Meet the Team
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Executive Director
Denise LaRoche
Professionally she is a scheduler for Alene Candles in Milford, NH. In the community, Denise serves the Town of Surry as both a Supervisor of the Checklist and Town Auditor. Denise has been a CASA for over 7 years. She also has 20+ years of riding and working with horses. Denise is currently in the process of obtaining her PATH Therapeutic Riding Instructor Certification. Denise has three adult children as well as 3 horses and a dog Annie.
President
Peter Powers
Professionally, Peter is the Controller for G. S. Precision, Inc. in Brattleboro VT. Peter has extensive background experience with non-profits working at World Learning in Brattleboro VT, The Student Conservation Association in Charlestown NH as well as 18 years with the Boy Scouts. Peter loves woodworking and camping and he is a horse dad.
Vice President
Jean Picard
Jean grew up in New England but has resided in NH majority of her life. She is married with two grown children. She has been in sales for the past 30 years in various industries. Over the years she has coached youth soccer and basketball. She now volunteers for a cat rescue and in her spare time can be found on the lake with her husband boating.
Secretary
Sarah Vitello
Sarah Vitello lives in Jaffrey, New Hampshire with her husband and four children. She and her husband have been foster parents for several years and Sarah has also volunteered as a court appointed special advocate (CASA). Sarah has a business background in online retail operations as well as planning and buying in manufacturing.
Program Manager
Becki Marrero
Becki became involved with therapeutic riding when her son started attending lessons at Miracles in Motion in 2016. Since then, Becki has worked with other therapeutic programs in many different roles. She became a therapeutic riding instructor last year and with a background as an emergency dispatcher and special education advocate, Becki enjoys watching participants grow. When she is not at the barn with Belle, she can be found snuggling with her boxer Nala, advocating for families in special education, or whipping up some yummy treats in her kitchen.
Instructor
Alissa Picard
Alissa Picard graduated from St. Andrews University with a Bachelors in Therapeutic Horsemanship and a Minor in Psychology. While at St. Andrews she rode on the Huntseat Equestrian Team and taught lessons to clients varying in age and disabilities. She currently works as a full time Behavioral Technician providing ABA Therapy for children with Autism. Alissa enjoys seeing the progress of all of her riders and clients and making fun games to play during lessons.