Kim Swaney
Co Founder/CFO/Program Director
“It’s okay not to be okay, but it’s not okay to stay there.”
Kim co-founded Happiness Through Horses (HTH) in 2014 to create a safe, empowering space for youth and families. As a Life Coach for Teens, she is passionate about helping young people build confidence, resilience, and self-worth—drawing from her own experiences of feeling unseen.
A lifelong animal lover, Kim believes horses are soul animals, offering healing and leadership lessons. Her journey began with rescuing her horse, Lavender, 16 years ago, and today, Lavender remains central to HTH’s mission. Under her leadership, HTH has expanded to support not only youth but also families, seniors, and sanctuary animals.
Before HTH, Kim worked in banking, property inspections, and as a veterinary technician. She has also led Girl Scout troops, volunteered with nonprofits, and stayed active in her children’s school activities. Married for 37 years, she and her husband have three children and are proud grandparents.
Kim manages nearly every aspect of HTH, from fundraising to animal care, and finds the greatest joy in witnessing its impact and sharing the mission with those who make it possible.
Alicia Englund
Director of Operations & Development
Alicia’s connection to Happiness Through Horses began through an unexpected conversation that quickly grew into friendship, time at the ranch, and a strong sense of belonging. What started as simply showing up to help soon became a meaningful place to contribute her lifelong love of horses, heart for people, and professional background in operations, organization, and project support.
With experience rooted in helping people, ideas, and details move forward, Alicia supports the work of the ranch through programs, events, communications, fundraising efforts, volunteer coordination, and the day-to-day needs that help meaningful experiences take shape and grow.
For Alicia, serving at Happiness Through Horses feels like a full-circle moment — a place where purpose, passion, and profession meet in support of people, horses, animals, gardens, and the land.
