Director Of Program Development

Morgan Ridenhour is a passionate advocate for storytelling, behavioral psychology, and the pursuit of a better, more inclusive world. She believes that the answers to the complex human challenges we face—personally, professionally, and within our communities—are not found within isolated silos but through reconnection to nature, non-human animals, and one another. With a deep commitment to these values, Morgan has spent over 15 years working in animal-assisted therapy and learning, specializing in fostering social and emotional intelligence, leadership development, and the art of collaboration across diverse groups.

Morgan holds a BA in English Literature and a BS in Psychology from the College of Charleston (2010), and an MA in Clinical and Community Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (2017). She has been fortunate to work internationally with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, helping them navigate their emotions, enhance interpersonal skills, and understand how to collaborate with those who may see the world very differently.

Throughout her career, Morgan has had the honor of working with a wide range of animals, each of whom has taught her invaluable lessons. She describes rabbits as the most mysterious, pigs as the most delightful, and horses as the most honest. Morgan believes that in our quest to understand the natural world, it’s time to suspend our preoccupation with predators and begin to honor the wisdom, fidelity, and endurance of prey animals.

Her ultimate belief is that if we can embrace the concept of One Herd, we can create a more just, compassionate, and sustainable world—a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Guided by these principles, Morgan remains dedicated to bringing this vision to life, one person and one relationship at a time.

Director of Operations

Denise Zirker is a seasoned entrepreneur and business owner with over two decades of experience in operations management. As the Director of Operations at One Herd, she brings her strategic expertise in business processes and her passion for youth development to ensure the smooth and effective functioning of the organization. Denise's dedication to shaping future leaders drives her work, and she believes that investing in young people is the most impactful way to create a better, more sustainable future.

With a degree in education and a lifelong commitment to understanding child development, Denise focuses on providing young people with the tools, mentorship, and leadership skills they need to thrive. Her approach is rooted in the belief that nurturing empathy, communication, and collaboration in the next generation will ultimately lead to a more inclusive and just world. She is passionate about creating opportunities for youth to engage in experiential learning that will prepare them to be tomorrow’s change-makers.

In addition to overseeing business operations, Denise contributes over twenty years of horsemanship experience to One Herd’s program development. Her deep connection with horses enhances the organization’s ability to offer equine-assisted leadership coaching that encourages growth, resilience, and self-awareness. Whether optimizing logistics or actively running programs, Denise's multifaceted skill set ensures that One Herd’s offerings are effective, impactful, and well-supported.

Denise is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and community-building within One Herd, ensuring that participants feel empowered to explore their leadership potential in a safe, supportive environment.

With her unique combination of business acumen, educational background, and deep-rooted love for horses and youth development, Denise plays an integral role in advancing One Herd’s mission. She is passionate about creating a world where young leaders are equipped to step into their power, embrace diversity, and collaborate for the greater good.