Meet the 2013 Freedom Farm Board

Susie Bjorklund, Founder and President     Ms. Bjorklund is the Founder of Freedom Farm. She has been a riding instructor and training horses for over 20 years and is a licensed practical nurse. Ms. Bjorklund is a Certified Path International Therapeutic Riding Instructor, Mentor, and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. Ms. Bjorklund provides the primary direction and instruction during all therapeutic riding sessions.

Lisa Meunier, Secretary     Ms. Meunier is currently a manager in the Wholesale Technology Division of Wells Fargo. Her experience at Wells Fargo began in 1992 and includes Training, Business Analysis, Project Mangement and Management. Lisa and her husband, Paul, reside in Ham Lake, MN with their daughter, Hannah. Lisa and Hannah have owned their awesome reining horse "J.R." since 2008, though they have been actively involved with horses since Hannah was first introduced to them in the year 2000. Lisa is a long-time friend of Freedom Farm and actively participates in the annual Polo Event and Riding Celebration.

Joel Brunner, Treasurer     Mr. Brunner is an Assistant Vice-President/Branch Manager for Citizens State Bank of Waverly/Montrose. His banking career began in 2001 on the front lines as a Teller, moving into Personal Banking, Management and eventually Community Business Banking. Mr. Brunner is involved in various community activities and committees. Mr. Brunner has always had a special place in his heart for children. Volunteering at Freedom Farm gives him the opportunity to help children with special needs.

 Jamie Pribyl, DVM, Director     Dr. Pribyl joined the Buffalo Equine and Large Animal Clinic (BELAC) in 2006, became a partner in 2008 and in March 2010 became certified in animal chiropractic. While she likes all aspects of equine practice, she particularly enjoys the challenges of equine sports medicine, reproduction and neonatology. Dr. Pribyl and her husband, Steve, reside in Buffalo, MN where they breed and raise racing Quarter Horses and barrel horses.

Jacqueline Ricks, Director     Ms. Ricks resides in Orono, MN with husband, Michael, and their 4 children; Johnathan (17), Samuel (15), Jack (11) and Grace (10). She is a stay at home mom who also manages a real estate portfolio. Ms. Ricks' background is finance and has worked in commodities. She has just completed serving on the YMCA Camp Du Nord Board. Ms. Ricks introduction to Freedom Farm came from her son Samuel's speech therapist. Samuel was born with Angelman Syndrome. Samuel has low tone in his core, so therapeutic horseback riding is a great therapy for him.

   Freedom Farm Staff

Sue, Amy, & Susie