Lisa Gatti turned her lifelong love of horses into a mission that changes lives. As Founder and CEO of Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, she leads a comprehensive therapeutic equine program serving children and adults with disabilities and other vulnerable populations.
Founded in 1995, Pal-O-Mine began with one rented horse, one volunteer and one woman determined to create opportunities for individuals with special needs and at-risk youth to experience connection and confidence through horses. Today, it serves more than 400 students weekly on its 13-acre campus, supported by 25 specially trained horses. The campus includes indoor and outdoor arenas, a therapeutic horticulture program with an accessible greenhouse and garden supporting vocational internships, plus classrooms, an accessible playground, a saltwater pool and a wellness and retreat oasis.
Lisa’s background in education helped shape Pal-O-Mine from the start. With a dual degree in elementary and special education from Saint Joseph’s University, she began her career as a special education teacher before building Pal-O-Mine. Her leadership also reached the national stage as United States Team Leader for the Equestrian Paralympic Team in 1996 and 2000. She has served in key leadership roles, including past and present Chair of the Board of Directors of Eagala and Secretary of the Board of Autism Communities from 2015 to 2021. In 2019, she was appointed to the Town of Islip Disability Advisory Committee, advising local government on issues affecting individuals with special needs.
Lisa has received numerous awards for her business and leadership skills. She was honored with the Women of Distinction and Distinguished Service Award from the Town of Islip in 2020 and with the Kevin Harney Courage Award in 2022, presented to someone who “selflessly demonstrates strength, courage and determination to overcome and support the insurmountable challenges while going above and beyond the normal caring for a sick or injured child.” In 2025, Schneps Media named Lisa one of its Power Women of Long Island, and she also has been chosen by the Suffolk County Women in the Courts Committee to be the keynote speaker for its annual Women’s History Month event in 2026.
Reflecting on the community behind Pal-O-Mine, Lisa shared: “I’m eternally grateful to the Pal-O-Mine Board of Directors and the generous individuals, foundations and companies who have supported Pal-O-Mine with their time, their dedication and their financial resources.” Lisa is surrounded by a devoted team of staff and volunteers, without whom, she said, she would not be where she is today. They are passionate, humble and deeply dedicated, and, like Lisa, feel truly blessed to witness the miraculous transformations of Pal-O-Mine’s students every day.
This story was posted by Lorraine Gregory Communications, March 4, 2026
