Meet the Team
Providing Equine Leadership Training
Strategic Learnings | Arabian Horse | TeachingHorse Teams
Certified TeachingHorse Facilitators
Facilitators
Jesús Ávalos
Jesús Ávalos is a learning and development professional with over 20 years of experience in communication and leadership development across both public and private sectors. At Cal Poly Pomona, he leads strategic learning and organizational effectiveness initiatives, supporting staff, faculty, and students through customized learning solutions and leadership coaching. He also serves as a trusted consultant and trainer of trainers, bringing his expertise to high-impact projects and professional development programs campus-wide.
Maddi Ogburn
Maddi has been working with and around horses for over 15 years and currently holds the role of Coordinator of Horse Training and Farm Operations at Cal Poly Pomona’s W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center. Her career with horses has brought Maddi across the country and around the world, working with many well regarded horse trainers and professionals. While horses are Maddi’s passion, her heart is for people, and this is what has led her to explore the world of leadership development through the eyes of horses.
Michelle Elrod
Michelle Elrod is a passionate facilitator and coach with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals and teams across the private and public sectors. She designs meaningful learning experiences that help people grow with purpose, navigate change, and achieve their goals. Through coaching and guided development, Michelle turns learning into action—building confidence, collaboration, and lasting impact. She also has a deep admiration for horses and values their unique ability to ground us, foster presence, and teach self-awareness.
