Meet The Team
Bret Cortright
Executive Director
Bret Cortright is a former law enforcement officer of 12 years. Bret came to War Horses in February 2019 as a participant in the First Responder Program and began employment in 2020. Bret and his wife Jessica, raise their three daughters in Gardner, KS. Bret’s passion is for the success of others in their personal or professional lives. Bret strives to make a difference in the lives of War Horse participants through horsemanship and the continual growth of community it provides.
​Jake Greenlief
Director of Operations
Jacob Greenlief is a Marine Corps veteran who served in the infantry from 2008 to 2017. Jacob was medically retired after a helicopter crash and is now working at War Horses for Veterans as the Director Equine Management. Jacob has been married to his wife Cecilia for 11 years and has 3 children. Jacob hopes to meaningfully impact Veterans lives through horsemanship and continue to grow through horsemanship himself.
Kendall Gammon
Chief Development Officer
Inspirational Speaker, Author, NFL Veteran
Kendall is a Kansas native and attended Division II Pittsburg State University where he was a captain for the 1991 National Champion Gorillas. He was also voted most inspirational by his teammates. There followed a 15-year NFL career as the Kansas City Chiefs’ long snapper, and Kendall played in both the 1995 Super Bowl and a 2005 Pro Bowl. Today, Kendall is the Color Analyst for the Chiefs Radio Network Broadcast team, a role he fits in alongside his increasing speaking engagements. A sought-after keynote speaker, he has an unexpected stage presence for an NFL veteran who’s known for his physical strength. Drawing on his own challenges, Kendall delivers a message threaded with vulnerability.
Jay Williams
Media Director
Former US Army, Jay found his way to the ranch in Stilwell by way of hosting a veteran radio show. Having a knack for creativity he decided to pick up a camera and quickly found a passion for equine sports photography. His work has been featured world wide however, he loves capturing the “change” in his fellow veterans on horseback at the ranch. “I spent my young adulthood destroying, so I made an oath to myself to spend the rest of my life creating”.
Sydney George
Mental Health Coach
Sydney is a Licensed Specialized Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW) and a Licensed Master Addiction Counselor (LMAC). She has been part of War Horses for Veterans since 2023 and has over 10 years of experience. Aside from her engagement at War Horses, she runs a private practice in Overland Park, Kansas. Her specialties include trauma, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, boundary work, and communication skill building. Sydney has a diverse background ranging from inpatient treatment and writing assessments to private practice.
Sydney loves all animals, including opossums, and enjoys spending time with her kids and family. She also enjoys working on cars, camping, motorcycle riding, and exploring new things. Sydney’s two favorite weeks of the year are Shark Week and Halloween.
Nicole Brinkerhoff
Program Manager/Grant Manager
Nicole joined WHFV May 2024 as a Program Manager and Grant Writer. Nicole earned a Bachelor and Master's degree in Marriage, Family and Human development at BYU in Provo, Utah, and a second Master's degree in Public Administration with an emphasis on non-profit management from the BYU Marriott School of Management in 2012. Nicole has a passion for a good cause and has been working in the Non-Profit sector for 16 years. She has worked as a Program Director, Executive Director, Grants Manager and Director of Operations for multiple non-profits in the victim service space, including anti sex trafficking organizations, addiction recovery, and other Veteran service organizations. She is excited to help WHFV to thrive and expand to serve as many as possible. She and her husband Michael live in a small rural town, living the life of her dreams with her 4 children on their small homestead.
Joshua Schmied
Fractional CFO
Joshua Schmied has over 6 years of experience in non-profit accounting and is the Fractional
CFO at War Horses for Veterans. Joshua holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and is currently pursuing an MBA graduate degree from the University of Missouri, Kansas City (UMKC). Joshua began working with War Horses in March 2024 and has since been instrumental in guiding the financial strategies and operations of the organization.
Residing in Columbia, MO, Joshua is passionate about the financial health and sustainability of non-profit organizations. He works with multiple non-profit clients across the nation, providing tailored financial solutions to meet their unique needs. Joshua is dedicated to ensuring that each organization they work with remains fiscally responsible and can continue to make a positive impact.
Joshua prides themselves on their integrity, transparency, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of those served by non-profit organizations.
Jessica Draper
Case Manager
Jessica Draper is a dedicated Case Manager at War Horses for Veterans, where she brings her compassion and expertise to support veterans through transformative equine therapy. As the wife of a retired Green Beret, Jake Draper, she has been closely connected to the military community for over 20 years, deeply understanding the unique challenges veterans face. Together, she and her husband are raising six children, balancing family life with her commitment to service and wellness.
In addition to her role in the non-profit sector Jessica is a clinical nutritionist running her own business focused on helping individuals achieve optimal health. She received her B.S. from Purdue University, certification in Whole Food Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University and is currently in her final year of graduate school at Sonoran University of Health Sciences to obtain her M.S. in Clinical Nutrition. Her passion for helping people feel their best is evident in both her professional and personal life and she strives to make a positive impact on everyone she works with.
