Board of Directors

A heartfelt thank you to our Board of Directors for you dedication and support. Your commitment makes a profound difference in the lives of our riders, volunteers, and equine partners. We are truly grateful for all you do!

Paula Buckley

I am Paula Buckley. I grew up in Duluth, MN and have loved horses since I can remember but couldn't convince my mom to let me get one. Luckily, I was able to spend summers during high school at my sister's ranch riding horses to my heart's content. After high school, I attended the University of MN Agricultural School in Wauseca, MN earning a 2-year degree in equine studies. This is also where I met my future husband, Dan. I then worked at horse facilities in Tokeland, WA and Hutchinson, MN before getting married and moving to Menomonie WI. We started out dairy farming, transitioned to beef farming, while also working full-time. We had 3 sons who kept us busy with all their sports activities. During this time, I did have horses but came to realize that I wasn't giving them the attention they deserved. Fast forward to 2020 when my husband and I retired and moved to the Clear Lake area. This is when I began to look for an opportunity to give back and donate some of my newfound spare time. Wasn't I lucky to find Quarter Moon Acres Equine Therapy Center just outside of Amery, where I got to work with wonderful people and amazing horses?? This will be my 6th year volunteering and I am so thankful that I found them. If you are looking for an organization to donate your time or resources to, I would highly recommend QMA. I always leave with a bigger smile and a fuller heart than when I arrived.

April Simmons

I began volunteering at Quarter Moon Acres in 2022, driven by my lifelong passion for horses and a desire to make a meaningful impact. Having volunteered with River Valley Riders during high school, I was eager to find another opportunity to get involved in equine-assisted therapy. I’m incredibly grateful to have found QMA, it truly feels like family. I have a deep passion for mental health, and I have personally experienced the powerful role horses can play in healing. During a time in my life when I was searching for purpose and direction, QMA became a place of hope and restoration. Being around the horses brought me peace, and the supportive community helped me rediscover my sense of purpose. This experience strengthened my belief in the incredible healing power of horses and the importance of programs like Quarter Moon Acres. My role at QMA involves everything from cleaning stalls to creating weekly lesson plans, and I enjoy being involved in all aspects of the program. However, the most rewarding part is seeing the clients’ faces light up as they ride and witnessing their growth, confidence, and joy. It’s truly a privilege to be part of their journey and to help create a space where individuals can experience healing, hope, and connection.

Micah Morse

Micah enlisted in the Army in 1982, serving in Korea, Fort Riley (Kansas), and Germany before completing his military career as a Military Police officer in Leavenworth. After years of dedicated service, he transitioned to civilian life in 1993. He arrived at Quarter Moon Acres in 2019 and became a full-time volunteer in 2022. In 2023, he purchased his own horse — a reflection of his lifelong love for equines, which began in childhood and continued while working on a horse farm during high school. Beyond his natural ability to connect with horses, Micah deeply values how they calm and steady the clients we serve. Drawing from his years of service and leadership, he understands the importance of trust, consistency, and quiet strength. He uses the horses’ grounding presence to help participants feel safe, regulated, and supported.