Laura Layton

Laura is a National Board Certified Counselor, Certified Life Coach, & has a certificate in Biblical Counseling. She has been a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2010, & holds licensure in GA, SC, & NC. She has dreamed of being part of a place like Bit of Hope since first getting involved with Animal-Assisted Therapy almost 20 years ago, believing that healing happens best in proximity to God's Creation. When Laura's not at the ranch, she enjoys spending time with family & friends, hiking, swimming, paddleboarding, Bible study, volunteering, & researching her latest interests.

Laura is passionate about helping individuals, marriages, families, & small groups to uncover & remove obstacles to a more abundant life... Whether through education, counseling, coaching, or intensive retreats, she is always honored to partner with people who are bravely seeking something better. She knows that it takes incredible courage to ask for help, & holds her clients in high esteem. Because each situation is unique, Laura offers a variety of services to encourage Mind-Body-Spirit & Relational health. Get in touch to talk about what's right for you!

Mackenzie Huffman

I attended Appalachian State University for undergrad with a bachelors of science degree in psychology. I have worked at multiple therapeutic riding barns since 2016, before attending Winthrop for my masters in clinical counseling. I am currently certified in the Natural Lifemanship and EAGALA models of equine therapy and work as an equine professional at Bit of Hope. I have been at the ranch for about seven years, starting as a counseling intern. After several years of being a clinical mental health counselor, I have been focusing on my love and skills of being an equine professional. I have a horse of my own, Waffles, whom I previously evented and now compete in dressage. I have a husband, my 1 1/2 year old daughter, and two Great Danes who keep me busy when I’m at home! I am looking forward to combining my passion for helping people and my passion for horses through this coaching process.

Mindy Millsaps

Do you feel stuck in life or finding your true passion?  Have you had a past Equine Trauma, but fear has kept you from getting back in the saddle? Do you want to get to know yourself again and grow?  If you have answered yes to any or all of these I am here to help! My name is Mindy Millsaps. I am a lifelong horse lover with over 15 years of English riding and training experience.  Horses have always been a part of my life as teachers, friends and healers. Once you have shared a connection with a horse they truly become part of your blood. I was blessed to find Bit of Hope Ranch in 2020, where I get to  continue this special work with horses as an Instructor, Equine Professional and most recently Equine Assisted Coach. 

My coaching passions include:

Finding Life's Purpose/Passion

Rekindling your love of horses/Getting back in the saddle

Finding your Inner Voice/Self Growth/Getting to know yourself again

Christian Focused Equine Assisted Coaching

All coaching sessions are done with a horse and can be mounted or unmounted. I can't wait to hear from you and partner with you on your journey. 

Meg Vanderbilt

Meg Vanderbilt is a Life, Health and Spiritual Coach. She is certified in the Emotion Code, MACE Energy Method and uses other holistic practices to help clients uncover root causes to their challenges. Meg has trained and managed equine facilities for over 30 years. She has a passion for using horses in her coaching work as they are instrumental in helping clients discover areas of their life that are hidden from view. Her strong Christian values bring Biblical truths and guidance into sessions where clients to help support clients.

Meg is founder and creator of the Herdmanship University, an online learning platform that trains staff and other facilities in the art of Equine Assisted Therapies.

Her coaching approach is beneficial for offer older teens through adult years. She has led Couples and Corporate groups through programs that are challenging and effective for change.

Contact her today to see if these programs are a fit for you!