SARAH | Executive Director
Sarah started riding horses at the age of 7 and never stopped! She was first introduced to a therapeutic riding program in high school for her senior volunteer project, describing it as a life-changing experience. While studying toward her degree in Mass Communication at LSU, Sarah rode for the LSU Equestrian Team beginning in 2013 and later became President of the club in 2016. She also volunteered at Hearts and Hooves at BREC, where she could dive even deeper into Equine Assisted Services.
Sarah is married to Michael and they have two fur kids: Rylee, a lab and German shepherd mix, and Mavis, a tripod lab mix that will affectionately greet anyone who comes into the GaitWay office!
BRIANNA | PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor & Lesson Coordinator
Brianna has first-hand experience with the benefits of adaptive riding, as she has exceptionalities herself. Brianna started as a GaitWay rider when she was 14 and would volunteer around the barn and help with lessons. When thinking about plans for a career, Brianna wanted to help others the same way equine therapy helped her. Her positive experiences led her to pursue certification, which she completed in 2019. Two of the GaitWay horses, Gretta and Heilo, belong to Brianna, and they have won several first-place ribbons in various competitions.
Soon, Brianna will marry her high school sweetheart, Austin, and when she isn't at the barn, she enjoys quality time with friends and family.
MARIA | Barn Manager
Maria grew up on a cattle farm, so horses are in her blood. In the mountains of Northern California, horseback is the most efficient form of transportation to gather cows. Despite being with horses all day, she couldn’t get enough! Maria also has experience in rodeo competitions, trail and pleasure riding, horse training on the ground and in the saddle, herding and sorting cattle, and roping.
After gaining degrees in Sustainability and International Development Studies and working in these fields, she discovered that desk jobs don’t align with her desires, so she decided to pursue her heart for the equestrian field. Back at home, she has two horses. One is a cattle horse loving ranch life, and the other she hopes to bring to GaitWay as a lesson horse!
RACHEL | Volunteer Coordinator & Office Administrator
Our Volunteer Coordinator and Office Administrator, Rachel, grew up splitting her time between the rodeos in Louisiana and summers with family in Japan. From a lifetime with horses, cattle, and 5 children of her own, Rachel brings her knowledge of horses and caring for both people and children to GaitWay.
These days, Rachel attends the rodeo with her husband, Doug, watching their kids run barrels with their horse, Dixie. You will find Rachel crocheting her temperature blanket when horses and children aren’t her focus.
OLIVIA | Riding Instructor
Olivia, our instructor, has been riding horses since she was old enough to sit in a saddle. She grew up working cows on the levee with her dad, but her professional career started at 17 when training young off-the-track thoroughbreds as hunter jumper prospects.
She found GaitWay when her brother with Down Syndrome joined us for summer camp, and Olivia began as an instructor shortly after. She has had personal horses in the past, one of which, Nick, she donated to BREC, where he can be loved and spoiled by kids. When she’s not working, you’ll find her enjoying the outdoors or cooking a meal for friends and family.
ALISA | Riding Instructor
Alisa didn't grow up around horses, but that didn't stop her from chasing her dream! At the age of 18, she began cleaning stalls in exchange for riding lessons and purchased her first horse, Slim, by the age of 19. She then focused on learning new skills from different trainers and began teaching others, until finding GaitWay via Facebook and loved the idea of teaching adaptive riding. Now, she is an instructor with us and pursuing her PATH certification.
In addition to Slim, Alisa is also the proud owner of Aluna, a boxer/lab mix. Away from the barn, she enjoys reading, writing, and wishing she was at the barn.
ALICE
Miss Alice is Maria’s other pup and Bruno’s sister. Unlike her older brother, Alice is very social and adores children! Her favorite activities are eating, running, lying in sunspots, and receiving pats. As a full-blooded Rottweiler, she has the characteristics of a guardian breed, so please always ask before saying hello. She is sweet as can be but may bark at strangers.
BRUNO
Sweet Bruno is an excellent companion, best friend, and service pup for our Barn Manager, Maria. Sadly, he and his human were attacked by a large dog, so he is learning how to trust dogs and people again. He likes to say “hi” on his terms, long walks, and, above all else, steak and chicken. If you meet him, feel free to ask what he can do so he can show off his fun tricks!
MAVIS
Meet Mavis, our trash-obsessed, tripod office greeter. She takes her job very seriously and always offers a wagging tail and warm welcome to every office guest. Her favorite role is patrolling the office for crumbs or trash while offering constant love to her coworkers -human, dog, and horse alike!
ALUNA
Aluna loves people, horses, and running around the arena (when her mom allows). She is a very relaxed and calm fur baby who will wait patiently until you wish to say “Hi!” If you do decide to engage with Aluna, just know that you are now her favorite person. She enjoys freeze-dried salmon and showing off all the training she’s been working on.
JEFFREY
Our seasoned barn cat, Jeffrey, loves people and helps to ensure the barn is free from pesky rodents or critters. He can be found lounging in the hay barn or watching his equine coworkers. When he’s not watching lessons, he enjoys snuggling up for a nap in a cozy corner.
