We are delighted to welcome Nikki Grommesh to our Mounted Eagles’ family. Nikki joined us as Center Manager on June 2nd, 2024. Nikkie’s responsibilities include Lead Instructor for all lessons and horse management, which includes health and welfare and training of all horses.
Nikki became a CTRI (Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor) in 2017. She worked for Bison Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, located in Fargo ND, from 2017 to 2021. Nikki serves her country as a member of the US Army Reserves.
Nikki was raised in Hewitt MN and graduated from Hewitt High School in 2014. She attended college at Ridgewater in Willmar, MN and then transferred to NDSU where she earned her CTRI. Nikki and her husband lived in Fargo for 7 years after which they returned to Minnesota where they currently live in Motley with their 7 horses, 3 ponies, 2 dogs, 7 cats and 20 chickens.
We also are delighted to welcome Andrew Braun to our family to serve on our Board of Directors. Andrew’s interest in being involved with Mounted Eagles was sparked when he visited with Lynn Fairbanks, our ED, at the Brainerd Lakes Home Show and Expo this last spring. He had been looking for the right opportunity to give back to the community, by serving in a role for a non-profit organization. After touring our barn and attending several events, he was convinced he was meant to be a part of Mounted Eagles.
Andrew’s career path has taken him to to Texas and Louisiana, where he worked in construction management following his graduation from UW-Stout. He moved to the Brainerd Lakes Area, and now owns a commercial insurance agency. In 2023 he married his wife Erica, a Brainerd native who works as a speech pathologist in District 181.
Andrew stated, “Mounted Eagles has done an amazing job for over 30 years. I look forward to continuing to work with the community to bring further involvement and awareness of the great things the organization does. I am excited to share my energy and passion for the organization and I look forward to my future involvement within”.