Owner/Operator Circle T Ranch, Chairperson New Beginnings at Circle T Ranch

Denise has always had a passion for horses and has owned and operated Circle T Ranch since 1987. In 2019 the ranch transitioned from being a full-service equestrian facility to focus on supporting the mission of New Beginnings.

In 2019 Denise became a certified Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) Facilitator and formed the non-profit corporation New Beginnings at Circle T Ranch. New Beginnings was formed for the benefit of trauma survivors, people struggling with psychological conditions, and people with developmental disabilities. Circle T Ranch provides the infrastructure, horses and employees that support all of the equine learning sessions conducted by New Beginnings.

Denise’s depth of equestrian knowledge, coupled with her compassion and drive to make a positive difference for those in her community have enabled New Beginnings at Circle T Ranch to become a successful Equine Learning and Activities facility. They provide both on site and off site sessions and are the only organization in the country to provide EAL sessions inside Correctional Facilities for level II-IV incarcerated individuals. Through EAL, Denise and her staff have guided over 1200 participants and families to happier and healthier lives.  

Tom has an engineering degree from University of Illinois and spent 20 years flying Navy jets from aircraft carriers. After the Navy he spent several years as a Financial Advisor for individuals and businesses, and now instructs Navy aircrew in operating F/A-18 Super Hornets in all phases of training. Tom is still an active pilot and Certified Flight Instructor. His decades of experience in risk management, operations, safety, finances, education, and leadership provide diverse and valuable skill sets to the board of New Beginnings.

Kelly Timbrook is a Business Solutions Consultant at a full-service HR and safety compliance firm in Sacramento, CA. She is Co-Chair of the membership committee and member of the events committee for the Sacramento Regional Builder’s Exchange and founded and runs a networking group to support the development of professional women in the greater Sacramento area. Kelly is a registered foster home for the Front Street Animal Shelter and has been involved in numerous other non-profits in both southern and northern California for over a decade. Kelly is an accomplished equestrian professional as a rider, riding instructor and horse trainer in several disciplines.

Kelly has always been passionate about helping people succeed in life. With over 15 years of experience training horses and riders throughout California, Kelly knows first-hand the amazing benefits of human/equestrian interaction, and the significant positive effects they have particularly for people struggling with emotional trauma. Her degree in Social Ecology from University of California Irvine which concentrated on psychology and the understanding of humans and their challenges, along with her experience as a Child Care Specialist at Youth Care Centers, uniquely suit Kelly to be an insightful and valued member of the New Beginnings Advisory Committee.

Kelly is extremely grateful for the opportunity to be involved in New Beginnings and to be part of the mission to support the community through equine assisted learning.

Director of Hotel Operations at Tachi Palace Casino Resort
2021-2022 Lemoore Rotary President
Active Member at Koinonia Christian Fellowship
Hospitality Industry professional for over 18 years
Local Boy that graduated from Lemoore High School CO 96
Came to Lemoore as a Navy Brat (Dad was a career Navy CPO)
Happily Married to Shelowie Yamaura
Has 1 Daughter McKayla Dasha Sarmiento who will be attending UCSD in the Fall as a Biology major

Hails from Walnut Creek, CA
Came to the Central Valley on a full ride scholarship to Fresno state to ride on the equestrian team
Graduated in 2001 with a BA in mass communication and journalism
Has served as the executive director of the Down syndrome association of central California since 2011-present
Married to a great man, Jamison and together have an 8yr old son Finnegan
Loves all animals but especially horses

Jennifer McGarry has been an employee of Circle T Ranch since 2013 and watched the dream of New Beginnings unfold. She previously worked as a veterinary technician, has her AS in Health Sciences and is currently a stay-at-home-parent to 3 kids. Originally from Minnesota, Jennifer grew up on a hobby farm immersed in the local horse community. She was a 4-H leader, held a royalty position at Northwest Saddle Club, and qualified to represent her club every year at the MN State Fair. Her most recent showing success was at the AQHA Novice Championships in Las Vegas with her horse “Betty”. Horses have had a profound impact on her wellbeing, so she is grateful for this opportunity to share their therapeutic potential with those in need.

Paul Gonzales is a retired California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Manager with experience in program management, budgeting, human resources, and community relations. He has been on various nonprofit Board of Directors and has a business background. He is currently an independent Business and Programs Consultant. In addition, he has also established nonprofit corporations as CEO and has been a business owner. He currently servers on the board of directors for two local community organizations.

Katie Henley has been riding and working with horses for over 25 years. Her passion for teaching riders of all ages, as well as training lends sage experience to our team.

A California State University, Fresno alumni, she graduated summa cum laude with a degree in English Education and her teaching credential. She also rode for the school's NCAA Division 1 equestrian team. After College, Katie worked as a middle school English teacher and also an elementary school reading specialist before "retiring" to raise her two sons. She uses her education and teaching experience to help riders and equine therapy recipients grow not only their riding technique, but also in their confidence.

If you see Katie at Circle T Ranch she is probably out jumping one of our horses, teaching a lesson, assisting in equine therapy, or running after one of her two young sons.