gretchen schulz, Ed.D.
Executive Director
PATH Intl. certified therapeutic riding instructor
Gretchen grew up riding and volunteered with a local Special Olympics equestrian team in junior high. In college, she had the opportunity to volunteer at a PATH Intl. Center, where she also completed the Instructor-in-Training program. She joined Ride for Joy as a volunteer in 2016 before becoming an instructor and, later, the Executive Director.
Additionally, Gretchen has over a decade of experience working as an educator in public schools and universities, as well as developing and facilitating professional development opportunities for teachers. She holds a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction.
Sandy James-Sherman
Equine-Assisted Services Manager
PATH Intl. certified therapeutic riding instructor
Sandy began riding horses through Pony Club at age 15. Around that time, she started volunteering for a therapeutic riding program in Southern California.
In 2004, Sandy obtained her certification as a Registered Instructor with PATH Intl. She joined Ride for Joy in 2014, bringing years of experience at two other therapeutic riding facilities.
Her educational background is in Recreational Therapy and she likes to practice what she preaches through a dedication to health and recreation. Sandy enjoys cooking, hiking, snowboarding, gardening, camping, triathlons, and, of course, riding.
rose Roesch
Program Manager
Meet Rose, our resident equestrian enthusiast with a heart as big as her dreams! Recently relocating from the sunny shores of Southern California (shhh!), Rose has been captivated by horses since she was old enough to say “neigh.” Though her formal riding experience was limited to savvy Groupon deals and vacation escapades, her passion for these majestic creatures has always been front and center.
In May 2024, Rose took a leap of faith, traded her commercial real estate career for a new adventure in Idaho, and embarked on her dream of owning a farm. Supported by her husband, two kids, and their Frenchton, Chuckie, Rose dove headfirst into farming with a zest for learning and a particular fondness for horses and other animals.
Her journey led her to Ride for Joy, where she found the perfect blend of her passions—helping others while being surrounded by horses and a fantastic team. Rose started as an intern, fell head over heels for the program, and is now a valued member of our staff. If you see someone beaming with joy, singing to horses, or chatting away with them, that’s probably Rose. Her enthusiasm and dedication are as infectious as her smile, and we’re thrilled to have her on board!
Courtney Marshall
PATh Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Bio coming soon!
bailey garner
PATH INTL. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Bailey began volunteering with Ride for Joy in 2015 as part of a senior project. The fit was immediate and she stayed on, enjoying all aspects of the volunteer process, while also hoping for an opportunity to make it a career. When the job of Volunteer Coordinator opened, she jumped at the chance to join the staff in 2019.
Outside of Ride for Joy, you can probably find Bailey working at the Once Upon a Horse or spending quality time with her family and friends. For fun, she rides three day eventing, stadium jumping, and cross country.
Bailey has been with the Ride for Joy team in some capacity since 2017 and loves to work with all the staff, students, and amazing volunteers.