Our Team
Meet the dedicated humans behind Bella Terra Stables. Our team brings compassion, experience, and a deep respect for the horse–human connection to every interaction, creating a space where healing and growth can unfold.
Amber Power
Executive Director & Cofounder
Amber is the third generation of horse professionals in her family to make Murrysville, PA her home after returning from a 20-year career as the General Manager of Rock Creek Park Horse Center, Washington DC's only public stable. Her frequent observation of the healing power horses had for people led her to seek and achieve certification as an Equine Specialist through EAGALA in 2018. Since then she has been certified as an Equine Specialist through teh O.K. Corral Seires and is a founding member of Arenas for Change (ARCH). Early in 2023 she completed training as an Equine Professional for EquiLateral, the EA-EMDR protocol.
Ilse Eisele
Director of Operations & Cofounder
Ilse's experience of living abroad in Papua New Guinea, Australia, and Austria, laid a strong foundation for compassionate service and an informed global perspective on the human conditions of suffering and healing. After a 15 year career as a professional photographer, Ilse returned to University for an MA in Professional Counseling Psychology and became a licensed professional counselor (LPC). More recently, she became trained in EMDR therapy and is working on EMDR certification. Ilse also holds certification as a Mental Health Professional with EAGALA and the O.K. Corral, and is trained in the Equine-Assisted EMDR protocol, EquiLateral.
Laura McGee
Director of Community Outreach
Laura McGee brings lifelong advocacy, heart, and leadership to Bella Terra Stables. A champion for vulnerable communities, she has served as Director of CRR/DOM programs for a local nonprofit and as a Housing Specialist with Mercy Behavioral Health’s ACT Team. Laura is known for seeing possibility where others see barriers, whether expanding vaccine access for hundreds during COVID-19 or creating large-scale community events that welcome families from across the region. With infectious enthusiasm, she is committed to growing the reach of Bella Terra’s healing through strong partnerships with schools, providers, and community leaders.
Laura Wurzell
Director of Curriculum
Laura Wurzell is a retired school counselor who has become an integral member of Bella Terra Stables’ equine-assisted learning team. Drawing on decades of experience supporting students and families, she brings deep insight into the needs of local schools and helps ensure our programs are both meaningful and accessible. Her expertise in curriculum development has elevated our scholastic offerings, strengthening the bridge between the classroom and the powerful lessons learned alongside our horses.
Tanner Donaldson
Barn Staff
Tanner has become an essential member of the Bella Terra Stables team while completing his apprenticeship to become a farrier. He keeps the farm running smoothly each day by ensuring the horses are fed, medicated, watered, and comfortable, with clean stalls and carefully managed turnout schedules. Tanner also serves as a trusted horse handler and mentor during equine-assisted learning sessions, where his kind heart and steady presence support both horses and humans alike.