OUR WORLD-CLASS EQUINE TEAM

DANIEL JOBIN

FOUNDER & Director

Daniel Jobin's love of horses dawned in childhood. From eight years old he competed in several western events, taking home Grand Champion in and Reserve Champion in numerous Barrel Racing and Western Trail Riding events throughout Upstate New York.

After graduating from Fairport High School, Dan became a Firefighter, EMT, and Paramedic, serving with distinction for 17 years in various agencies around the Rochester area. Throughout his years of service as a first-responder, he felt a calling to do even more for the community he served.

His chance came on the heels of disaster.  On Sept 9th, 2019 while commuting by motorcycle to the Laddermen’s MC annual 9/11 charity ride, a distracted driver cut Dan off. The ensuing crash put him in the hospital with fractures in just about every bone in his upper body, damaged vertebrae, and brain inflammation from the impact.

His career as a first-responder was over in a flash.  During the course of his nearly four year long recovery, Dan has pushed through the pain, rebuilding his physical ability, from ground zero.  He realized there were many first-responders, and others, just like him who had experienced traumatic events and that putting one's self back together didn't just involve healing the body, the heart and mind were critical components to wholeness.

The accident reconnected Dan with his childhood love of horses. Striving to get back on his feet, he could never go back to firefighting. He soon realized he could serve the community in a different way:  Share his love of these majestic animals with people of all abilities.  He could start an Equine Therapeutic Program for First Responders and Veterans, the first of its kind in the Mendon Area. The idea quickly gained traction. The demand for such a program exceeded his expectations.

The question was, where to start? Dan luckily found a little slice of Heaven on Earth at Lone Oak Stables.  Dan knew almost instantly Lone Oak was fertile ground for his Equine Therapeutic program.

Dan currently serves as Director of Before the Last Call, his Equine Therapy Program for First Responders, Military, and their families. He has also developed a Therapeutic Riding program for people of all abilities at the stables. He is a PATH International professional member and is certified as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning and Veteran Resources for Certified Instructors. He plans to continue building his ability and facility to better serve his brothers and sisters in service, as well as people of all abilities.

CODY COOPENBERG

TRAINER

Cody Coopenberg's love of horses began with his first lesson at 3 years old and has never stopped since. He entered his first rodeo at age 6 and since has gone on to ride in many others. Growing up in Stockdale, Texas, a cowboy country town south of San Antonio, a life on horseback was inevitable. Always keen to lend a helping hand, Cody helped a family friend on a small ranch, caring for and riding horses. It was here he fell in love with the cowboy lifestyle.

In 2003 after his grandmother passed away, Cody moved to Holley, New York where his grandfather had been a firefighter and fire police veteran. He had instilled in Cody a reverence for the fire service, spending countless nights listening to the scanner, hearing the dispatch calls. Cody felt a calling to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps, and in 2006 Cody became a trained fire explorer and passionately ingrained himself into the fire service. He became a full-fledged firefighter in 2008 serving his community for three years.

The call to service didn’t stop with Cody’s work in the fire service. By 2011, Cody joined the United States Army as an infantryman and was soon on his way to Basic Training at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Later, while stationed at Joint-Base Lewis McChord, Washington, Cody spent leave on active duty with his fire department to keep his skills in tip-top shape.

Cody deployed to Afghanistan in 2012, where spent four months in a combat zone. Mere months into his first deployment he sustained a life altering injury when a generator exploded in his face covering his torso in second, third and even fourth degree burns. He spent five months in the hospital, underwent multiple surgeries and skin grafts. His doctors gave Cody a grim 10% chance of survival

Cody defied the odds. By 2013, and out of the Army, Cody renewed his passion for horses and the cowboy way, competing in a team roping and winning a coveted buckle that would come to represent more than a mere silver or gold medal; The buckle symbolised a homecoming, to a life that had given him purpose and facilitated his service of others. Cody now knew that, despite his injuries, he could still do what he loved most: Working with horses and sharing his love of them with others.

Today Cody works with Before The Last Call as an Equine instructor.

PATRICK RUTLEDGE

TRAINER

Patrick is no stranger to the stress and horrors of both combat and firefighting. Graduating High School in 2006, he served the nation, deploying to Iraq for 15 months with the U.S. Army as a Calvary Scout and participating in numerous combat missions.

Upon his return to the states and eventual separation from active duty, Patrick began searching for a new calling. In late 2010, Patrick feeling a strong drive to continue serving his community and volunteered with his local fire department. From the very first call he was hooked. Soon, he heard the Rochester Fire Department was hiring. Instantly, he packed up his life and moved to Rochester, NY. After a civil service test and many months of waiting, Patrick was officially hired to the Rochester Fire Department in 2012.

Patrick, while growing up on his family’s horse farm in Southwestern Pennsylvania, developed a love of horses as a young boy. He spent his youth immersed in the barn and on the trail, honing his skills in the saddle.

In 2020, while responding to a minor fire at a local hospital, Patrick met a beautiful green-eyed nurse, who being the daughter of a cattle farmer and also growing up with horses, brought Patrick back to his country roots, changing his life for the better. Before long, they married and, in 2023, Patrick and his new wife found themselves at Salvatore’s where another encounter would change both of their lives.

At Salvatore’s over warm pizza and surrounded by community and peers, Patrick and his wife listened to members of Before The Last Call share their mission and goal—to bring healing to veterans and first responders through the power of horses. Patrick, having dedicated his life to service of country and community, immediately knew he had to volunteer.

Today he is committed to his new mission: Helping his fellow veterans and first responders heal from their traumas and find peace and purpose through equine therapy and reclaim their lives.

ERIC Baetzhold

TRAINER

Eric Baetzhold is no stranger to the unique burdens and needs of veterans. He served in the United States Marine Corps with 2/6 Weapons Company from 2004 to 2008, deploying three times. 2005 saw his first deployment to Kabul Afghanistan, to guard the U.S. Embassy. His second deployment later that year, brought him to the intensity of Fallujah, Iraq to serve as a lead gunner on vital vehicle mounted patrols. His final deployment in 2007 brought him back to Fallujah, by then a household name back home in America for the furiosity and scope of the US-led operations there. Eric brought his expertise and leadership as a vehicle commander and section leader for his platoon. He earned his honorable discharge in 2008, leaving the USMC with the rank of Corporal. 

With three combat deployments behind him, Eric became a program coordinator for Compeer Corps—a non-profit social program established to bring veterans together in social settings. Facing the crush of isolation and the weight of their wartime experinces, many veterans and retired military service members lack the Esprit de corps and brotherhood they came to rely on during their deployments. With Eric’s contributions, Compeer Corps helped restore to veterans the camaraderie and support they needed.

In 2009, Eric married Nicole Baetzhold, the love of his life. Feeling a call to continue serving his community, Eric became a firefighter in 2019.

In 2020, the Baetzholds purchased their dream home with the aspiration of one day owning their own horse.  By chance, in the winter of 2022, Nicole noticed a lone horse standing in a pasture without any shelter.  With a deteriorating forecast expected to quickly be in the negatives, Nicole and Eric reached out to the horse’s owner and offered their barn, which would become his home for 3 months. It was then that Eric and Nicole knew they needed their own horse. Within a few short months, the couple Brought home a Quarter horse named Johnny D.  Being new to horse ownership, Eric reached out to Before the Last Call to learn the ropes. Since the Spring of 2022, Eric and Nicole have grown their herd of horses, adding Davey, Clyde, and Miss June. 

Eric’s relationship with Before the Last Call matured and before long he was invited to host the program on the property. At first he dismissed it, he liked his privacy and the quiet life he had built with Nicole in the sanctuary they built for themselves and their horses.

Eric has served as a career Firefighter with the Ridge Road Fire District where he is currently stationed out of Headquarters, Engine 252. His service of community and nation reminds him of the price many have paid and some continue to pay. After having first hand experience of the serenity can horses bring to the soul, Eric and Nicole quickly changed their tune. 

Eric now looks forward to sharing his horses, and barn with veterans, and first responders who are looking for peace, purpose and renewed hope. He believes horses have an incredible ability to heal the invisible wounds that many in service carry, and he looks forward to helping to bring that healing to all of you.

Tim Parmele

TIM PARMELE

TRAINER

When Tim was two years old, his father took him to a family friend's barn to see their horse “Stinks,” and the rest was history. From 14 years old, when his grandfather and girlfriend owned a little farm out in Cal-Mum, Tim would spend weekends at the farm cleaning stalls, throwing hay, grooming the horses, tending the pasture, and running equipment on the property. Many of his nights ended with him sleeping content in the hayloft. The next morning, Tim would do it all over again.

From 2005-2009, while in the U.S. Navy, Tim served as a Welder, fabricator and First Responder on the At-Sea Fire Party, responding to fire, flooding, and medical emergencies. During his service, he endured emergencies that left traumatic scars on his heart and mind, though their impact wasn't immediately recognized.  

 After his time in the Navy, Tim dedicated his service to helping his fellow veterans. In 2017 he prospected and joined an international veteran's motorcycle club in Washington State. The club’s sole purpose was to seek out veterans in need and provide support and belonging. Tim took great pride in helping his fellow veterans, enjoying the camaraderie that came with the organization, eventually serving as a national officer for the club. After almost 7 years in the club, providing support and service, Tim decided to take a different path and he moved back home to Western New York. 

Wanting to continue to serve veterans, Tim started the long journey of cutting through the red tape of the VA system; no easy task. The demand of the undertaking mounted, and in pursuit of mental clarity, he rediscovered his cowboy roots and love of working with horses.

He started shifts at the EquiCenter, working with Mustangs under the instruction of two-time Extreme Mustang Makeover World Champion, Emma Minteer. Time was quickly told that he had a natural ability to connect with the Mustangs, realizing one day a week for 45 minutes just wasn’t enough. He immediately got involved in rodeo, winning the buckle at the Cody Custer Bull Riding School put on by The Fort Drum Rodeo & Equestrian Club, and was recently elected as their Vice President.

In 2024 Tim competed in his first rodeo season bull riding and qualifying for the Beat The Beast National Finals in Alden, NY, put on by Cross Over The Line Rodeo Company and The Alden Community Church. Tim began attending Before The Last Call as a volunteer and participant and with his natural talent, was soon asked to be a trainer.  

 Rediscovering horses has changed Tim’s life. Building a connection with a horse—with an eye for achieving inner calm and earning their trust—heals mental wounds. Helping his fellow veterans and first responders reclaim their inner strength and mental fortitude in confidently working with these majestic animals, not only helps the horses' ability to learn, think and process demands but also helps a hero and wounded warrior gain the peace to do the same.   

SUPPORT STAFF & VOLUNTEERS

DONNA GOUGER

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Donna grew up on a farm in Clarendon, New York where her family raised pigs, cows, goats, rabbits, chickens, and even had a horse. She has always had a love for animals, but horses were always her favorite.

At age 16, she began her career as a first responder, becoming a Junior Firefighter and CFR with Clarendon Fire Company. She has been a member of Clarendon Fire Company, Hamlin Volunteer Ambulance, and is currently a social member of Hamlin Fire Department where she enjoys helping with fundraisers and events.

She has served with Monroe Ambulance as an EMT for the last 20 years. Donna is also a member of the AVA Auxillary at the Hamlin VFW Post 6703 where she volunteers as a bartender and serves food.

Donna is passionate about Before the Last Call 's mission to make Equine Therapy accessible to Veterans and First Responders.

She serves Before the Last Call as its Volunteer Coordinator, supervises our event planning, and is always ready and willing to go the extra mile.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • Sharon Matkosky, President, Before the last Call

    Sharon Matkosky

    President

    Sharon’s family life and professional career in healthcare has always focused on helping others optimise their health and well-being. She has seen the toll that PTSD following serious illness or injury has left behind, long after the “recovery” period is considered complete. Through participation with the other members of Before the Last Call, she is able to continue efforts to raise mental health awareness and healing through this unique program. 

  • Mark “Sarge” Mitchell

    Vice-President

  • Amber Roberts, Secretary, Before the last Call

    Amber Roberts

    Secretary

    A 14-year U.S. Army Veteran, Amber serves Before the Last Call and the North Eastern Ranch Horse Association. She is also the Co-Founder and President of Fort Drum Rodeo and Equestrian Club. 

    Born and raised in Wisconsin, Amber grew up on a farm that bred performance horses. Amber Joined the Army Reserves at 17 and after 9-11, served 38 months in combat tours between Iraq and Afghanistan. She believes her time spent in the saddle, and competing with her horses throughout her service, assisted in building resiliency. She believes each of her former comrades that have died of suicide, deserved to die peacefully of old age on the rocking chair. The reality is, that doesn't always happen, and if her involvement in Before the Last Call's Mission helps save one person, it's worth it.  

  • Mark Ostrander, Treasurer, Before the Last Call

    Mark Ostrander

    Treasurer

    A US Marine Corps. Veteran, husband of 37 years and a father of two boys—who also answered the call to become a US Marines, Mark hails from a strong tradition of service and sacrifice. Over the past 15 years; helping veteran and active-duty service men and woman who are recovering from wounds received, drug and alcohol adictions, homelessness, and suicide has been his passion. 

    Serving on the board of the American Legion Greece Post 468 for 7 years, Mark has developed relationships with other organizations including; the Monroe County War on Terror Memorial, NY Warrior Alliance, American Warrior Mentoring Program, and is a friend to many and a confidant to others.

    For the 14 years Mark has facilitated the Annual Warrior Benefit Concert at American Legion Greece Post 468 with funds raised going directly to heroes in need.  Preferring a tactile, skill-based apporach to mental heath rather than pushing drugs and pramaceuticals which treat symptoms and not the underlying causes, Mark believes a therapy program matching a veteran to a horse—where a relationship can be built—creates a bond like no other and can greatly increase the quality of life for both.

  • Jill Howland, Board Member, Before the Last Call

    Jill Howland

    Board Member

    Mom to three children, Chris, Hailey & Lily.  Jill is a the daughter of two U.S. Navy Veterans, an Ordained Minister, and a 5-year Volunteer Outreach Service Coordinator. She believes in the critical importance of raising PTSD/PTSI Awareness, Suicide Prevention and breaking the stigma of Mental Health challenges. Working as a board member of Before the Last Call, Jill’s passion is to serve our community in every way possible.