Christina is the co-owner and the visionary of Southern Strides, LLC. As a board-certified Nurse Practitioner in family practice, her career spans more than two decades working with all populations. Before becoming a nurse practitioner, Christina worked in emergency/trauma as a critical care transport nurse and has experienced firsthand the effects of a demanding and stressful work environment. Born and raised in Brevard County, her parents are first responders and veterans. At age 7, her mother took her for her first riding lesson, which led to a lifelong passion that resulted in her competing at local shows, instructing students, and eventually working as a therapeutic instructor for those with special needs. She credits her faith and horses as her outlet for managing and balancing her life from the demands of her career. Through her years of experience, Christina has witnessed how therapeutic horses are in the human healing process. With the support of her family and the help of her husband, Kevin, they created Southern Strides, LLC. They aim to provide a safe and inclusive environment where first responders, veterans, their families, and individuals can experience the joy of self-discovery while partnering with equines.

Owner and Director of Operations
ISA Certified Arborist
Certified Professional Inspector

Kevin is a co-owner and the Director of Operations for Southern Strides. He also manages the home services portion of the company, found at http://southernstridesllc.com. Kevin grew up working for the family’s commercial business that specialized in agriculture and forestry operations. His passion for agricultural and construction technology led him to pursue a degree in Agricultural Engineering. After several years of consulting as a contractor, Kevin became an employee with Nextera Energy’s Florida Power and Light Company. Upon resigning in 2016, he held the position of Senior Specialist where he managed the territory’s line clearing resources and was part of the Hurricane Storm Response Teams in Brevard, Seminole, Volusia, and Flagler counties. Kevin sought a professional change that allowed for a better work-life balance personally and decided to channel his corporate and technical backgrounds into Southern Strides.

Lead Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Pat is the lead Licensed Mental Health Counselor for Southern Strides with over 20 years of experience. She is a veteran, married to a veteran, and is a mother to three sons, two who are veterans, and she is also a grandmother. Early in her career, she worked with at-risk teens, children with ADHD, and many struggling with dysfunction within the family dynamics. Later, she accepted an opportunity with the Sheriff’s office that fueled her passion for working with clients who struggle with post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, addictions, suicide, and relationship issues. At the sheriff’s office, she was able to work with many veterans which led to her becoming the lead counselor for the veterans program at the correctional facility. Her professional experience, as well as personal journey as a veteran, gives her a unique perspective on how to help our veterans and first responders today. As an avid animal lover, Pat understands that animals can be a source of healing for those suffering. Christina introduced her to the idea of adding equines into her practice. Pat has stated “it is amazing to add equine therapy to enhance my clinical work as people who have struggled to move forward make a breakthrough with the aid of equine therapy. Horses do not speak but they are excellent communicators and they can help people learn the way their behavior impacts others. They allow people to bring all kinds of issues into their world where the horse accepts people as they are, with their imperfections.” Pat is an associate pastor at her church with her husband, Jim, who is also an associate pastor, and the music director. Together, they provide Christian counseling for those in need. Also, in her spare time, she enjoys gardening, reading, and most of all, spending time with her grandchildren.