Meet The Team

Facilitators

Jesus Avalos

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.

Horses

Taylor Made, or “Taylor”

Taylor is half-Arabian and half- Quarter Horse, which is how she gets her unique buckskin coloring. Taylor’s sweet and soulful demeanor has helped make her an integral part of all the hands-on learning opportunities here at the AHC.

Alada Sprite, or “Sprite”

In her heyday, Sprite was a popular horse for our students to ride, and even jump. Now, she is retired from riding but continues to partner with people in student activities, classes, labs and other hands on engagements.

CP Heir About Her, or “Felicity”

Felicity loves people and her calm energy makes her a perfect partner for many of our hands on-activities with horses here at the AHC. She was bred and born here, went on to become a successful show horse, and now has returned to us to help teach the next generation of horse enthusiasts.

CP Regal Belle, or “Belle”

Belle is a bay mare with white star and snip face markings. She is a patient and kind teacher and she loves her people. Belle is a big part of our Horses for Heroes program where the Arabian Horse Center partners with the Veterans Resource Center.

CP Bali Hai, or “Bali”

Bali is very sweet and loves attention. She bonds closely with her horse friends, as well as humans. She is a great mom, and has raised two of her own babies to be confident and personable individuals. Today, she helps inspire the next generation through experiential learning offered here at the AHC.

Cambria, or “Minnie”

Minnie is a beautiful, dark bay, mare who was born and raised here at CPP. She has raised many of her own babies, and now plays an important role giving riding lessons to students and participating in our monthly Sunday Shows. Her confident and quiet temperament makes her a good teacher to all.