Meet the team
OBH
OBH is our veteran program here at Walk With Me Healing Steps. The staff understands how difficult the transition from military life to civilian life can be. By providing support and guidance, we can help in that transition to make it as smooth as possible.
Trauma Recovery Coaching can aid in the reduction of symptoms from stress and isolation and improve your quality of life.
We look forward to seeing you at the farm.
Jennifer, Jason and Mykela
Mission
Our mission is to support our veterans and service members struggling with the effects of PTSD, TBI, and addiction. We specialize in Equine Assisted and Nature Base therapies as well as Traditional Talk therapy.
Vision
Our vision is to improve quality of life, introduce healthy coping mechanisms and combat suicide in the the veteran community.
Values
- Integrity and accountability - ensuring that all relationships are based on ethical principles and conducted with respect
- Service - providing effective and responsive service to meet the needs of our clients
- Education – sharing the knowledge and skills with clients to facilitate their success
The staff
Supporting you on your journey.
Jennifer Bandy, CTRC, NLC-EP, ESMHL
Hi, I’m Jennifer the founder of Walk With Me Healing Steps. My passion is working with horses and people who are struggling to find the healing they desire. I am a mom with 2 sons who are active duty in the US Army. I was once stuck in my own trauma. Putting the pieces together of how my horses, along with God, have given me the strength and desire to make the changes I needed to be successful in my trauma recovery and as a coach. I have seen lives completely changed through Trauma Recovery Coaching and Equine therapy. I never stop feeling amazed by all that can be accomplished through this work. You can find the relief, peace, and happiness you’re looking for. I did.
Julie Dollar, MA, LCMHC
Hi, I’m Julie, a Licensed Mental Health clinician. I specialize in dual diagnosis, which means I can help support your recovery from substance use, trauma, and any mental health diagnosis. I came on board at Walk With Me Healing Steps because I have a passion and a heart for healing. I wanted to use my skills to reach out and have a direct effect on the community. I began my career in mental health working with a residential living facility and recovery support for women with Substance abuse and mental health issues. I worked as a Team Lead for the Community Support team and moved into private practice before beginning her work with Vaya. I have earned a Bachelor of Art in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Science for Counseling. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor.
I enjoy spending time with my twelve year old son, attending Church, and the outdoors. I am active in the Substance Abuse Community and hopes to bring awareness to the Opioid Abuse Crisis in North Carolina.
Jason Keating, OBH Director
Growing up in Florida, Jason and his family had dogs, geese, a cow, chickens, a horse and a
pony. It was unknown at the time but that lifestyle would be one that he ultimately would try and
return to.
After high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and spent time in the infantry where he
served as a rifleman, assistant team leader and a team leader. Jason went on to become a
Reconnaissance Marine where he finished is time on active duty as a Team Leader with 2nd
Reconnaissance Battalion.
During his time serving our country, Jason was fortunate to travel the world having been to
several U.S. states, Japan, Australia, South East Asia and Greece. His deployments range
from peace time and humanitarian deployments to Rescue Missions and combat operations in
Afghanistan.
After leaving the military with an honorable discharge, Jason returned home to Florida where he
attended Palm Beach State College in the Entrepreneurship and Business program. He help
create a Veterans Resource Center and acted as the President of Student Veterans.
Through his own journey utilizing Equine Therapy, he discovered the healing aspects of working
with horses. He believes that horses show us only the truth and help us learn better
communication and relationship skills.
Caleb Waters
My name is Caleb Waters. I started Operation Battle Horse a couple years ago with Jennifer to continue my service after my 11-year Marine Corps career. During my career I went on five deployments between 2009 and 2015, ranging from combat in Afghanistan to humanitarian relief in Haiti and everything in between. In 2015 I transitioned to being a Marine Combat Instructor at the School of Infantry-East where I separated from service in 2018 as a Staff Sergeant (E-6). So, I have seen and experienced firsthand the impact that service and specifically combat service can have on service members and their families lives. I have found Trauma Recovery Coaching and equine therapy a great follow on to traditional counseling, offering real world implementation strategies that I have never gotten out of traditional counseling. A genuine understanding and belief in what we do has overwhelmingly compelled me to spread this program on to my brothers and sisters who have served. They deserve the opportunity to experience the quality-of-life improvement that I now know is possible. We owe it to them, because they served us. Semper Fidelis.
Lindi Cline- Equine Specialist Mental Health and Learning
Hello my name is Lindi Elizabeth Cline I live with my husband, who is a Navy Veteran, in Granite Falls NC. We’ve been married 3 years and have 3 daughters and 1 son. We have 3 dogs and 1 cat & 1 horse. I currently work as ESMHL and offer support to the spouses of Veterans. In my spare time, I love volunteering and assisting with Trauma Recovery Coaching group sessions that partner with a therapy horse. I am currently working toward my certification as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning and peer support. I’m doing this in memory of my Mother who dealt with a mental health issue, Bi-Polar Depression. I am active in my church at Waterlife in Lenoir NC.
My favorite quote is…
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” Maya Angelou
Mykela Lofendo- Equine Specialist Mental Health and Learning
Hello, my name is Mykela Lofendo and I am an Equine Specialist in Mental Health Learning here at Walk With Me. My husband and I have lived in Vale, North Carolina since 2021 with our two dogs, Ringo and Zoey, and our horse, Chief. Before setting our roots, we lived in many states and moved around quite a bit, learning a bit more about ourselves and values each time. I grew up in Illinois riding, showing, and training horses almost as long as I have been able to walk. Working with horses has always been a passion of mine and through this passion I have experienced how a relationship with them can benefit all aspects of my own life, as well as my relationship with others. I joined the Marine Corps in 2017 where I was stationed in Camp Pendleton, California. When I was there I learned more about myself and my desire in life to help others. Through working at Walk With Me, I have been able to combine these two passions. Due to my background with the military, I specialize in our veteran program Operation Battle Horse.
