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.

Assistant Executive Director & Instructor

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 Assistant Executive Director.

Assistant Farm Manager

TJ’s passion for overall wellness and his unique background in both exercise instruction and food systems will allow Pony Power to expand upon its garden-assisted learning program in a new, fun, and interactive way. TJ graduated from Montclair State University in 2017 where he studied nutrition & food science with a concentration in food systems. He also holds certifications through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

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.

Equine Assistant & Instructor

Kayla is a riding instructor and cares for Pony Power's many animals in the barn. She was born into a horse family: her Grandpa was a mounted police officer in New York City and her aunt had her in the riding ring while she was still in a baby stroller. Kayla has been taking care of her own horse, a flea-bitten grey named Casper, since 2013. She began as a volunteer with Pony Power in 2023 and soon became a Pony Power riding instructor. She enjoys seeing students light up— whether it be when they see their pony for the first time, or when they master a new skill! 

Program Manager & Instructor

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 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.

Instructor & Researcher

Bonnie recently completed an internship with Pony Power while earning a Master of Social Work degree from the Columbia School of Social Work at Columbia University. Her formative years were spent on a multi-generational family cattle and grain farm in Canada, where she developed a deep appreciation for sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices. Her extensive experience in equestrianism and her connection to horses and nature further complement her professional skills. Passionate about merging her commitment to social work and love for animals and the environment, Bonnie is excited to contribute to Pony Power’s mission and make a meaningful impact in her new role.

Controller

Elizabeth joined the Pony Power team as their financial controller, with more than 15 years of non-profit accounting leadership experience. She has a deep-seated love of nature, enjoys hiking and exploring wildlife, and was introduced to horses and riding at summer camps as a kid. The combination of nature and important social programs is a perfect pairing for her as she uses her skills to support Pony Power’s mission. She holds an MBA, and a bachelor’s degree in corporate financial management.

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 as part-time communications manager, and loves highlighting the animals and people who make Pony Power so special.

Assistant Volunteer Manager & Instructor

Emilia began riding at age eight and took her love of working with horses to Centenary University, where she graduated with a bachelors of science in equine studies with a concentration in equine business management. She volunteered with the therapeutic riding program while at Centenary and became a certified therapeutic riding instructor in 2022. Emilia enjoys forming a partnership with horses and helping students create meaningful and lifelong bonds with their equine companions. She is happy to be at Pony Power caring for the horses and helping each student grow, thrive, and reach their goals.

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.

Assistant 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

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.

Program Assistant & Instructor

Matt's love of animals and helping people led him to volunteer at Pony Power in 2021. Seeing how the team and the animals change peoples' lives led him to discover his passion for therapeutic recreation, and he was thrilled to join the Pony Power team full time as program assistant in 2024. He is currently working towards his PATH Instructor certification. Matt graduated from the University of Delaware where he earned a bachelor's degree in anthropology and a minor in music, and enjoys sharing his appreciation for nature and art with all who come to the farm.

Program Director

Since childhood, Abigail has been captivated by horses, humans and the outdoors. Abigail leads the entire program team by crafting approaches for each unique participant. Abigail holds a master’s degree from Columbia University School of Social Work and undergraduate degrees from New York University in psychology, child and adolescentp sychopathology, American Sign Language, and animal studies. Abigail is a Licensed Social Worker, PATH-certified therapeutic riding instructor, and a SIFI-certified supervisor for social work students on undergraduate and master levels. She enjoys public speaking and has presented at the National Association of Social Workers Conference, PATH International Conference, Rutgers University School of Social Work, and Columbia School of Social Work. 

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.

Red Hot is a Pony of the Americas. His naturally forward walk gives his riders a fun, high-input ride. He loves his job and is a favorite with young kids.

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.

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.

An American La Mancha goat, Fred and his brother Georg are easily recognizable by their small ears that favor the shape of a human ear. Fred loves to cuddle first thing in the morning!

A Nigerian dwarf goat, Nicholas is arguably the friendliest of the herd. He’s always happy to scale the fence rails so little hands can more easily pat him on the head.

Georg, an American La Mancha goat like his brother Fred, walks happily around the farm on a leash.

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.