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Executive Director
Starlet was born and raised in Southern Illinois, but has lived all over the country due to her military service. She originally enlisted in June of 1999 and is now pending retirement from the Army after over two decades of combined military service.
Starlet, a servant at heart, joined Strongwater Farm as a volunteer in May 2021 because of her love for people and animals. Since then, Starlet’s engagement with Strongwater Farm has continued to grow from volunteer, to equine support staff, and now is the Executive Director. She enjoys being a part of the Strongwater Farm family in hopes to directly support clients and others who are working through challenges with our equine “therapists.”
Why she continues a life of service at Strongwater Farm: “Because Strongwater Farm lives up to its mission. I’ve witnessed veterans work through anxiety attacks due to PTSD by being with a horse. I’ve seen the lives of children touched in such a positive way. I’ve experienced firsthand what it’s like to work with a horse and have it positively impact a life. I see the instructors and staff around me light up when they make a breakthrough with a client during a lesson. I feel the connections made between the team and families. Strongwater Farm aims to help whoever walks through their doors—and that’s what they do, and why I wanted to be part of the team…I am honored to witness the change that takes place in the lives we serve each day.”
Other Passions & Interests
Outside of Strongwater Farm, Starlet enjoys long runs and training for the next marathon finish line, along with talking over Tim Grover, Jacko Willink, and any Ramsey Solutions Publications. She is married to an Air Force veteran and has three children – all of whom are volunteers at Strongwater Farm (let’s say that the conversations are interesting in the Baker Household!).
Administrative Operations & Finance Manager
Liz Kehoe brings over two decades of expertise in administrative and financial management, with experience spanning both the nonprofit and corporate sectors. Her recent roles include Office Manager and Bookkeeper at Strongwater Farm, as well as positions such as Administrative Operations and Community Care Specialist at a religious institution, Financial and Administrative Specialist at a private high school, and Senior Customer Service and Claims Manager at a prestigious publishing company.
Born in Texas and raised in the northeast plains of Colorado before settling in Massachusetts, Liz has called the Bay State home for most of her life. She is happily married to her life partner, Tom, and is the proud parent of two sons, a daughter, and a delighted “mémé” to three grandchildren. Her household also includes two cherished cats, Rugen and Cali.
A lifelong admirer of the beauty and sensitivity of horses, Liz finds great fulfillment in supporting Strongwater Farm’s mission to enhance lives through equine-assisted therapy. She recently experienced this transformative power firsthand with her first horse ride in over 30 years on King, one of Strongwater’s gentle giants.
Passions & Interests
Liz’s artistic background is a vibrant aspect of her life. A graduate of Massachusetts College of Art & Design, she specialized in painting and art education. She has shared her love for art as an instructor at a private high school in Central Massachusetts and through community-based drawing, painting, and pottery classes for homeschool groups. Her dream is to rekindle her passion for landscape painting, capturing the “spirit of space” in her works.
In her free time, Liz enjoys visiting art museums and exhibits, as well as immersing herself in great literature. Though her role at Strongwater Farm is primarily behind the scenes, her dedication to making a difference aligns closely with the farm’s mission. Liz treasures being part of an organization that positively impacts lives through equine therapy.
Receptionist
Nancy grew up in Worcester, MA and has lived in Massachusetts her whole life. She worked in Boston, as a senior executive assistant, for over 40 years specializing in the investment sector.
Nancy started working at Strongwater Farm in 2013 as a volunteer, was brought onto the team as the office manager and was given the opportunity to become the receptionist when the Perley Arena was built.
She loves talking to people and this position is a perfect fit! She started riding horses in her late 20’s and went on very adventurous riding vacations. Since not having ridden a horse for a while, she would like to get back to riding someday.
Nancy loves Strongwater Farm’s mission statement. Over the past decade, she has witnessed miracles. Young students become expert equestrians and she sees them grow into accomplished adults.
Nancy’s personal mission at Strongwater – “To keep communicating with students and their families. Answering questions and helping with paperwork.”
Passions & Interests
Nancy is a cat person. Also, Nancy loves all kinds of crafts.
Program Director (Interim) / Instructor
Jane Kirby has been with Strongwater Farm since 2015, first as a volunteer and then transitioned into an instructor and morning barn staff in 2020. Between her time at Strongwater and various other Equine Assisted Therapy facilities, Jane has logged over 3,000 volunteer hours, primarily serving as a leader or side-walker, because she believes wholly in the therapeutic benefits of horses.
With over 15 years of equine experience, Jane has a deep respect for horses and what they can teach us. She sees horses as intuitive beings who can guide clients through emotional and physical challenges, toward positive growth. In her own horse-y time, Jane prefers to ride dressage, and is particularly interested in equine behavior and biomechanics. She is casually looking for a horse to call her own.
Jane’s mission at Strongwater Farm is to create a safe, supportive space where clients can build relationships with their team of horses and humans, explore their strengths, and achieve their goals in an enjoyable and meaningful way. She feels honored to be part of the Strongwater team, supporting clients as they navigate their own journeys of growth.
Her favorite Strongwater horse is Enzo because he has taught more than any other horse, and she appreciates his intelligence, honesty, and humor.
Passions & Interests
Outside of the barn, Jane enjoys hiking, gardening, natural sciences, and solving puzzles of various sorts. She loves learning new things, creating, and horror movies! Jane also shares her home with two cats: Calli and Daniel.
Lead Instructor / Mentor
Cailey is a lover and learner of horses. Originally from Colorado, she relocated to New England in 2019 where she attended the University of New Hampshire to study Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies (now known as EAS), where she was also a four year member of the IHSA team, 2 time regional qualifier, as well as individual AEL National Champion.
Her interest in the industry stems from her personal experiences of seeing the positive interactions between her father (a police detective retired with PTSD) and her leased horse, and the peace that he experienced when accompanying her to lessons at a barn when growing up. Since then, she has strived to serve individuals through making connections with horses whether on the ground or in the saddle. She loves nothing more than seeing the growth and partnership develop when someone comes into a trusting relationship with an equine partner. With over a decade of experience teaching horsemanship, Cailey has worked within several EAS programs, as well as hunter/jumper, combined training, reining, trail riding, bareback, and working equitation. She also instructed at the University of New Hampshire in the equine department in multiple courses, including mounted horsemanship labs and a CTRI mentorship course.
Cailey is thrilled to be a part of the team at Strongwater Farm and looks forward to learning from the talented members of the team, as well as sharing her own experiences to assist in the mission of enriching lives through EAS opportunities.
In her free time, you can find her riding, reading, writing, or running as she trains for the Boston Marathon!
Instructor / Volunteer Coordinator / Mentor
Stacy has been riding and working around horses since the age of 14. She holds an Associate’s degree in Equine Studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she was also a member of the UMass Equestrian team and competed at the IHSA National Competition in California in 1996. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Equine Business Management with a minor in Psychology from Johnson & Wales University.
Stacy started her journey with Strongwater Farm in 2016 as a career resource specialist with Work Opportunities Unlimited, supporting her clients with disabilities in developing vocational skills through work and volunteer opportunities at the farm. Her role at Strongwater then evolved into a part time therapeutic riding instructor position, and eventually transitioned into her current full time role as therapeutic riding instructor and volunteer coordinator. With over 30 years of experience in both the equine industry and human services Stacy brings a unique blend of skills and passion to Strongwater Farm and is deeply committed to helping individuals of all abilities experience growth, healing and independence through Equine Assisted Activities.
Instructor / Mentor / ESMHL
Shannon was born and raised in Massachusetts, and has always been an animal lover. For her 7th birthday she received horseback riding lessons, and since then, she has always been involved with horses in some capacity, accumulating over 15 years of experience in the equine industry. She joined the Strongwater team in 2021 and has loved witnessing the growth of her students ever since!
In her role as an Instructor at Strongwater, Shannon’s mission is to create a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental environment where students can form meaningful connections with horses. She believes in fostering an atmosphere of healing and growth through equine-assisted activities, especially for those seeking emotional and mental well-being.
Passions & Interests
Outside of her work with horses, Shannon enjoys reading, making pottery, and spending time with her cat, Rue.
Instructor
Ellie grew up on a farm with horses in Harvard, MA. She had the good fortune to grow up with a mother who loved horses and helped Ellie to start riding at the age of 3.
Ellie came up through the ranks of Pony Club and evented through the Intermediate level, winning the N. American Junior Championships in 1979 under the wing of an Olympic gold medalist coach. This beginning was both blessed and traumatic, causing Ellie to seek other paths of knowledge and healing.
Sometimes the journey of life takes us away from what we love, but returns us to it in a new way. So it was for Ellie and horses. After many years away, on a healing journey through therapy, the arts, and working in the field of mental health as an expressive arts therapist, Ellie discovered horses again. This happened after a close friend had died, when another friend introduced Ellie to the Equine Spirit Sanctuary in Taos, NM, where Ellie and her family lived. Something about meeting horses at that particular moment, in the southwest, where the spirit around what it means to partner with a horse is different from what Ellie experienced in the east, opened her heart to the possibilities of work in the field of equine assisted therapy.
Shortly thereafter, her family moved back east and Ellie found Strongwater Farm. Ellie has been part of the Srongwater family since 2014, in the roles of instructor, herd manager and program director. She loves the land, nature, and culture of Strongwater Farm: One of nurture, collaboration and creativity!
Ellie is moved and grateful to be a part of many peoples’ healing journeys here. She also finds it a joy to understand and partner with horses’ innate healing gifts.
Passions & Interests
Ellie’s passion is bringing together horses, people, nature and the arts in a healing gestalt. She is an exhibiting artist and currently at work on a memoir called, “Butterflies of Winter.”
Instructor
Becca is a master’s level mental health counseling clinician with experience in Substance Use Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Bipolar Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, and Personality Disorders.
Becca was born and raised in Southern New Hampshire and lived in Worcester up until 2021, when she then moved to Tewksbury. Becca started her riding career at six years old and has trained in many different disciplines, including hunter and western pleasure, saddle seat, hunter jumper, reining, dressage, natural horsemanship, and eventing. Becca’s passion for therapeutic equine services started at 13, when she started to volunteer at a therapeutic riding facility as a leader and side walker. At 17, she joined a hippo therapist to help plan and facilitate hippo therapy sessions, as well as train and exercise horses for the program. Becca joined the Strongwater team in 2021 as a volunteer. In her time at Strongwater, she found the support of the staff in helping her recognize her dream of becoming a therapeutic riding instructor, and became one in 2022.
Becca’s passion has always been service to others. Whether it was at a therapeutic riding facility, animal shelter, or soup kitchens, she attributes this characteristic to her late grandparents, who raised her to always help those in need. In both of her careers, at Strongwater and Tewksbury hospital, she strives to provide a safe, healing space for her patients and students to create and achieve their goals and grow. Strongwater and the healing power of horses helps her to pursue this passion with others who share the same dream.
Passions & Interests
Outside of Strongwater, Becca enjoys music and singing as well as spending time with her fur babies – two cats, Benji and Mittens, and her dog, Flynn Rider. She is married to a Registered Behavioural Technician, who also shares her passion for horses and helping others and also volunteers at Strongwater. Their favorite pastime when they are not at Strongwater is playing board games with friends and family.
Becca is a master’s level mental health counseling clinician with experience in Substance Use Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Bipolar Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, and Personality Disorders.
Advanced Instructor / Mentor
Kassandra began her journey at Strongwater in 2017 as an intern for her master’s program. Strongwater offered the best of both her passions – people and horses. She was captivated by the transformational holistic approach of equine-assisted services. Time after time she has been able to witness milestones in student goals.
After her internship, Kassandra graduated with her certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor MA CRCC. After her master’s, she pursued her Massachusetts licensed instructor Licence, Advanced PATH instructor certification, and PATH Mentor certification. Kassandra has received trauma-informed training, and CPI safety care training, holds a CPR and First Aid certification, and has basic ASL training, that she enjoys bringing into our Strongwater programming.
Why Kassandra is passionate about Strongwater and continues to serve: “Seeing the way an equine relates to a person with a disability is incredible. Every time. It truly never gets old. Horses have so much to teach us; we become present, we slow down and truly grow in self-awareness. Horses have proven to be the conduit of healing for so many. I love getting smiles out of those who seldom show expression. Having utterances of woah and walk-ons by students, who by all other standards are nonverbal, is the most riveting moment. Allowing students to go where they desire, when regularly they are met with roadblocks is so rewarding. Not to mention the Strongwater team is like family!”
Kassandra’s mission at Strongwater Farm: ‘My passion is to help, support, and grow each person I can come in contact with. Helping to train up the next generation of PATH professionals to serve the community of New England and beyond. Continually improving ourselves and how we work with our students so each individual gets the best care and experience at Strongwater.”
Passions & Interests
Kassandra’s fun facts are that she has an incredibly loving husband and a precious baby boy. She loves to bareback trail ride (specifically with Tindur!) and she loves learning and growing in her horsemanship journey!
Equine Operations Manager
Melissa grew up in Southern New Hampshire with an older brother, in a household where hockey was central to their lives. Instead of horses in her backyard, they had an ice rink. She found her passion for horses, beginning to ride at seven. She grew up riding at a saddle seat barn, but eventually found her passion for jumping and made the switch to eventing. Melissa is an active member of the United States Pony Club, holding the C2/HB certification. In 2022, she was also a member of the USPC National Youth Congress. She has served as an Examiner for local USPC ratings, as well as Assistant Horse Management judge. She’s attended and competed in many horse shows, certifications, rallies, clinics, etc. Melissa qualified for the USPC Championships in 2018, which is held at Tryon, North Carolina, taking home first place in Horse Management with her team.
After high school, she was torn between going to college to pursue forensic psychology or following her lifelong dream of making horses her career. She found Strongwater Farm in 2019, and quickly fell in love with the mission – she knew this was where she was meant to be. Melissa started as an Assistant Barn Manager, eventually working her way up to Head Groom, Assistant Operations Manager, and ultimately Equine Operations Manager. Her role allows her to focus on behind-the-scenes care and management of the horses, where she feels most fulfilled.
Melissa has been lucky enough to ride an array of horses throughout her career, training and competing with many of them. She met her first heart horse, Ziggy, in 2015 and began leasing him in 2018. This is the horse she dedicates a lot of her experience and qualifications to. She went on to buy her first horse, Texas, in 2022. She plans to make him her next upper level event horse. You’ll see his cute face around the farm as he begins his part time job as a therapy horse!
Melissa is deeply committed to improving equine welfare, using her personal experiences to advocate for quality care and treatment of the horses at Strongwater Farm. She prides herself on always striving to learn more about her craft, a true equine “nerd” with an insatiable curiosity for horse-related knowledge.
Outside of Strongwater Farm, Melissa plays on her hockey team, often skating a few times a week. It’s a full circle moment for her as she is playing on a team with her father and brother, both of whom she watched play growing up. She is also a very devoted Bruins fan, rarely missing a game. She has two treasured cats, Daisy and Nico.
Assistant Equine Operations Manager
Elena, a Massachusetts native, has called the Bay State home her entire life, but discovered her passion for horses during summers spent in Colorado. Every year, Elena visited her aunt, who introduced her to horsemanship through her three beloved horses. Back home, Elena nurtured her love for horses by taking lessons at a local nonprofit barn. There, she not only refined her own horsemanship and riding skills, but also began volunteering and guiding others in their own horsemanship journeys, which sparked her interest in nonprofit work. During this time, Elena joined the barn’s mounted drill team and was honored to serve as Team Captain for the 2015-2016 season.
After pursuing other interests in graphic design during college, Elena realized her heart truly belonged with horses, helping people, and nonprofits. This desire led her to Strongwater Farm as a volunteer, where she found the perfect blend of being around horses and supporting people. When a position opened up, Elena eagerly transitioned into a role that would allow her to further explore the world of Equine-Assisted Therapy. Elena’s role at Strongwater Farm has grown from volunteer, to equine operations and program support staff, to Assistant Operations Manager. She has also utilized her creativity to assist with Strongwater’s marketing and promotional materials.
Passions & Interests
With over 14 years of horsemanship experience, Elena’s passion for Equine-Assisted Services is rooted in her belief of their transformative power. She describes the bond between humans and horses as one of deep, non-judgmental connection. “Horses meet you where you are,” she says, “and have a unique ability to break down emotional barriers, creating space for healing and growth.” Elena’s mission at Strongwater Farm is to nurture the well-being of our equine partners, helping them achieve their full potential. In doing so, they can inspire and support the personal growth of all those who embark on their journey at Strongwater.
Outside of work, Elena enjoys drawing, hiking, and reading historical fiction and fiction books. She is also passionate about creative writing, often creating stories and poems inspired by her own experiences. At home, Elena loves spending time with her two cats, Rugen and Cali. One of her dreams is to experience a trail ride through the Grand Canyon, where she hopes to find new inspiration for future stories, poems, and drawings.
Assistant Equine Operations Manager
Sophia was born and raised in Stoneham, Massachusetts. Sophia’s passion for horses began at a young age. Sophia started riding horses when she was 3 years old and fell head over boots for them. Since then, her dedication to these incredible animals has shaped her career.
Sophia’s role started off as a volunteer at Strongwater Farm, and she quickly fell in love with the mission of helping others through the healing power of horses. She witnessed firsthand the incredible transformations that occur when horses and humans connect. After about a year of volunteering, Sophia transitioned to an instructor, and now an assistant equine operations manager.
Why is she so passionate about Strongwater Farm? Sophia believes in the healing power of equine therapy and the unique way it fosters confidence, emotional growth, and physical strength. For her, every moment spent at the barn is an opportunity to make a difference—whether it’s supporting a rider’s journey, mentoring volunteers, or nurturing the special bond between humans and horses. Firsthand, Sophia has witnessed her students come in completely shut down, nervous, anxious, and leave with the biggest smile on their faces. That is why she does what she does, to take Strongwaters mission into her own hands.
Outside of Strongwater Farm, Sophia enjoys reading, being outdoors, and spending time with her dog Ekoyam (the best boy ever!).
Equine Operations Support Staff
Leslie Costello was born in Russia and was adopted at 2yo by a wonderful family. She’s lived in many places throughout her childhood – from Utica, to Indiana, and then finally in Massachusetts in 2007. While she’s been able to prioritize both school and hobbies, she eventually fell in love with horses. Over the years, she found her love for therapeutic horsemanship, specifically, by volunteering at many different barns from Lovelane in Lincoln, MA, The Laura’s Foundation for Autism and Epilepsy in NH, and Terra Equine Therapy Center in Conway, NH. She at last found her way to Strongwater Farm to pursue her PATH Certification and become an instructor.
Leslie’s role at Strongwater Farm is to open the barn and get the ponies ready for their busy day of helping others. A person is most likely to meet Lelsie if they are able to volunteer with “a.m. chores,” to help get the barn ready for the day, along with assisting in some lessons as a sidewalker or leader.
Why she continues life of service at Strongwater Farm: “Through my years of volunteering at so many different barns, I want to continue to work with the amazing people who have made this form of therapy their life’s goal – to help everyone from small children to full grown adults. If it’s just to bring a smile to someone’s face, or help others through a tough time, we are always there with a horse in hand. I want to be a part of that experience. I want to witness first hand someone falling in love with these beautiful horses, the same way I have. I want to see everyone grow and work through any of the challenges that they may be going through.”
Outside of Strongwater Farm, Leslie enjoys going for long walks in nature with her dog, going to the gym, having fun with her friends, and spending quality time with family. On occasion, she finds a book that she can’t put down until it’s finished. Also, she loves to do diamond art painting and puzzles in her down time.
Equine Operations Support Staff
Katie’s commitment to animal care and her passion for learning shine through her volunteer work at Strongwater Farm, where she has been contributing since July 2023. This experience has allowed her to deepen her knowledge and skills, making a meaningful impact in the farm’s operations.
Before joining Strongwater Farm, Katie built a foundation in animal care through her riding lessons at Linebrook Farm in Ipswich, MA. Her journey from completing riding lessons, to volunteering, and eventually becoming a member of the equine support staff at Strongwater shows her steady progression in the field, driven by her love for animals and her dedication to learning. Each step along the way has built her expertise and prepared her for the important role she plays at Strongwater today.
Katie’s passion for equine-assisted services is deeply rooted in the profound connection she has experienced with horses, particularly through the phrase “being in their heart.” For Katie, this concept goes beyond a mere metaphor—it represents a true, tangible bond where both the horse and the human are aligned in a space of mutual trust and understanding. When she describes “being in their heart,” Katie is speaking to the powerful, palpable energy field that surrounds a horse, which spans about three feet in all directions.
This 360-degree heart energy field, whether you’re leading or riding, creates an intimate space where emotions and energy are shared. Katie has personally witnessed and felt this magical connection, noting how even on the toughest days, stepping into the heart energy field of a horse has a transformative effect. The negativity or tension fades, replaced by a sense of calm, peace, and pure joy.
Passions & Interests
With a household that includes her biological son, two step-sons, and three beloved chihuahuas—Tinky, Snowy, and Scotch—Katie’s life is not just about work, but also about creating a warm, caring environment for her family and pets. Katie’s journey has come full circle, from her elephant studies to making an impact at Strongwater Farm.
Katie interests include painting, arts and crafts (But also, ask me about elephants!). Fun fact: Katie’s adventurous spirit led her to backpack across Europe for one month, adding another layer to her diverse and enriching life experiences. This journey allowed her to explore new cultures, landscapes, and people, embracing the thrill of discovery and self-reflection that often comes with traveling on foot.
Facilities Manager
Keith Therrien brings over five decades of expertise in residential construction, engineering and software development. He has worked with scores of companies, from the executive suite to operations, as well as founding and selling a few businesses.
Born in Massachusetts but has split most of his life between Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Married to Brenda Hicks and has raised three boys that all work directly or indirectly in construction. Until recently, they frequently fostered dogs but now have settled on three dogs – Luna, Tia and Gus. Keith finds working around horses and the people who take care of them to be as rewarding as keeping things running at the “farm.”
Passions & Interests
Alpine skiing and water skiing continue to be important activities while stone carving and personal building projects are also filling in time. When it comes to Strongwater, Keith wants to continually improve the facilities, equipment and operations.
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Founding Director
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