Who We Are
Leaders by HEART is built on trust, authenticity, and timeless wisdom using horse-powered experiences to equip leaders with the confidence to transform their people and culture.
Our Story
Leaders by HEART was founded on a vision to bring leadership lessons to life through the powerful bond between horse and trainer. What began as a simple demonstration has grown into a movement that equips leaders across industries with the tools to build trust, restore relationships, and lead with confidence. Our approach blends Christian values with practical leadership skills, creating experiences that are as memorable as they are transformative. Every program is designed to help leaders discover authentic growth, strengthen their teams, and leave a lasting impact on their organizations and communities.
The People Behind Leaders by HEART
Our team is united by a passion for developing leaders and transforming cultures. With a blend of experience, creativity, and care, we create environments where authenticity and growth can thrive.
Dr. Lew Sterrett is the founder and president of Leaders By HEART. He serves a global audience as a speaker, author, executive coach, and illustrator, integrating leadership principles, faith-based insight, and experiential learning through horsemanship. His work focuses on developing leaders of integrity, vision, and responsibility across corporate, educational, and ministry contexts.
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Dr. Melodie Sterrett serves as Executive Administrator for Leaders By HEART and Sermon on the Mount. She provides organizational leadership, counseling support, and teaching through writing and speaking. Her role strengthens both the operational structure and relational health of the ministry.
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Kami Trammel provides training support in both equine and corporate environments. She assists in horsemanship activities, leadership training, and coordinates the Saddle Up for Kids program, helping bridge experiential learning with organizational outreach.
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Sandra Sterrett is often the first point of contact for guests and clients. She manages reception, guest services, and technical support, ensuring each person is welcomed, informed, and well-accommodated during their interaction or visit. She is also involved in personal coaching support.
David Sterrett hosts and cares for guests with excellence, ensuring every person feels genuinely welcomed and well-accommodated during their visit.
Rhonda Sterrett hosts and cares for guests with excellence while maintaining accurate and dependable financial and administrative records for the ministry.
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Zack Sterrett assists with technical support and guest services, helping ensure smooth operations, reliable systems, and a positive experience for guests and participants.
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Liliana serves on the food service team, providing high-quality meals that support hospitality in a warm, down-home, cowboy country environment. Their work contributes significantly to the comfort and care of guests.
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Dessie serves on the food service team, providing high-quality meals that support hospitality in a warm, down-home, cowboy country environment. Their work contributes significantly to the comfort and care of guests.
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Alan Ortiz oversees maintenance and facilities management, ensuring that all property,equipment, and grounds are maintained to support safe, efficient, and welcoming operations.
Our History
Starting with small leadership demonstrations built around the bond between horse and trainer, we steadily expanded into coaching programs, training sessions, and retreats. Each step has marked our dedication to equipping leaders with the tools to build trust, strengthen culture, and lead with confidence.
Lew completes his high school education at Big Spring High School in Newville, Pennsylvania.
Lew completes his studies at Penn State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Animal Industries.
Lew Sterrett and Melodie Linebaugh got married, beginning their life together.
Lew began teaching at Rawhide Vocational College in Bonsall, California.
Lew directed the programs and operations of Miracle Mountain Ranch in Spring Creek, Pennsylvania.
Launched the first traveling Sermon on the Mount tour in Virginia, Kentucky, and West Virginia and began weekly high-school Bible clubs.
Launched Leaders By H.E.A.R.T. (LBH) as a primary connection to athletes, educators, and businessmen.
Lew completed graduate studies, earning a Master of Divinity from North Tennessee Bible Institute.
Lew received his Ph.D. from Florida Bible Institute Seminary, Decaturville.
Founded and relocated the headquarters for LBH and Sermon on the Mount (SOTM) to Anadarko, Oklahoma.
Awarded by Governor Mary Fallin: Most Significant Leadership Program in Oklahoma.
Dedicated the Hospitality Center and expanded outreach to executive coaching and leadership retreats.