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Our Team

ADMINISTRATION

*Lisa A. Gatti

Founder and CEO
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Lisa has had a lifelong love affair with horses. As Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pal-O-Mine, she has the opportunity to share that love with others in her community while running a business that inspires, educates and empowers others. Lisa’s passion for horses and teaching began at a very young age. After graduating college with a dual degree in elementary and special education, she lent her skills as a special education teacher in an alternative high school setting, working for Nassau Boces and Brentwood Residential Center. She started Pal-O-Mine in 1995. In 1996, and then again in 2000, Lisa was named as United States Team Leader for the U.S. Equestrian Paralympic Team in Atlanta, GA and Sydney, Australia. While her passion for teaching and all things equestrian are evident in everything she does, she recognized early on that running a successful business requires other skills as well. Accordingly, she has supplemented her education throughout the years with business management, nonprofit and entrepreneurial certification programs and leadership programs to help her grow in her field. Lisa graduated from Leadership Huntington and the Energeia Partnership, the Academy of Regional Stewardship at Molloy College. From 2008-2013, Lisa served as Chair of the Board of Directors of EAGALA, the global standard for equine-assisted psychotherapy and personal development. From 2015 to 2021 she served as Secretary on the Board of Autism Communities, lending her expertise to the not-for-profit in vocational opportunities for those on the autism spectrum as they age out of the educational system. In 2019, she was appointed to the Town of Islip Disability Advisory Committee to help local government on Long Island identify the most crucial issues facing the special needs population. A steadfast presence in the media outlets, Lisa has been the recipient of numerous awards for her business and leadership skills and was most recently honored with the 2020 Women of Distinction and Distinguished Service Award from the Town of Islip. She was also named a finalist for the Imagine Awards in the Leadership Excellence Category. Lisa has a 16-year-old daughter who is the pride and joy of her life.

Carol Evers

Administrative Assistant
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After retiring from the transportation industry, Carol began volunteering at Pal-O-Mine in 2002. Initially working with the students and horses on Friday mornings, she offered her administrative skills and began working in the office on a part time basis. Once Pal-O-Mine moved to its own location in Islandia in 2004, Carol worked with the Work Study Program as a Job Coach and began working 4 days per week as an administrative assistant to the CEO.

Carol Ann Guerriero

M.Ed. – Business Operations Manager
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Carol Ann is a New York State Certified Elementary School Teacher who has been with Pal-O-Mine Equestrian since 2000. She has her Associates Degree from Nassau Community College in Applied Science with a concentration in Marketing and her Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Hofstra University in Psychology and Education, respectively. Carol Ann was a 1st and K-1 elementary school teacher in the Garden City UFSD and a 4th and 5th grade teacher in the Baldwin UFSD. She was also a home care aid for children with autism and is trained in Applied Behavioral Analysis. A life-long rider, Carol Ann has years of experience working as a therapeutic horse back riding instructor, barn manager, and a barrel racer. She is trained in Crisis Prevention and Intervention.

Jenna Rugile

Director of Communications and Donor Relations
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Jenna is a seasoned writer and communications professional who has written and edited stories for a variety of national and regional publications, including Newsday, Working Woman and Fortune Small Business. She also wrote the pet column for Long Island Parents & Children Magazine. Jenna has spent most of her career in the non-profit world, creating compelling materials that grab the interest of media outlets, donors and the public. She has created content and messaging for a long list of clients, including Northwell, Splashes of Hope, North Shore Animal League America and the Health & Welfare Council of Long Island. Jenna is a lifelong animal lover, and she is thrilled to bring her expertise and enthusiasm to support the amazing work of Pal-O-Mine.

JoAnn Woodruff

Bookkeeper
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JoAnn studied psychology at St. Joseph’s College and earned her Master’s degree in Athletic Counseling from Springfield College in Massachusetts. After graduate school, she spent 9 years as a special education teaching assistant for students in grades K through 12 in Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York. During that time, JoAnn was also a tutor and math instructor and coached basketball, soccer, and lacrosse. Most recently, she was a middle school math teacher for 2 years at a charter school in New Hampshire before returning to Long Island and joining the Pal-O-Mine Team in 2020.

Karen Sullivan

MA – Executive Assistant
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Karen comes to us with over 20 years of experience in the field of education. Most recently she was teaching at St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School in West Islip, where she was a moderator of the Equestrian Team for many years. She is passionate about inspiring and empowering young people from diverse backgrounds through guidance and personalized support.

Karen lives in Brightwaters with her husband, two teenage kids, and their dogs.

Kristin Ellrodt

Front Office
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Kristin comes from a long line of equestrians and started riding at the age of 2. Over the years, she owned several horses of her own and has done rescue and rehabilitation of ex-racehorses as well as other animals in need. Kristin became a Certified Medical Assistant in 2003 and has worked in various fields including Oncology and Urgent Care. She has a teenage son who is the center of her world. Kristin is excited that she gets to combine two of her favorite things at Pal-O-Mine: horses and serving the community.

MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Dora Lupo

LMHC, MAC, CASAC – Clinical Coordinator
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Dora has over 20 years working with individuals diagnosed with Mental Health and Addiction concerns with specialization in trauma, PTSD and building resilience. She has been providing Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) at Pal-O-Mine since 2008 and is the past Ethics Committee-Chair for the International EAGALA Organization. Dora received her Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University C.W. Post and is a Graduate of New York University with a B.S. in Marketing/Management. Her certifications include: MAC (Masters Addiction Counselor); Reiki-Master Level; Mindfulness Training; Motivational Interviewing; Ericksonian Hypnosis; Brief Therapy (NLP); EAGALA Corporate Training; EAGALA Certified MH. She is also an experienced Adjunct Professor in the Department of Counseling and Development at Long Island University and has provided trainings throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Christina Russell

Dr., MSW
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JoAnn studied psychology at St. Joseph’s College and earned her Master’s degree in Athletic Counseling from Springfield College in Massachusetts. After graduate school, she spent 9 years as a special education teaching assistant for students in grades K through 12 in Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York. During that time, JoAnn was also a tutor and math instructor and coached basketball, soccer, and lacrosse. Most recently, she was a middle school math teacher for 2 years at a charter school in New Hampshire before returning to Long Island and joining the Pal-O-Mine Team in 2020.

*Ellen Lear

LMSW – Board Member
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Ellen is dual certified through Eagala as a Mental Health Practitioner (MH) and as an Equine Specialist (ES). A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she had a private practice in New York City for 15 years. A lover of horses since she was a child, Ellen moved to Shelter Island, NY where she co-owned and operated a 36-acre training and boarding facility before discovering Pal-O-Mine and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) in 2005. As an EAP practitioner, Ellen found that through the client/horse bond, lines of communication open faster than in traditional talk therapy, and typically the client reaches his or her goal(s) in less time. Ellen is a Job Coach for Pal-O-Mine’s J-STEP vocational program, and her horse, Ginja, resides at the farm. As a member of Pal-O-Mine’s Board of Directors she has served as Secretary since 2014.

Ginny Porto

LCSW
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Ginny is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She attended the University of Georgia for undergraduate degrees in History and Spanish followed by Fordham University for her MSW degree. She joined the Pal-O-Mine team in 2014 and practices Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning as the mental health professional using the EAGALA model. Prior to Pal-O-Mine, Ginny worked as a therapist in various mental health settings, including Diagnostic Residential Center, Rapic Intervention Center, and outpatient mental health clinic. She has experience providing mental health services to children, adolescents, adults, and families from all backgrounds. She has received specialized training in the treatment of Trauma and Abuse and concentrated her Masters work on children and their families. As a lifelong horse lover, Ginny came to Pal-O-Mine to join her two passions of helping others and working with horses. Ginny is fluent in Spanish, which allows us to reach those who may not otherwise be able to receive services at Pal-O-Mine.

*Mandi Budah

MA, LCSW
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Mandi has been with Pal-O-Mine since 2011. She is certified through EAGALA as both an Equine Specialist and a Mental Health Professional, enabling her to facilitate Equine Assisted Learning groups and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy sessions. Mandi holds a second master’s degree in forensic psychology, as well as certifications in treating anxiety disorders and integrative medicine for mental health. At Pal-O-Mine, she assists with felony youth court mandates and public school educational placements for special education students.

*Rachel Gearwar

LMSW, CCTP – Military Liaison
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Rachel came to Pal-O-Mine as a graduate student intern in 2011. She received her BA in Psychology from Stony Brook University and her Masters in Social Work from Adelphi University. Rachel is dual certified by EAGALA as a Mental Health practitioner and an Equine Specialist for Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning. She also holds a military designation as an MH through Eagala. She is currently going for her advanced certification through EAGALA and her Clinical licensure. Rachel is a facilitator for Herd Women (a women’s empowerment group), an Equine Assisted Learning facilitator for the BOCES School districts and adjudicated youth, a natural horsemanship teacher, a facilitator of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and head of Independent Support System billing. In addition, she is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). Rachel has presented at the National EAGALA conference and contributed to the Pal-O-Mine “Through the Eyes of the Herd” and the “Leading and Learning” curriculums.

*Tessa Van Florcke

LMSW, CCTP – Event Coordinator & Social Media Manager
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Tessa has been with Pal-O-Mine since 2016. She has a B.S. in Psychology and a Masters in Social work. She is a Licensed Social Worker and is certified in the Eagala model as both a Mental Health Practitioner and an Equine Specialist. She is also a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee (CASAC-T) and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). As Event Coordinator, Tessa is responsible for organizing and overseeing all events at Pal-O-Mine as well as being the leader in managing large scale off-site events. As Social Media Manager, Tessa creates content and promotes Pal-O-Mine’s mission across multiple social media platforms by highlighting the Pal-O-Mine herd, staff, and students and sharing features of our events and programs.

FACILITY OPERATIONS

Kelly Tooker

BBA – Barn Manager
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Kelly has been riding since she was 8 years old. She was a competitive jumper and has done countless horse shows including the Hampton Classic, H.I.T.S. (Saugerties, NY), Winter Equestrian Festival (Wellington, Fl), C.S.I. Dinard International Horse Show (France), and numerous shows around the tri-state area. Kelly has owned and cared for many horses throughout the years. In 1999 she was the Zone 11 Rider of the Year and in 2000 qualified for the Marshall Sterling finals, where she placed in the top six nationwide. Kelly also has a background in special education working with people with a variety os disabilities. She has worked at DDI and Harborfields School District in the Special Education Department. Having had a brother with autism, Kelly has both personal and professional experience working with people with disabilities. In addition, Kelly managed a small business for over 15 years. Working at Pal-O-Mine has brought Kelly’s love of horses and helping those with special needs together.

Elise Hammell

B.S. – CHA Certified Riding Instructor
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Elise started riding when she was 7 years old, and it quickly became her favorite sport. She competed in many horse shows across Long Island throughout her teenage years. She went to college and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in business and communications, and continues to take online classes to further her equine education. During Elise’s senior year she began riding and teaching professionally. She feels very lucky to own 3 horses that she loves taking care of and spending time with. Elise started working in the Pal-O-Mine barn in December 2021.

Eve Rubino

B.S. – Barn Staff
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Eve has a B.S. in Business Management and worked as a Director of Global Service Desk in Computer Associates for 8 years. She then became a certified Kripalu yoga teacher before realizing she wanted to work with horses as they were always a passion of hers. She learned all she could about horsemanship and riding which led her to work with at-risk youth, teaching them how to care for, interact with, and ride horses. She found that she was happiest working with people and horses, and she especially loved the positive impact that horses usually had on people. Eve wanted to be part of Pal-O-Mine’s mission and she began volunteering at Pal-O-Mine in the summer of 2020. She then became part of the staff and currently leads Pal-O-Mine’s Yoga on Horseback Program.

Lisa Sobarzo

Facility Oversight
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Lisa has been with Pal-O-Mine Equestrian since 2005 and oversees the facility operations. She is also an EAGALA Certified Equine Specialist in the Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Program, a volunteer trainer, and a group therapeutic horseback riding instructor. An avid horseback rider for 25 years, Lisa has accomplished a lifelong dream and now owns her own horse and rides Western seat and barrel races. She is also a proud mother of two and a member of the EAGALA New York Free Spirit Metropolitan Networking Group. Lisa’s previous work experience includes retail service for Mattel and order billing for Estee Lauder and has over 21 years in the corporate world. Lisa has extensive training and experience working with a variety of populations in the equine assisted activities field.

Matthew Pestour

Junior Groom
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Matthew came to Pal-O-Mine in 2006 as an intern and graduated from Cleary School for the Deaf in 2007. While in High School, he attended Wilson Tech Equine Studies Program as their first deaf student. Matt started riding at age 3 for physical therapy and he progressed to riding independently and began jumping. In the summers, Matt is a volunteer with the Bureau of Land Management, assisting with the mustang and burro adoptions in the Northeast. His favorite breed is the mustang. He also is an avid photographer and his photos can be seen on various mustang web sites. Matt hopes that one day he can bring his Sulphur Mustang stallion, Ranger, home to New York to train. Matt enjoys working at Pal-O-Mine surrounded by horses and doing what he loves…taking care of horses.

Michelle Padro

Barn Staff
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Michelle has been riding horses since she was 3 years old and currently has 2 of her own. She competed in show jumper classes in Florida when she was younger. Michelle recently moved to Long Island from Florida where she lived her whole life.

Tereso Juarez

BS – Facility Maintenance
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Tereso maintains our equipment and repairs anything that needs to be serviced. He has been with Pal-O-Mine since 2005. Tereso has a degree in Information Systems and is a former Computer Technology teacher. He was also a Lieutenant in the El Salvadorian Army. He is bilingual in English and Spanish and is Certified in Crisis Prevention and Intervention. A father of three girls, one who is in medical school to be a doctor, Tereso is devoted to the Pal-O-Mine mission.

EQUINE SPECIALISTS*

Christine Johnson

BSN
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A graduate of Molloy College and former nurse, Christine’s had two lifelong dreams: to be a dance teacher and a riding instructor. Christine was the Founder and Director of Exposures in Dance, a dance company integrating physically challenged and able-bodied dancers. Christine is also skilled in Ballet, Jazz, Modern Dance, and Aerobics and teaching children with special needs. She is a therapeutic horseback riding instructor, a volunteer trainer, and an EAGALA Advanced Certified Equine Specialist and has been with Pal-O-Mine Equestrian since 2004. She is trained in equine lameness, nutrition, behavior, and first aid as well as in hippotherapy, autism spectrum disorder, applied behavioral analysis, and balance and movement. She is currently riding dressage and practicing Parelli.

Elizabeth Boyce

BSN, RN
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Elizabeth joined Pal-O-Mine in 2012 during her senior year of nursing school at Molloy College. She had always dreamed of combining her love of horses and her passion for helping others. In 2017 she received the Zuckerberg Award for Nursing Excellence for her innovative work as the health system’s first “Mobile Critical Care RN.” Elizabeth enjoys working with the diverse population of clients that come to Pal-O-Mine. She is an instructor for students participating in therapeutic riding and unmounted horsemanship. She is an Eagala Certified Equine Specialist with military designation.

Sheila Maher

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Since 2000, Sheila has been with Pal-O-Mine Equestrian in a variety of roles. Sheila started as a volunteer and spent her first years at Pal-O-Mine learning equine care, volunteering in lessons, and training to be a therapeutic horseback riding instructor. Sheila then served as the full-time Volunteer Coordinator for Pal-O-Mine and also fulfilled the role as the Public Relations Coordinator, issuing press releases, attending networking functions, and promoting the program to the community. Currently, Sheila is one of Pal-O-Mine Equestrian’s most seasoned therapeutic horseback riding instructors, group riding instructor, and volunteer trainer. She has experience and training working with a variety of disabilities and ages, from young children to adults and strives for a positive and enjoyable lesson environment.

RIDING INSTRUCTORS

*Blair Griesmeyer

Board Member
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Blair came to Pal-O-Mine in 2006 with her horses, Navajo and Isaac. Her love for horses started at age 6 when she rode her first horse. At age 13 she spent her summer riding with one of the equestrians on the Argentinian Jumping team. She became interested in dressage in 1990 and has ridden in clinics with many notable trainers such as Charles DeKunffy, Kathy Connolly and Anne Gribbons. While working with horses Blair became interested in learning more about the relationship between human and equine, and started studying the Parelli system of natural horsemanship. Blair enjoys sharing the knowledge she has acquired with her students and equine partners. She says, “I love being a part of the relationship that evolves between a student and their horse, whether it’s in the saddle or on the ground, the connection, mutual respect, intimate relationship and above all, the partnership that develops. There is nothing better than watching the expression on a students face change, smile emerging when they have that AH HA moment – they got it!” Blair is an EAGALA Certified Equine Specialist (ES) and provides individual and group instruction using the Parelli system to facilitate natural horsemanship, and is also a riding instructor to many of our staff and volunteers.

Danielle Bertuccio

M.A. - Certified Instructor
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Danielle has a Masters Degree in Liberal Studies. She is an Adjunct Instructor of Philosophy on the college level as well as an Executive Function Coach. Danielle is an IBCCES Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) and Certified Behavior Instructor for Autism – Level 1 (CBIA-1). Most recently she added The Certified Equine Interaction Professional (CEIP) credential for educators (CEIP-ED) to her list of accomplishments. A life-long equestrian, Danielle has been with Pal-O-Mine since 2015, and is a Certified Riding Instructor through CHA. She also has her American Riding Instructor Level 1 Recreational Riding and Stable Management Certifications.

Karin Schackne

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Karin has been riding since she was twelve years old as a Hunt Seat Equitation competition rider. She rode and showed on the Academy of St. Joseph’s High School Equestrian Team, and quickly became interested in dressage. She leased many horses throughout her horse career, and took clinics with many notable dressage trainers including Gunnar Ostergaard, Anne Gribbons and Mette Rosencrantz. Karin attended the USDF Adult camp and was part of the 1996 Paralympic training camp. Karin joined Pal-O-Mine Equestrian in 1995 and began working with riders with disabilities in 1996. Specializing in students with physical disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, and autism spectrum disorder, Karin is trained in sign language and NARHA standards and practices. Karin attended the State University of New York- Farmingdale where she studied Advertising Arts. She is a therapeutic horseback riding instructor and group riding instructor at Pal-O-Mine.

Sherry Kidder

BA
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Sherry’s love for horses began as a child where she grew up in a rural area near a farm where she spent every free moment. She worked at Belmont Race Track and other various racing facilities caring for horses and training yearlings. With a B.A. in history and a minor in English and Psychology from Molloy College, Sherry is a riding instructor and volunteers in the barn often. She utilizes a person-centered approach when teaching individuals and enjoys working with the large volunteer staff at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian. In addition to exercising the various horses at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, Sherry also likes to care and exercise Jake and Annabelle, Pal-O-Mine’s two miniature donkeys.

TEACHERS

Thomas Hayes

MS
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Tom started his professional career enlisting in the Marine Corps Reserves in 2012 after obtaining a Master’s Degree in Adolescent Education from Adelphi University. Shortly after, he began a career as a Correction Officer with the New York City Department of Corrections. While there he became a NYS DCJS General Topics Instructor. In the summer of 2021, drawing from his colorful array of experiences, he started working at Pal-O-Mine while looking to further his education.

Lauren Wendelken

M.A.
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Lauren has an MS degree in Deaf Education and is certified in New York State to teach deaf and hard of hearing students in grades K-12. She worked at the Helen Keller National Center for 10 years and has extensive knowledge and training with deaf/blind adults with secondary disabilities. Lauren is fluent in ASL (American Sign Language) as well as tactile sign language. She currently works as an Itinerant Deaf Ed teacher at Nassau BOCES when she’s not either working as an EAL instructor at Pal-O-Mine or teaching an ASL course to Pal-O-Mine staff members. In addition, Lauren owned her own horse and has been riding since age 15.

*Orlando Nicholas

A.B.A.
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Orlando grew up in Hartford, Connecticut. After graduating from college, he spent 15 years gaining management experience at the Hartford Insurance Group in Connecticut before moving to Long Island in 1999. He was a Senior Counselor for many years at Family Residence and Essential Enterprises in Old Bethpage and has over 20 years of experience working with at-risk teens, young adults, and individuals with disabilities. Orlando has always envisioned working in a facility like Pal-O-Mine, and is an EAGALA Certified Equine Specialist (ES). He is passionate about volunteering and giving back to the community.

Pam Hickey

BS, MS, S.A.S.
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Pam retired from Suffolk AHRC where she worked for 11 years as a pre-school special education teacher, and then 13 years as the school’s Principal. Pam has been with Pal-O-Mine for over 16 years as a volunteer, riding instructor, job coach and presently is working with the E.A.L. program. She has completed Level 2 in the Parelli Natural Horsemanship program which she enjoys teaching to others.

VOCATIONAL JOB COACHES

Jane O’Brien

MS
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Jane is a New York State Certified School Psychologist who has worked in early intervention and preschool special education since 1992. After establishing 2 sensory gardens at her center-based special education preschools, Jane pursued her certificate in Horticultural Therapy. Now working at Pal-O-Mine as the Vocational Coordinator for Pal-O-Mine’s J-STEP Vocational Program, she combines her special education and garden experience each day. She is a member of the National Association of School Psychologists and the Mid-Atlantic Horticulture Therapy Network.

Kim Scanlon

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Kim spent 25 years in law enforcement before retiring. She was looking for a volunteer job when Covid-19 hit and came across Pal-O-Mine. She began as a side walker and after expressing her love of gardening, she became a Job Coach where she shares her horticultural knowledge and skills.

Lauren Ferris

BFA, HT - Master Gardener
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Orlando grew up in Hartford, Connecticut. After graduating from college, he spent 15 years gaining management experience at the Hartford Insurance Group in Connecticut before moving to Long Island in 1999. He was a Senior Counselor for many years at Family Residence and Essential Enterprises in Old Bethpage and has over 20 years of experience working with at-risk teens, young adults, and individuals with disabilities. Orlando has always envisioned working in a facility like Pal-O-Mine, and is an EAGALA Certified Equine Specialist (ES). He is passionate about volunteering and giving back to the community.

Lori Sorensen

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Lori joined Pal-O-Mine’s staff in 1995 as the Barn Manager. Since 2010 she has worked as a Vocational Job Coach in the J-STEP program as well as assisting with small animal care. She has more than 35 years of horse experience, having owned her own horses and competitively barrel racing since 11 years old. While in high school, Lori studied large animal care through BOCES at SUNY Old Westbury. This experience led her to work for Dr. Reed, an equine surgeon at Belmont Racetrack and also led to her working as a groom at Roosevelt Race Track with standardbreds. Lori later worked at a thoroughbred layup farm providing large animal care. Lori has four children of her own and continues to ride and compete.

Thank you to the following who continue to donate their time and expertise in support of our mission:

Hayley Sorenson, RN
Kate Gajewski, M.S.Ed
Kathleen Casey, LCSW – Eagala Certified Mental Health Practitioner
Mary Ann McGrath, LCSW – Eagala Certified Mental Health Practitioner
Rosemary Ferrero-Manginelli, LCSW – Eagala Certified Mental Health Practitioner

⃰ In total, Pal-O-Mine has 11 Certified Equine Specialists. All are not listed in this category as their primary role in the organization is elsewhere.