Meet Jane!

Jane Albore is an Occupational Therapist at Ridgebury Farm, where she works with children, adults, and older adults through nature-based and mounted sessions that support attention, self-regulation, motor skills, and meaningful participation in daily routines. She has extensive experience supporting individuals with cognitive and physical challenges, including those living with Alzheimer’s disease, through farm-based therapeutic experiences.

Jane’s journey with Ridgebury Farm began as a volunteer, and she quickly discovered the joy and growth that comes from working alongside the horses. She incorporates the horses’ unique rhythmical movement into sessions to promote functional ability, confidence, and personal growth, while appreciating their intuitive, gentle nature.

As both a therapist and a mother, Jane brings a warm, nurturing approach to her work. She is passionate about providing client-centered Occupational Therapy in a supportive and engaging environment, helping individuals of all ages reach their full potential.

Meet Jane! Jane Albore is an Occupational Therapist at Ridgebury Farm, where she works with child... Read More

Meet Courtney!

Courtney Bolender is an FEI/CDI dressage trainer and competitor whose methods encourage balance, strength and confidence of both horse and rider. She has also earned her USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals, and has ridden with world renowned riders including Carl Hester, Lars Peterson, Hank Von Bergen, Steffan Peters, and Scott Hassler. Courtney is Ridgebury Farm’s Equine Wellness Director and Head Trainer.

Meet Courtney! Courtney Bolender is an FEI/CDI dressage trainer and competitor whose methods enco... Read More

Meet Pete!

Pete Carney is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults across a wide range of mental health needs. His expertise includes children’s mental health, LGBTQ+ services, HIV and sexual health, addictions and harm reduction, adolescent issues, grief and loss, and managing chronic or long-term illness.

At Ridgebury Farm, Pete approaches therapy with empathy, care, and a non-judgmental style, creating a safe space where clients guide the goals and topics of each session. He is passionate about helping individuals explore challenges, reduce stress, and build resilience in their daily lives.

Pete provides flexible scheduling for both in-person and virtual sessions and is committed to creating a supportive, client-centered environment where each person feels heard, respected, and empowered.

Meet Pete! Pete Carney is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of experience supportin... Read More

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Meet Kristen!

Kristen Gurzi earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from James Madison University and a Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Communication Disorders from Southern Connecticut State University. She has held her ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology since 2007 and is licensed in both New York and Connecticut.

Kristen provides speech, language, and feeding therapy to children from birth through adolescence across a variety of settings, including schools, center-based programs, and private practice. She is trained in evidence-based approaches, including the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) method for feeding, Montessori early childhood strategies, and equine-assisted therapy (hippotherapy). Kristen takes an interdisciplinary approach, collaborating with families and professionals to support skill development in natural and meaningful contexts.

Meet Kristen! Kristen Gurzi earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from James Ma... Read More

Meet Kim!

Kim Hopkins earned a Bachelor of Health Science and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Springfield College and began her career at Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, where she gained experience working with patients of all ages and diagnoses. She has worked across inpatient, outpatient, home care, and equine-assisted therapy settings, with experience supporting individuals with complex orthopedic injuries and polytrauma.

Kim is a certified adaptive and inclusive trainer, has advanced manual therapy training in the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, and is currently working toward her Hippotherapy certification through the American Hippotherapy Association. She is also a lifelong equestrian and brings both clinical expertise and equine experience to her work at Ridgebury Farm.

Meet Kim! Kim Hopkins earned a Bachelor of Health Science and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy fro... Read More

Meet Haley!

Haley began riding horses at the age of five at a small stable in Westchester County and continued riding throughout her childhood while also exploring interests in art and design. She later worked in social media and marketing before volunteering at a therapeutic riding center, where her experiences as a side walker and horse leader inspired her to pursue instructor training.

In 2017, Haley began her training at Pegasus Therapeutic Riding and earned her PATH Intl. Therapeutic Riding Instructor Certification in 2018. She continues to teach adaptive riding at Ridgebury Farm and brings nearly a decade of nonprofit experience to her work, supporting development, fundraising, program operations, and volunteer coordination.

Meet Haley! Haley began riding horses at the age of five at a small stable in Westchester County ... Read More

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Meet Kathleen!

Kathleen Maloney, LPC is an Equine-Assisted Psychotherapist at Ridgebury Farm and a PsyD doctoral student. She supports adolescents, young adults, and families navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional regulation, confidence, and life transitions. Her attachment-focused, nervous-system-informed approach blends mindfulness and somatic tools with experiential work alongside horses to help clients build safety, clarity, and connection.

Kathleen discovered the power of equine-assisted psychotherapy several years ago, recognizing how the horses make therapy tangible and immediate. Prior to this work, she served as a school counselor, led a high school counseling department, and supported youth and families in community-based programs. She is Level 2 trained in Natural Lifemanship and values helping clients practice boundaries, communication, and co-regulation in the paddock or stable. Outside the barn, Kathleen is a mother of four, which deepened her understanding of the support families need through life’s transitions.

Meet Kathleen! Kathleen Maloney, LPC is an Equine-Assisted Psychotherapist at Ridgebury Farm and ... Read More

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Sabrina Rizzo is an occupational therapist at Ridgebury Farm, where she integrates nature-based activities and equine movement into individualized therapeutic programs. She helps clients build strength, coordination, self-regulation, and confidence through engaging, meaningful experiences.

With over 20 years of experience, Sabrina has specialized in pediatrics across a variety of settings, including home health care and rehabilitation. She holds multiple certifications, including Level 1 in American Hippotherapy Treatment Principles, Handwriting Without Tears®, and is a board-certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP).

Sabrina blends nurturing support with structured guidance to create a safe and trusting environment for her clients. She enjoys working with all the farm animals and especially values the connection formed with the horses, which enriches both her practice and her clients’ experiences.

Sabrina Rizzo is an occupational therapist at Ridgebury Farm, where she integrates nature-based a... Read More

Meet Sophia!

Sophia Skolnick is a pediatric occupational therapist and a member of Ridgebury Farm’s Early Childhood Programming team. She works closely with children and their families, supporting development through engaging, play-based activities.

Sophia has over a decade of experience as an occupational therapist, working with children in schools, clinics, and home settings. She enjoys combining her love of the outdoors with her therapy work, making every session meaningful and fun.

A child-led therapist, Sophia believes in the power of play and intrinsic motivation. She also brings a sense of adventure from her college training in four-season backpacking—skills she uses daily while enjoying outdoor farm life. Sophia especially loves feeding the bunnies fruit and veggie snacks, connecting with the animals alongside her clients.

Meet Sophia! Sophia Skolnick is a pediatric occupational therapist and a member of Ridgebury Farm... Read More

Meet Alex!

Alex Wooters is one of Ridgebury Farm’s Instructors and Barn Assistants! Alex has been riding since she was a young child, across the Northeast and Canada, and brings her years of knowledge to the farm. Alex loves working with our youngest equestrians, balancing introductory riding skills with fun activities and games!

Meet Alex! Alex Wooters is one of Ridgebury Farm’s Instructors and Barn Assistants! Alex has been... Read More