Staff

Sharlene Adams | PATH International Certified Instructor

Sharlene is a PATH Intl. Certified Instructor for Ride for Joy. She joined the program in 2005 as a volunteer and became a PATH Intl. Certified Instructor in 2006. Sharlene happily admits she was always a “horse crazy girl” and finally got her first horse when she was around 10 years old and she now has seven horses of her own. One of Sharlene’s goals in life is to help children learn about and enjoy horses and develop a bond that will last a lifetime.

Teri is Ride for Joy’s Program Manager and Head Instructor. She joined the program in 2005 as a volunteer and became a PATH Intl. Certified Instructor in 2008. Teri started riding while still in diapers and has many years of experience instructing children as a 4-H leader. In addition to teaching lessons and overseeing daily operations, she is responsible for ongoing curriculum improvement, student evaluations, and staff training and development. Teri is a talented amateur photographer and also manages Ride for Joy’s social media endeavors such as Facebook and Twitter. Teri has a BS in Occupational Therapy from the University of Washington. Email Teri at teriargo@rideforjoy.org

Ashley joined Ride for Joy as a volunteer in Spring 2010, became our Intern in August 2010 and in April 2011 became an Instructor-in-Training. She is currently a student at Boise State University pursuing a degree in Psychology and her long-term goal is to pursue an advanced degree in Occupational Therapy.

Lisa joined the program as a volunteer in 2008, became an Instructor-in-Training in 2009 and became a PATH Intl. Certified Instructor in May 2010. Lisa’s first exposure to the therapeutic benefits of horses came when she worked part-time for the Idaho Elks Hippotherapy Program in 2001 and 2002. Lisa grew up participating extensively in Pony Club and 4-H. Her favorite discipline is eventing, but she has also participated in mounted games, polocrosse and vaulting. Lisa has a BS in Zoology and Outdoor Education from Idaho State University.

Linda is a PATH Intl. Certified Instructor for Ride for Joy. She joined the program in 2003 as a volunteer and became a PATH Intl. Certified Instructor in 2008. Linda grew up on a farm in Ohio, where she rode her horses bareback and “held on.” Linda brings a very special perspective to Ride for Joy as she has a younger brother with cerebral palsy and an amazing son with special needs. She has also been involved with Special Olympics for many years.

Valerie is Ride for Joy’s Executive Director and also serves as the chief executive officer. She joined the program as a volunteer in 2006 and was very involved in helping to formalize the organization as an independent, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) in 2007. She has an extensive background in healthcare marketing and administration, including 12 years at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston where she worked in the areas of international marketing and as program director for an ovarian cancer outreach program. Valerie has a BA in English from the Ohio State University and an MBA from the University of Houston. Email Valerie at valeriejames@rideforjoy.org

Rachael started with the program as a volunteer in 2009 and joined our staff just a few months later. She has an extensive background in environmental project management and many years of experience as a talented equestrian. She assists the Executive Director, Valerie James, with the numerous administrative functions associated with running a nonprofit organization. Rachael has a BS in Environmental Science from Rocky Mountain College. Email Rachael at rlemmon@rideforjoy.org