Staff
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Lynne Schulthess Lynne brings a wealth of riding and management experience to NCMT. After showing successfully with legendary trainers Ronnie Mutch, Tim Kees and Leslie Burr Howard, in the junior hunter division at shows including Madison Square Garden, Lynne went onto corporate life as a retail analyst for Tommy Hilfiger. She brings expertise in business management as well as a vast network of "A" show circuit riding professionals. As Executive Director, Lynne is responsible for the administrative and managerial tasks of all of NCMT's programs, and works hands on with the children and adult riders, as well as the fellow staff members. Lynne is a graduate of Fairfield University. |
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Hannah Wirfel Prior to turning professional, Hannah had an illustrious junior riding career, having trained with Walter "Tim" Kees in the equitation divisions, and with Leslie Burr Howard in the amateur owner jumper divisions. She competed in the Maclay Finals at Madison Square Garden, and has numerous ribbons and accomplishments at Devon, WEF, Lake Placid, Southampton, and Harrisburg. She has taught riders of all ages, including beginners, summer camp, adult riders, and junior equitation riders seeking to get qualified for the Medal and Maclay Finals. Hannah has also served as a "walker" for the Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Program, as well as trained the Trinity College Equestrian Team for the IHSA show circuit. She was also the assistant coach and the Equestrian Director for the Miss Porter's Equestrian Team. Hannah is a graduate from Trinity College in Hartford with a Bachelor of Arts in History. |
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Jessica D'Urso In December 2009, Jessica D'Urso joined the NCMT family after years of experience managing and teaching at several barns in Fairfield County. A Norwalk native, she rode as a junior with Vince Jones and as a professional at Rhiannon Farm in North Salem. In addition to teaching many of the cadet program riding lessons, Jess works with Hannah to organize, update and implement the Equine Care and Horsemanship curriculum. Jess has run summer camp for NCMT, and she is an integral part in the oversight of the barn days, Trooper events, and Review Ceremonies. Troop's mission statement resonates strongly with Jess, and she is pleased and excited to be part of the staff at NCMT. |
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Anne Dylewski Since joining NCMT in 2005, Anne brings over 20 years of riding and equine management experience. She works to ensure that the horses and ponies of Troop are happy, healthy and ready to teach the Troopers on a daily basis. Anne takes pride in developing individualized feeding and care programs for NCMT's diverse herd of horses. In addition, Ann works with the cadets to teach them barn management skills as well as equine care skills, involving the cadets at all levels for an enriched equine experience. Anne holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of Connecticut. |
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Jenny Iverson Schwartz Jenny Schwartz served as President of the Board of NCMT from March 2010 to June 2012. She brings a lifetime of equestrian experience not only as a competitor but as a manager. In 2010, she won the New England Equitation Championships 40 & Over and finished third in the Connecticut Hunter Jumper Association Adult Equitation Finals, 40 & Over. As President of NCMT, Jenny implemented several new initiatives to enhance community outreach as well as increase membership and overall participation in NCMT events. As Development Director, Jenny will coordinate all fundraising and community outreach efforts to promote NCMT's mission statement and commitment to serving the local community. We are especially excited to have Jenny spearhead NCMT's new initiative in therapeutic riding for both children with special needs as well as a veterans program. |
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Freddie Martinez Freddie came to NCMT in 2010, bringing a wealth of experience in horse care maintenance and grooming. He has extensive experience working for some of the top competitive show barns in Fairfield and Westchester counties, where he was in charge of the health, appearance and performance of "A" circuit horses and ponies. Freddie works with Anne, Francisco, and the rest of the staff to ensure that all of the horses and ponies at NCMT are well fed and groomed, receive appropriate turnout time, and maintain a clean and orderly stable. Freddie's experience with training horses on the ground to have excellent ground manners helps ensure the safest possible environment for our Troopers. NCMT is very fortunate to have Freddie in charge of our horses and ponies, who adore him! |
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Francisco Tinajero Francisco joined NCMT in 2010 and is responsible for handling and training the horses on the ground so that they can be handled easily by the children. His gentle demeanor with our horses and ponies translates into well behaved animals and the safest possible environment. Francisco is also in charge of NCMT's property and maintenance needs. He also works with Freddie to manage the horses and ponies with turnout, feeding, and stable management, and the horses love him! Francisco is a jack of all trades, lending his painting, carpentry and landscaping experience to ensure that NCMT's facility remains top notch. NCMT is fortunate to have Francisco as part of our team of professionals. |
Board of Directors
Elizabeth Tobin
Interim President
Elizabeth. Tobin holds an undergraduate degree in comparative literature from the University of Paris, France and an MBA in International Finance from Fordham University, New York. In 1986, she began her career in the global money management industry as an analyst and, from 1998 until 2001, was Associate Portfolio Manager of the First Eagle Funds – formerly known as the SoGen Funds. From 2002 to 2008, she managed assets for private European clients and returned to the First Eagle Funds in 2009 where she is currently employed. Ms. Tobin also is a Director of Finel SA, a private industrial company. She became a member of New Canaan Mounted Troop in 1996 when her daughter was first introduced to riding at NCMT and quickly developed a lasting passion for the equestrian sport. Ms. Tobin has served as Treasurer of NCMT from 200o to 2012. She lives in New Canaan with her husband.
Meghan Allen
Treasurer
Meghan Flattery Allen received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accountancy from the University of Notre Dame and a Masters of Business Administration in Finance from Columbia University. She worked at Ernst & Young for eight years as a CPA, specializing in commodities trading and broadcasting. After leaving Ernst & Young, Mrs. Allen was the controller for the U.S. operations of Euromin Trading Corporation, a metals trading company. Subsequently, Mrs. Allen worked for Bank of America as director of accounting/controller for the commercial finance subsidiary until leaving after five years to spend more time with her family. Mrs. Allen volunteers her time in the New Canaan schools and is a member of National Charity League. Mrs. Allen passed along her longtime love of horses to her daughter who began riding at New Canaan Mounted Troop in 2006. She joined the Board in 2008 and began serving as Secretary in 2009. Mrs. Allen lives with her husband, Jim and daughter in New Canaan.
Kelly Sapio
Secretary
Kelly Foley Sapio graduated in 1988 from Mount Saint Mary University in Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Business and Finance and a minor in Fine Art. Kelly continued her studies at NYU’s Gallatin School focusing on Global Business. From 1988 to 1998, she worked for Avatar Associates Investment Counsel where she served as the Director of Managed Accounts. Kelly was also very active with marketing the non-profit New York Cares and worked with the board there to develop mailing and marketing materials for the programs. From 1998 to 2001, she served on the executive board and various committees for the Junior League of Summit, NJ. From 2007 to 2008, she served on the executive board for the Ox Ridge Elementary School PTO. She is currently a board member of the Darien YWCA Parent Awareness Committee and the Darien Firefighters Foundation, and is a volunteer with both the Darien Lacrosse Foundation and Darien Soccer Association. She enrolled both her daughters Emma and Bella in the NCMT program in 2004 and her daughter Emma is still in the program. Kelly has served on the Board since 2007. Kelly lives in Darien with her husband Tom and three daughters Emma Bella and Anna.
Brenda Williams
Assistant Treasurer
Brenda Williams received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Ball State University in 1983 and her CPA from University of Illinois. From 1983 to 1987 she served as an Internal Auditor for Dun & Bradstreet where she planned, coordinated and supervised both foreign and domestic financial and operational audits. From 1987 to 1990 she served as Director of Accounting and Materials Management for Enterprise Systems, Inc. (ESI) a national provider of PC-based management software for the healthcare industry. From 1990 to 1995 she served as the Director of Financial Reporting and Analysis for Macmillan, Inc. a global publisher of educational, professional, reference and trade books. She is currently serving her fifth year on the board of Holmes Elementary School as Treasurer and volunteers for numerous other committees in the Darien community. She has been a member of NCMT family since 2005 and was elected Assistant Treasurer in 2006. Ms. Williams lives in Darien with her husband and three children, two of who currently ride at NCMT.
Ann E. Brown
Board Member
Ann Brown has been a member of the NCMT family for over 10 years, when her daughter Hailey began riding. Ann brings a vast marketing and media background to Troop which has resulted in the development of the Adopt A Horse website and other branding and marketing strategies for the organization. Ann is currently a Senior Vice President at The Weather Channel, leading a team of marketing, creative and content professionals to build consumer engagement across all media platforms. From 2003 to 2010, she was a Senior Vice President in Creative Strategy for Time Warner Global Marketing, where again she developed programs and platforms that leverage media assets across Time Warner. She has worked for US Concepts, The College Television Network, and Saatchi & Saatchi, as account managers in marketing and media. In 2008, Ann co-founded Equestrian Neightion, LLC, a web-based virtual world and community for horse enthusiasts. Ann is an avid rider and horse show mom, and continues to bring creative marketing ideas to promote NCMT.
Heather Fava Budnick
Board Member
Heather Fava Budnick received her Bachelors of Science in Business Communication from Bentley University in 1993 and a Masters of Science from Tufts University Medical School in Health Communications in 1997. She began her career at the New England Journal of Medicine where she worked for five years in Product Management, Marketing and Sales roles. After relocating to New York City she worked in pharmaceutical advertising for Medicus Life Brands. Ms. Budnick has served on the grant distribution panel for the New Canaan Community Foundation for Community Nursery School Board as Chair for the recent and prior to the renovation the chair for the spring fair and volunteers her time in the New Canaan public school system. Ms. Budnick began riding as a child and enjoys sharing her love of horses with her daughter who has been riding at NCMT since 2008. Ms. Budnick lives in New Canaan with her husband and 2 children.
Joan Burnett
Board Member (Non-Voting)
Joan is a 1986 graduate of Connecticut College, with a major in early childhood development and a minor in psychology. Since graduating, Joan has spent her professional life as a litigation paralegal working for local companies including Robinson & Cole, GE Capital, and since 2005, for St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens in Stamford, CT. Joan joined NCMT in 1997 as an adult rider and immediately was drawn to NCMT’s mission. She was invited to join the Board of Directors a few years later, and has served on the Board in several capacities since that time, including as President in 2009. Joan continues her riding education at NCMT and is proud to be a part of the team working to continue to build on NCMT’s rich history.
A.J. Conley
Board Member
A.J. Conley graduated from Dartmouth College in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. For over 20 years he has held various senior positions in international energy publishing and consulting, first with Energy Intelligence Group and presently with PIRA Energy Group. As PIRA’s Chief Operating Officer since 1999, he oversees a staff of 70 and has primary responsibility over client contract negotiations, sales and marketing, and HR management. Since 2010, he has served on the board of directors of Pret A Manger USA. A.J. lives in New Canaan with his wife and three children, one of which is an NCMT alumna.
Carol Dubrowski
Board Member
Carol became active at NCMT 18 years ago, when her oldest daughter, Liz, started riding at Troop. She established the Parent Committee at Troop, which organizes many of the events for the children and assists with Troop fundraising activities. Within her committee work, she helped to expand Troop’s social events. Carol served as Secretary of the board for about 12 years. Both of Carol’s daughters went through the complete Troop program and each served as Cadet Major. Her daughter Liz went on to ride in college and was an IHSA National Champion and Reserve Champion, and worked at Troop for three years. Carol has a background in nursing, but went back to college for a degree in Early Childhood Education and has been teaching preschool in Wilton for 15 years. Although her daughters are no longer at Troop, Carol loves Troop and remains an active board member.
Dr. Bob Neff, DVM
Board Member (Non-Voting)
Dr. Neff is a 1995 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. He graduated Magna Cum Laude and was honored with awards in Equine Medicine, Surgery and patient care. Dr. Neff joined Fairfield Equine Associates, PC in August, 1996. He is currently one of five partners in the practice. He has diverse interests in lameness, cardiology, ophthalmology, neurology and diagnostic imaging. Affectionately known as “Dr. B ob”, he has worked with the Youth Leadership program at New Canaan Mounted Troop in New Canaan, Connecticut, where he gives instruction to the over 100 cadets on veterinary and equine care.
Beth Reilly
Board Member
Beth Reilly is a native of Northern Virginia. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the George Mason University School of Management in 1988. She began her career in sales and marketing with high tech company Sprint International in Reston, VA where she worked as global account manager. In 1995, she worked at Denver-based First Data Corporation as a sales executive and ultimately vice president of business development in the healthcare space helping large health insurers streamline their claims payment processes and employers provide more efficient benefits. Beth got her residential real estate license in 2006 and left the corporate world to spend more time with her husband and three children in New Canaan. She is currently an agent with a Christie’s International Real Estate affiliate in New Canaan. Beth has always had a great love of horses and had quarter horses as a teen in Virginia. She trained and showed in the local AQHA circuit mostly in western pleasure and reigning. She was introduced to western riding while spending summers as a girl with her favorite aunt in Texas though her very first horse show event as a four-year-old was lead-line equitation! She has a daughter currently riding at NCMT.
Lynne C. Schulthess
Executive Director/Board Member (Non-Voting)
Lynne brings a wealth of riding and management experience to NCMT. After showing successfully with legendary trainers Ronnie Mutch, Tim Kees and Leslie Burr Howard, in the junior hunter division at shows including Madison Square Garden, Lynne went onto corporate life as a retail analyst for Tommy Hilfiger. She brings expertise in business management as well as a vast network of "A" show circuit riding professionals. As Executive Director, Lynne is responsible for the administrative and managerial tasks of all of NCMT's programs, and works hands on with the children and adult riders, as well as the fellow staff members. Lynne is a graduate of Fairfield University.
Jenny Iverson Schwartz
Development Director/Board Member (Non-Voting)
Jenny Iverson Schwartz received her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Southern California in 1989. From 1989 to 2005, she had a career in public finance as an investment banker and financial advisor, specializing in municipal bonds and structured finance. From 2007 to 2011, Ms. Schwartz served as Chairman of the Darien Housing Authority, and in 2008 she co-founded Equestrian Neightion, LLC, a web-based virtual world and community for horse enthusiasts. She also was a volunteer in the Darien school system, chairing the After School Program and Middle School directory. She has been a member of the NCMT family since 2002, and in March 2010, she was elected President of the Board of New Canaan Mounted Troop. Mrs. Schwartz is an accomplished equestrian, with a long list of accolades, including the 1984 Reserve Champion ASPCA Medal Finals, the 1984 National Junior Individual, Speed and Prix de States Jumper Champion, the 1986 Oaks Grand Prix Champion, the 1990 Foxfield Medal Finals Champion, and most recently, the 2010 New England Adult Equitation Champion. She lives in Darien with her husband and three children, one who recently graduated from the NCMT program, and one who currently rides at NCMT.
Jeanne Smith
Board Member
Jeanne Hunt Smith received her Bachelor of Arts in English-Journalism from Miami University (Ohio) in 1981. She was Vice President, Associate Buying Director of Media Partnership Corporation, based in Norwalk, CT, from 1995-2008. Most recently, she has moved on to ICON International, a corporate barter company headquartered in Stamford. She has been a member of the NCMT family since 1989, serving on several committees over the years including the Capital Campaign to purchase the NCMT property at 22 Carter St. and most recently the campaign to fund the new barn completed in 2009. Jeanne was the proud owner of former NCMT school horse, "Chester", from 1999-2010. She lives in Darien with husband Chris and son Christopher. Daughter Olivia Smith is a student at Sweet Briar College, an accomplished equestrian who went through the ranks at NCMT, riding NCMT school horses to ribbons in the CHJA Children's Medal Finals in 2005 and 2007.
