Matthew "Matt" Marino
Matthew “Matt” Marino was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. After high school, he enrolled in the University of Wisconsin Platteville and graduated with honors in 2012 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After working for Midwest Pressure Systems for three years as a mechanical engineer, he stepped away from his corporate job to join the United States Army as a Paratrooper where he reached the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served as a Squad Leader, and graduated from the elite US Army Ranger School in 2018. Matt left the Army in 2021, and moved to Dallas, Texas for graduate school. Matt lost his best friend in the Army to suicide, and the tragic loss of his friend led him to a new path in wanting to help other veterans who are struggling. He is currently pursuing both his certification as a PATH Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning and his Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus on trauma from Southern Methodist University. The skills Matt possesses to lead, execute quickly and efficiently, work well under pressure, and his valuable insight as an Army veteran, make him extremely valuable as a board member, and a huge asset to Aisling and its programs.
Miki Oliver
Miki Oliver is a lifelong horsewoman who truly understands what these animals can do for us. She was raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and got her first horse when she was eight years old. After graduating high school in 1980, she moved to Texas to go to horseshoeing school, and she has been here ever since. She married her husband Reed in 1982, and they have owned their business of 35 years making, repairing, and installing stained glass windows. From 1996 to 2010, they also bred, raised, and trained Tennessee Walking Horses. Their son Jake is a veteran, spending 11 years in the United States Air Force, therefore Miki brings a unique outlook as a military/veteran mom. That paired with her knowledge of horses, finances, and business make her an invaluable part of the Aisling team.