● People & Animals
Meet the Team
Our team is a close-knit community of people and animals who bring expertise, compassion, and plenty of heart to Amber’s Wings, from our leadership and board members to the animals at the heart of what we do.
Our Leadership
Heidi Michelsen
Founder/Executive Director/Amber's MomHeidi is the Executive Director and Founder of Amber’s Wings, created in loving memory of her daughter, Amber. Out of profound personal loss, she has transformed grief into purpose, dedicating her life to helping children and families find hope, healing, and resilience through the unique bond between humans and horses.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education, Heidi combines professional expertise with lived experience as a mother. She is certified in Animal-Assisted Therapy through Harcum College and holds specialized certification through the OK Corral series (O.K., Let’s Get Down to Business and O.K. for Every Day). She is also currently pursuing dual certification through Horse Sense and PATH International, further expanding her ability to deliver best-practice, evidence-based equine programs.
Her unique perspective as a grieving mother fuels her compassion, while her academic and professional training ensures Amber’s Wings programs are rooted in both heart and science. Today, Heidi leads Amber’s Wings with dedication and vision, working alongside community partners to ensure that every child—especially those facing loss, trauma, or barriers—has the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive.
Jennifer Howard
COOJennifer Howard’s passion for horses began at the age of four, when a birthday pony ride sparked what would become a lifelong love of equestrian sport. Growing up in Bermuda, she developed a strong interest in both hunter riding and dressage, laying the foundation for her continued involvement in the equestrian community.
At age 14, Jennifer attended Chatham Hall, a boarding school in Virginia, where she competed on the varsity riding team. During her first three years, she competed in hunters and equitation, qualifying for Hunt Seat Medal Finals and earning year-end championship titles in the Children’s Hunters aboard her own horse, while also catch-riding for her coach.
Jennifer went on to attend Brock University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Child and Youth Studies, with a minor in Sociology. She subsequently completed a Master of Science in Analysis and Intervention in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities at the University of Kent. Upon returning to Bermuda in 2016, Jennifer continued her academic pursuits while working full-time as a Psychology Assistant at the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute, later earning a second Master of Science degree in Psychology.
Her professional development includes specialized certifications as a Positive Behaviour Support Coach and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Trainer as well as training through the O.K. Corral series, including O.K., Let’s Get Down to Businessand O.K. for Every Day.
Throughout her career in Bermuda, Jennifer has remained committed to supporting children, youth, and individuals with diverse needs. Her contributions have been recognized through several honours, including Big Sister of the Year with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda and the Leader on the Rise recognition from Chatham Hall. She has also served as an equestrian coach for the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, combining her passion for horses with her commitment to inclusion and personal development.
Jennifer currently serves as Program Coordinator for Residential Treatment Services at the Department of Child and Family Services. Outside of her professional role, she continues to dedicate her time to community initiatives, including co-facilitating programmes with Amber’s Wing.
Through her work in psychology, child and youth development, and equestrian sport, Jennifer brings together her professional expertise and lifelong passion for helping others build confidence, develop skills, and reach their full potential.
Allan Doughty
Director
Trinette Mitchell
Director/Treasurer
Paul Konyecsni
Vice Chair & Chair of Finance Committee
Board ChairKiira Grant
Ryann Hollis
Director
Sarah Lauchnor
Director
Sumaya Lambe
Secretary
The Keys To Our Success
Leader & Keeper of Amber’s LegacyRush
Jenny
First Lady
Wise ElderStar
Pastor Paul
Little Gentleman● Contact
Join Our Team
Curious about joining our board or staff, or interested about volunteering with us? Reach out and we’ll be in touch about current or future opportunities.