Horse Therapy & Occupational Therapy Rooted in Care

MS, OTR/L Occupational Therapist Director of Therapy Services

Occupational Therapist, Director of Therapy Services
Anne has practiced as an Occupational Therapist since 2009, specializing in sensory integration, handwriting, and feeding therapy. She holds certifications in Therapeutic Listening and Handwriting Without Tears, along with Level I training through the American Hippotherapy Association, which she brings into her work at Strides of Strength.

COTA Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant
Lexi began her journey with Strides of Strength as a volunteer, bringing a lifelong love of horses into her work as a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant. She partners closely with our licensed therapists, combining her passion for equine care with a commitment to ongoing learning that benefits both patients and horses.

M.S., CCC‑SLP Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist

Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist
Lisa is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with experience supporting children from infancy through middle school across private practice, home health, and school settings. She takes a collaborative, family centered approach to communication and feeding needs, partnering closely with parents and care teams to build children's confidence and skills.

Horse Handler

Riesa brings hands on equine experience alongside a background in animal care, customer service, and childcare. Her volunteer work in youth ministry, nursing home outreach, and disaster relief reflects the same reliability and compassion she brings to our horses and patients every day at Strides of Strength.

Horse Handler

With more than 25 years of equine experience, Dayna has been part of the Strides of Strength farm since 2012, serving as a 4H leader, camp director, and lead riding instructor at Gaston Farm Road Equestrian Center. Her steady hand has earned her the trust of every horse on the farm.

LPTA Farm Fit Instructor

Marie is a recently retired Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant with more than four decades of experience, having practiced since 1984 across a wide range of clinical settings. Much of her career focused on in-home therapy, where she developed a talent for tailoring care to each individual. She now leads our Farm Fit classes, including Balance at the Barn.

Equine Services Team Member

Laurie brings a unique blend of equine experience, animal care expertise, and decades of teaching and coaching to Strides of Strength Therapeutic Services. She supports horse handling and program development, with a background in equine assisted services, equine massage therapy, and therapeutic animal care spanning nearly thirty years.

Grant Writer

Rachael is an experienced educator dedicated to supporting students in flexible learning environments. After years teaching science at the elementary and middle school levels, she now helps students earn their diplomas through individualized, supportive pathways. Known for her compassion and strong community ties, Rachael enjoys gardening, horseback riding, and spending time with family.

Marketing & Fundraising

Megan is a South Carolina insurance professional with more than a decade of experience in multi-line insurance services and client support. A graduate of Limestone College, her background includes work as a veterinary technician and riding instructor. Megan is active in her church and volunteers with 4-H, known for her community involvement and dedication to helping others.

Board Chair

Dianna is a longtime South Carolina artist and educator whose handmade pottery is showcased through her studio, Glazed Expressions. Recognized as a South Carolina Artist since 1998, she has taught pottery for the City of Rock Hill for more than twenty years. Dianna is known for her craftsmanship, attention to detail, and passion for sharing the creative process.

Board Treasurer

Jenn brings more than sixteen years of progressive leadership experience in higher education, currently serving as Executive Assistant to the President and Director of Presidential Affairs at York Technical College. A Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, she is passionate about empowering individuals and remains active in community service and nonprofit leadership across Rock Hill.

Board Secretary

Heidi is a dedicated educator at Sullivan Middle School, focused on student engagement, cross-cultural connection, and real-world application in the classroom. Originally from Chicago, she enjoys horseback riding, crafts, and community volunteering. Heidi is known for her student-centered teaching philosophy and her commitment to helping young people grow.

Board Member

Cherie is an experienced family law attorney and founder of Barton Family Law LLC, serving families throughout South Carolina since 1994. A graduate of the College of Charleston and the University of South Carolina School of Law, she is known for her compassionate approach and deep commitment to the York County community.

Board Member

Monica is a real estate professional with eXp Realty, serving the greater Rock Hill, Fort Mill, and Chester County areas. A second-generation agent with experience in both residential and equestrian properties, her background as a teacher and advocate for individuals with special needs shapes her empathetic, service-driven approach.

Board Member

Kady is a Winthrop University graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics. She currently serves as a Loan Officer with Founders Federal Credit Union, bringing several years of experience in customer service, financial operations, and community-focused support.