Staff
Tori Popio: Assistant to Co-Founders
Having loved horses all her life, Tori found Whispering Grace Horses while she was a sophomore in high school at Jackson nearly 6 years ago. Now a senior at Walsh University, Tori is studying Behavioral Science and Spanish. She will pursue a Master's degree in School Counseling following the completion of her undergraduate credits. Tori holds many positions at Walsh including that of a Resident Assistant, a peer tutor, and an orientation leader. Tori is also the Co-President of Walsh University's Equestrian Team, which competes at various universities such as Findlay, Oberlin, Lake Erie, and Tiffin. At Whispering Grace Horses, Tori assists in the training of new session leaders, performs individual sessions every week and helps with training of the horses.
Katie Walkup
Katie has always had a love for horses and helping people. She grew up riding and showing quarter horses and as time went on, her passion turned into a ministry calling. Throughout the years Katie has been able to find comfort in horses and her faith through life’s ups and downs. “I believe that horses can teach us so much about the go
Katie has always had a love for horses and helping people. She grew up riding and showing quarter horses and as time went on, her passion turned into a ministry calling. Throughout the years Katie has been able to find comfort in horses and her faith through life’s ups and downs. “I believe that horses can teach us so much about the gospel; forgiveness, trust, relationship—these are all things we can have with Christ and build with horses.” Katie also has a heart for veterans. Her uncle, both grandfathers, and grandfather-in-law all served in the military. Katie helps facilitate Freedom Farm at Whispering Grace Horses by leading sessions and operations. She is a blessing to each individual that visits the farm.
Stan Nabors
Stan is originally from Oklahoma where he first worked with horses on a cattle ranch. He then spent 12 years in the Army as a Military Police Officer until he was medically retired. Upon retirement he moved to Ohio with his family where he began his involvement with numerous organizations that aid and support veterans. Eventually he learned of Freedom Farm from our daughter and began coming out as a volunteer. Freedom Farm became more than a form of therapy and sanctuary he could recommend to others, it became his second home.
He keeps Freedom Farm at Whispering Grace Horses looking its best and takes his time with each of the horses on a daily basis. He is a natural with the horses and is always willing to share his time with everyone at the farm.