Jay D Muller,President

Here at Grand Valley Equine Assisted Learning Center, our mission is simple. We want to provide horse-based therapies to facilitate growth, learning and healing to people of all abilities including the disabled, disadvantaged and special needs. We could not do that without our dedicated volunteers or the following dedicated members on our board.


Jay D. grew up around horses all his life. Having attained a Masters Degree in special education, Jay D. taught in the public schools for 10 years and coached high school basketball for 17 years. He left teaching for 10 years and served as a Regional Vice President for a financial services office before returning to the classroom three years ago. It was in his time away from teaching that Jay D. and his wife Suzanne started Grand Valley Equine Assisted Learning Center.

Bob Miller, Vice President

Bob graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1982 with a degree in Natural Resources Management. He was hired with the State of Colorado in 1983, and worked as a Park Ranger, Senior Ranger, and a Park Manager. Bob retired from State Parks after serving the public for more than 32 years. He has been on the Board of Directors with GVEALC since 2015. His greatest pleasure is working with horses and seeing how they can impact and heal people in our special need’s community.

Suzanne Muller, Treasurer


​Suzanne is a Special Education teacher with Mesa County Valley School District 51 and has been for the past 20 years.  Suzanne receives joy from the work at Grand Valley Equine Assisted Learning Center; joy from the interaction with clients; joy from watching the clients conquer their anxieties, fears, challenges; joy from our equine partners; and joy that each one of our volunteers brings to GVEALC.

Devan Hall


​Devan is currently a real estate agent with Keller Williams Colorado West Realty.  She left a 15-year career with the United States Postal Service in order to better her health.  Due to this transition, she found GVEALC.  With the flexibility of the new career, and her free time spent helping this amazing organization, she has found healing in helping others. She finds there is always a sense of “peace” that comes from working with the horses by watching them change and help the clients and fellow volunteers.​

John Kelly

John was raised in Grand Junction. He and his wife Stacy have 2 amazing children, Brayden and Mya. Some of John’s many passions include activities with his family, dance, golf, and in his spare time he loves being a DJ for events and weddings. John’s goal in life is to leave a lasting impression on those that he comes in contact with. John has 10 years of hospital experience in multiple departments, and currently works full time as the Director of the Family Health West Foundation in Fruita.

Janielle Westermire

Janielle, a 5th generation resident of the Grand Valley, has 3 amazing children and 4 beautiful grandchildren. After serving 27 years with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office, Janielle is retired. She supports several initiatives dedicated to building a better community by serving on the Board of Trustees for Handy Chapel Church and as VP of Black Citizens and Friends. Janielle’s youngest son is autistic. She is passionate for how GVEALC serves individuals like her son and others in need. Janielle believes that putting GOD first in her life has given her many blessings.