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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 and paid sick leave. Please contact ehanna@greatandsmallride.org to submit a resume or for more information.

Great and Small in Boyds, MD Seeks Enthusiastic Volunteer Board Members

Annually, Great and Small, a nonprofit 501(c)3 that provides equine-assisted services (EAS) to people with varying abilities and disabilities, casts a wide net to help recruit talent to the Great & Small Board.
 

Each year we assess the number of openings and the talents of our group. All applicants will be considered, however, this year we are especially seeking new board members with experience in one of the following two areas:

 

- Fundraising and development

- Grantwriting

 

Secondary skills may also include business management, previous nonprofit leadership, previous board governance, equine/farm management, strategic or business planning, event planning, and legal expertise.

 

Key responsibilities of Great and Small's Board include:

  • Review and determine the organization’s purpose and mission

  • Oversee organization programs and services to ensure alignment with mission

  • Ensure fiduciary oversight and financial management of the organization

  • Review and approve the annual budget and ensure adequate resources to meet short- and long-term goals and needs

  • Assist in outreach, special events, and fundraising efforts

  • Oversee and participate in the development of a business and/or strategic plan

  • Represent Great and Small in the community and act as an ambassador with new contacts

  • Identify and develop relationships with potential new donors, partners, and networks

 

If you are interested in joining the Board and contributing to the mission of this magical organization, please  complete the application by March 15.

 

In 2025, the application will be open until March 15th. Applicants will be contacted by April 1st, 2025 regarding the status of their application and advancement in the process.

About Great and Small:

Great and Small's mission is to provide Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) to children and adults of all ages affected by a range of physical, developmental, emotional, and learning disabilities and challenges. Through a supportive and therapeutic engagement with horses we strengthen and empower our riders, helping them develop their full potential.

For more  information about Great and Small’s programs and services, please visit our website at: Greatandsmallride.org or email us at info@greatandsmallride.org

Our Staff

Administrative Team 

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

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​

Volunteer Coordinator

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Catherine Collich, Office Manager/Bookkeeper 

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Catherine began volunteering at Great & Small in 2021. She has wanted to work with us ever since and was thrilled to join the team in early 2024. Catherine has over 20 years of experience in business administration and operations. She is an avid equestrian and boards her two horses, Penny Lane and Shadowfax, at a neighboring farm. Catherine lives in Boyds with her husband and two dogs.

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Email: ccollich@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.

Occupational Therapists (Hippotherapy)

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Nathalie Miller, PATH CTRI and Occupational Therapist

Nathalie joined the team in 2022 after volunteering with Hippotherapy sessions at Great and Small. Nathalie is a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, a licensed Occupational Therapist and Certified Brain Injury Specialist. Nathalie has been teaching therapeutic riding lessons since 2014 and has been riding horses since 2003. Outside of teaching therapeutic riding Nathalie works at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington D.C. treating a patients with neurological disorders. 

Volunteer Coordinators

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Mischa Smith, Saturday Volunteer Coordinator

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Mischa has been a dedicated volunteer in our community for five years, and we are pleased to announce that she has been promoted to 'Saturday Volunteer Coordinator' as of January 2023. Mischa is an avid horse rider herself who has been riding at Bascule Farm for seven years now. Her beloved horse, Rex, an 11-year-old thoroughbred, resides at Great and Small. We are proud of Mischa's accomplishments and grateful for her continued enthusiasm in serving our community.

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Veronica Sulima, Saturday Volunteer Coordinator

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Veronica began her journey with Great and Small as a volunteer five years ago and since January 2023, she has served as a 'Saturday Volunteer Coordinator', ensuring that our program runs smoothly and efficiently. With twelve years of riding experience under her belt, Veronica leases a horse named "Heart" at Bascule farm where she enjoys eventing. Her passion for horses and volunteering is an invaluable asset to our organization.

Barn Staff Team

Killian Carney, Barn Manager

Killian comes to us with experience at a busy polo barn and has also served as a program volunteer. In addition to pursuing her PATH certification, Killian brings her dedication, commitment and energy to the care of our horses and the support of the people we serve.

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

Connie Eysenck, Communications Advisor | Great and Small Board Chair

Connie joined the Board in 2016 and became chair in 2022. She brings over 30 years of experience in strategic communications at the World Bank, and several years of teaching. Recently retired, she is exploring other opportunities and adventures, and applying her experience, skills, and enthusiasm to meaningful and interesting initiatives and projects. Connie’s professional passions remain international development, the power of communications, leadership roles and behavior, advocacy, campaigns, and community building. Her personal interests include supporting activities that make a difference.

 

A lifelong horseback rider, Connie was introduced to Great and Small when her wonderful horse “Huck” retired from the eventing world and joined the Great and Small equine team. After seeing the impact that the programs have through Huck’s five years here, Connie joined the Board to support the organization and contribute to its success. Originally from London, England, she lives in Washington DC with her husband.

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Elizabeth (Liz) Terry, Non-Profit CEO | Great and Small Board Vice-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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Curtis Mejeur, CEO | Great and Small Board Treasurer 

Curtis joined the Board in March 2023, and also serves on the Finance Committee. He is currently the CEO of Bellese Technologies, a healthcare technology company focused on improving Medicare. Curtis has a long history of executive leadership for large and small organizations. His passion has been helping grow leaders in their areas of expertise spanning from healthcare, to finance, employee benefits, and security. Curtis has most recently led the benefits and financial management for the US Federal Government, overseeing the administration of a $100 billion budget.

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Curtis joined the riding community later in life as a way to connect with his children. He now finds ways to ride all across the world, learning about horses in their native countries. He is passionate about the power of horses to help people improve themselves.

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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

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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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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