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Meet the Team

Our dedicated team of administrators, instructors and horses work hard to ensure that you have the best experience at Great and Small. Please take a moment to get to know the team.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AT GREAT AND SMALL

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Part Time PATH Instructors

We are growing and have part-time openings for PATH Intl. certified therapeutic riding instructors on a rolling basis. Afternoon, weekend, and limited daytime hours possible.

 

Offering a structured, supportive, positive work environment, and dynamic opportunities for professional development. Pay scale of $21/hour to start. Please contact ehanna@greatandsmallride.org to submit a resume or for more information.

Our Staff

Administrative Team 

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OUR STAFF
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Sarah Phelps, Executive Director 

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A life-long rider, Sarah started Great and Small in 1998 and returned as its Executive Director in April 2024. Sarah has had a career in higher education and non-profit law, serving as general counsel to two Washington, DC universities and Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area. Rejoining Great and Small is a wonderful full circle moment, and her passion for horses and all the good they can do has not dimmed since Great and Small's inception.

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Email: sphelps@greatandsmallride.org

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Emily Hanna, Director of Programs and Operations​

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​Emily Hanna is our new Director of Programs and Operations. Emily comes to us from Promise Landing Farm in Upper Marlboro, MD, where she most recently served as Program Director and prior to that as interim Director of Operations and Programming. Emily grew the program there from its early conception to its current status as a PATH premier accredited center, managing the program, instructors and the care of program horses. In addition to her leadership skills, Emily is also a PATH CTRI with her own cohort of students.

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Email: ehanna@greatandsmallride.org​

Jody Neal, Volunteer Coordinator

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A life-long horse person, Jody comes to us from the Warrior Canine Project, where she assisted in their volunteer program and with other operational details. Jody is excited to help strengthen our volunteer program and is enthusiastic about our mission. She lives in Boyds with her family and two horses.​

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Email: jneal@greatandsmallride.org​

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Samantha Lefler, Office Manager/Bookkeeper 

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Welcome Samantha! Joining us in May 2025, Samantha has over 20 years of experience in business administration and operations. She is familiar with all the financial nuances and challenges of small nonprofit organizations, and brings a real desire to give back to her community. 

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Email: slefler@greatandsmallride.org

PATH Instructors and Equine Specialists

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Paige Clark, PATH CTRI and Mentor

Paige began volunteering at a therapeutic riding center in high school. She graduated from Centenary University in 2017 where she received a B.S. in Equine Business Management, minored in Psychology, and certified as a PATH Intl. certified instructor. She was the volunteer manager at Maryland Therapeutic Riding before joining Great and Small in November of 2019 as Program Director, and currently supports Great and Small in a part-time capacity.

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Nancy Heller, PATH CTRI and Mentor

Nancy is a retired special educator who specialized in early childhood special education. She has been a PATH certified instructor since 2003. Nancy has participated in PATH’s Mentor Training program and serves as a mentor to those who are working toward instructor certification. She has also served as vice president of the Maryland Council of Equestrian Therapies.

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In 2021, Nancy was the PATH Intl. Region 2 Credentialed Professional of the Year. Congratulations Nancy!

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Peggy Itrich, PATH CTRI and Mentor

Peggy graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and worked for Lockheed Martin from 1993 to 2012. A life-long horse lover, opportunities to ride and be around horses were few and far between. When she began volunteering at Great and Small in 2007, it was a dream come true. She loves seeing the smiles on her students’ faces and the wonderful accomplishments that can happen when kids and horses come together.

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Kathleen Catliota, PATH CTRI

After teaching riders from age 6-80 for more than 25 years at a hunter/jumper lesson barn in Maryland, Kathleen became a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor in 2017.  For the past 6 years she has thoroughly enjoyed helping adults and children experience the exhilaration and accomplishment of not only befriending our sweet horses but sitting on their backs and becoming one with them.  

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Kathleen has a B.A. from Marquette University and a Master Degree in Education from Trinity College.  She lives nearby in Maryland with her husband, has three grown children and two sweet grandsons.

Alison Duvall, PATH CTRI

Alison started in the therapeutic riding community as a volunteer in 2000 at the National Center for Therapeutic Riding. Since 2004, Alison has been involved in the therapeutic riding program at the Rock Creek Horse Center in Washington, DC, first as a volunteer and in 2016 as an instructor, and then as the leader of Rock Creek's therapeutic program in 2018. Alison was also an instructor at Loudoun Therapeutic Riding in Lovettsville until the spring of 2025, and we are delighted that she has decided to bring her experience and expertise to Great and Small!

Barn Staff Team

Sienna Grimsby, Barn Manager

Sienna is a life-long animal lover and is soon to be finishing an undergraduate degree from SUNY in Environmental Science. Sienna's energy and dedication to the care and well-being of our herd is unparalleled, and we will all surely miss her this fall! 

Our Horses

Learn more about our therapeutic partners and consider sponsoring one or more horses to help support and sustain our riding programs. Visit Great and Small's Sponsor a Horse page to meet and learn more about our horses. 

OUR HORSES

Board of Directors

​Elizabeth (Liz) Terry, Non-Profit CEO | Great and Small Board Chair

Liz joined the Board in March 2023, and also Chairs the Governance Committee. A lifelong equestrian trained in multiple disciplines, her love of horses was instant; and it continues today with her mare, Sophie (who, coincidentally, lives next door to Great and Small).  

 

Professionally, Liz has spent her career running nonprofits and trade associations. From operations to business development, event planning, advocacy, PR and Communications, Liz has experience in multiple aspects of running an organization and representing her constituency. 

 

In her free time Liz has volunteered for and served on multiple advisory and nonprofit Boards for several nonprofits including the American Ireland Funds: Young Leaders-Washington, DC, Belfast-Beltway Boxing, and Shore Lit, where Liz is currently serving as Treasurer. Liz understands sitting on both sides of the board room table. More importantly, Liz believes in the benefits horses bring to every life they touch. 

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Jennifer (Jen) Bryan, Fundraiser and Event Planner | Great and Small Secretary

Jen joined the Board in May 2024 and serves on the Fundraising Committee. Jen brings years of fundraising and event planning experience as well as firsthand knowledge of the benefits of therapeutic riding. She is the mother of a medically complex child who began her riding career in a therapeutic riding program. Jen was the owner of a successful DC-based wedding and event planning business but transitioned to the non-profit world in 2016 when her daughter was diagnosed with a rare immune disorder that required a bone marrow transplant. Being able to raise funds for individuals and families going through a similar experience and support them throughout their medical journey became a passion for Jen and has continued years later.

 

Jen is currently a stay-at-home mother with three small children, Audrey, Madelyn, and Jameson. Throughout the week, you can find Jen at the horse barn with Audrey, in the cheer gym with Madelyn, or on the playground with Jameson. And, when time allows, Jen enjoys riding her pony named Zippy.

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Dr. Kathleen Atmore, Neuropsychologist

Kathleen joined the Board in March 2023, and also serves on the Governance Committee. An avid horse lover, Kathleen is a Developmental Neuropsychologist and Autism Specialist with over 25 years of experience working with and advocating for children and families affected by learning and developmental disabilities and associated mental health concerns. She has worked at Children's National hospital in Washington DC since 2004. Kathleen has a special interest in meeting the needs of underserved populations, and in 2016 launched the Autism Behavioral Communication consultation service at the hospital, to provide education for staff and support for patients whose challenges have limited their access to health care services.


Raised in Minnesota where she developed her love of horses and rode regularly, Kathleen moved to Massachusetts to train and work at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School before moving to Washington in 1994. Kathleen is the parent of four adult children and is delighted to have the opportunity to support the mission of Great and Small.

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Jonathan “Jon” Beall, Senior Vice President, C&I Segment Leader for Education – EagleBank

Jon joined the Board in March 2023, and also serves on the Fundraising Committee. At EagleBank, the largest community bank in the DC Metro area, Jon leads a team providing financing and banking for many of the top performing charter and private schools in the DMV, along with higher education and many regional and national non-profit organizations. Jon proudly represented EagleBank as the top corporate sponsor in support of the inaugural Great and Small Polo Cup in 2024.

 

Jon and his wife Ally are lifelong Washingtonians, raised and now residing in Montgomery County, MD. Proud parents of two “pandemic babies”, they became actively engaged in the neurodiverse and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) community when their daughter was diagnosed with ASD. Since then, they enrolled their daughter in therapeutic riding lessons, and after seeing first-hand the results yielded via the “magic” of equine-based therapy, and the positive impact on their daughter, also enrolled their son in therapeutic riding as part of his Occupational Therapy regimen. Jon is honored to be an advocate and supporter of Great and Small. 

 

Jon also serves on the Board of Directors of the D.C. Special Education Cooperative, an organization that serves to advance and create equitable and excellent education for all public-school students within the DC Public Charter School network; ensuring students with disabilities are provided the support and community with which to thrive.

 

Jon and Ally enjoy spending time with their amazing 4-year-old daughter, 3-year-old son, and chocolate Labrador, and in his spare time playing guitar.

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María González Calvet, Attorney

Maria joined the Board in March 2023, and also serves on the Governance Committee, bringing 20 years of experience as a practicing attorney. Currently a partner at Ropes & Gray, a former U.S. federal prosecutor, and former in-house executive counsel of a Fortune 500 company, Maria has conducted investigations in more than 40 countries worldwide. Her professional focus is on advising clients to identify and mitigate risks and implement effective compliance and governance.

 

Maria’s first job was as a stable hand in rural Pennsylvania, and her favorite place is in the saddle! After decades away from horses, she was eager to introduce the sport to her son in 2020 after he recovered from a terminal diagnosis. She has witnessed firsthand the meaningful confidence-building impact that riding has had on him and is honored to serve on the Board to help others. When not in the office or the barn, Maria enjoys time with her daughter, her partner Anne, and their two dogs.

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Amy Chandler, Business Owner and CEO  

Amy joined the Board in July 2021, and also serves on the Governance Committee. She is the owner and president of Kinsale Management Group, which owns and operates a portfolio of construction industry companies including Mid Atlantic Contracting, Pro Power & Electric and Z Construction. A creative thinker and problem solver, Amy is skilled in providing the vision, management, and direction needed to grow an organization, create operating efficiencies and cultivate organizational culture. Amy holds a bachelors from University of Maryland, College Park and is a current MBA candidate at Villanova University.


A life-long horsewoman, you can find Amy at the barn, on a horse or thinking about horses. She has over 30 years’ experience competing in the hunter/jumpers and over a decade’s experience in equine management.​​​​​

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Jennifer Scales, Senior Tax Manager and Treasurer

Jennifer joined the Board in May 2024 and serves on the Finance Committee. Jennifer brings with her nearly 30 years of experience in public accounting where she has worked with companies of all sizes and ownership structures. During her career, Jennifer has helped hundreds of small businesses set up their accounting structure and created procedures to ensure accurate books and records.

 

Jennifer grew up riding horses in San Diego, California. She moved to Maryland in 2007 and has called Montgomery County home since. Jennifer is an advocate for mental health and is excited to join her passions together at Great and Small.

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Katherine Williamson, Occupational Therapist

Katherine joined the Board in March 2023, and also Chairs the Fundraising Committee. She is a licensed occupational therapist at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington DC. As a certified Autism specialist, Katherine designs and runs programs that support children with developmental disabilities to access safe and supportive medical care. These programs cover both inpatient and outpatient services, and Katherine is integral to hospital leadership in supporting care for high-risk individuals. She shares knowledge and expertise by speaking nationally and internationally to help other institutions adopt new practices for this population. Katherine is highly trained in leadership — both in leading large groups of people and also in creating effective leaders. She manages a leadership program supporting people around the world to create and fulfill community-based projects. 
 
Katherine started riding as a 6-year-old and has never lost her passion for horses. Her leadership, commitment, creativity, and constant drive for what is possible makes Katherine an ideal addition to the Great and Small family. She lives in North Bethesda with her husband and son.

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Michelle Wyman, Environmental Policy Expert

Michelle joined the Board in May 2024 and serves on the Fundraising Committee. She is a clean energy, climate, and environmental policy expert with over 20 years of experience working with governments, non-profits, and international agencies on strategic and tactical solutions to climate, clean energy, and environmental challenges. With a diverse background spanning state and local government, federal agencies and international negotiations, Michelle offers extensive leadership experience covering a wide range of issues, interests, and political perspectives.

 

She is the Founder and Principal of Biosphere Strategies, a boutique consulting firm specializing in science, sustainability, climate, and the environment, and serves in a variety of international board and advisory roles. 

 

Michelle has loved horses since she was young. One of her daughters is a competitive rider, which has allowed her to spend time with horses and deepen her appreciation for them. She has been inspired by the gentle and healing nature horses so generously offer. 

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Jenna Boig, MBA, CEO of Marigold Consulting

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Jenna joined us in 2025 after a very productive stint as a volunteer consultant for Great and Small through the Compass Pro Bono Program. Now the CEO of her own consultancy firm, Jenna brings years of non-profit management and fundraising experience to the board. She is very involved in her community, also serving on the board of Impact100DC. 

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Jenna's expertise also includes website design to enhance brand presence and impact, and marketing strategies that maximize fundraising for non-profits of all sizes, including the Nature Conservancy and the Children's Inn at NIH. We are delighted that Jenna brings her critical talents to the work of our board.

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Committee Members

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Laura Hobgood, Quality Manager

Laura joined the Finance Committee in May 2024. She is an IT professional with over 35 years of in-depth experience with data analytics, financials, and project management in the private, commercial, and government sectors. A 20-year Maryland resident raised in the Northeast, Laura has always loved horses and values their therapeutic nature. Since her journey with horses began, Laura has served as a horsemanship and lesson program volunteer, showing youngsters the basics. She has also helped with horse farm accounting and reconciliation audits of accounts. 

 

Laura is a horse owner and enjoys sharing the joy of horses. Dealing with the stresses of a busy world and having an autistic grandson herself, Laura strongly believes that horses have an innate ability to communicate with us, calm anxieties, and effectively redirect emotions. 

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Peichi Sopko, Managing Director

Peichi joined the Finance Committee in January 2025. She leads the Financial Management Service Line
at a consulting firm, overseeing the growth and delivery of large-scale technology and financial
management projects for federal clients. With over 15 years of industry experience, she brings deep
expertise in the full lifecycle of program delivery and federal financial and IT management initiatives.
Peichi holds certifications as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Information Systems
Auditor (CISA), highlighting her expertise in enterprise risk management, information systems security,

and audit readiness. She specializes in business process improvement, utilizing technology solutions to
accelerate complex remediation efforts for her clients.

 

Outside of work, Peichi enjoys living in the agricultural reserve part of the DC metro area and spending
time with her family and rescued greyhound.

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Patrice Williams-Johnson, Finance, Community Leader/Entrepreneur

Patrice joined the Finance Committee in March 2023. Raised in Norfolk, Virginia, she has degrees in accounting and leadership. With over 32 years of service in the Federal government in accounting and budget in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, she is currently the Executive Technical Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer. Patrice enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as traveling, and has spent time in Africa twice on medical missions. Together with her daughter, she has adopted a number of dogs from the animal shelter, and started being around horses when her daughter began riding. 

 

Serving the community and in ministry is another passion. Patrice has been the Treasurer of her homeowner community association for 20 years, has served in nonprofits and several ministries, and provides financial education to her community. She also hosts Montgomery County high schoolers through the SummerRise program.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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