Human Staff

Project R.I.D.E. Staff Project R.I.D.E. Staff at the 2010 Trail Ride Project R.I.D.E. staff consists of a Director of Operations, three NARHA Certified Instructors, an Administrative Assistant, a Volunteer Coordinator, a Ranch Caretaker and an Arena Caretaker.
Tina shows her niece the right way to wear a riding helmet	Tina Calanchini Director of Operations Tina began working with Project R.I.D.E. in 2002 as a volunteer. She was intrigued that anyone would be crazy enough to place a child with special needs atop an animal period, let alone a 1200 pound horse. On her first day as a volunteer, all of the reasons to do so became clear as she heard the laughter of these amazing students echoing through the barn. Their faces lit with smiles and Tina was hooked – she knew instantly she wanted to work here. Tina’s favorite thing about working with these children is their unconditional love for anyone they meet, something we can all learn from. In her spare time, (ha), she enjoys reading, going to the ocean and spending time with her two children.
Michelle with 'Moonie' the pony on our nature trail	Michelle Sudeikis NARHA Certified Instructor / Arena Caretaker Michelle began as a volunteer at Project R.I.D.E. in August of 2008. Shortly after she began volunteering she started the process of becoming a NARHA instructor. She joined the staff in December of 2008 and loves everything about her job. Michelle started riding horses with her grandpa at age 10 and says she will never give up the life of a city cowgirl! She is newly married to Scott and when she is not busy baking delicious treats for volunteers or beautifying the barn, she is working on planning her horse show this fall.
Emily with Toby	Emily Christ Instructor Emily started volunteering with Project R.I.D.E. in September of 2008. A few months later she started the Instructor certification process and received her registered level certification in October of 2009. Emily majored in Recreational Leadership and minored in Sociology; she graduated with a Bachelors in 2004. While at school Emily was the Student Director of Outdoor Recreation, where she oversaw activity committees and planned large on campus activities. She has also spent time working at Disney World in Florida and at a Dude Ranch in Montana. Emily has enjoyed working with people with special needs since she was a teenager and has always loved working with and riding horses. In her spare time Emily enjoys baking gluten free/sugar free treats, watching movies and reading.
Jean with Project R.I.D.E.'s barn cats, 'Jessie' and 'Baker'	Jean Hanie Administrative Assistant With a desire to give a hand to those with special needs and a love of horses, Jean Hanie came to Project R.I.D.E. 7 years ago as a volunteer after retiring from her “Big Girl” job. Soon recognizing this was her second home, she came on board as Volunteer Coordinator and is now an Administrative Assistant. Still a little girl at heart, Jean finds her expression in helping others to believe in themselves and developing their giving hearts to serve others.
Marisa with 'Louie', the gentle giant	Marisa DeSalles Volunteer Coordinator Marisa DeSalles started volunteering with Project R.I.D.E. in 2003 and returned as a staff member in 2008. Her background in education, marketing and web development make her uniquely qualified for the Volunteer Coordinator position. Marisa’s favorite part of her role at Project R.I.D.E. is watching new riders overcome their fears. She lives with her mother and son in Sacramento and enjoys gardening, cooking, camping and volunteering.
Darren’s photo Coming Soon!	Darren Law Ranch Caretaker Realizing that he had a lot of spare time on his hands, Darren started volunteering at Project R.I.D.E. in February of 2008. When the ranch caretaker position became available he expressed his interest, was accepted and has been at the ranch since June of 2008. Darren lives on the ranch with his wife Jodi, their dogs and cats, four goats and of course the Project R.I.D.E. horses. Darren and Jodi’s philosophy at the ranch is to operate and maintain it in a safe and economical manner without sacrificing a healthy and happy environment for the R.I.D.E. horses. They believe that a healthy and happy horse will provide the best riding partner for the Project R.I.D.E. clients. Because he misses working directly with the kids, Darren also comes to the arena often to help with lessons. At the ranch Jodi and Darren say they like it best on the weekends when we are surrounded by all the Project R.I.D.E. animals. Oh and by the way, spare time? What spare time!
Lindsay riding Stella the Equicizer	Lindsay Salyards NARHA Certified Instructor Lyndsay is joining us for the summer while on break from her studies at University of Massachusetts. She has four years experience in education and is an accomplished dressage rider. She is also our resident “Equicizer Expert” and will be teaching lessons as soon as “Stella” our new Equicizer arrives.
Photo coming soon	Suzi Lawton Administrative Assistant (Evenings) We are delighted to report that Suzi has just joined our staff after volunteering for over a year in our office and at events. Look for her bio shortly!