Media Producer
Jennifer has been a media industry professional for over two decades. Prior to joining Hidden Acres TRC, she worked in television and film as a gaffer, grip and camera assistant. Most recently, she was a director of photography, photographer and editor for a busy video marketing team . When not working, Jennifer enjoys capturing photos & videos of her family, reading and writing. She loves working with the staff and horses at HATRC and strives to tell a story with her work.
Director of Development
Sandy joins us with 20+ years of experience supporting non-profits in fundraising, event planning, marketing, and budget management. She is a past board member of the United Way of Naugatuck and Beacon Falls, where she served as their marketing chair and believes wholeheartedly in advocacy and living united. Sandy currently sits on the Board of Directors for The Exceptional Sidekick, Inc. supporting their mission to place psychiatric service dogs with disabled youth. She is truly thankful to be part of the Hidden Acres team dedicated to helping people change their lives for the better.
In her time away from the farm, Sandy trains dogs, bakes cookies, and enjoys hiking with her two adult kids and their dogs. We are thrilled to have Sandy as part of our team.
Amy Lopez, Path International CTRI has been riding horses for twenty years. She loves working outside, has worked with dairy goats and has organic vegetable and cut flower farming experience.
Amy became a PATH certified therapeutic riding instructor in early 2020. Her favorite part of being an instructor is making a connection with her riders and helping them achieve their goals using their own strengths. An avid learner, Amy is excited to continually learn and improve her teaching methods to be able to further meet and exceed the needs of her riders. Outside of teaching, Amy loves to spend time with her two dogs, do creative projects, and hoop dance.
Facilities Manager
Juan has been working at Hidden Acres Therapeutic Riding Center going on two years. Aside from taking care of over 80 acres of property, he often makes himself available to feed and care for our horses. He spends his free time enjoying sports, especially basketball.
Volunteer Coordinator
Sarah Thorpe joins us as Volunteer Coordinator. Sarah was born and raised in Woodbury, Connecticut. She attended Nonnewaug’s Agri-science program in 2008 and graduated from Central Connecticut State University in 2018 with a Bachelor’s degree in Social work.
Sarah has always had a passion to help individuals with various needs through equine assisted activities.
From 2017 to 2021 Sarah built her skill set working as a volunteer coordinator at a PATH accredited program in Central Connecticut. In 2019 Sarah and her husband, Corey purchased their home and now tend to a small hobby farm tucked into the woodlands of Litchfield County. Most recently, in late March of 2021, Sarah and Corey were given the gift of parenthood; Welcoming Annie Mae, their first born into the world!