Executive Director

Janice started riding as a toddler, learning the ropes to show in hunter and jumper rings. She began teaching therapeutic riding when she was an undergraduate at Ursinus College and received her PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding certification at Thorncroft Equestrian Center in 2014. Janice holds a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Temple University and worked as an Early Intervention OT before joining Special Equestrians full time.

Contact Janice

Office Administrator

Karry joined Special Equestrians in September 2020, managing the day-to-day operations of the office – including bookkeeping, billing, student registration, payroll, implementing and maintaining office procedures, and audit preparation. On her days at the barn she loves taking short breaks to spend time with the horses. Karry previously worked for eight years as an office administrator for Child, Home & Community and Maternity Care Coalition.

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Program Director, Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning

Dana joined the Special Equestrians team in February of 2021 and is teaching in the therapeutic riding and Silver Saddles program while pursuing her PATH Intl. CTRI certification, and in 2023 Dana received her ESMHL Certification. She has a bachelor's degree in Behavioral Biopsychology and has been involved in Therapeutic Riding since high school. Dana started off as a volunteer and is now happy to be leading our program and volunteers. Dana is also our in-house photographer! Many of the images you see on our website and social media were taken by Dana, she is a gift that keeps on giving.

Contact Dana

Development Manager

Roe joined Special Equestrians in December 2019, bringing more than 15 years of nonprofit fundraising experience from several Greater Philadelphia social service organizations. In her last position, she managed and helped bring in $2 million annually in foundation and corporate grants. Roe’s younger son participates in the therapeutic riding program at Special Equestrians and has developed a special bond with his four-legged friend, Sonja.

Contact Roe

Marketing and Communications Manager

Beth joined the development team in spring 2019. She spent the first decade of her career as a Creative Projects Manager for a nationwide retailer. For the last five years, Beth has worked as the Marketing and Communications Director for nonprofits specializing in children with a very rare genetic syndrome called WAGR syndrome. Her older daughter is currently a rider at Special Equestrians, and her family sees first-hand the benefits of therapeutic riding.

Contact Beth

Barn Manager

Laura began riding at age 4, which began a lifelong love and passion for rescuing, saving, and breeding animals. She received a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the UConn with a focus on equine breeding and management. Upon graduation she purchased a filly in her Foal Watch class named Salem, who was born with moon blindness in her right eye.

Contact Laura

Associate Barn Manager, Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning

After graduating from the University of Vermont for Animal Science in 2022; Addison began as barn staff here at SE in June of 2022. He has been working towards his dream to be involved in equine therapy as an instructor, and in 2024 he received his PATH Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning Certification. With our increasing clientele and staffing demands, Addison has agreed to come on full time to help us bring in more students in addition to his regular barn staff shifts! You will see him teaching in lessons, working barn staff shifts, assisting with property maintenance, and many other things around the farm!

Instructor, PATH CTRI

Kathy is a long-time member of the Special Equestrians family and has devoted much of her professional life to working with animals and vulnerable populations. Kathy joined Special Equestrians as an instructor in 2010. Her horse Halo, a Belgian Spotted Draft, began as a therapy horse in 2013 and is a favorite among students and barn staff. Kathy received her PATH Intl. Therapeutic Riding Instructor Certification in 2009.

Occupational Therapist

Deb has always loved horses and has been riding since the age of eight. She is the longest-serving staff member at Special Equestrians, beginning her relationship as a volunteer in 1996 and working with clients in our Hippotherapy program since 1998. Deb is an Occupational Therapist, a PATH Intl. Registered Therapist in Hippotherapy and has attained Level I certification from the American Hippotherapy Association.

Occupational Therapist/Instructor

Megan’s love of horses started when she was 8 years old. Over the years she has worked at riding camps, taught lessons and ridden and showed primarily in the jumper ring. She holds an undergraduate degree in Therapeutic Recreation and a masters degree in Occupational Therapy from Temple University. In addition to Special Equestrians, Megan works in early intervention and in adult rehab. She is currently working on receiving her Hippotherapy Certification from the American Hippotherapy Association.

Instructor, Advanced Level 1 PATH CTRI

Lara joined Special Equestrians in the early Spring on 2022, and is an industry veteran having taught both therapeutic and dressage lessons to a wide variety of age and skill levels since 2010. She rode on her college dressage team as well as trained under numerous Grand Prix level dressage riders throughout her career. Lara is a PATH Intl Advanced Level 1 Certified Instructor and Certified Equine Massage Practitioner. In addition to her professional background Lara also holds a BS in Equine Science, MS in Animal Science, an MBA and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Organizational Business Leadership.

Instructor, PATH CTRI

Val is a seasoned therapeutic riding instructor with 20 years of experience, and in September of 2021 she rejoined the team here at SE. She is PATH certified and lends a hand in both leading and side walking in lessons, and also in training and exercising the horses. Val is an accomplished hunter/jumper and is currently training her puppy to become a certified therapy dog. She is now retired from her 40-year career in the Healthcare and Pharmaceutical world, and we are so happy she is part of the team here at Special Equestrians.

Instructor

Leslie owned her own horse and started riding at a young age. She enjoyed riding her horse in 4-H activities. She then began working with children by teaching dance to young students. Since teaching was her passion, she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Mansfield University. She then went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Mansfield University, became a teacher and is presently working full-time for the Gloucester Township Public Schools, where she was named Teacher of the year for 2015-16. She has worked there for over twenty-seven years. Outside of work, you will find her spending time with her husband Tony and her dog named Riggs. She is thrilled to have found a job that has brought two of her passions in life together, working with children and her love of horses.

Instructor, PATH Cert

Sally has been involved with horses since she was a child and is thrilled to be a part of the SE Team of instructors. She is PATH certified and holds a Level 1 Certification in Centered Riding. When her children were young Sally was an active leader in 4H and Girl Scouts, and is currently the proud owner of Danny, a horse she adopted 10 years ago. Sally brings with her a well-rounded background of horse knowledge and experience and we are so happy to have her.

Instructor

Kira has loved horses all her life and got involved with riding at the young age of 8. She participated in 4-H and she even broke and trained her own horse! As an adult she supported her daughter’s career as a competitive rider, while also building her on own riding skills. She has been a volunteer at Special Equestrians since 2021 and has loved learning and growing in the therapeutic riding arena - in 2023 she became an instructor here at SE. Professionally, Kira has been a Health Educator for over 20 years and a Wellness Coach for almost 10. She enjoys teaching and coaching people to get healthier in all areas of life, including mind, body, and spirit.

Instructor

Lea is excited to have joined the Special Equestrians team in early 2024. She grew up working in therapeutic riding centers and has trained in equitation and dressage from a very young age. She has been training volunteers in horsemanship since 2013 and continues to share her passion for horses and teaching with everyone she meets. Lea also spends her free time volunteering at a large animal rescue where she works to rehabilitate horses to find their forever homes. When she’s not at the barn, she can be found studying for her master’s degree in accounting and finance. Additionally, she currently holds two degrees in biology and forensic science as well as a minor in mathematics and basic communication skills in American Sign Language.

Substitute Instructor

Alicia's love for horses began in childhood, riding ponies on the trails with her best friend. As a teen, she volunteered at a nearby therapeutic riding center, earning a "Community Service Award" for over 3000 volunteer hours. In 2010, she became a therapeutic riding instructor. Alicia has trained under several Grand Prix dressage trainers, and works full time as an Elementary Art Teacher. Alicia has her Bachelor of Science in Art Education from Kutztown University. She is also certified to teach Elementary and Special Education. Currently, she is pursuing a Master's degree in Special Education through Eastern University.

Instructor

Marsha was put on a horse for the first time at the young age of 3, and has never looked back. She is a Physical Therapist and also a PATH International registered Therapist in Hippotherapy. Marshabegan her career with Special Equestrians in 1995 using Hippotherapy as an aide for people with disabilities. After several successful years, Marsha pursued other opportunities, leaving SE in 2002 and returning in 2012, this time assisting adults in the Hippotherapy program. After a second departure in 2022 Marsha returned to SE in 2024 and was welcomed with open arms.

Jessica joined Special Equestrians in Summer of 2023 as a student intern for her Master in Social Work program through West Chester University. Her passion for animals and helping others made her a great fit! During her internship she assisted with lessons, programs, events, and learning various facets of equine care. She has truly enjoyed working with students, families, staff, volunteers, and of course, the horses. So much so, that after graduating in May 2024, Jessica decided to stay with Special Equestrians. In addition to her MSW, she is also a certified End-of-Life Doula for both humans and companion animals. She is currently pursing her PA social work licensure and the Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning certificate through PATH International. Jessica is excited to continue utilizing her social work background and grow in her role here at Special Equestrians!

Chris Goodbred

Piper Johnson

Alexa Polymenakos

Aaron Feldman

Katie Hibbert

Kelly Conley