Dana is founder and Executive Director of Pony Power Therapies. An accomplished equestrian from a young age, Dana started New York University’s equestrian team and competed on the intercollegiate show circuit. After earning a master’s degree from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, she gained experience working with people with disabilities as a coordinator of child-study teams for school-based programming.

Dana became a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International-certified instructor to support one of her three daughters who was diagnosed with mild sensory integration issues. Inspired by the difference therapeutic riding made in her daughter’s life, Dana founded Pony Power in 2000. She has since been the guiding force behind the organization’s growth, dedicating herself to creating an inclusive and transformative environment guided by nature.

 In 2023 Dana earned her Doctor of Social Work degree from Rutgers University. She contributes research around developing an ethical and competent practice model for equine- and nature-assisted social work. In addition to her role at Pony Power, Dana teaches master’s level social workers at Rutgers University, Smith College and Ramapo College of New Jersey.