Meet our Team
Executive Director
Nancy joined NCEFT in January 2019 and holds BS degrees in Psychology and Criminology from UC Berkeley and a MS in Social Work from the University of Washington. Before joining NCEFT, Nancy spent 30 years at Stanford Children’s Hospital where she developed key programs such as Clinical Social Work, Interpreting, Housing, Chaplaincy, and the Family Guidance and Bereavement Program. For most of her her tenure, she held leadership roles while also maintaining direct clinical work.
Mental Health & Resilience Director
Briana joined NCEFT in January 2022. She holds a PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University. Previously, she worked at Kaiser’s Department of Psychiatry as a Psychologist working with adults, youth, and families. At NCEFT, her love of horses allows her to connect people to the powerful experience of equine-assisted mental health services.
Director of Equine Operations
Amanda joined NCEFT in 2024. Prior to joining NCEFT, Amanda was the Director of Equestrian Operations at Menlo Circus Club. She also owned an equestrian center in Canada for 20 years and has 30+ years of experience as a professional rider and trainer. She competed in North America and Europe and earned top placings in Canadian and U.S. medal finals, won the Canadian Hunter Derby finals, secured multiple show jumping Grand Prix wins, and successfully competed in CSI GP events worldwide.
Administrative Manager
Lisa joined NCEFT in June 2024 and holds a BS in Anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley. She has extensive experience in administration and accounting at non-profit organizations including Ronald McDonald House Charities, CuriOdyssey and Ragazzi Boys Chorus. Lisa enjoys using her financial expertise to support organizations that enrich children’s lives.
Program Director/Physical Therapist
Chris joined NCEFT in 2007 and holds a BS in Health Education and Athletic Training as well as an MS in physical therapy. In 1996, Chris trained with Barbara Heine, who was one of the early pioneers of hippotherapy in the United States. Chris loves her patient interactions, and in turn, they enjoy her playful and encouraging approach to therapy.
Mental Health & Resilience Therapist
Annette is a licensed mental health therapist with 15 years of experience working with mostly Spanish speaking families who have undergone trauma in their lives. She has always been passionate about all animals and volunteered at the Equine Center while an undergrad at UC Davis as well as working as a side-walker at an equine therapy facility in Southern California.
Volunteer Coordinator
Rachelle joined NCEFT in December 2024 and holds BA degrees in Design and Communication from UC Davis. She has experience as a coach after playing softball through college. At NCEFT, Rachelle combines her passion for horses with her previous experience to engage in meaningful work. In her free time, she enjoys baking, thrifting, and photography.
Adaptive Riding Instructor
Tatyana joined NCEFT in April 2024 and holds a BS in Animal Science with an emphasis in Equine Studies from Cal Poly SLO. She is a PATH certified Adaptive Riding instructor. She is currently enrolled in Santa Clara University’s Masters Program in Counseling Psychology to obtain a LPCC license. Tatyana enjoys gardening, spoiling her dogs, and furthering her equine education.
Physical Therapist
Erin joined NCEFT in 2023. She is originally from NY state and holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Ithaca College. Prior to joining NCEFT, Erin worked in outpatient, subacute, and skilled nursing rehabilitation settings. Her love for horses started as a child when she learned how to vault, and she currently enjoys taking horseback riding lessons in Los Gatos.
Development Associate
Karen joined NCEFT in May 2018. Prior to joining NCEFT, she worked in staffing and program management at companies such as Google, Coherent, and Nokia, as well as in real estate in Southern California. She has had a love of horses since childhood and spent her youth riding in Los Angeles. In her spare time, Karen enjoys painting, hiking, and traveling.
Equine Specialist
Chris began his partnership with NCEFT in 2022. He is a prolific trainer, clinician, and teacher of horsemanship from Wyoming. Chris holds an A.S. degree in Animal Science. He is an avid student of all things equine, and has come to believe that horses and humans were meant to help each other. In his words, “Just knowing something to do isn’t enough. To really understand a horse, you’ve got to see what he sees.”
Adaptive Riding Instructor
Matt joined NCEFT in December 2019 and is a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning through PATH Intl. He has a background in equestrian sports and has worked as an Exercise Rider and Barn Manager for several international show jumping barns. In addition to his equestrian experience, Matt is trained as a Wilderness First Responder.
Horse Handler
Emily joined NCEFT in August 2022. She holds a Doctorate of Dental Surgery and has practiced dentistry in San Francisco and Palo Alto. She is also a trained chef and now finds herself at NCEFT where she is happy to be a part of an organization in which horses and healthcare are linked in such an incredible way. Her love of horses started at an early age, riding and competing in Indiana.
Horse Handler
Sierra joined NCEFT in September 2024. She received a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Arizona. She is a life-long horse lover who grew up showing Morgan horses in saddleseat and driving. She also rescued and rehabilitated horses, giving them a second chance. In her spare time, you will find Sierra backpacking with her dog and practicing her watercolors.
Horse Handler
Darrel joined NCEFT in 2014 and has a background in animal science. Previously, Darrel worked as an IT quality assurance and load testing specialist for large corporations such as Delta.net, GAP, and HP. When Darrel isn’t riding, you’ll find him using his magnificent voice to sing the blues with a band of friends.
Adaptive Riding Instructor
Anna joined NCEFT in 2015. She holds a PhD in Environmental Sciences and is a PATH Certified Adaptive Riding Instructor. She learned to ride in Portola Valley and began volunteering in adaptive riding sessions when she was in high school. Anna enjoys baking, playing the viola, and long-distance trail running.
Occupational Therapist
Wendy joined NCEFT in April 2022. She received her MS in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University in 2018. Wendy comes from a school-based OT background. Her love of animals, outdoors, and working with people of all ages led her to NCEFT.
Administrative Assistant
Eileen joined NCEFT in August 2023 and holds a BS in Business Management Economics from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a background in marketing and project management. Born and raised in California, she enjoys hiking, baking, and reading in her free time
Mental Health & Resilience Therapist
Sarah joined NCEFT in September 2023 and holds an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. She previously led acute psychiatric crisis stabilization and residential dual diagnosis programs in San Francisco. At NCEFT, she can unite her abiding love of horses with her passion for serving people seeking change in their lives.
Facilities Manager
Jim joined NCEFT in 2005 after retiring from his successful plumbing business. He has spent the past two decades keeping NCEFT’s facilities running smoothly and looking beautiful for our clients! He spent his youth horseback riding all over Woodside, including on trails that took him through NCEFT’s first location in the hills west of town.
Horse Handler
Meg joined NCEFT in December 2022. She holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences, with a Minor in Physics from Carnegie Mellon University. Meg previously worked in the field of outdoor education and has worked with horses in many capacities, including riding instructor, a volunteer at a horse rescue, and as a mounted parking attendant for weddings.
