Our Human & Animal Team

  • Dana Spett, DSW

    Founder & Executive Director

    Dana founded Pony Power in 2000 with four riders and one horse, Matinee, a.k.a. Mat. An accomplished equestrian from a young age, Dana started New York University’s equestrian team and competed internationally on the intercollegiate show circuit. After she earned a master’s degree from Wurzweiler School of Social Work, she gained experience working with special needs populations as a coordinator of child-study teams for school-based programming. When one of her three daughters was diagnosed with mild sensory integration issues, Dana tapped into her horse experience and became a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International-certified instructor. She’s worked with thousands of individuals in the years since and has been the guiding force behind Pony Power’s expansion and growth. In 2023 Dana earned her Doctor of Social Work degree from Rutgers University.

  • Elizabeth Morris

    Chief Operating Officer

    Elizabeth originally joined the Pony Power Therapies team as their Financial Controller, bringing with her more than 15 years of leadership experience in nonprofit accounting. In her new role as Chief Operating Officer, she continues to oversee the organization's Finance and Human Resources functions while also expanding her leadership to include Development and Facilities. Elizabeth finds inspiration in the outdoors, often spending her free time hiking or observing wildlife. Her early exposure to horses and riding at summer camps ignited a passion that aligns beautifully with the organization’s work—pairing nature, animals, and therapeutic programs to serve individuals with a range of needs. She holds an MBA as well as a bachelor’s degree in Corporate Financial Management. With a heart for service and a mind for systems, Elizabeth is proud to support Pony Power’s mission of enhancing lives through horse and nature based activities.

  • Kim Darling

    Co-Program Director

    Kim has always had a passion for animals and enjoys sharing that love of animals with other people. This led her to earn a bachelor’s degree in animal science from North Carolina State University in 2017. While in North Carolina, she volunteered with a therapeutic riding center and discovered how horses can help people. Once she moved back to New Jersey, she joined Pony Power full time in August of 2019 and now splits her time between the office and as an instructor.

  • Sydney Spett, LMSW

    Co-Program Director

    Growing up on the farm, Sydney has been able to witness Pony Power’s decades-long transformation. Connecting people of all backgrounds to the magic of the farm inspired Sydney to pursue a career in Social Work. After college, Sydney spent a year in Cambodia as a Minvera Fellow at The Global Child. She spent the next 6.5 years working as a Foster Care Case Planner and Supervisor in NYC. Returning to Pony Power in the 25th anniversary year feels like a full circle moment and Sydney is excited to continue sharing Pony Power’s magic with the community. Sydney earned her Bachelor degree in Neuroscience from Union College in 2017 and her Master of Social Work degree from Hunter College in 2022. 

  • Morgan Aronoff, LSW

    Volunteer Manager & Instructor

    Morgan came to Pony Power in 2017 as a volunteer. She began riding at age 7, and enjoyed the quiet confidence working with horses gave her. Through volunteering in lessons and on the farm, she realized that her passion was in the field of therapeutic riding and seeing how much participants and volunteers benefit from being on the farm. She completed her PATH International instructor certification in 2019 and graduated with her bachelor’s in Social Work from Ramapo College in 2020.

  • Shayleigh Dennison

    Farm Manager

    Shayleigh joined Pony Power Therapies in the summer of 2025 as Assistant Farm Manager, helping to care for and cultivate the farm’s whimsical landscape so it can continue to be a nurturing and inspiring space for people and animals alike.

    With a degree in Sociology and Sustainability Science from Montclair State University, she brings both an understanding of human connection and an appreciation for ecological balance to her work. Growing up on her father’s farm in California and spending several years working in Northern California agriculture, Shayleigh developed a deep respect for the rhythms of nature and the lessons they offer.

    She believes that nature is inherently healing — that time spent outdoors can build confidence, foster patience, and awaken a sense of gratitude and respect for all living things. At Pony Power, Shayleigh channels her lifelong passions for mental health, nature, music, and art into creative programs like Forest Babies and into the daily care of the garden and animals that make the farm so special.

  • Michelle DeSilva

    Development Manager

    Michelle joined Pony Power as a development and communications assistant in September 2019. She has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Clemson University. She brings fundraising experience, having served several years on the executive board of the Mahwah Schools Foundation and as a member of other local nonprofit organizations. She is thrilled to be part of the Pony Power team.

  • Mack Fallon

    Equine Barn Manager

    Mack’s connection to Pony Power began in early childhood, when she first took riding lessons at the farm in 2005. She returned as a volunteer in 2022 and officially joined the team full-time in 2025. With over 20 years of horse experience, including caring for and riding her own horse Buttons, Mack brings extensive horsemanship knowledge to the organization. She is dedicated to helping riders build confidence and form meaningful connections with the herd. In addition to her equine background, Mack comes from a strong professional background in sales and e-commerce. When she is not at the farm, she can usually be found spending time with her favorite lease horse, Belle.

  • Bonnie Lavoie, LSW

    Research Manager

    Bonnie spent her formative years growing up on a multi-generational farm in Canada, where she developed a deep appreciation for sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices. Her lifelong experience as an equestrian, along with her strong connection to horses, animals, and nature, enhances her professional qualifications. Bonnie is dedicated to merging social work with her passion for serving the Pony Power community. She is honored to support the mission of connecting individuals with disabilities or life challenges to the wonders of horses, farming, and nature. Bonnie holds a Master of Social Work from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

  • Alanna O'Donnell

    Communications Manager

    Alanna feels incredibly fortunate to be a part of Pony Power therapies, where the dignity and potential of all people are celebrated every day. She joined the organization in August 2022 and loves highlighting the animals and people who make Pony Power so special.

  • Eddie Sandoval

    Equine Assistant

    Eddie has been with Pony Power for over 10 years. Eddie grew up on a farm with livestock and worked with show horses before coming to Pony Power. He’s an expert horse handler and helps keep our property safe and neat for our horses and participants.

  • Gabrielle Tracey

    Facilities Manager

    Gabrielle’s love of animals brought her to volunteer at Pony Power in 2005. From the start, Gabrielle has had a special affinity for our resident pigs. She joined the team full time following her 2010 graduation from Ramapo College of New Jersey, where she earned a bachelor’s in international studies and a minor in anthropology.

Our Board of Directors

Michael Jenkins, Chair
Bloomberg L.P.

Susan Viniar, Chair Emerita

Steven Hirsh
Lamart Corporation

Lindsey Inserra
Inserra Supermarkets

Kara Kushnir, LCSW, PMH-C
A Work of Heart Counseling & Wellness

Shannon Lazare
M&T Bank

Dana Spett, DSW
Founder & Executive Director,
Pony Power Therapies

Loretta Stadler

John Workman
Hudson Strategies, Inc.

Our Animal Team