Our Team
Tina Naples-Barstad, M.S., BCBA - Founder and Clinical Director
Tina is the founder and clinical director of True Colours Consulting. She is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst with a Master’s degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis and over a decade of experience supporting neurodivergent children and youth. Tina is a Certified Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator, a certified PEERS® facilitator, and is currently pursuing counselling designation.
At True Colours, Tina oversees program design and clinical direction, ensuring that each learner receives individualized support through farm-based sessions that integrate behaviour science and experiential learning with horses.
Her work is guided by a commitment to compassionate, regulation-focused practice where learners are supported in developing confidence, communication, and meaningful life skills.
Tina is known for her leadership and vision in guiding both the human and equine team to create meaningful learning experiences on the farm.
Cassidy Vernerey - Senior Equine Behaviour Interventionist & Mounted Program Supervisor
Cassidy is a certified ABA support worker with over seven years of experience supporting neurodivergent learners in behaviour-based programs, along with a lifelong background working with horses.
At True Colours, Cassidy plays a key role in program delivery and supervision, supporting learners through equine-assisted sessions that integrate horsemanship, behaviour support, and skill development.
As a teenager, Cassidy dreamed of creating a program that combined her love of horses with her passion for supporting children. Today, through her work at True Colours, she helps bring that vision to life by guiding learners as they build confidence, connection, and meaningful life skills alongside horses.
Cassidy’s strong riding and horsemanship background allows her to confidently support both horses and learners in developing new skills.
Pam Dykstra - Equine Behaviour Interventionist & Mounted Equine BI
Pam brings a strong background in horsemanship and coaching to the True Colours team. While newer to the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis, she has quickly become a valued member of the program through her dedication to learning and supporting neurodivergent learners.
Pam joined True Colours through her lifelong love of horses and her experience coaching students in equestrian vaulting. She is passionate about helping learners build confidence and connection while working alongside our equine partners.
Pam is deeply dedicated to the learners she supports and is always willing to go the extra mile to help them succeed.
Elizabeth Crawford - Senior Equine Behaviour Interventionist, Mounted Equine BI
Bio coming soon
Jordan Reed - Equine Behaviour Interventionist
Jordan began her journey in equine-assisted services by volunteering in hippotherapy sessions for children with additional support needs, where she discovered a passion for supporting young people through horse-based activities.
Three years ago, Jordan joined the True Colours team and began working as a Behaviour Interventionist, learning and applying the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).
She enjoys combining her love of horses with helping learners build confidence, develop new skills, and experience success in the farm environment.
Jordan is currently pursuing her education in psychology and hopes to one day develop her own equine-assisted therapy program.
Jordan is known for her steady, adaptable approach and her ability to take anything that comes her way in stride.
Emma Dow - Junior Equine Behaviour Interventionist
Emma discovered her passion for working with children through adapted sports programs, which led her to the field of behaviour intervention and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). She enjoys supporting learners as they build confidence, develop new skills, and achieve meaningful progress.
Emma is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and plans to continue working with neurodiverse children in the future.
While she is newer to the equine side of the program, Emma brings a strong commitment to helping individuals grow and learn, both on the farm and beyond.
Emma brings energy and enthusiasm to the team and is especially skilled at connecting with younger learners through active, play-based experiences.
Jake Barstad - Barn Manager
Jake plays an essential role in keeping True Colours running smoothly behind the scenes. As Barn Manager, he helps maintain the farm and facilities while supporting the care and handling of the horses, ensuring the environment remains safe, functional, and welcoming for both learners and the herd.
Known around the farm as the person who keeps everything moving forward, Jake brings practical problem-solving skills and a steady presence to the team. Whether he is mending fences, building and maintaining the arenas, caring for the horses, or stepping in to support learners when needed, Jake truly does it all.
Outside of his barn duties, Jake also shares his creativity with the True Colours community as the Game Master for our Dungeons & Dragons group, where he helps learners build imagination, problem-solving skills, and social connection in a whole new way.
Jake is known for his versatility, reliability, and willingness to jump in wherever help is needed..