Kathleen drove past Reins of Life for years before she noticed an ad for a new Executive Director. Her immediate thought was “They wouldn’t want me. I don’t have any horse experience.” She soon found out differently and has been in the position since January of 2011. Kathleen has extensive nonprofit experience in Elkhart, LaPorte, and St. Joseph Counties but believes the rewards of working at Reins will be “so much more than money.”
Chris resigned her ROL Board position to accept her staff post in 2000. Her seven years as a volunteer at Reins helped her acquire an extensive knowledge of the workings of the organization and the people who “make it happen.” Her business experience in customer service combined with expertise in volunteer coordination and event planning make her perfect for her position. Her administrative duties have grown as Reins has evolved, but Chris is still the “go to” person for the endless issues that arise every day.
Cathy volunteered at Reins for five years before joining the staff in 2007. Fifteen years of grant writing, event coordination, and marketing experience coupled with a life-long love of horses make her a valuable member of the team. She is also a NARHA Registered Instructor, which adds to her insight and passion for ROL programs. Cathy’s grant writing talent has netted $2.5M for the nonprofit and public organizations fortunate enough to have had her on their staff.
Sharon’s 30 years of experience in the business world is surely one of the greatest gifts she brings to Reins. During the 15 years she served the organization as Executive Director, the number of riders and lesson hours increased beyond all expectations. During her tenure, she oversaw the acquisition and start up of a second ROL facility in Michigan City that has seen its ridership triple in the three years of its existence. Now on staff part-time, Sharon provides valuable assistance in all areas of operation.
A Registered Therapeutic Riding Instructor through NARHA, Sarah has implemented classes at Reins’ second facility in Michigan City and currently mentors Instructors-in-Training. She is uniquely qualified for her position, having been a therapeutic riding student herself for a brief time after surviving meningitis. Sarah now uses AFO’s to walk correctly, but her experiences enhance the bond she forms with the special riders she teaches. Sarah has been named to the 2010 Michiana Forty Under 40 class. The award recognizes 40 area individuals under the age of 40 who have demonstrated initiative, dedication in pursuing their career and investment in others.
Sarah’s professional affiliations include:
Amanda holds both NARHA Instructor Certification and a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic riding. Her vast horse experience adds insight to her progressive teaching style and she works well with both beginning riders and those who have advanced to riding independently. Her resume includes years managing a camp for people with disabilities and coaching Special Olympics Equestrian Team athletes. Amanda’s busy schedule includes managing the Michigan City facility and leading mini-horse visitation appearances.
Amanda has the following professional affiliations:
Beth has ridden horses “ever since she was born.” She has a range of experience, including a stint as a horse wrangler in Wyoming. Jobs at a therapeutic riding center and a camp for children with disabilities provided her with the opportunity to witness firsthand the impact equine-assisted activities have on their lives. Beth became a NARHA Registered Therapeutic Riding Instructor in April, 2010.
Margie makes the drive from Michigan to South Bend every Saturday to volunteer as a Reins Instructor. During the week she works as the Division Director of Workforce Improvement for the State of Michigan. The mission of her division is to assist individuals with disabilities in the work force and to promote independence for those with disabilities. Margie is an accomplished rider, having competed at Madison Square Garden, the Pennsylvania Nationals, Quarter Horse Congress, and World shows as a hunter/jumper rider. She loves everything about Reins: the horses, riders, volunteers, and staff. Margie describes the look on the parents’ faces when they see their family member trot for the first time as “Priceless!”
Sharon has known the privilege and joy of owning horses for most of her life. She readily admits that her childhood obsession has brought her a lifetime of pleasure. She volunteered for years in Reins’ therapeutic riding program before filling a different need. When riding is not an option, she and select volunteers introduce a few students to pleasure driving. Sharon enjoys working one-on-one with the driving students who learn driving safety, harnessing, reinsmanship and horse care.
Ron keeps up with the myriad of maintenance tasks that come with ownership of two facilities. Whether repairing, installing, replacing, or hauling, his can-do attitude is evident. He is an active volunteer, feeding horses several times a week. Ron pitches in at events too, and particularly enjoys climbing on the tractor to pull the wagon for hayrides, thrilling “children” of all ages.