gretchen schulz, Ed.D.

Executive Director

PATH Intl. CTRI and Mentor

Gretchen grew up riding in the Boise foothills and developed a passion for adaptive horsemanship when she volunteered with Special Olympics as a teenager. In college, she volunteered at a PATH Intl. center and became a certified instructor.

When the opportunity arose to volunteer at Ride for Joy in 2016, Gretchen signed up. She became an instructor in 2018 and transitioned into the role of Executive Director in 2023. Previously, Gretchen was a language arts teacher.

Gretchen enjoys spending time outside with family, friends, and her dogs and horses. She can often be found riding, running, hiking, gardening, or skiing.

Sandy James-Sherman

Equine-Assisted Services Manager

PATH Intl. CTRI and Mentor

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!

Stephanie Reade

Equine Manager

Bio coming soon!

Courtney Marshall

PATh Intl. CTRI

Bio coming soon!

Olive Lowe

Instructor-in-Training

Olive spent most of her childhood in Fruitland, Idaho. She attended Brigham Young University and earned a degree in Therapeutic Recreation. During school she volunteered at a therapeutic riding center in Highland, Utah and dreamed of becoming an instructor someday.

After graduating from BYU, Olive moved to Arizona and worked in senior care as a therapeutic recreation specialist. In 2020 she and her family had the unexpected opportunity to move back to her hometown of Fruitland.

Olive and her husband have two daughters and a son, one goldendoodle named Luna, and a Kentucky Mountain Horse named Ranger.