Our Human & Animal Team

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.

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.

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.

Development Director

Leigh began volunteering with Pony Power in 2009. Seeing students make progress and grow stronger as a result of therapeutic horseback riding inspired her to resume her own riding education and pursue certification as a PATH International instructor in 2011. Leigh holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Louisiana State University. She brings nearly 20 years of publications and communications experience to her role as Director of Development.

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.

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.

Program Assistant & Instructor

Zoe learned to ride at Pony Power when she was eight years old, and later spent summers volunteering at the farm. These experiences inspired a lifelong passion for working with both people and animals, and an understanding of the importance of connecting with nature. Zoe earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology from Salve Regina University, and recently a master of social work degree from Ramapo College. Her favorite part about working at the farm is the silent time spent between participants and horses.

Equine Manager

Katherine, a New Jersey native, grew up around horses and livestock, developing a passion for them from a young age. She has enjoyed a successful career in management, research, and years of traveling the country working with top professionals on the Hunter/Jumper/Equitation circuit. Katherine is thrilled to be Equine Manager at Pony Power where she can help promote and celebrate the relationship between humans, animals and nature. 

Research Manager & Instructor

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.

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.

DDD Coordinator & Instructor

While Zori’s background was in dog behavior, her undergraduate work with boer goats introduced her to farm life. She completed a bachelor’s degree in animal science at UMass Amherst in 2020, and an advanced certificate in animal behavior and conservation at Hunter College in 2021. Zori came to Pony Power in 2022 as an MSW intern, and received her master’s in social work from Rutgers University in May 2024. She is elated to be able to share in the Pony Power experience of joy and community through nature and human-animal relationships.

Farm Manager

Tracy joined Pony Power after a successful career in public relations and communications representing educational institutions, government agencies and nonprofits. Tracy’s love of nature and gardening, along with her strong desire to make a true difference in her community led her to Pony Power and the Farm in the Forest. Tracy is excited to be a part of the garden team and to share the therapeutic benefits of garden environments.

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.

Program Manager 

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. 

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.

Andy is a registered Andalusian, a breed that originated in Spain and is one of the oldest known horse breeds. Prior to his Pony Power career, he was a teaching horse at UConn and showed regularly on the intercollegiate horse show circuit. His forward walk makes him a great choice for adults or anyone seeking more input.

Angel is a miniature horse and the smallest member of our herd. Her size and sweet nature make her ideal for practicing skills like haltering and lead walking. It’s rare to find a horse with two blue eyes like Angel’s.

CC is one of our longest-serving horses and is a very special member of our herd. Originally a ranch horse, CC has an energetic gait and the sensitivity to anticipate seizures in riders.

Cuddles certainly lives up to his name. He’s a beautiful Quarter Pony whose first career was as a show pony in Vermont. Now Cuddles prefers a slower-paced life, snuggling, and hanging out with his equine and human friends.

Dixie is a Welsh pony who shines most when she works with our youngest children and those using wheelchairs. She’s patient with a playful side— as everyone who has had their zipper pulled by Dixie knows!

Evie is a quiet, loving Norwegian Fjord with a slow and steady gait. Although bred at Blue Heron Farm in Massachusetts, Evie is now a true Jersey girl—she shares a birthday with Bruce Springsteen! She was purchased by Sue and David Viniar in honor of David’s mother, Evelyn.

Jon is a Norwegian Fjord bred by Blue Heron Farm in Massachusetts and donated by a local doctor. He’s a favorite for his quiet temperament and versatility. Jon loves his job and spending time with everyone who visits the farm.

Luna is a Welsh pony who loves people. Her small size and approachable personality makes her a perfect match for our youngest riders.

Ned is the youngest member of our herd and one of the friendliest faces on the farm. His size is perfect for children, who are sure to love his "willing to please" personality. He’ll look a bit different depending on the time of year—his coat changes with the seasons.

Paloma is a Quarter Horse pony whose previous career was as a trail horse. She is very sweet and loves to be in your pocket. She frequently talks to both her horse and human friends around the farm.

Pompi is a Dutch Warmblood who hails all the way from Holland. He was an upper-level dressage horse, a discipline that requires fluid and balanced movement, which makes Pompi a uniquely valuable member of our herd.

Remy is a Norwegian Fjord bred by Blue Heron Farm in Massachusetts. Her mother is our very own Evie. She was donated with Jontjil by a local doctor.

Rosie is a former show pony and registered Quarter Horse (with the enviable registered name of “Sleepy Moon Dreams”). She is very patient and a perfect size for children and small adults.

Originally hailing from Vermont, Secret was previously a lesson horse and taught people the basics of jumping. He’s become a fast favorite on the farm since joining us in June 2025. He has two pet peeves: when flies go up his nose (that’s why he wears a special fly mask that covers his entire face) and when he’s not first to be fed! 

Snoopy is the newest member of our herd. He was primarily a trail horse in his previous career before joining Pony Power in February 2023. He is very charismatic, loves to snuggle with his handler and likes to see what's going on around him.

Tango has settled in beautifully as one of the newest members of our herd, proving to be great for both kids and adults to ride. His distinct coat makes him instantly recognizable as an American Paint Horse.

Tanner is a Fell pony, a working breed that originated in the north of England and was a favorite of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Tanner has a quick but rhythmic pace at the walk and trot.

Vinny is a Norwegian Fjord bred by Blue Heron Farm. His gray dun coat is the rarest color scheme for his breed. He was purchased by Sue and David Viniar in celebration of Leo “Vinny” Viniar’s 90th birthday.

Frisky and Coco are the first miniature donkeys to call Pony Power home. Donated from a loving family in Vermont, they are sweet, gentle, and so much fun to be around. Frisky (left) particularly loves young children. He’s a foodie and will talk or squeak for a treat, especially carrots. Coco (right) likes both people and dogs — she was great friends with her previous owners’ dog Elsa. Their size and temperament make Frisky and Coco perfect for children and adults to groom and learn to lead walk.

Our Nigerian dwarf goats - Nicholas (left), Bugsy (center) and Iggy (right) - always bring some fun to the party! Whether playing a role in programs or greeting farm visitors, they are a delight.

Peggy is a free-spirited Guinea Hog. She sports long, thick, black hair most of the year (except in the summer when she opts for a shorter look). Peggy enjoys walking all around the farm and has been known to attempt some great escapes!

The girls move around the farm eating down our invasive grasses.

Our chickens do a great job of improving soil health as they graze in the Farm in the Forest garden. Fun fact – you can tell what color egg a chicken will lay by looking at their earlobes! Ours lay brown, green and light blue eggs.

Our beehives are located at the north end of the property. Each hive has its own queen and together they number approximately 40,000. We supplement their diet with sugar water during colder times of the year, but as the weather becomes warmer, they forage out in nature. We also have a built-in observation hive so school groups and summer participants can see the queen and her worker bees in action.