Volunteer of the Month

January 2008

I came to Florida in 1988 from PA. I am married with 2 sons, 1 granddaughter and 1 grandson. I am a certified medical assistant and worked many years in the medical field before receiving my BS degree in construction management. My husband and I have owned a General Contracting Company since 1999. I refereed and coached soccer for 12 years. I lost my job in 2001, gave up coaching, and found that I was extremely board! So, I started volunteering at Naples Equestrian Challenge.

NEC helped fulfill and increase my love of horses; I always lived in the city and owning a horse was not an option. I think I did take 1 riding lesson way back!

I became addicted to them - volunteered 2 - 3 times a week. Helped clean the stalls and was then asked if I would like to exercise a horse. My dream come true. About 4 months after that I was given the opportunity to own my first horse - I think everyone knows "Carbon Copy" aka CC and started showing Dressage. CC was a great teacher and confidence builder for me.

I became the equine manager for NEC and went on to become a certified NARHA instructor. I have the best job working with the horses and riders who are so awesome. It is so gratifying.

In 2005 I purchased DC Sensation my Arab who along with my trainer Tory has helped me move up to 1^st level.

We bought 5.5 acres out Golden Gate and moved. My husband built me a barn for my girls. My favorite place is the barn. Nothing is more relaxing.

I have met so many wonderful people in the horse world and made many new friends. My life is truly blessed. Owning horses and the discipline of Dressage is an on going learning experience. Sometimes I am sorry that I started so late. But as my kids have mentioned in the past - There is a senior Olympics! I have been playing around with some jumping too.