To enhance the well-being and quality of life of individuals through the transformative power of animals. We strive to create a nurturing and inclusive
environment where the unique bond between humans and animals is leveraged to promote physical, emotional and cognitive healing. By providing innovative and evidence-based animal-assisted programs, we aim to inspire
hope, instil confidence and facilitate personal growth for individuals facing various challenges.
At Amber’s Wings Equine- assisted services and outdoor activities combine to offer a supportive and enjoyable environment. Learning to care for animals and spending time outdoors is known to have several positive benefits to individual mental health and overall wellbeing.
Research has shown that animal-assisted services have both physical and psychological benefits.
To create a future where all youth no matter their circumstance, have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed by harnessing the transformative power of animals. We envision a society where every young person, can access innovative animal-assisted programs that inspire self-confidence, foster resilience and promote emotional well-being. Through our holistic approach, we aspire to empower these youth with the skills, knowledge and support they need to break the cycle of disadvantages and realize their full potential. By nurturing compassion, empathy and a sense of responsibility towards animals and the environment, we aim to create a generation of compassionate leaders who will contribute positively to their communities and the world.
Amber Rose Bridges, daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend gained her wings on May 30, 2021, at the tender age of 16 years. The day I lost my identity and everything I stood for, or so I thought. Amidst the pain and confusion, I had a dream about what my life purpose would be and believing the dream was a sign from Amber I started to work on making that dream a reality.
It is hard to focus on the future when it doesn’t look at all like you had mapped out for yourself or your family and so the process has been slow, however, the goal has remained the same. I will help those less fortunate than I to have a holistic and fulfilling life through camaraderie and bonding with the natural world. Using animals, I will assist others to find their true selves with peace and understanding in their hearts and broaden the circle of inclusion in the equine community on our tiny island. One step at a time I hope to create change in our community and the community at large.
Amber was the second of two children born into a family of nature and animal lovers. Dogs, cats, chickens, rabbits, fish, birds, goats and horses all had a place at our family home, and all were loved and cared for just as their human counterparts.
Riding on shoulders, cuddling in laps while watching TV, studying or simply being silent our animals were and are an integral part of life and the lessons it has taught and continues to teach us. I believe that it is for this reason that when I searched my soul for life’s purpose, animals were at the center of whatever it looks like.
Founder/Executive Director/Amber's Mom
Heidi is the Executive Director and Founder of Amber’s Wings, created in loving memory of her daughter, Amber. Out of profound personal loss, she has transformed grief into purpose, dedicating her life to helping children and families find hope, healing, and resilience through the unique bond between humans and horses.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education, Heidi combines professional expertise with lived experience as a mother. She is certified in Animal-Assisted Therapy through Harcum College and holds specialized certification through the OK Corral series (O.K., Let’s Get Down to Business and O.K. for Every Day). She is also currently pursuing dual certification through Horse
Sense and PATH International, further expanding her ability to deliver best-practice, evidence-based equine programs.
Her unique perspective as a grieving mother fuels her compassion, while her academic and professional training ensures Amber’s Wings programs are rooted in both heart and science.
Today, Heidi leads Amber’s Wings with dedication and vision, working alongside community
partners to ensure that every child—especially those facing loss, trauma, or barriers—has
the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive.
Director
Keisha Smith is a Human Resource Executive with 18+ years’ experience and spent a substantial 14 years of her HR career with Butterfield Bank, where she departed as SVP Human Resources. While Head of Bermuda HR at Butterfield, she led a team of HR professionals; served as a strategic HR business partner; and served as HR lead on the Bank’s most recent acquisitions. She is currently the Global HR Business Partner and HR Leader for AIG RE and AIG Bermuda.
An influencer who thrives on tough challenges and translates the business objective and strategies into actionable and value-added HR objectives, Keisha is a focused and dedicated HR leader who supports top executives with a unique perspective and appreciation that human capital is an organizations greatest asset.
In 2020, Keisha also assumed the role as President of the Bermudian Equestrian Federation. From the age of 7 years, Keisha has been an avid equestrian who has a passion for the sport. She is keen to see the development of the sport in the areas of junior, coaching, international riders, and officials. She hopes to continue to progress the sport by way of collaboration, transparent and open communication.
COO
Jennifer Howard began riding at the age of 4 after one birthday pony ride turned into a passion. Riding in Bermuda throughout her child hood included a love for hunters and dressage. At the age of 14 she attended Chatham Hall boarding school where she competed on the varsity riding team; in hunters and equitation during first three years, qualifying for hunt seat medal finals and taking home year end championships in the Children’s hunters on her own horse and also horses she rode for her coach.
Jen later attended Brock University where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Child and Youth Studies with a minor in sociology, she went on to attend the University of Kent and graduated with a Master of Science degree in Analysis and Intervention in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Upon returning to Bermuda in 2016 she continued her studies online while working full time at the Mid Atlantic Wellness Institute as a Psychology Assistant; later receiving a Master of Science in Psychology.
While working and studying in Bermuda Jen has been a Big Sister for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters society where she was named the 2022 Big Sister of the year. She is currently the Administrator of the K Margaret Carter Center for Aging and Disability services under the Ministry of Social Development and Seniors.
Director
Allan Doughty is a barrister who practices as senior counsel with MJM Limited. Born in Bermuda, Allan lived in Canada for 20 years and qualified as a barrister in Nova Scotia. After practicing at the Nova Scotia Bar for two years, Allan returned in Bermuda in 2004 and has appeared before all levels of Court in Bermuda. Allan is known for his legal work in the areas of medical, law, human rights law and constitutional law.
In his spare time, Allan is a musician who enjoys sea kayaking. He also serves as the Chairman of S.C.A.R.S. a charity that is dedicated to fighting the sexual abuse of children through education programmes.
Director/Treasurer
Trinette Mitchell is a Bermudian who is currently the Office Manager/Accountant for National General Insurance Management Ltd. Ms. Mitchell holds a B.S. in accounting from Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts.
Prior to joining NGIM she held positions in Bermuda at CTC Insurance Management Ltd, XL Insurance and for A.G. Edwards & Sons Ltd. in Massachusetts.
Board Chair
Kiira Grant fell in love with horses at just two and a half years old, after a single pony ride sparked a passion that never left her. At age 9, she began formal lessons with a quarter horse named Spartacus, and spent her influential years training at Spicelands Riding Centre, where she developed not only her riding skills but also a strong sense of discipline. She rode consistently until the age of 17, and soon after decided to pause her equestrian journey to focus on her education.
Kiira went on to earn a First-Class Honours Degree in Human Resources from Nottingham Trent University, along with her CIPD Level 5 certification, equipping her with the tools to lead with strategy and professionalism. Upon returning to Bermuda, she joined the Bermuda Tourism Authority, where she now works full-time as a Tourism Standards & Training Specialist. Her work focuses on workforce development, student engagement, and curriculum support, helping to shape the future of Bermuda’s hospitality industry. Her leadership and impact have already been recognised internationally, including being named a 30 Under 30 awardee by Destinations International.
Despite her professional success, Kiira’s connection to horses never faded. She recently returned to riding, this time with a renewed focus on relationship-building, emotional connection, and personal growth. For Kiira, riding is no longer just a sport, it's a way to reconnect with her younger self, cultivate empathy, and restore balance in a life devoted to leadership and community impact
Trinette Mitchell is a Bermudian who is currently the Office Manager/Accountant for National General Insurance Management Ltd. Ms. Mitchell holds a B.S. in accounting from Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts.
To provide quality mentoring relationships to young people in need, helping them to reach their full potential.
Mentor
Born in Bermuda to a German mother and Bermudian father, Murray was raised with and worked around horses all of his life. He went abroad to farrier college and worked and learned alongside his father and older brother in the family business. For 42 years Murray has been a farrier in Bermuda keeping them in good shape for harness racing, dressage, hunters and jumpers. He can now add Mentor to Amner’s WIngs Rising Stars to his repertoire.
Mentor
A certified TBT BioKinetic Skeletal Alignment Master Practitioner and a certified Saddle fit assessor thru August Equine, Vee is also a certified Magnawave practitioner for horses, pets and people too! She helps horses to be happy and pain free through the use of Osteopathy, Magnawave, Red & NIR Light therapy, acupressure, massage, nerve release, biokinetic energy, fascia release, stretches and exercises to free up their muscles and fascia. Vee shared her time and expertise with our Rising Stars and demonstrated alternative healing modalities on horse and human.
Volunteer
Volunteer
Mentor
Growing up with dance being her first love, movement has always had a special place in Cammii’s heart. Cammii started teaching Yoga in 2017, after struggling with her mental health since she was a teenager–teaching really led her to heal herself. Traveling the world and doing multiple trainings, retreats and lots of self-study the energy she brings to the room is unmatched. Dedicated to growth and evolution as a person and as an instructor you can expect some sweetness, some spice and everything nice in her classes.
“In everything I teach, I practice and believe wholeheartedly it’s made the biggest changes in my life. I hope the positive effects of my work will light your mind, body and soul on fire.”
Volunteer
Second year BSc Psychology with Criminology university student at University of London, London U.K.
Volunteer
Lauren is the daughter of a Bermudian, a recent high school graduate and avid equestrian in The U.K.
Volunteer
Hi! My name is Emily and I am a year 12 student at BHS. I want to volunteer because I love to help people and I want to give back to my community. After I graduate I want to study history and international relations at university and go into a political career.
LaTrattoria
Coralisle
BMDS
Marsh Bermuda (Guy Carpenter)
Orbis Investments
Arch Group
Cripps foundation
Conyers Trust Limited
Arch Re
MS Amlin
Birdies for Charity
Somers Engineering
Liberty Specilaty Markets
Warwick Academy
Hannover Re
End to End
Markel
CDP
Dept of Youth Sport and Aging
XL Foundation
Halgan, Jerome
Young, Reed and Esther
Barbosa, Kellie
Pritzker, Karen
Handsley, Greta