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It takes an innovative team of talented people (and creatures!)
to do what we do. Our instructors are inspiring, highly skilled,
and are certified with the North American Riding for the Handicapped
Association. NARHA certification ensures that our instructors are
staying ahead of the curve with comprehensive knowledge and the
most essential teaching techniques. One instructor, when asked why
she teaches therapeutic riding, answered "Because it's my purpose."
Sometimes, it is that simple.
Acting Executive Director
Bill Mitchell
Prior to stepping in to support Forward
Stride, Bill served as Development Director for the Intervale
Center, a nonprofit organization that manages farmland and incubates
farms within the city limits of Burlington, Vermont.
From 1995 to 2006, Bill served as chief of
staff and communications director for Burlington’s mayor. He also
served on the Board of Trustees of the Burlington Community Land
Trust, one of the country’s largest affordable housing land trusts.
Bill studied at Stanford University and at Burlington College, where
he earned a degree in Urban Affairs and Public Policy.
bill@forwardstride.org
Business Coordinator
Eryn Ross
Eryn works behind the scenes at Forward Stride, ensuring everything runs smoothly and solving problems before they happen. She comes to Forward Stride with a strong skill set in office administration and financial management. She received her training at the University of British Columbia with a certificate in the General Accounting Program. Eryn also brings significant leadership experience from serving on three community boards. Email Eryn...
Our Clinical Therapists and Program Staff
Amber Henneck - Equine Program Coordinator, Instructor
Amber is a graduate of Oregon State University and a NARHA certified therapeutic riding instructor. In addition to teaching, Amber is also Forward Stride's equine coordinator, implementing our Equine Management Standards & Horse Care Philosophy and leading an comprehensive team of horse care professionals to ensure that our horses are in tip top condition. Email Amber...
Roberta Hirshon – Psychotherapist, Instructor
Robie is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy. She has 30 years of clinical experience in private practice, program development and community organizations. Robie received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Community Mental Health from the University of Michigan. She went on to receive a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Connecticut. Additionally, Robie is a NARHA certified instructor. Email Robie...
Mary Ann Kappa - Instructor
Mary Ann works closely with Kris McCarthy and specializes in novice and high-needs sport riding clients. Mary Ann's day job finds her in management at Tektronix - what a balanced brain! Mary Ann is a NARHA certified instructor. Email Mary Ann...
Sarah Kramer - Occupational Therapist
Sarah has her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Pacific University as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Equestrian Studies from Rocky Mountain College. Her educational background includes internships in mental health settings. In addition to hippotherapy, Sarah works in a private practice as a pediatric occupational therapist specializing in sensory integration disorders. She is a member of the American Hippotherapy Association and NARHA. Email Sarah...
Kris McCarthy - Instructor
When Kris began riding, she took lessons in both saddle seat and hunt seat, then
moved on to dressage, stadium jumping and eventing. Kris's day job is with the Beaverton School District where she works with special needs kids. Kris is a NARHA certified therapeutic riding instructor in addition to helping train and schedule all of our incredible volunteers. Email Kris...
Patricia Nelson - Instructor
Pati Price Nelson grew up riding horses in the mountains of Colorado. She majored in speech therapy at UC Boulder and has a Master's in Special Education. Currently Pati is a special education teacher and, at Forward Stride, a NARHA certified instructor. Western and drill team are her equine teaching specialties. Email Pati...
Erin Nolan- Physical Therapist
Erin is a pediatric therapist treating children 2 years and up with a wide range of orthopedic and neurological diagnoses. She is passionate about children and especially enjoys working with children with special needs. Erin has a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Creighton University and is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association. Erin comes to Forward Stride from All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. Email Erin...
Mashelle Painter - Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Instructor
Mashelle is an occupational therapy assistant with over 20 years of experience working with children and adults with developmental disabilities. She is a member of NARHA and the American Hippotherapy Association. She is also a sport riding instructor and proud owner of two exquisite Arabians. Email Mashelle…
Laurie Schick - Physical Therapist, Instructor
Laurie is a certified therapeutic riding instructor, a licensed physical therapist and Forward Stride’s hippotherapy coordinator. She is a member of, and the state representative for, the American Hippotherapy Association and a registered therapist with NARHA. She has been practicing physical therapy for over 11 years with her primary focus being orthopedics. Email Laurie...
Meridith Stevens - Instructor
Meridith's is our very talented jumping instructor. She came to the Forward Stride community from Alaska and is currently as student as Portland State University with a focus on education. Her youthful enthusiam brings out the best in our teenage clients. Email Meridith...
Marci Siegel Kittrell- Instructor
Marci received her Bachelors degree from Lewis and Clark College and her Masters in Social Work from Portland State University. She is a member of the American Vaulting Association and is in the prestigious AVA judge apprenticeship program. Marci has won several team U.S. National Championships and has competed internaltionally at the World Championships in Malmo, Sweden. Email Marci...
Volunteer Coordinators
AmeriCorp Volunteer Coordinators
We are so pleased to have two talented AmeriCorp members serve as our Volunteer Coordinators. Amanda Garrison and Meredith Gardner are available to assist with outreach, training, scheduling and mentoring. Have a question about volunteering with us? Email our coordinators...
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