING "MAZIE"

BOARD MEMBER - PUBLIC RELATIONS ADVISOR

Niamh Sexton

Niamh brings her unique talents to Future Strides through both her experience in visual storytelling and her life in the saddle. As founder and creative director of Brush Busters Media Co., she works with equine and rural brands to tell stories that reflect the people and values behind them. Her background in communications informs a clear, honest approach to how those stories are shared.

Alongside her creative work, Niamh is an accomplished competitor. She earned the 2023 AQHA World Champion title in Reined Cow Horse Boxing and is a respected non-pro competitor in the NRCHA.

As a board member, Niamh serves in an advisory role for marketing and public relations, offering insight, feedback, and strategic guidance as the organization grows. She brings clarity, experience, and an outside creative perspective that helps strengthen the foundation’s long-term vision.

PICTURED RIDING HER HORSE “SWAGGER”

Lyssa Anderson

BOARD MEMBER-SUPPORT ADVISOR

Lyssa brings an essential perspective to the Future Strides team through her work supporting children in real-world settings.

She holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and communication studies from Pepperdine University, along with a master’s degree in legal and forensic psychology from UC Irvine. Her education and professional background center on understanding behavior, development, and the complex dynamics children experience both at home and in school.

Currently, Lyssa works as a family case manager, where she supports children in reaching social and emotional goals within the school system. Her role involves close collaboration with caregivers, educators, and support teams, helping ensure children receive consistent, appropriate guidance.

While Lyssa does not come from a horse background, her experience brings critical balance to the board. She helps ground Future Strides, ensuring the program remains informed and responsive to the needs of the youth it serves.

PICTURED WITH “DOT”