Meet Our Team
Lynn Fairbanks
Executive Director
Lynn became involved in Mounted Eagles when her son Justin enrolled in the program in 2000. She spent a few of Justin’s first lessons as a parent observing from the clubroom but soon thereafter was asked to help in various ways at the barn and with fundraisers. She was quickly hooked on the desire to enhance the benefits Mounted Eagles provides to its participants, volunteers and families. She served on the Board of Directors for several years prior to becoming the Executive Director in 2010.
Prior to working for Mounted Eagles Lynn worked for 20 years as a paralegal for local law offices. She currently works as the Office Administrator for Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Baxter and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Pequot Lakes.
Lynn served as an active Adult 4H Leader for 23 years with the Black Bear 4H Club in Nisswa. She volunteers in her church and spent many years serving as the Sunday School Superintendent, teacher and directing the Christmas Program for 22 years.
Lynn’s favorite part of her work with Mounted Eagles is when she gets an opportunity to make participants, volunteers and their families feel important, appreciated and loved.
Kari Baillif
Director – Vice Chair, Lesson Volunteer, PATH CTRI in Training
(04/2023-04/2026)
Kari joined the board in April of 2023 and is serving her first term. Kari is the daughter-in-law of Mounted Eagles’ founder, Susie Baillif. She started volunteering with lessons at the barn in March of 2023 right after Susie passed away. She also serves on the Program Committee.
Kari carries the passion for the program Susie had and continues to keep her legacy alive. In Kari’s own words: “I wanted to be involved with Mounted Eagles because my Mother-in-Law, Susie Baillif, founded the program. I wanted a family member to continue to be involved and have found why she was so passionate about this program”.
Kari is employed as a CNP, Family Practice at CentraCare – Baxter Clinic .
Aggie Stroot
Director, Treasurer, PATH Certified Instructor, Volunteer Records Manager,
(04/19-04/2022)(04/2022-04/2025)
Aggie jointed the Mounted Eagles family in 1995 when her son Jacob became a program participant. She started volunteering helping with lessons in Feb of 1996 after Jacob passed away. She began serving on the BOD in 1997 and became a PATH Certified Instructor in 2003. Aggie was instrumental in Mounted Eagles’ achieving their 1st PATH Premier Accredited Center Status in 2005.
Aggie served as the Executive Director from 2000 thru 2010. She continues to serve as Treasurer of the BOD, as a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor instructing lessons 2 days a week, serves on the Fund Raising/PR Committee and the Program Committee. Aggie has a work history in accounting and human resources. She has served as a member of board of directors for March of Dimes and is a recipient of the Dale Carnegie Highest Award for Achievement. In 2022 she received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for a life time accumulation in excess of 4,000 hours volunteering with Mounted Eagles.
In Aggie’s own words: “When my son took his first independent steps after riding only three times, I knew this program was for us. I have watched other individuals have many “firsts” over the years and I know helping them is why God put me here.”
Colleen Reber
Director, Lesson Volunteer
(04/2022 – 04/2025)
Colleen Reber became a volunteer with Mounted Eagles in June 2021, when she moved to the Brainerd Lakes area after retiring from the Apple Valley School District where she worked as a technology specialist. She is serving her first term on the board, having joined in April 2022. She volunteers at the barn one day a week and also serves on the FR/PR Committee and is the editor of the Mounted Eagles’ Mane Tales Newsletter. She spent many years serving as a member on the Board of Directors of youth sports groups and volunteering and teaching at her church.
In Colleens own words: “I enjoy the variety of jobs available to volunteers and I especially love seeing the smiles on the faces of the riders, whether it is at the barn or at a Mounted Eagles’ event.”
Gladys Behymer
Volunteer Training Manager, Lesson Volunteer
(04/2019-04/2022) (Vice-Chair 04/12/2021-08/2021) (Chair 08/06/2021-04/2023)(4/2023-2/2024)
Gladys started helping with Mounted Eagles as barn volunteer in 2018. She served on the Board of Directors for 5 years. She was the Board Chair from August 2021 until her resignation from the board in February 2024. She is pursuing her work with Joni and Friends Wheels for the World but will still volunteer at the barn one day a week. She holds the position of the Volunteer Training Manager conducting orientation with new volunteers. She also serves on the Program and Governance Committees.
Gladys earned her Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership in 2021. She has served on numerous committees, as a facilitator and group leader at Timberwood Church for the last ten years. She also serves on the Prayer Team. She is highly active with Joni & Friends and the European Leadership Forum where she serves as a mentor with European Christian Women
Gladys is part of the Therapy dog team visiting Breath Of Life Adult Day Care and Timberwood church for the last 6-months
In Gladys’ own words: “What drives me to work with Mounted Eagles? It is because of the joy I see on the riders’ faces when they have connected with the horses. It is seeing them be able to do more than their family/care givers thought they could do. It is seeing a team of people, horses and caregivers come together to help the riders to grow in many ways.”
Nick Patterson
Horse Maintenance Assistant, Lesson Volunteer
Nick has been involved with Mounted Eagles for 20+ years. Nick volunteers two days a week in addition to feeding the horses on non-riding days and being there for farrier visits.
He has had 4 children who have participated in the program, Three graduated and moved on but his youngest is still a program participant.
Nick’s passion for the program and the horses shows thru in all that he does for Mounted Eagles above and beyond his prescribed duties.
Nick is employed as a Home Health Aide .
Lesson Volunteers
We could not exist without our loyal volunteers. Thanks to all of you who give of yourself in so many ways to accomplish our vision.
We need your help!
We are looking for individuals who share our vision and values to join our working Board of Directors. Being a member of the Board of Directors is a great way to help if you don’t have the time or the desire to commit to working at the barn with the participants and the horses. If you are interested in being a part of this great organization and helping ensure our continued success please message us and we will contact you.