Pony Power Therapies

Dana Spett Dana Spett founded Pony Power over 10 years ago, with 4 riders, and one horse (Mat). Dana graduated from NYU, and went on to get her master’s in social work and practiced in schools. She has been an accomplished equestrian from a young age, taking the initiative to start NYU’s equestrian team, and competed internationally with the intercollegiate show circuit. When one of Dana’s three daughters was diagnosed with sensory integration issues, she found a way to treat her daughter by combining her passions and becoming a certified PATH International instructor. Eight years ago, her family bought Three Sisters Farm in Mahwah and dedicated the property to be an inclusive therapeutic riding community. We boast the only farm in the tri-state area that is solely dedicated to Therapeutic Riding, equine assisted activities in an inclusive setting.

Malinda Ferko Malinda Ferko has a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences and a minor in Equine Science from Penn State University.  For six years she has been a Feed Sales and Technical Representative for Southern States Cooperative.  Malinda has ridden hunters since the age of 10, rode on the Penn State Equestrian team and was a member of the PSU Horse Judging team.  Currently she is doing dressage training with Susan Stegmeyer at The Stables at Mirabella. Malinda has been an instructor at Pony Power since 2006. She is working on her Path International certification. In addition to teaching lessons and spending time with the horses, Malinda loves to be with her husband and 1 year old son.

Danielle Isetts Danielle Isetts is currently a master’s of social work candidate at Rutgers University and an alumna of Drew University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She facilitates the indoor curriculum for our weekly school groups and participates in individual lessons with clients. Danielle’s clinical areas of interest include animal-assisted therapy and art therapy. In addition to spending time on the farm, Danielle enjoys swimming, skydiving, and hiking with her dogs.

Kristina Goulart Kristina Goulart has been with Pony Power since it was first founded in 2000, starting out as a volunteer in high school and continuing on to become a registered PATH International instructor after graduating college. She has been around horses all her life, and owned a mare named Candy. Krissie competed in jumpers and equitation divisions of regional shows.  While in college, she continued riding and training. She graduated from Susquehanna University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Krissie completed her RN-Registered Nurse-license in in June 2011. Pony Power has inspired her in many ways and has had a huge impact on her life. “I love every minute of it!”

Jennifer Ripston Jennifer Ripston received her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Seton Hall University in 2010. As part of her master’s program, she completed a full time hippotherapy fieldwork experience at Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center in Oldwick, NJ.  She is an AHA Level I therapist. Jennifer is also a PATH International registered level instructor and has been teaching therapeutic riding lessons since 2006. She has been riding for many years and enjoys spending time with her horse Henry. Jennifer will be providing hippotherapy services as well as therapeutic riding lessons at the farm.

Julia Klopacz Julia Klopacz came to us as a high school senior intern in 2009. Julia has extensive riding and showing experience in the hunter ring, as well as a natural way with any horse she works with. She is currently attending Drew University and teaches for us three days a week. Julia has been riding since she was eight, and owns a horse named Merle. She enjoys riding at a variety of barns in the area and takes pride in watching her Pony Power students progress.

Leigh Vaccaro Leigh Vaccaro began volunteering with Pony Power in 2009. Seeing students progress and grow stronger as a result of therapeutic horseback riding inspired her to teach. She became a PATH International certified instructor in August 2010.  Leigh experienced the same kind of confidence-building she sees in Pony Power students when she started riding in her early teens, showing over fences and in the dressage ring. A communications professional with over 12 years experience in advancing the missions of colleges and universities and other nonprofits, Leigh also coordinates grant activities for Pony Power.

Gabrielle Tracey Gabrielle Tracey graduated from Ramapo College with a BA in international studies. Gabrielle’s love of animals brought her to volunteer at Pony Power in 2005, as well as raise and train puppies for the Seeing Eye guide dog program. Due to her friendly demeanor, excellent work ethic and longtime relationship with Pony Power she was asked to work as the office manager after graduation.

Bonnie Malajian- MSW <LCSW < ACSW

Received her Masters degree in Clinical Social Work from NYU. As a licensed clinical social worker, she has been providing psychotherapy to individuals, families, and groups who struggle with depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, addictions, eating disorders and life adjustments for over 30 years. Having a life long love of horses and appreciation of the horse to human connection. In 2006 Bonnie began to study and provide Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted learning programs, partnering the healing power of horses with traditional psychotherapy. She is certified by EAGALA- Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association.
Bonnie joined the staff of Pony Power in the summer of 2011 to oversee the STABLE INSIGHTS program which provides Equine Assisted therapy and learning programs to individuals, families, groups, treatment agencies as well as corporate team building. She has a private practice providing traditional talk therapy as well in Ridgewood, NJ. Bonnie also works as part of our therapeutic riding program and is currently working towards her PATH INT Certification.