Michaela Shepherd

CEO and Founder

Michaela Shepherd, a proud Colorado native, has spent her career working as a rider and trainer in the hunter/jumper equestrian industry, as well as an e-commerce strategist in the pet industry. Michaela has also worked at a CU Boulder startup, the Center for Translational Research, where she was a consultant for graduate (PhD) students and faculty members; through in-depth market and industry research, Michaela guided these teams through the commercialization process for their technology and the application process for grant funding (SBIR, STTR, and PFI grants). Michaela received a B.S. from the University of Colorado, Boulder, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and received the 2018 Marketing Division Outstanding Student Award. She is currently a second-year MBA student at the University of Colorado, Boulder, where she is pursuing a concentration in marketing and entrepreneurship. Michaela has bolstered her academic career with classes, such as Critical Leadership Skills, Foundations of Teamwork, Foundations of Leadership, and Managerial Communications, which allows her to serve as a bridge for communication between people and horses.

Kathryn McClain

Chief of Staff

Kathryn McClain moved to the Front Range in 2016 after earning her Bachelors and Masters of Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Kathryn then worked as a mental health therapist providing services for clients involved in the child protection system across the Denver area. Inspired by her love for and connection to animals, Kathryn continued her education earning her Animals and Human Health Certificate from the University of Denver’s Institute for Human-Animal Connection. During which, Kathryn developed expertise about the power of human-animal interactions and skills focusing on animal-assisted therapy and activities. With the desire to ignite positive change on a macro scale, Kathryn is now building her business acumen, focusing her studies on Leadership and Entrepreneurship as a second year MBA student at the University of Colorado Boulder. Outside of work, Kathryn spends her time exploring the mountains with her dog, Bear, as well as skiing, snowboarding, and competing in triathlon. Kathryn’s background as a social worker, education in equine assisted interventions, and business mindset poise her well for W.P. Equestrian.

Talia Slatkin

Chief of Staff

Talia Slatkin was born and raised in Southern California, where she grew up with horses having a prominent role in her life. Talia has competed in the hunter/jumper equestrian circuit since she was five years old, taking on various roles besides showing, such as a working student, assistant, and pony camp leader. Talia is currently a sophomore attending the University of Colorado, Boulder, where she is pursuing a B.S. in Strategic Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations and a double minor in Business and Italian. Talia also has experience working in the financial industry as an accounting intern that developed into an assistant position where she honed her skills in quickbooks and excel, as well as customer service. Coincidentally in the hospitality field, Talia has versed herself in branding and etiquette for David’s Events Catering Company. She has served a multitude of diverse events as well as worked to expand the company’s social media presence. Talia’s equestrian background and involvement with communication based companies allows her to connect with people and horses from a unique perspective to embark on this journey with W.P. Equestrian.

Owen Shepherd

Chief of Staff

Owen Shepherd moved from California to Colorado at an early age in search of adventure and education, adopting a passion for outdoor sports and ultimately graduating Cum Laude from the University of Colorado - Boulder with a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering Sciences and a minor in computer science. During Owen’s undergraduate tenure, he worked in both customer service and as a teaching assistant for the University’s school of engineering. Owen shares a love for animals with his two dogs, and shares Michaela’s interest in bringing the positive impact of horse companionship to a more general audience. Owen’s experience with taking multi-faceted technical projects from start to finish will allow W.P. Equestrian to facilitate quick and comprehensive communication between clients and horses.