Our Team
Gerri Groshong
Gerri was led to found Spirit Wind as a ministry to bring freedom, truth and empowerment to her family, friends and community. Through the life changing experiences she witnessed first hand within herself and others through the Holy Spirit and Horses she pursued certifications to help enrich the lives of others. Spirit Wind was born from this calling to provide a place of safety and enrichment, a place to grow and learn, a sanctuary to breathe in Gods peace and exhale the burdens of life on planet earth. A place to be Empowered, Equipped and Educated with truth, faith and tools. All presented through Life-Man-Ship ™ practices.
Gerri loves that this calling allows her to engage in fun activities with clients, riding lessons, and sessions. She loves meeting people where they are and walking beside, training up, and creating space for them to connect, think and just be.
Gerri is a certified;
Equine Facilitated Learning Facilitator - Unbridled Faith/ Elaine Davis
FBEAP Facilitator (Faith Based Equine Assisted Philosophy)
Certified Trauma A & B Recovery Facilitator -Unbridled Faith/ Elaine Davis
Certified Stable Prayer Facilitator - Unbridled Faith/ Elaine Davis
Certified Horse-Powered Reading/Math Facilitator - Dr. Michelle Pickel PhD. HPR, HPM ™
Trauma and Abuse Recovery - Door of Hope Ministries
Gerri has served as a prayer minister, worked in children’s ministries, written, developed and directed multiple programs and activities in her community over the last 28 yrs and is so grateful for Spirit Wind and the opportunity to serve.
Risa Melton
Risa is a 37 year veteran teacher of Olathe Schools. With her master’s degree in educational technology, she taught in elementary and middle school and was a technology coach for the district. Working with Spirit Wind gives Risa the opportunity to combine her love of teaching children with her own childhood dream of working with horses.
Risa brings a warmth and love for reading and learning to our team. Her love for people shines brightly as she engages with clients and helps them experience breakthroughs, empowers them in growing confidence and mastering skills.
Kayla Varughese
Kayla’s love for horses, people, and Jesus was shaped at a young age. At fifteen, she became a horse owner during a season when both she and her horse, Danny, were carrying physical injuries. What could have been a setback became an invitation - to slow down, return to the basics, and build a relationship from the ground up. Through patience, trust, and time, that partnership grew into one marked by joy, confidence, and deep connection.
At Spirit Wind, Kayla facilitates lessons in English riding, Horsemanship, and Western riding. She partners with horses to train people, guiding both toward confidence, growth, and wholeness. Her heart is to create spaces where individuals can encounter healing through Jesus and discover the powerful, life-giving relationships He forms between people and horses.